Mahindra USA, the number one selling tractor in the world based on volume, is working with Mahindra dealers nationwide to offer customers the opportunity to experience the power of Mahindra tractors in a unique sales event. In response to customer requests, Mahindra is inviting customers to visit their local Mahindra dealerships during the Dealer Days Sales Event and learn all about Mahindra tractors, meet members of their community and get great deals in this first-ever program.

“We listen to our customers and take their feedback seriously. Our customers want to have a full buying experience in an atmosphere to learn and test drive our innovative tractor line, but more importantly, develop a long-term relationship with our dealers,” said Cleo Franklin, Mahindra USA’s Vice-President, Marketing and Strategic Planning. “Mahindra Dealer Days Sales Events are designed to bring our customers and dealers together in a relaxed and casual environment that extends beyond the tractor purchase and introduces them to the Mahindra Rise culture.”

Dealer Days Sales Events will be held in May and June at Mahindra dealer locations throughout North America. Each dealer event will be unique to their local markets and provide information about Mahindra’s new revolutionary Mahindra Max series, value-packed 4010 and legendary 4025 four wheel drive model – in addition to the full range of certified “Work Ready” Mahindra tractors, attachments and implements.

Mahindra supports these relationship-building events to better serve Mahindra Tractor owners by providing the opportunity for dealers to share knowledge and information to support the customer’s decision-making process. Recognizing the significance of selecting the right tractor for the job, Mahindra is offering its customers with a limited-time Mahindra Max Guarantee 30 Day Satisfaction Program. This guarantee on the revolutionary Max 22 and Max 25 sub-compacts and Max 28XL mid-compact models allows customers to return, trade or repair a tractor within 30 days of date of purchase if they are not satisfied.

“Dealer Days Sales Events reflect our Rise philosophy which comes from our core purpose: to accept no limits, employ alternative thinking and drive positive change to help transform lives for our stakeholders, customers and communities across the world and help them better connect to the land they work and love,” said Franklin.

Mahindra became the #1 selling tractor in the world in 2010 by providing consumers with value-packed, high-quality tractors.  Mahindra is the only tractor manufacturer in the world to win both the Deming Application Prize and the coveted Japan Quality Medal for excellence in Total Quality Management, awarded by the Deming Prize Committee care of the Union of Japanese Scientists.

About Mahindra USA

Mahindra USA (MUSA) is part of the US $ 14.4 billion Mahindra Group’s Automotive and Farm Sector – the #1 selling tractor company in the world, based on volumes and the only tractor manufacturer in the world to win the industry’s top two quality awards – the Deming Application Prize and the Japan Quality Medal, care of Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers.

Houston, Texas based Mahindra USA (MUSA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and began selling tractors in the USA in 1994. MUSA has since grown rapidly due to high customer satisfaction levels and strong customer referrals. Mahindra USA has three distribution points in the USA to help meet the needs of its customers and the growing demand for its products.

Mahindra’s professional-grade tractors range from 22 HP – 83HP – and include the revolutionary new Max series tractors.  The Mahindra Max 22 and Max 25 are the first real tractors in the sub-compact market and feature true tractor performance and capabilities. The Mahindra Max 22 and Max 25 are joined by the industry’s first mid-compact tractor, the Mahindra Max 28 XL, which has compact tractor performance and versatility in a near compact tractor size. All Mahindra Tractors are built with heavy-duty components that allow them to outperform other tractors in their class and are designed to provide consumers with the ability to push more, pull more and lift more, so they can do more, in less time.  To learn more about Mahindra USA’s Farm Equipment Sector, please visit www.mahindrausa.com.

Kinze^® Manufacturing announces a new mounted planter line available for the spring 2013 planting season. The line will include two models, the 3110 Rigid and the 3140 Stack Fold, with a variety of size and spacing options, giving farmers several offerings from which to choose. The available models will include:

• 3110 Rigid
  • 6 row, 30-inch, 36-inch, 38-inch and 40-inch spacing
  • 8 row, 30-inch, 36-inch, 38-inch and 40-inch spacing

• 3140 Stack Fold
  • 12 row, 30-inch, 36-inch, 38-inch and 40-inch spacing
  • 16 row, 30-inch spacing

Kinze offers the only rigid integral planter with spring-loaded contact drive systems and self-contained seed rate transmissions with its 3110 Rigid. The 3140 Stack Fold model is based on an exclusive three-point, stack-folding design, and is the only planter in its class with spring-loaded contact drive tires, adjustable height wheel modules, self-contained seed rate transmissions and point row clutch option capability.

