New Holland’s new LM telehandler was the attraction on the company’s stand as operators, managers and farm owners took the controls for a series of test drives at the interactive Farm Handling Experience at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh.
Sara Sebastianelli, Brand Communications at New Holland, said: “We had more than 100 test drives on New Holland machines over the two days. The new LM Elite telehandler was very popular, as were the T4, T5 and T6 tractors in the arena. We were also pleased to see a number of people trying out our new construction machinery.
Matthew Speed, a blend operative at H J Lea Oaks, animal feed blenders, near Whitchurch was a good example. The business, came to try out a number of telehandler options. .
After trying the New Holland LM telehandler, Matthew was impressed.
“Good visibility is most important for us, from a safety point of view,” he said. The space in the LM cab and the visibility is really good. It felt large, the controls were simple and the engine was very smooth and quiet.”
Chris Johnson, manager at H J Lea Oaks also took a spin in the LM, following Matthew’s positive drive. Chris said: “I’m impressed. I wasn’t expecting it to be quite this good. It’s completely different to New Holland telehandlers I’ve previously had on demo.”
Mark Crosby, marketing support for the LM range said: “We’re delighted to see the level of interest in the LM, particularly the Elite model, which we had on show today. The new models offer best-in-class visibility, ergonomic controls and operator comfort, so it’s great to hear that operators agree.”
In the tractor loader arena, New Holland T4, T5 and T6 models were to put to the test in a range of handling tasks, including a muck heap, bale stack and potato box stack.
Mushroom grower Ellie Errett, who works for Drimbawn Mushrooms in Thakenham, West Sussex, took the T4 for a test drive and was pleased with the smooth drive and operator comfort.
“When you’re in the cab for hours on end, comfort is important. The T4 had a nice seat with good suspension. The cab had good visibility and I thought the colour coded controls were really helpful.”
Daniel Pickthall, testing out the T5 with loader for his family’s dairy farm in Kendall, said “I’m very impressed. The tractor was simple, easy to use and the electronic loader was smooth. The cab had plenty of room, it was quiet inside and there was good visibility. The only downside for me was the controls – they’re a bit far away.”
Michael Honour, from MJ and CA Honour in Alvescote, Oxfordshire wanted to see how the new T6 model stacked up. He is considering replacing his current T6040 which he uses for general farm work, including baling, grain loading and spraying.
After his test drive he said: “I’m quite impressed with the newer model – it’s a lot quieter than our existing one.”
The Farm Handling Experience provided a debut for some of New Holland’s construction equipment, including wheeled loaders, skid steers, backhoe loaders and mini crawler excavators.
Visitors were able to test drive the Skid Steer L230 in a range of handling tasks and the W170C wheeled loader on a demonstration clamp made from woodchips.
James Emery, marketing support for the construction kit, said: “We are delighted with the response we’ve had to the construction equipment on show today. We’ve had some really positive feedback and it’s clear that these machines will be strong challengers in this market.”
John Capper, was one of those customers pleased with his drive in the L230 Skid Steer. Both he and two of his operatives from Chedglow Arable, a farming business with poultry, pig and other diversified activities near Cirencester, put the machine through its paces.
He said: “It was lovely to drive, really responsive and smooth. We’re looking for something that can perform multiple talks, from cleaning out sheds to putting in posts. This would do the job.”
Neil Wainwright from Two Hoots Farm in Herefordshire, who runs a digester alongside arable activities was at the event looking for an additional machine to help with loading of the digester and filling silage clamps. Both he and his operator Chris Thomas took a test drive on the new W170C Wheeled loader.
Neil said: “The engine was responsive, I’m impressed, especially considering it has less horsepower than some comparable models. The joystick was easy to use, especially for throttling back and forth on the clamp. It looks like it would handle a big bucket plus clamp work.
Summarising the event for New Holland, Sara Sebastianelli said: “Overall, we’ve had a great couple of days, with plenty of interest. Anyone who wants to find out more information about a particular model, or to arrange a test drive, should get in touch with their local New Holland dealer.”
