Principals of three leading Central Ohio Case IH dealerships announced their plans to merge their dealerships into a new company. The corporation will be called Evolution Ag, Inc. and will bring together the assets and marketing areas of Agri-Trac Equipment of Utica, Hill Implement Company of Circleville and J R Equipment, Inc. of Upper Sandusky and Delaware.

Jim Henkel, President of J R Equipment and Chairman of Evolution Ag said, “Farmers have continued to grow their operations and are demanding more and better services from their suppliers. This merger will allow these dealerships to better serve their customers now and in the future.”

Tom Hill, President of Hill Implement and President of Evolution Ag said, “Our plan is to maintain the existing presence in each of the four communities that our dealerships currently serve. This merger will also allow us to make critical investments in facilities and people, better meeting the needs of a growing agriculture.”… Continue reading

“You can’t have a conversation about hay production and not mention the weather,” says Dr. Kevin Shinners, Professor of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As with any agricultural crop, that’s the No. 1 challenge every producer faces. But with hay and haylage, weather problems can be even more acute, because of the extended field drying time often required.

There are important steps producers can take to dry hay faster. “One of the most important steps is to utilize the sun’s energy to the maximum extent possible,” Shinners adds. “At cutting, lay that crop down as wide as you possibly can so that almost every square foot is occupied by drying crop. Anything you can do to get that crop to dry quicker so you can get it out of the field and miss a rainstorm, that’s money well spent.”

Shinners says a mower conditioner is a good tool to speed dry down.… Continue reading

At more than $200 per ton, hay is a precious commodity, which is why getting the most high-quality product from each acre has never been more important.

“We’re seeing a reduction in hay acreage across North America,” says Dr. Kevin Shinners, Professor of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Because of high commodity prices in grain, we’ve seen a lot of hay ground plowed under and put into row crops. With acreage dwindling, hay and forage producers have to do everything possible to get all we can out of every acre.

“That means drying the crop as quickly as possible by conditioning it well, getting it off the field and into storage, and keeping it protected so we can maintain its value,” he adds. “Especially when hay prices are $200 to $300 per ton, baling when the moisture content is too high or storing hay poorly has real negative economic impacts.”… Continue reading

J D Equipment, of London, Ohio, has announced they will be expanding to their eighth John Deere store in Zanesville, Ohio. J D Equipment has worked with Finton Equipment to purchase their existing store in Zanesville, and became the new owners effective March 19, 2012. Due to John Deere’s dealership realignment, Finton Equipment will close their John Deere store in Coshocton, Ohio on the same date.

The new J D Equipment store sells agricultural, commercial and consumer equipment, offering products and services for farmers, commercial mowers, construction customers and homeowners. They sell and service multiple product lines including John Deere, Honda, Stihl, Generac and many more.

Finton Equipment has had had its doors open for over 45 years, with their home and base in Coshocton. Their decision to sell to J D Equipment was based upon J D’s ability and commitment to continue to serve the entire Finton customer base in Zanesville and Coshocton while only have facilities in Zanesville.… Continue reading

Kubota introduces the new gas-powered RTV400Ci utility vehicle that features the agility and reliability of a mid-sized utility vehicle, but is compact enough to fit in the bed of a full-size, long-bed pickup truck. At 54.7 inches wide and 72 inches tall, the new four-wheel drive RTV400Ci gets the job done with its fuel-injected 6 horsepower, air-cooled, single-cylinder gas engine.

“Kubota has built its reputation on meeting and exceeding customer expectations; the RTV400Ci makes for the fifth RTV in the Kubota family, and is another example of how Kubota continually delivers everything our customers value,” says Dan Muramoto, Utility Vehicle product manager. “Compact, gas-powered and well-equipped, the RTV400Ci provides exceptional ease of transportation, making the vehicle ideal for moving to and from worksites, caring for livestock or hunting in the woods.”

CVT Plus: Continuously Variable Transmission

This RTV has a newly-designed Continuously Variable Transmission with inertial clutch (CVT Plus) for excellent response and reliability, while providing dynamic braking to help maintain control during descents with engine-assisted deceleration.… Continue reading

The latest results from the Nebraska Tractor Test Lab show that Case IH Steiger^® tractors with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology have set new industry records for fuel-efficient power.