“Having left the mounted planter business years ago, we’re looking forward to bringing back our two most popular models, ” says Susanne Kinzenbaw Veatch, Kinze vice president and chief marketing officer. “We’ve seen a steady demand for mounted planters recently and are excited to offer Kinze innovation to this group again.”

All models will include the option for Kinze EdgeVac® vacuum or mechanical meters. The mounted planters will be available in box hoppers and contact drive only. A variety of attachments also will be available, including:

• Row unit attachments
  • No Till Coulters
  • Residue Wheel Attachments
  • Coulter Mounted Residue Wheel Attachments
  • Disc Furrowers
  • Bed Levelers (36-inch and wider rows)
  • Dual Row Unit Gauge Wheels (36-inch and wider rows)
  • Granular Chemical Attachments

• Frame mounted attachments
  • Frame Mounted No Till Coulters
  • Coulter Mounted Residue Wheel Attachments

About Kinze Manufacturing

Founded more than 45 years ago on the premise of innovation, Kinze Manufacturing, Inc., markets its planters and grain carts globally and is known for a number of industry “firsts.” Kinze operates with core values of integrity, customer focus, excellence, innovation and mutual respect. Kinze Manufacturing is the recognized technology leader and innovator of planters for row-crop production and grain auger carts. Kinze employees spend their nights and weekends farming, putting them in a unique position to be both manufacturers and customers of the planters and grain carts they build. For more information, visit the Kinze Manufacturing website at www.kinze.com.

Promising a “new era in field cultivators”, Landoll recently introduced its new 9600 Series Field Cultivator line that takes seedbed preparation to a new level of size and productivity. Available in eight working widths from 20 to 50 feet, the 9600 Series is designed to help producers meet the short timeline that occurs each spring and fall prior to planting seasons.

“Not only are the new 9600 Series models designed to cover large-acreage fields quickly and smoothly, but they’re engineered for unmatched residue clearance, both under the frame and between shanks,” says Jamie Meier, Landoll Ag Sales Manager. “Our “split-the-middle” shank arrangement splits the center of each sweep path for excellent and consistent mixing of soil, chemicals and residue throughout the soil profile. Despite the ultimate 6” spacing between shanks, each frame features 135” fore-to-aft depth and 30” between ranks for maximum residue clearing capabilities.”

The 9600 Series Field Cultivators are also designed to save time when switching from one field to another, Meier relates. Three- and five-section models hydraulically fold to a maximum transport width of 17’ 4” and a maximum transport height of 13’ 11” for safe travel over the road. Upon arrival at the field, the single-point depth control feature allows quick and simple adjustment of operating depth, which is automatically maintained by the self-leveling hitch. Walking tandem wheels on 2 ¼ to 3” spindles and high flotation tires further contribute to safe transport, a smooth soil finish and improved depth control.

Producers won’t find a stronger or better-built field cultivator, either. High-tech laser tube cutters precisely cut all 9600 Series frame components with unmatched accuracy and notch all 2” X 2” fore-to-aft bridge tubes for a precision fit up to the 3” X 4” shank mounting tubes. Rockshafts rotate on UHMW polymer to eliminate maintenance, while minimizing wear. Gauge wheels, with pivot for stress-free turns, are also standard equipment on all five-section models and optional on three section models.

Additional options include a choice of spring-tension shanks with a 10” trip height and 190 lb. point load, or two-piece S-tine shanks. For handling tough conditions or further improving the seedbed, any of the 9600 Series models can be additionally equipped with a 4-Row Coil Tine Harrow; 5-Row Spike Harrow; 3-Row Tine and Reel, or 3-Row Spike and Reel.

