

Agricultural engineering meets Clarkson’s Farm
igus energy chains are designed to guide and protect flexible cables and hoses, providing maintenance-free operation for machinery across a variety of industries, with a recent appearance on one of the nation’s favourite shows: Clarkson’s Farm.
In a recent episode of the popular television series, Clarkson’s Farm, the Nifty 150T trailer mount by Niftylift made a short appearance, equipped with an igus e-chain® system. While the spotlight was of course on Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper’s agricultural antics, behind the scenes, it was a combination of the Niftylift design and igus technology quietly ensuring that Kaleb was able to remove old signage and replace it with a new design for Clarkson’s new pub, The Farmer’s Dog.
Throughout the four seasons of the show so far, Clarkson has placed great emphasis on the importance of supporting British-grown produce and local farming, broadcasting the trials and tribulations that many in UK agriculture must face. A recurring theme throughout the series is the importance of using the right equipment. From buying an inordinately large Lamborghini R8 tractor with incorrect hitching capabilities, to purchasing overly complicated and oversized machinery numerous times, the point persisted that heeding professional advice and choosing the right equipment for the job is critical to productivity, cost-efficiency and overall success.
igus are always on hand to provide expert advice and a variety of sustainable solutions that focus on both operational and cost-efficiency. For example, the Nifty 150T trailer has to operate reliably in dirty outdoor conditions, often in unpredictable weather which is where the energy chain plays a critical role. It prevents cable wear, eliminates tangling, and ensures consistent power and signal transmission as the boom extends and retracts.
In the case of Niftylift, this not only extends the service life of the cables but also enhances operator safety and reduces downtime.
Agricultural machinery is becoming increasingly sophisticated, with sensors, cameras, and automation systems becoming standard. This complexity demands robust solutions that can withstand dust, mud, UV exposure, and mechanical stress.
igus also offers robust heavy-duty bearings engineered for the demanding environments of agriculture and construction. Sumo UK Ltd, a leading manufacturer of cultivation equipment, required components capable of withstanding frequent high loads—often exceeding ten tonnes. After extensive evaluation of various solutions, including traditional greased metal bearings, Sumo UK Ltd selected igus igutex® bearings for their superior load capacity, wear resistance, serviceability, and cost-effectiveness. As a result, the company has expanded the use of igutex® products across its vast machinery range.
All igus products are tested extensively, ensuring they meet the demands of real-world agricultural use. While Clarkson’s Farm may be known for its humour and chaos, the appearance of a Nifty 150T trailer with igus e-chain technology is a reminder that modern farming is underpinned by smart engineering. As agriculture embraces modern engineering solutions, components like igus e-chains will be essential in keeping machines running smoothly.
For more information, please contact:
Taylor Macdonald
Tel: 01604 677240
Email: tmacdonald@igus.net