FTMTA highlights latest kit at Punchestown show

By Justin Roberts

July 4, 2023 12:30 PM

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The second summer Punchestown show to be held by the Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) is gearing up to spotlight the best of the Irish agricultural machinery industry.

Last year the event was blessed with summer sunshine which made for an excellent day out but competed with the early part of harvest, so those that came along had, according to many in the trade, a genuine interest in sizing up what was on offer.

This year, the event is better established and the weather likely to be a little more fickle, so exhibitors are looking forward to a couple of busy days as they set about preparing their stands.

Tractors, as always, enjoy a huge interest at shows and visitors at the event will have a wide choice to review. Not all the major manufacturers are present, but those that are have put a good deal of effort into attending.

Claas has a wide range of tractors, harvesters and loaders on its large display area, allowing visitors to get a good look at the machine without being crowded out

This year is an Agritechnica year so companies are likely to keep their powder dry when it comes to announcements of new models; we will have to wait until the autumn to discover what they have been working on over the last couple of years.

However, the trade is progressing and one of the more notable developments is Fendt's intent to widen its appeal to a larger number of farmers.

The Fendt 211 is aimed squarely at the the smaller farmer and although the initial price is high, Fendts do keep a respectable trade-in value. Once on board with the brand, farmers rarely get off

Presently, it is regarded as a machine for the big players with deep pockets, but the company, which enjoys much higher rankings in continental sales charts, is aiming to bring smaller farmers into the fold.

Case has brought some muscle along with the bread and butter tractors. More horsepower equates to more work and even at 150hp and 185hp apiece, these are now considered mid-sized machines

Being full line is back in fashion as tractor manufacturers seek to increase their sales figures.

This was perhaps best exemplified by John Deere with a combine and lawnmower stood side by side - but Kubota is also keen to show off what it has.

Little and large at the Punchestown show as John Deere reinforces its position as a full line provider of machinery

The rise in the capabilities of tractors is easily matched by the advances in implement engineering as companies move on to ensure that the power and technology now available can be put to good use in the field.

There is also a range of implements to see at this year's show, some of which can be seen in the gallery below.