For more information on the 9600 Series Field Cultivators or other Landoll products, call 785-738-6613 or visit www.landoll.com

The award-winning products are the Sukup Single Phase Centrifugal Dryer, the Grain Buster™, and the Safe T Home™. The Single Phase Centrifugal Dryer has a power converter that helps increase drying speeds at sites with only single-phase power. The Grain Buster™ safely breaks up clogs of grain inside of bins; and the Safe T Home™ is a low-cost shelter that can be used for emergency housing following disasters.

The awards were announced in February during the Agricultural Equipment and Technology Conference in Louisville, Ky.

“We’re delighted these products were chosen for AE50 Awards,” said Charles Sukup, president of Sukup Manufacturing Co. The variety of award-winning products “is indicative of the broad scope of our engineers and other employees, who are always looking for ways to improve safety, efficiency and profitability in agriculture.”

The annual AE50 Awards competition is sponsored by Resource magazine, published by ASABE.

To be eligible for an award, products must have been introduced and made commercially available between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011. Products or systems nominated must be intended principally for use in the production, processing, research, storage, packaging or transportation of agricultural and food products, and have the potential for broad impact.

Following are profiles of the three AE50 Award-winning products from Sukup Manufacturing Co.

Single Phase Centrifugal Dryer

The Single Phase Centrifugal Dryer provides greater drying capacity through the use of larger dryers than previously available to farms with single-phase electrical power. This 16’ centrifugal dryer has a converter that changes single-phase power into three-phase power. This permits the use of larger fan motors—potentially up to 50 horsepower—than could previously be used with single-phase power. The converter mounts to the side of the dryer. It provides clean, balanced three-phase AC power that is more reliable than the power provided by external phase converters. With a built-in, variable-frequency drive, the phase converter allows the dryer motor to be soft-started, resulting in longer motor life and smooth, steady operation.

Safe T Home™

The Sukup Safe T Home™ is a shelter that can be used for temporary or permanent housing of disaster victims, and as housing for impoverished people. The shelters can also be used as churches, schools, and clinics or for other purposes. The Safe T Home™ is well ventilated, and with its aerodynamic shape and ballasted design, it can withstand hurricane-force winds. The structure is 5.5 m (18 ft) in diameter, with 2.4 m (8 ft) sidewalls, and a roof peak of 4.1 m (13.5 ft). The interior volume is 23.6 m² (254 ft²). At $8,030, the Safe T Home™ is economical. It can be assembled in four hours with minimal tools and crew, and it can easily be taken down and erected elsewhere. The Safe T Home™ provides an economical, versatile and portable solution when emergency shelter is needed.

Grain Buster™

Using an approach similar to a drain snake, the Sukup Grain Buster™ provides a safe way to break up grain masses inside a bin. Instead of entering the bin, which can pose life-threatening danger, the Grain Buster™ operator works outside of the bin, using a variable-speed drill. The drill is attached to the end of a metal rod that extends through the bin wall and through a pipe mounted along the top of the bin sweep. On the other end of the rod is a short length of stiffened chain or cable. When the drill spins the rod, the chain or cable spins around over the center sump, breaking up any grain clumps caused by excessive moisture, freezing, build-up of fines, or crusting. The Grain Buster™ is also extremely effective with new rice hybrids that don’t flow well.

For more than 20 years, companies from around the world have nominated products for AE50 awards. An international panel of industry-leading engineering experts select up to 50 products that best reflect engineering advancements for the agricultural and food industries.

Sukup Manufacturing Co. is the fastest-growing grain bin manufacturer in the world. It is also the largest family-owned and operated full-line grain handling and storage equipment manufacturer in the world.

Located in Sheffield, Iowa, USA. Sukup has been providing top-quality products to agricultural producers since 1963. The product line includes farm and commercial grain bins, portable and tower dryers, centrifugal and axial fans and heaters, stirring machines, bin unloading equipment and bin floors and supports. Sukup also makes a line of material handling equipment that includes bucket elevators, drag conveyors and chain loop conveyors. The company also recently began producing pre-engineered metal buildings.

Sukup products are sold throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in more than 50 other countries.

The benefits of vertical tillage and the need for large-acreage productivity have seamlessly come together in three new 7400 Series 5-Section Vertical Tillage Plus machines from Landoll. Available in working widths from 39’ 9” to 49’ 9”, the 5-Section VTplus, can cover up to an impressive 42 acres per hour, while sizing and anchoring residue and mixing a shallow layer of soil — all at speeds up to 8 ½ miles per hour. When coupled with the previous VTplus models, the Landoll 7400 Series line of vertical tillage machines becomes the largest in the industry.

