From Ploughs to Min-Till: How the Sumo Trio Is Changing Cultivation Across the industry, more and more farmers are rethinking their approach to cultivation. With increasing focus on soil health, efficiency, and fuel savings, many are moving away from traditional plough-based systems towards minimum tillage — or min-till. Recently, we had the pleasure of supplying a customer with a Sumo Trio, a versatile piece of equipment that perfectly illustrates this shift. Designed to reduce the number of passes needed while still achieving excellent soil conditioning, the Trio is helping growers save both time and fuel without compromising results. The move away from traditional ploughing Ploughing has long been a trusted method for preparing seedbeds, but it comes with drawbacks — from higher fuel use and time demands to potential disturbance of soil structure and organic matter. As input costs rise and sustainability becomes more important, many farms are now exploring alternatives that maintain yields while improving long-term soil condition. What is minimum tillage? Minimum tillage aims to prepare the soil with fewer operations and less disturbance. By reducing the number of passes, it helps retain soil moisture, protect earthworm populations, and maintain structure — all key factors for healthy, productive land. It’s a practical, forward-thinking approach that aligns with modern farming’s environmental and economic priorities. The Sumo Trio in action The Sumo Trio combines deep loosening, surface cultivation, and consolidation in a single pass. Its design allows for effective soil movement, residue mixing, and compaction relief — all while maintaining a level finish ready for drilling. This versatility makes it ideal for farms transitioning from plough-based systems to min-till. Our recent delivery of a new Trio marks another step forward for one of our local customers, who wanted to improve efficiency and reduce the time spent preparing fields. After discussing their needs and soil conditions, we recommended the Trio as the best-fit solution for their system.
Massey Ferguson 398 Speed-Shift Fault At JJ Farm Services, we believe in doing the job right, and that starts with a proper diagnosis. One of our recent workshop jobs was a Massey Ferguson 398 that had lost its Speed-Shift function. Here’s how we identified the problem and carried out a reliable repair. Step 1: Starting with the Basics Before we get into any major strip-down, we always begin with the simple checks. The first step was to inspect the hydraulic system, making sure the clutch pack was receiving the correct pressure. Without that pressure, the Speed-Shift can’t engage, but in this case, everything was spot on. Step 2: Electrical Checks Next, we turned our attention to the electrical side. A faulty solenoid or wiring issue could easily cause Speed-Shift failure. We tested the solenoid and confirmed that it was operating correctly. With both hydraulic and electrical systems working as they should, we were left with one conclusion… Step 3: Internal Fault – Time to Split The issue had to be internal. That meant splitting the tractor to access the Speed-Shift unit — not a small job, but necessary to get to the root of the problem. Once inside, the fault became clear: a failed Belleville spring. This small but crucial component had given out, causing the loss of function. Step 4: Repair and Replace With the Speed-Shift unit removed, we ordered the necessary replacement parts, including a new Belleville spring. While we had it apart, we also fitted a fresh set of friction plates. Preventative maintenance like this is a smart move, no point putting worn parts back in when everything's already open. Why It Matters Jobs like this highlight the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach. By checking each system methodically, we avoid unnecessary work and make sure we get straight to the root of the issue. Need help with a similar fault? With decades of hands-on experience, our technicians know exactly what to look for when diagnosing complex faults like this one. That expertise means less downtime and peace of mind for our customers. If your tractor's not shifting as it should, or you suspect something isn’t quite right, get in touch with our team. We’re always happy to help keep your machines working hard.
