Following up on Wednesday’s preview video, AgriLand returned to the FTMTA Farm Machinery Show at Punchestown, Naas, Co. Kildare, as it opened its doors to farmers and contractors from all over the country.
The show runs until Saturday, February 11. Doors open to the public from 10am each day.
As soon as visitors file through the ticket office, the first sight greeting them is a plethora of high-horsepower combines, tractors and loading shovels. Manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Case IH, Claas, Fendt and New Holland have taken up residence in this prominent position.
The Motor Arena is next up, dotted about the Punchestown parade ring. Companies like Fiat, Mitsubishi, Toyota and Volkswagen are represented here, with the focus firmly on commercial vehicles and pick-up trucks.
On the ground floor of the grandstand building, to visitors’ left-hand side as they approach the main show pavilion, there is a ‘Future of Farming’ exhibition. It is home to a scattering of stands promoting precision farming technology.
Thereafter, visitors file through a covered walkway guiding them into the heart of the show – either into the main building or the heated marquees that surround it. The first morning of the show was awash with people in many of these areas. Meanwhile, punters willing to brave the chilly weather were kicking tyres and talking shop in the outdoor exhibition area.
New for 2017
One of the high-profile products launches at this year’s event is from John Deere, with the latest edition of its 4-cylinder 5R Series tractors. The first of these units will start to arrive on Irish farms over the coming weeks. Practically all of the significant tractor manufacturers are present, including lesser-spotted brands such as Lindner.
There is a wide array of implements and machines on display; some of it new to the Irish market for 2017. For example, Farmhand unveiled its new TC640 rake (19ft to 21ft) and its eye-catching, attention-grabbing novelty – the Game of ‘Krones’ throne.
As this is the biggest FTMTA Farm Machinery Show yet, there is plenty to see, whether you’re milking cows, rearing livestock, growing crops, contracting or otherwise involved in the machinery or agri-business sectors.
Stay tuned to AgriLand over the coming days, to see reports on specific machines of interest at the show and interviews with key people in the machinery trade.