“The enormous number of satisfied and loyal customers Landoll has gained since the first VTplus machines were introduced in 2008 is testament to the overall design of the 7400 Series,” says  Jamie Meier, Landoll Ag Sales Manager. “Our engineers invested a great deal of research into determining the most proficient gang angle, disc blade type and spacing; and it shows.”

As with other 7400 series models, all new 5-section units feature a 10-degree disc gang angle with ultra-low concavity 22” disc blades spaced on 7” centers.

This combination ensures an even cutout across the full width of the machine and mixes the right amount of soil with residue to allow the decomposition process to begin. The overlapping, staggered gangs equally contribute to the smooth flow of soil and a level, ready-to-plant seedbed.

The 7450-39, 7450-44 and 7450-49 models are unique, however, in a number of features related to their size. The center section on all three 7450 models is equipped with two sets of dual walking tandems for a total of eight road-trailer-rated flotation tires which equally distribute the weight. Center sections also feature 4” diameter spindles with 8-bolt, triple Teflon sealed hubs. Thanks to their unique design, all 7450 models also fold to a narrow width of 17’ 4” for transport.

“Like all 7400 Series models, the 7450 models also feature hydraulically controlled fore-to-aft leveling that can be adjusted on the go,” Meier maintains. “That setting is then maintained, regardless of the operating depth. Every VTplus machine is additionally equipped with heavy-duty conditioner reels that put a finishing touch to every pass.”

However, the best feature of the new 5-section VTplus models, Meier concludes is the size and its high productivity.

“The ability to cover up to 420 acres in a 10-hour day and have it ready to plant in one pass is the kind of productivity today’s large-acreage farmers are needing,” Meier concludes. “The 7450 VTplus models provide the added return on investment that comes with high yields as a result of earlier planting and more uniform emergence.”

For more information on the 7400 Vertical Tillage Plus or other Landoll products, call 785-738-6613 or visit www.landoll.com

The UniPilot assisted steering system from TeeJet Technologies offers growers a great, new option to boost in-field productivity and efficiency. Utilizing a rugged electric steering motor and universal mounting bracket, this system can be installed and operational very quickly on a wide range of vehicles. Additionally, the portability of the system allows growers to operate UniPilot across multiple vehicles and field operations to maximize utilization.

“UniPilot offers fast, simple installation and a flexible design which allows producers to achieve a rapid return on their investment,” notes Rich Gould, Business Manager with TeeJet Technologies. “Additionally, operators are sure to be impressed by the aggressive line acquisition and stable online performance UniPilot offers.”

UniPilot is used in conjunction with the TeeJet Matrix Pro guidance system which offers an intuitive touch screen interface, field mapping/job planning capability, and video monitoring. A full range of guidance modes is supported, including exclusive NextRow guidance for easy headland turns in row crops. GPS signal options for UniPilot include WAAS, which is standard on the Matrix Pro, along with OminSTAR® or RTK solutions, which are provided via the optional TeeJet RX510 or RX610 GNSS receivers.  UniPilot is compatible with over 350 vehicle platforms including tractors, sprayers, combines and swathers

TeeJet Technologies manufactures a comprehensive line of products including lightbar guidance systems, sprayer control systems, ISOBUS compatible job computers/controllers, assisted steering systems and other precision farming products, agricultural spray nozzles for various herbicide/fungicide applications, boom components, valves/manifolds, strainers, spray guns, speed sensors. In addition, TeeJet Technologies continues to invest in research and development to advance precision application and control technology.

New Holland’s T9 Series 4WD tractors meet the power and productivity needs of row crop and broad acres producers with a standard or wide frame, industry-leading hydraulics, the largest cab in the industry and the industry’s first cab suspension system. With the availability of the new SmartTrax™ tracks option, producers also have benefit of a larger footprint and less soil compaction provided by tracks.

“SmartTrax tracks boost the productivity and pulling efficiency of our T9 Series tractors,” says Sean Dorosz, New Holland High Horsepower Tractor Marketing Manager. “Producers using this track option will increase traction and reduce soil compaction and slippage, which translates into less surface damage and a smoother ride.”