From Ploughs to Min-Till: How the Sumo Trio Is Changing Cultivation Across the industry, more and more farmers are rethinking their approach to cultivation. With increasing focus on soil health, efficiency, and fuel savings, many are moving away from traditional plough-based systems towards minimum tillage — or min-till. Recently, we had the pleasure of supplying a customer with a Sumo Trio, a versatile piece of equipment that perfectly illustrates this shift. Designed to reduce the number of passes needed while still achieving excellent soil conditioning, the Trio is helping growers save both time and fuel without compromising results. The move away from traditional ploughing Ploughing has long been a trusted method for preparing seedbeds, but it comes with drawbacks — from higher fuel use and time demands to potential disturbance of soil structure and organic matter. As input costs rise and sustainability becomes more important, many farms are now exploring alternatives that maintain yields while improving long-term soil condition. What is minimum tillage? Minimum tillage aims to prepare the soil with fewer operations and less disturbance. By reducing the number of passes, it helps retain soil moisture, protect earthworm populations, and maintain structure — all key factors for healthy, productive land. It’s a practical, forward-thinking approach that aligns with modern farming’s environmental and economic priorities. The Sumo Trio in action The Sumo Trio combines deep loosening, surface cultivation, and consolidation in a single pass. Its design allows for effective soil movement, residue mixing, and compaction relief — all while maintaining a level finish ready for drilling. This versatility makes it ideal for farms transitioning from plough-based systems to min-till. Our recent delivery of a new Trio marks another step forward for one of our local customers, who wanted to improve efficiency and reduce the time spent preparing fields. After discussing their needs and soil conditions, we recommended the Trio as the best-fit solution for their system.
Massey Ferguson 398 Speed-Shift Fault At JJ Farm Services, we believe in doing the job right, and that starts with a proper diagnosis. One of our recent workshop jobs was a Massey Ferguson 398 that had lost its Speed-Shift function. Here’s how we identified the problem and carried out a reliable repair. Step 1: Starting with the Basics Before we get into any major strip-down, we always begin with the simple checks. The first step was to inspect the hydraulic system, making sure the clutch pack was receiving the correct pressure. Without that pressure, the Speed-Shift can’t engage, but in this case, everything was spot on. Step 2: Electrical Checks Next, we turned our attention to the electrical side. A faulty solenoid or wiring issue could easily cause Speed-Shift failure. We tested the solenoid and confirmed that it was operating correctly. With both hydraulic and electrical systems working as they should, we were left with one conclusion… Step 3: Internal Fault – Time to Split The issue had to be internal. That meant splitting the tractor to access the Speed-Shift unit — not a small job, but necessary to get to the root of the problem. Once inside, the fault became clear: a failed Belleville spring. This small but crucial component had given out, causing the loss of function. Step 4: Repair and Replace With the Speed-Shift unit removed, we ordered the necessary replacement parts, including a new Belleville spring. While we had it apart, we also fitted a fresh set of friction plates. Preventative maintenance like this is a smart move, no point putting worn parts back in when everything's already open. Why It Matters Jobs like this highlight the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach. By checking each system methodically, we avoid unnecessary work and make sure we get straight to the root of the issue. Need help with a similar fault? With decades of hands-on experience, our technicians know exactly what to look for when diagnosing complex faults like this one. That expertise means less downtime and peace of mind for our customers. If your tractor's not shifting as it should, or you suspect something isn’t quite right, get in touch with our team. We’re always happy to help keep your machines working hard.
What We Do Before Delivering Your Machine When you invest in a new piece of farm machinery, you want it ready to work the moment it arrives in your yard. That’s why we carry out a PDI – Pre-Delivery Inspection – on new machinery before it leaves our dealership. Think of PDI as the final quality check that ensures your new tractor, topper, or implement is set up correctly, safe to operate, and fully prepared for its first job. Here’s what goes on behind the scenes: A Full Mechanical Check Our team inspects the machine from top to bottom. Every nut, bolt, hose, and moving part is checked and adjusted to make sure everything is tight, secure, and operating as it should. Fluids and Filters We check and top up all fluids, including engine oil, hydraulic oil, and coolant. Filters are inspected, so you can start working without worrying about maintenance straight away. Setup and Adjustments No two farms are the same. That’s why we configure your machine for real-world use – setting tyre pressures, calibrating hitches, and making adjustments so it’s ready for the work you’ll be putting it to. Diagnostics and Updates Modern farm machinery often comes with advanced electronics. We run diagnostic checks and install the latest software updates to make sure your machine runs smoothly and efficiently. Safety First Your safety is our priority. We carefully test lights, brakes, PTO guards, and other safety features so you can operate with peace of mind. Handover and Operator Familiarisation When your machine is delivered, we don’t just drop it off. We’ll take the time to walk you through the controls, explain key features, and answer any questions so you feel confident before you get started. Why PDI Matters PDI might not be something you see, but it makes all the difference. It ensures your machine not only looks the part but is fully prepared to perform from day one. It’s our way of making sure your investment works as hard as you do.