The Steiger 600, Steiger 500, Steiger 450 and Steiger 350 all showed significant fuel efficiency and drawbar horsepower advantages over the competition, according to test lab reports.

“Steiger tractors are built with Case IH Efficient Power to pull the largest implements available, while reducing fuel costs,” says Mitch Kaiser, Case IH Steiger Tractor Marketing Manager. “These test results prove Steiger tractors perform and deliver in the field and in the lab.”

For example, the Steiger 600 set the record for drawbar horsepower and fuel efficiency versus the competitions’ biggest tractor. Measured at maximum power in horsepower-hours-per-gallon, the Steiger 600 tested 8.4 percent more fuel efficient than the Deere 9630 at maximum drawbar pull, and 10.5 percent more fuel efficient at 75 percent drawbar pull maximum power.… Continue reading

Implement Detection allows operator to save implement control settings

John Deere adds to its portfolio of implement control products for various farming applications with the introduction of John Deere Implement Detection software.

The new Implement Detection technology, exclusive to John Deere, automatically populates implement- and task-specific settings from a controller on the implement to the GreenStar™ 3 2630 display in the cab. When a piece of equipment with Implement Detection is connected to a tractor using the 2630 Display, a one-page notification will indicate the implement’s name, connection type and other settings saved to the implement controller.

Operators can accept settings and move to the run page, or they can make adjustments to the settings if necessary. All changes to implement settings will override previously saved inputs. Implement Detection has universal compatibility with John Deere and competitive equipment and provides an integrated solution to set up different types of equipment consistently with each use.… Continue reading

JCB, the world’s largest privately-owned construction equipment manufacturer, is building upon the success of its New Generation skid steer and compact track loader line with the addition of eight new small platform machines.

The eight new machines—the 135, 155, 175, 190 and 205 skid steers and the 150T, 190T and 205T compact track loaders—complement JCB’s nine large platform New Generation models launched in November 2010. These smaller skid models are more maneuverable in tight, confined areas and are easily transported from job site to job site. However, they don’t sacrifice power, safety, comfort or productivity. According to John Patterson, JCB North America’s CEO and JCB Group deputy chairman, the small platform machines are designed to meet the needs of a growing market.

“With this launch of these new small platform machines, we now offer 17 models in our skid steer range – both wheeled and tracked with radial and vertical lift designs – providing 97-percent market coverage,” Patterson said.… Continue reading

Integrated Emissions Control system part of optimized technology solution

John Deere announces continuation of its planned building block approach to meet United States Final Tier 4 and European Union Stage IV emissions regulations. Final Tier 4/Stage IV regulations for off-highway diesel engines begin as early as 2013 for engines 55 kW (74 hp) and below. Regulatory dates for engines 56 kW (75 hp) and above will be implemented in stages starting in 2014 and 2015, and require particulate matter (PM) levels established by Interim Tier 4/Stage III B regulations to be maintained while requiring an additional 80 percent reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) from previous regulations.

To meet Final Tier 4/Stage IV emissions regulations in some power categories, John Deere developed the Integrated Emissions Control system — an optimized aftertreatment solution paired with the performance enhanced, fuel-efficient Interim Tier 4/Stage III B engine platform featuring proven cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).… Continue reading

To integrate water management into its expanding precision farming portfolio, Ag Leader has acquired Soil-Max™, manufacturer of the market-leading Gold Digger™ tile plow, and the assets of Gradient, Inc., a related company which revolutionized the control of tile plows with the Intellislope™ GPS-based control system. These products allow growers and tiling contractors to solve water management challenges very cost effectively by greatly reducing the technical knowledge, labor and time required to install tile.

The acquisition allows Ag Leader to establish a significant footprint into the fast-growing precision water management market, and will serve as a base for developing additional products for other water management tasks such as land leveling, waterway grading, ditching and levee building.

“This is a great opportunity for Ag Leader to make a bold step into an increasingly important part of the precision farming industry,” said Al Myers, founder and President of Ag Leader Technology. “Water management is a very important part of any precision farming plan.… Continue reading

GreenStar™ compatible system monitors five important weather conditions

For private and commercial applicators who need precise weather information in order to make proper product application and other weather-related decisions, John Deere introduces John Deere Mobile Weather.