SmartTrax, available for New Holland’s wide frame T9.615 and T9.670 tractor models, are premium-quality tracks with the toughest belts in the industry for longer belt life as well as uniform load to the ground.  They are available in standard and high idler modules. The high idler configuration has a sled-shaped leading edge that drags crop residue and topsoil under the footprint for better traction and flotation. It makes it easier to drive in and out of ditches and climb over rough terrain and obstacles without undue stress on the operator or the machine.

In addition to the productivity advantages of reducing soil compaction and slippage, SmartTrax tracks are also versatile. They can be used on a tractor for spring planting and then installed on a combine for fall harvest. When it’s time to replace a tractor or combine, they can be easily removed to install on the next machine. Installation is as easy as changing tires. The tracks bolt to the hubs without adapters, allowing conversion from wheels to tracks.

About New Holland Agriculture
New Holland Agriculture is a division of CNH Global N.V. (NYSE:CNH), a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat Industrial S.p.A.(FI.MI). New Holland Agriculture sells and services an innovative line of agricultural equipment, including a full line of tractors, hay and forage equipment, harvesting, crop production and material handling equipment. Sales, parts and service are provided by more than 1,000 New Holland dealers throughout North America.

For more information, see your local New Holland dealer, visit www.newholland.com/na.

“One of a kind” is becoming an overused phrase, but for Ohio farmer John Wilson it is a phrase that rings true when it comes to the planter he is using this year. The German-engineered Horsch planter rolling behind Wilson’s tractor is the only one east of the

The Horsch Maestro planter ranges from 12 to 24 rows and, has the ability to run at 9 miles per hour while maintaining precise seed placement.

Mississippi River and one of only a handful being used in the United States, so far.

“It something a bit different,” Wilson said while planting soybeans in a Madison County field . “Horsch seems to be more precision-minded in their technology. They are very adamant about spacing and not getting doubles and it looks to be doing the job. We’ll see when it comes up.”

Curiosity from other farmers has prompted many phone calls and questions about the Horsch planter and Wilson’s is happy to answer them.

“Horsch is not new to the industry,” Wilson said. “They’ve been building planters for many years in Germany using Kinze units, but this is one of the first that they manufactured on their own.”

They must know what they’re doing because the Horsch Maestro planter Wilson is testing out recently won the honor of being named “Machine of the Year” at the largest farm show in Germany.

This unit can be used for all types of single grain seed and includes a “Seed on Demand” system for short filling time and easy filling. Due to the design of the machine, the distance between fertilizer and seed always stays the same. The seed hopper has a capacity of nearly 60 bushels and the fertilizer hopper touts a capacity of over 700 gallons. The planter ranges from 12 to 24 rows and, most surprising of all, is the ability to run at 9 miles per hour while maintaining precise seed placement.

One concern with any product made overseas is the timeframe of getting replacement parts when you need them in a hurry. Wilson acknowledges that may have been an issue in the past, but in today’s world no so much.

“Many times the local dealers of American manufacturers may not have the part that you are looking for in their shops and have to get it to you next day air,” Wilson said. “Any company on the globe can offer that so it levels the playing field from that standpoint.”

Wilson knows that his experience this spring is something that Horsch will want him to share with other producers across the country as they try to move into the U.S. marketplace. Wilson says he will be pleased to do so.

“The people with Horsch are top notch,” Wilson said. “They spend more time on their knees digging than they do in the cab because they want everything done right and this planter is built really well. They are a dedicated group.”

See the planter in action and hear more about Wilson’s planting progress in this Cab Cam video.

 DR® Power Equipment today introduced the DR Versa-Trailer ½-Ton, a smaller, more economical version of the company’s popular commercial utility dump trailer designed for light duty hauling on properties of all sizes.

In the short time since its introduction, the original DR Versa-Trailer has changed the way people think about utility trailers, garnering remarkable praise and excitement from consumers. But some who want a rugged ATV dump trailer do not need the commercial carrying capacity and lifting ability of the large Versa-Trailer. For these property owners, DR Power Equipment now offers the simplified Versa-Trailer ½-Ton utility trailer.

