“This has got to be a first, a true head to head in a friendly way. It’s a unique event, certainly interesting to see the variety all at one venue. The customer makes the decisions, so they need to be at ease with what they purchase. It has been very worthwhile doing this working demonstration day”
some test-driving before a hot lunch and refreshments. In the afternoon more test- driving took place, before a fun race down the 1st team rugby pitch to close proceedings. Apologies to Ian and the team for the wheel marks at the start and finish.
Prior to the tractors arriving the St Albans Groundstaff and I had put together a list of criteria that we felt were necessary points for consideration when purchasing a new tractor. These were:
1) Pre start checks - efficiency and ease. These are the checks listed in the Manual plus some that we have ourselves to try and prevent machinery breakdown. We looked here at how long it takes and how straightforward the checks were to carry out.
2) Starting procedure and ease of starting operation.
3) Fuel filling - ease of filling and how much fuel used. Is it economical to run?
4) Road speed, gear ratios- ease of gear
changing/hydrostatic changes.
5) Operator visibility - subject to there being a cab, how easy does the shape of the tractor allow clear view in all directions?
6) Control layout - does the operator have easy access to all controls, in terms of throttle, hydraulic controls, hand brake, switches (indicators/beacon)?
7) External controls - are hydraulic couplings/PTO/3 pt linkage easy to connect/disconnect?
8) Lifting power/capacity - dependent on the horsepower of the tractor, does it adequately pick up machines on the 3 pt linkage efficiently?
9) How noisy is the machine during operation? How much vibration or
unnecessary bouncing of the tractor is there?
10) Are there any significant reasons to vary
running/maintenance costs of the tractor? Does the manufacturer specify less or more service intervals than others?
11) Operator comfort - Does the machine respond quickly to gear/speed changes, does the seat offer a comfortable operation? Does the driver feel safe in operation? Do pedals require additional exertion than would be expected?
12) Manoeuvrability - can you still swing the tractor round on the spot or is it a corn circle to turn round?
13) Imprint - does the tractor leave a large tyre imprint or is the weight/ground ratio just about right?
14) Cleaning down of the machine. A job we all hate but it has to be done, is it any easier now?
15) Ease of use - in general was the machine easy to use?
16) Did you like the Machine? Perhaps a personal choice, but a fair question.
Unfortunately due to the time scales and in some cases the lack of handbook, we were unable to provide an adequate assessment on numbers 8 (Lifting capacity) and 10 (Running costs).
KEVIN CARLEY, New Holland
There were 5 points allocated against each question, so having omitted two
questions, a total of 70 points were available.
Ian and his four members of staff, as well as his resident mechanic, tested each tractor independently. As mentioned previously, due to the variations in
horsepower/drive from different suppliers, it was not based on a ‘like for like’ comparison but more a benefits and drawbacks assessment of each individual tractor.
Ultimately there are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a new tractor. Hopefully this assessment will have brought to the fore the range of machinery that is out there. We have included contact details for each of the companies that took part, so if you would like further information please contact the manufacturer or supplier direct ... and don’t forget to mention Pitchcare! Details and comments made by Ian and his staff appear on the following pages ...
“This event proved very viable for all those attending. It’s certainly an event that I would be delighted to be involved in again” BOB NORRIS, TYM Tractors
12
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67