Mobile Weather uses a third-party weather sensor connected to the Application Controller 1120 to display real-time weather information, including wind speed and direction, Delta T, and temperature and relative humidity on the John Deere GreenStar 2 or GreenStar 3 displays.  However, only the GreenStar 3 2630 Display is capable of documenting (recording) weather data, which can be transferred to Apex or other third party farm management software for analysis and record keeping.

According to Janae Althouse, product manager with the John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group, John Deere Mobile Weather enables operators to make in-cab product application decisions based on location-specific weather data. In addition, operators don’t have to rely on hand-held devices or make multiple stops to manually check and record weather conditions when applying product.… Continue reading

New hay tester has multiple sensors for accurate readings throughout the bale

Hay producers can now determine the moisture content of the hay they are baling on the go with the Advanced Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Tester from John Deere.

The hay moisture tester has many features, including multi-sensor technology for accurate readings displayed in 0.1 percent increments; large, illuminated LCD display and keypad for easy viewing day or night; and an operating moisture range of 8 percent to 30+ percent, depending on the type of baler used. It can be easily installed on John Deere small square and large round balers.

According to Phil Lauer, product manager with John Deere Merchandise, the hay moisture tester makes it easier to know when hay has the right moisture level for optimal baling and storage. “With moisture sensors mounted on the right and left sides of the bale chamber for greater accuracy, the operator can see updated moisture reading every 3 seconds, right from the tractor seat,” Lauer explains.… Continue reading

May Wes expands product offerings for no-till and strip application

May Wes lays claim to being the original manufacturer of “STALK STOMPER’S” with nearly 40 years of proven experience.  Our company continues to be attentive to client requests and committed to providing Tractor Stalk Stomper product solutions where demand exists.  May Wes is pleased to announce the release of our latest Tractor Stalk Stomper application for John Deere’s 8000/8R Series tractors.  This is in response to a growing demand for not till and strip till applications.

Our May Wes design team sought out input from owners of the John Deere 8000/8R tractors to prototype and develop this particular Tractor Stalk Stomper design.  Production of this latest addition to May Wes’s Tractor Stalk Stomper is underway and initial deliveries have reached farm sites throughout the mid-west.

Why May Wes Tractor Stalk Stomper?

May Wes’s Tractor Stalk Stomper solution works off existing tractor hydraulics, is robust and versatile compared to other products.  … Continue reading

Great Plains Manufacturing, Salina, Kansas, recently unveiled its new 15,000 square foot state-of-the-art conference center when it played host to over 300 Great Plains Division dealer sales and service representatives. The company’s Land Pride Division is set to host regional dealer meetings in early March.

The two-story conference center includes four large break-out rooms equipped with the latest in audio-video equipment, in addition to a main arena where the company’s full line of equipment can be displayed while as many as 100 attendees sit in a theatre-style arrangement viewing videos on three large screens. Each seat in the arena is equipped to accommodate laptops and other digital devices.

On the ground level of the arena, meeting attendees can get “hands on” with Great Plains’ innovative equipment, view upcoming meeting schedules on two large kiosks, or attend a meal with 100 other attendees in the company’s multi-purpose room.

“This facility is an example of our company’s commitment to training our dealers’ service and sales staffs.… Continue reading

HOBOware® 3.3 combines new time-saving features with support for Onset’s next-generation family of data loggers

Onset (http://www.onsetcomp.com), the world’s leading supplier of data loggers, announced HOBOware 3.3, a new version of the company’s industry-leading graphing and analysis software that dramatically speeds up deployment time in energy and environmental monitoring projects.

HOBOware 3.3 includes a number of time-saving features that make it faster than ever to configure HOBO® data loggers and weather stations in the field, and analyze the collected data. Key features include:

• Batch configuration and readout – With HOBOware 3.3, users configure and readout multiple data loggers in a fraction of the time it would take with previous generations. This time-saving feature is a particular advantage in applications requiring hundreds of data loggers, such as building energy audits or monitoring stream temperatures.

• Pre-launch filtering and scaling – These tools enable users to pre-configure their data loggers so upon readout, the data will display max/min/average readings at set intervals (per hour/per day), and will be automatically plotted to scale in real-world engineering units.… Continue reading

Customers can test drive utility tractors, register to win John Deere 1023E tractor

John Deere is inviting interested consumers to climb into the seat and test drive the company’s latest utility tractors and other equipment during its annual Drive Green Challenge. For the fourth consecutive year, Drive Green Challenge events are being held at many local dealerships from late February through September.

