Calcourt Farms' CLAAS Fleet

Posted: 06 August 2026

Calcourt Farms, nestled in the heart of Powys, Wales, is a large-scale dairy and beef operation spanning 3,000 acres and nine sites. The farm is home to nearly 6,000 animals, central to their success is a dependable fleet of five CLAAS tractors and three SCORPION telehandlers, which work together to keep daily operations running efficiently. Supported by a reliable local CLAAS dealer, Fraser Jones from Calcourt Farms explains how the combination of advanced machinery and expert service ensures they remain productive and resilient year-round.

Calcourt Farms, Powys, Wales

• Farmed Area: 3,000 acres across 9 farms within an 8-mile radius
• Livestock: 5,900 animals total, including 2,000 milking cows and 700 beef cattle
•  Machinery Fleet:
  • 1 x SCORPION 741 telehandler
  • 2 x SCORPION 742 telehandlers
  • 1 x ARION 660 tractor
  • 2 x AXION 850 tractors
  • 1 x AXION 870 tractor
  • 1 x AXION 960TT tractor

Why CLAAS?

“We do everything in-house,” Fraser explains, from silage and maize harvesting to planting cereals and managing other crops. This approach demands a robust fleet and seamless coordination.

Fraser’s commitment to CLAAS is built on years of dependable performance and strong dealer support. Since purchasing their first CLAAS 660, Calcourt Farms has expanded to five CLAAS tractors and three SCORPION telehandlers. “All our drivers like them. We stick with CLAAS because we’re happy with the product,” Fraser shares, highlighting the satisfaction and confidence the machines bring to the team.

A standout advantage for Calcourt Farms is the partnership with their local CLAAS dealership, Morris Corfields Bromsley. "We can’t afford downtime", Fraser explains. "We’ve got that confidence that we will be able to keep going and we’ll get the jobs done when we need to get them done. How do you put a value on that? It’s worth a lot." This reliable support network ensures that the farm’s operations remain smooth and efficient, even during the busiest seasons.

Machine Performance

Calcourt Farms has chosen its machinery to meet the demands of large-scale, time-sensitive operations. With climate change narrowing the windows for fieldwork, Fraser prioritises equipment that delivers reliability, efficiency, and versatility. “We’re running a lot of kit and the biggest importance to us is making sure that kit keeps going. We have to be very efficient,” he explains.

Here’s why each machine is part of the fleet:

• SCORPION 741 and two SCORPION 742 telehandlers: Utilised for feeding livestock, loading mixer wagons, handling bales, and cleaning sheds, each clocking around 2,000 hours per year. “We’re saving over a litre of fuel per hour, which really adds up,” Fraser notes.
• ARION 660: Paired with a 32-cube mixer wagon, this tractor is chosen for its reliability and ability to handle heavy workloads, running 3,000 hours annually. “It’s good, it’s efficient.”
• Two AXION 850s: These tractors are ideal for slurry work, power harrowing, cultivation, and silage operations, offering the power and durability needed for demanding jobs.
•  AXION 870 and AXION 960TT: The 960 Terra Trac used for heavy cultivation and subsoiling. Fraser highlights its user-friendly, stepless gearbox and reduced soil and crop damage on headlands compared to previous tracked machines.

Digital Tools Drive Further Efficiency

CLAAS digital solutions are embedded in the farm’s workflow. All tractors are equipped with GPS, “the lads love it”, which helps maximise output and save on fuel and fertiliser. Telematics (CLAAS connect) allow the dealership to monitor service intervals and schedule maintenance before work begins, minimising disruption.