Marking its 61st staging, the big tractors theme at Wimmera was complemented by different types of big machinery and other equipment and attachment
While event organisers chose a ‘year of big tractors’ theme for this year’s Wimmera field days – there was certainly a wide selection of machinery on display beyond just these.
Crowds at Victoria’s first major field day for the year could browse plenty of broadacre machinery, with a selection of the additional products on display shown here.
JCB
JCB’s TM320 Agri articulated telehandler was one machine on display through New Holland’s T8.380 Genesis tractor Victorian dealer Michaels Group.
This has been a popular unit with dairy farmers, Michaels says, thanks to its 5.2m lift height and 3,000kg lift capacity.
Its unique oscillating centre pivot point increases traction by maintaining even weight distribution over each of the wheels.
Its 125hp (93kW) EcoMax engine is located at the rear, while all daily check points are easily accessible and located at ground level for maximum convenience.
Case IH
Case IH dealer O’Connors took the ‘big tractors’ theme and applied it to multiple pieces of machinery it displayed.
One highlight was the AF10 combine harvester, a powerful 775hp (570kW) unit which has a 20,000L grain tank and made its Wimmera debut this year.
Another machine – the Steiger 715 Quadtrac tractor – caught the eye with its ability to reach 778hp (572kW) and was named Machine of the Year by Wimmera Field Days organisers.
The largest sprayer within Case IH’s Patriot range – the 4450 – was another popular attraction, and this unit boasts a 390hp (291kW) engine and a significant redesign from its predecessor.
Merlo
One of Merlo’s newest dealers – Farm and Diesel – had models from the manufacturer’s two biggest agricultural lines on display during Wimmera.
The Turbofarmer TF42.7 was accompanied by the Multifarmer MF44.7 and provided a good snapshot of Merlo’s local offering.
As a unique machine which combines tractor and telehandler benefits, the MF44.7 offers a 4,400kg load capacity, 6.8m maximum lift height and 3.6m maximum reach.
Merlo’s TF42.7, which is a more conventional telehandler, gives farmers a 4,000kg maximum lift capacity, 7m maximum lift height and 3.8m maximum reach.
Bourgault
Across the board, Bourgault Australia’s machines are renowned for their size.
One example of this is the manufacturer’s air carts, with sizes available exceeding 45,000L.
The 8450 air cart, which is part of Bourgault’s 8000 Series, was on display at Wimmera and features a 450 bushel (15,800L) capacity for those not requiring the sheer size of its largest models.
This capacity is split across four tanks, while Bourgault’s 8000 Series is also available in leading and trailed versions for further flexibility.
John Berends Implements
Victorian manufacturer John Berends Implements had a variety of products on display to help farmers.
One of these was the GM40 heavy duty linkage offset disc plough, which is designed for hard conditions and is ideal for firebreaks, row cropping and horticulture.
Heavy weighted gangs provide excellent digging ability, while solid cast spools are individually machined and provide all the weight in the gangs rather than the frame.
Available in sizes between 18 and 24 plate, this is a heavy-duty product specifically designed and built for Australian needs.
Rata Equipment
While clearly not as big as the tractors seen across the Wimmera grounds, even Rata Equipment’s Power Claw went bigger than usual.
This popular attachment is a handy alternative to a four-in-one bucket thanks to its ability to grip large logs securely and move them easily.
On display was a 3.4m wide Power Claw, larger than what is usually displayed at field days across the country.
It also showcases Rata’s ability to manufacture custom units to specific needs, in addition to producing standard models for tractors, telehandlers and skid steers that are tailored to machines of differing power.
Croplands
Sprayer manufacturer Croplands displayed a product which came under its stable thanks to the company’s 2022 acquisition of Sonic Boomsprays.
The 7030-36WI Sonic Weed-It is manufactured in Western Australia and was also fitted with the Weed-It spot spraying technology which both Croplands and Sonic had collaborated on.
This model features a 7,000L main tank, plus a 3,000L hot tank and 500L flush tank.
Like much of the machinery at Wimmera, it is designed for the broadacre market and also includes a 36m boom.
Grainline
Another Australian-made product which featured at Wimmera was Grainline’s drive over hopper.
This is a self-propelled unit which has independent power thanks to its 46hp (34kW) water-cooled Yanmar diesel engine.
A large steerable driving wheel is driven directly by hydraulic motors, and its precise steering makes it safe and effortless to move the hopper.
Hydraulic controls are conveniently located next to the engine ignition, while a joystick is used to drive and steer the hopper with precision.
To see our coverage of the big tractors on display at Wimmera, click here for part one of our event wrap.