MillFarmAshorne

We've had our Opico Sward Lifter for just over four years and, despite trying other machines on the market, and keeping a close eye on new developments, we've stuck with it.

Why? Well simply because it works!

The combination of disc, blade and roller packs (as opposed to a flat or spiked full-width roller) give the best overall results, especially on heavier clays.

The main drawback that we have found is the finish it leaves behind, but in fact the finish (a slight crest either side of the slit) shows that it has done it's job properly. If you heave the ground then press it straight back down with a flat roll a lot of the benefit is lost straight away. The Guttler packs on our machine merely ease the ground back down leaving a slight crest. The crest is where the compaction has heaved and been released. After a fortnight we would flat roll if required, but by then the de-compacted ground has settled to it's looser condition and the rolling only levels the surface.

Our customers have come to recognise the long term benefits far outweigh the shorter term look of the ground.

What would I change? I would possibly go for the hydraulic reset version on a future model, but we've only broken about 15 shearbolts in the time we've had the machine, so possibly not worth the expense as we don't encounter a lot of stone locally. Otherwise I would change to the wider folding machine with 5 legs to speed the job up.

In terms of results, we have doubled hay yields on local farms simply by removing long term compaction from permanent pasture.

Would I buy another? Yes.
Would I recommend this machine? Yes.

We've used Grazon Pro (and it's predecessor Grazon 90) for several years as a treatment for docks, thistles and nettles in Grassland. We've found it gives good control of these three main weeds, and also offers some control of other common weeds.

We have found that sometimes two applications are required to deal with more mature weeds, and in some cases two annual courses of treatment are necessary. We consider this to be an acceptable situation, especially as it has never caused us any issues in terms of grass scorch around the treated weeds.

We used Grazon 90, before the change in label classification, for small area spraying, and again saw no ill effects in the grass following application.

The product is not cheap, but offers sensible value when used for spot spraying because it shows a high level of effectiveness. Cheaper chemicals on the market often require several applications, even at minimum dilution, to achieve a satisfactory (and similar) weed-kill rate.

The product is supplied in easy to handle containers, and mixes well without the need for additives. It does not stain the knapsack, or measuring jugs etc. and the knapsack is easily cleaned out after use using the triple rinse method. We have never found any residue in the knapsack after washing out when using Grazon 90.

Overall it is an effective weapon against docks, thistles, and nettles in pasture and grassland, and one that we would certainly use again, and recommend.

We've had our 828 for a few months now, and find it to be a very versatile and capable tractor. It suffers from being quite a big machine, but the turning circle is good which makes up for this in most cases.

In-cab, the machine is quiet and a pleasant place to spend long hours. Plastics and fabrics used in the cab are of a good quality and finish.

The Vario management system allows us to programme in-depth sequences which hugely reduce fatigue, as well as reducing risk of operator error. Data recording helps us to keep tabs on things like fuel use, and areas/hours worked for invoicing customers.

It's a big tractor so inevitably uses a drop of diesel, but I would still consider it pretty frugal. Some lighter operations see AdBlue use rise to contend with the emissions, but not to excessive levels.

The tractor fills it's own lane on most A roads so care is needed, but the steering is positive, and light enough without feeling loose. At higher speeds (65k box fitted) it travels well without wandering too much, despite the lower pressures recommended for the Michelin tyres that are fitted. The ABS also gives confidence when at higher road speeds, especially when towing an ABS equipped trailer.

Oil pressure seems very good so far, and the tractor has good lift capability on both the front and rear links. The pick up hitch is independent of the link arms, which reduces any risk of damage when hooking up. The hydraulic toplink is excellent, and used with the external spool control makes hitching up machines easy and safe. Spools are well laid out on the backend, and stay fairly clean. Spools can be swapped around on the computer for maximum flexibility.

Understandably the tractor was not a cheap purchase but AGCO were able to offer lots of purchasing schemes to suit our company cashflow, and Lister Wilder (who supplied the machine) have been very good to deal with.

Overall it's a big tractor with huge ability and I'd look to buy another Fendt based on our experience with it, and the dealer, so far.

N.B. the tractor replaced a 200hp JCB Fastrac. It is used for a wide variety of work within a family contracting business.