“You could call this new trailer the Versa-Trailer’s little brother, but it certainly holds its own,” said Michael Johnston, DR Power Product Manager. “Like the larger trailer, the ½-Ton model is fully galvanized. And it can handle loads to up to one thousand pounds.”

On top of its all-steel, galvanized construction, the new utility trailer features removable end panels for carrying long loads such as lumber. The panels can be removed in seconds, without the use of tools. The trailer also comes standard with a pivoting hitch which allows the trailer and its towing vehicle to ride independently without putting torque on the tongue or hitch.

The trailer’s large, 22” diameter wheels equipped and high ground clearance allow users to take the Versa-Trailer ½-Ton anywhere they can drive their ATV, UTV, or compact tractor. And unlike some poly or wooden ATV trailers and dump carts, the Versa-Trailer ½-Ton was designed with a pivot point near the middle of the bed, allowing the trailer to achieve an impressive 35 degree dump angle for easy, clean dumping.

Cast axle attachment points give the Versa-Trailer ½-Ton a foundation that is much stronger than the thin, bent sheet metal construction commonly found on other ATV dump wagons and carts. Steel guards also protect the knobby tires’ valves from rocks, roots, and stumps.

The trailer’s carrying capacity is 1000 lbs.

Optional features include a winch; extension side walls for carrying bulky materials like leaves and mulch; and a jack stand for raising and lowering the trailer’s tongue.

The DR Versa-Trailer ½-Ton starts at a $999 list price, but introductory offers, including free shipping on most orders, make this innovative dump trailer even more affordable. The trailer can be purchased at drpower.com/versa-trailer.

DR® Power Equipment, a division of Country Home Products, Inc., the premiere developer and marketer of professional-grade outdoor equipment for residential use, was founded in 1985 in Charlotte, Vermont.  Today it occupies three facilities and employs 220 people. For more information on its complete line of power equipment and home care supplies, visit the web site at www.drpower.com.

DR® Power Equipment sells products factory-direct and through a network of over 500 dealers; a free catalog can be ordered at 802-877-1200, or obtained online at www.drpower.com. For more information on DR® POWER EQUIPMENT, please contact Jon Trobaugh at: PR@drpower.com.

JCB determines the recipients of its North American Dealer of Excellence awards based on the following criteria: market share; retail performance vs. goal; parts SOE; parts sales improvement; sales and service training; and dealer development and re-branding.  Each of the six top-performing dealerships was named a “Dealer of Excellence.”

Recipients of JCB’s 2011 “Dealer of Excellence” Awards include:
Liftech JCB (Syracuse, NY; Lancaster, NY; Rochester, NY; Vestal, NY; Schenectady, NY; Burlington, VT and Bloomfield, CT)
YES JCB (Milwaukee, WI and Madison, WI)
Walsh JCB (Prospect, PA and Ebensburg, PA)
JCB of Georgia (Pooler, GA; Kennesaw, GA and Augusta, GA)
Harvey and Company (St. John’s, NL, Canada and Corner Brook, NL, Canada)
Earthborne (Warrington, PA)
In addition to presenting the Dealer of Excellence awards, JCB also recognized the following dealerships for their outstanding achievements:
AES JCB, Best Agricultural Dealer (Sabina, OH and Shreve, OH)
Dougherty JCB, Most Improved Dealer (Greenville, SC; Charleston, SC; Columbia; SC; Raleigh, NC; Greenville, NC  and Greensboro, NC)
Northland JCB, Best New Dealer (Wilmington, MA; Shrewsbury, MA; Stoughton, MA; Lewiston, ME and Concord, NH)
Van Clarkson, vice president of sales for JCB North America says these awards demonstrate how vital the company’s dealers are to its overall success. “Our JCB dealers are such an important piece of our business and are the best at what they do,” Clarkson says. “It’s exciting to see them achieve such high levels of growth and success during 2011. With the recent launch of the full line of revolutionary JCB skid steers, we look forward to even greater success from our dealers in 2012.”

For more information about JCB’s industry-leading equipment for the construction, agriculture, industrial and waste/recycling markets, to find a dealer near you, or to find out how to become a JCB dealer, call JCB’s North American Headquarters in Savannah at (912) 447-2000 or visit http://www.jcbna.com.