The dealer-sponsored Drive Green Challenge events are designed to give property owners, agricultural producers, commercial lawn and landscape operators and interested consumers a chance to test drive John Deere utility tractors. At many Drive Green events, selected competitive equipment will be available, allowing people to test drive and compare features of different equipment and ask questions about the latest models available from John Deere.

According to Steve Geick, tactical marketing manager with John Deere, one of the most popular features of the Drive Green events is the chance for customers to drive the equipment, kick the tires and speak with knowledgeable equipment experts.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins

Over the years I have always seen pictures and heard stories about just how big the

National Farm Machinery Show is, but I have never been there to witness the phenomenon first-hand. You would think that with the background that I was given on the event, I would know what to expect. Boy was I wrong.

Dale Minyo and I made the trek on the Thursday of the show and you could see the magnitude of the show by how many Chevys, Fords and Dodge’s with Ohio plates were headed across I-71 South in Kentucky. I have to admit that my excitement was building.

Once there I could not believe my eyes, or my feet, as we tried to cover as much ground as we could in a day. I am a bit embarrassed to admit that Dale and I actually got lost a time or two.

The highlight of the 27-acre indoor show was the Kinze 1300 series grain cart.… Continue reading

Featuring the agriculture industry’s most powerful application of telematics technology available, Case IH AFS Connect™ is now available through Case IH dealerships. Beginning this spring, dealers will begin retrofitting AFS Connect Manager™ and AFS Connect Executive™ packages on fleets of both Case IH and competitive equipment as part its commercial introduction of Case IH telematics technology.

“More importantly, Case IH will back up our industry-leading AFS technology with the expertise and local support our customers have told us they need to put advanced technologies to work in their operations,” says Trevor Mecham, Case IH Advanced Farming Systems® (AFS) Marketing Manager. “AFS Connect has tremendous potential to improve producers’ abilities to manage their equipment and find new opportunities to improve return on investment, and Case IH product specialists and our dealers are committed to working alongside our customers to help them achieve that potential.”

AFS Connect uses a combination of global positioning system and cellular technology to link equipment, Case IH AFS Pro 600 or Pro 700 displays and the farm office wirelessly in real time.… Continue reading

Value and options are two words that best describe the new Case IH Farmall® 100A Series tractors. The new line joins the Farmall A, B and C utility tractors as an ultra-value option in the Case IH utility tractor lineup. Available in four models, these tractors offer from 90 to 115 PTO horsepower.

“The Farmall 100A Series tractors are the value solution for price-conscious customers,” says Denny Stroo, Case IH Marketing Manager for loaders and mid-range tractors. “These tractors are easy to operate and can be configured to meet customers’ needs for even more versatility.”

The Case IH Farmall 100A Series tractors come standard with a three-point hitch that has a lift capacity of up to 7,200 lbs. A fixed-displacement pump hydraulic system offers a total hydraulic flow of 31 gpm.

These tractors pack a powerful punch with 4.5-liter engines running the Farmall 110A and 120A and a 6.7-liter engine powering the Farmall 125A and 140A.… Continue reading

JCB has added the high-capacity 550-80 Agri Plus Loadall to its class-leading agricultural telescopic handler line. This high-capacity telehandler shares the same innovative approach to machine design that has seen JCB become the world’s best selling telehandler manufacturer.

The 550-80 features:
A massive 11,000lb lift capacity with a lift height with of 26ft 7in
A 130hp (97 kW) JCB Dieselmax engine
37 gpm variable flow hydraulics and Hi-flow pipework for faster loader cycle times and auxiliary service performance
Heavy-duty boom design to provide a massive 14600lb of breakout force
HIGH CAPACITY TO MEET CUSTOMER DEMAND

The 550-80 is JCB’s highest capacity Loadall, and it has been designed for the heaviest duty farm applications. These applications include digging manure or silage and loading the manure spreader or feed wagon. The 550-80 Agri Plus is powered by a 130hp (97 kW) JCB Dieselmax engine. The machine boasts a powershift transmission, 37 gpm variable flow hydraulics and high flow pipework for rapid cycle times and auxiliary service flow.… Continue reading