The massive SIMA show took centre-stage last week in Paris Nord Villepinte. It ran from from Sunday, February 26 until Thursday, March 2.

Almost 1,800 exhibitors from over 40 countries were there. Nearly a quarter of a million visitors from over 140 countries travelled to the event.

Agriland was there, to sample the atmosphere and bring you the latest developments. Below are some of the highlights from the machinery extravaganza.

Range-topping Massey Ferguson 8740

SIMA 2017 Massey Ferguson

The new 400hp MF 8740

What farm machinery show would be complete without a range-topping, high-horsepower giant? Massey Ferguson stepped up to the plate this time, showing its new 400hp MF 8740.

Check out the MF 8740

Taking a shine to the Landini 6C Series…

SIMA 2017 Landini

The Landini 6C Series

Alongside the big guns, typical day-to-day livestock-spec tractors were also out in force at the show. There was plenty of new 4-cylinder machines on show.

Newcomer Arbos with eyes on Ireland?

SIMA 2017 Arbos

A striking Arbos tractor on display

Arbos, a brand that is practically unknown in Ireland, showcased tractors from its new line-up. There seemed to be signs that these tractors are on their way to Ireland. Are Arbos tractors coming to Ireland?

JCB 419S Agri loading shovel

SIMA 2017 JCB

The new 419S from JCB

New from machinery giant JCB at SIMA was the 419S Agri wheeled loading shovel. Aimed at contractors, large farms and agri-businesses, this machine replaces the 418S. Check out the JCB 419S

Keenan self-propelled diet feeder

SIMA 2017 Keenan

The new self-propelled feeder from Keenan

Irish manufacturers didn’t shy away from the limelight in Paris. Keenan unveiled its new self-propelled paddle-type diet feeder – the MechFibre 345SP. Check out Keenan’s feeder

Valtra A Series – 4th generation

SIMA 2017 Valtra

The latest Valtra A Series

Valtra updated its long-serving A Series tractor line-up at the show. There are 3 and 4-cylinder versions.

Check out the new A Series

Pottinger’s ‘own’ round baler

SIMA 2017 Pottinger

Pottinger’s ‘Impress’ 125F baler

Pottinger rolled out its new range of round balers at SIMA, complete with a ‘pull-out’ knife-bank for easier access for maintenance. Check out Pottinger’s new balers

Look: No hands; no driver…

SIMA 2017 Case IH

Case IH’s autonomous tractor

A key attraction at the Case IH stand was its autonomous or ‘driver-less’ concept tractor. Agriland spoke to Case IH at the show to find out more. Check out this Case IH project

Biggest shows and events

Along with Agritechnica, SIMA must rank as one of the largest exhibitions of machinery in Europe – if not the world. Like the German-based Agritechnica, it takes place every two years; the next event is scheduled for 2019. Though primarily an indoor agricultural machinery show, there were other attractions too, such as conferences and presentations.

On the subject of Agritechnica, over 2,900 exhibitors are expected to attend it in Germany later this year. It is scheduled to take place in Hanover from November 12 to November 18, 2017.

Organisers are expecting very good participation of domestic and foreign agricultural machinery manufacturers at this year’s event.

Two years ago, 2,903 exhibitors from 52 countries participated at the event. A total of 451,000 trade visitors, including 98,000 from outside Germany, visited Agritechnica that year.