Equipment

Ag Leader Technology, Inc., a leader in the development of precision farming solutions, is excited to introduce the latest innovation in precision farming – the new VERSA™ display. It features a large full-color 8.4-inch touchscreen and multiple language options. The new VERSA is a versatile precision farming tool for farmers and growers who want year-round operation control, as well as integrated guidance and steering. Monitoring and application control is also included in the VERSA package.

“The VERSA display was designed to be flexible enough to meet the unique needs of different operations,” says Matt Leinen, Product Manager. “The VERSA display’s ability to perform guidance and automated steering control makes it a smart investment for those looking for the versatility of a full-featured precision/guidance system. It’s also a great investment for experienced precision farming operators who need displays for additional vehicles or just want an easy-to-use input costsaving solution.”

The key features of the VERSA display include compatibility with ISO 11783 (ISOBUS) Virtual Terminal Standard, built-in manual guidance, full-screen mapping, planter and application control, yield monitoring, real-time data logging and automated steering.… Continue reading

Project ”Can Do” lets consumers virtually sponsor food cans that will support the efforts of John Deere in their food donations to River Bend FoodBank.

To recognize the vital role that America’s farmers play in feeding the world this harvest season, John Deere is attempting a world-record at constructing a full-sized sculpture of its new S-Series combine from more than 300,000 cans of food at the John Deere Pavilion in downtown Moline, Illinois.
According to Nicole Schneider, project manager, communications for John Deere Ag & Turf Division, the John Deere Project ”Can Do” combine sculpture and food donation program are designed to raise awareness of the essential role farmers and ranchers play in producing safe, healthy and abundant food for a growing world population, while supplying much needed food supplies to a local food bank during the holiday season.
“With the global population expected to increase from 7 billion to more than 9 billion by 2050, farmers will need to increase food production by 70 percent while using the same amount of land, water and other resources,” says Schneider.… Continue reading

Alliance Tire Americas has introduced the FloTruck 382, a new, all-steel radial flotation tire rated for 6,610 pounds at 62 mph (3,000 kg at 100 km/h) and DOT-compliant.

The block-tread design of the FloTruck 382 creates a large contact patch and a flat profile, reducing soil compaction and ensuring excellent road performance.  Advanced compounding and all-steel construction improve stubble resistance and deliver long-lasting performance.

“The FloTruck 382 continues Alliance’s commitment to developing the tires our customers need – tires that go faster, haul more and last longer than ever, helping farmers improve their productivity,” says James Tuschner, marketing director for Alliance.  “Alliance has been an innovator in radial flotation tire technology from the very beginning, and we’re using that experience to continue improving the tools available to today’s farmers.”

The Alliance FloTruck 382 is available in the popular 600/50R22.5 size, which fits a wide range of agricultural trucks, wagons, carts and trailers.… Continue reading

Kubota ZP330 Zero-Turn Mower
The new Kubota ZP330 is the latest addition to Kubota’s top-of-the-line Z300 Series of commercial mowers. The ZP330 boasts a 31 gross horsepower 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled liquid propane gas (LPG) engine for greener performance with reduced CO2 emissions yet the same exceptional productivity operators know and trust. The ZP330 is available in two Pro Commercial mower deck sizes – the 72-inch ZP330LP-72 or 60-inch ZP330P-60. Both models come equipped with high-performance HST transmission and extreme operator comfort, including features like a full-flat operator platform, high-back deluxe suspension seat, adjustable speed control levers and hands free hydraulic deck lift and parking brake.
Kubota F-Series 100” Flex Mower Deck for F3680 Front Mount Mowers
The new Kubota F-Series 100-inch RCL100F-F36 Flex Mower Deck – for application on Kubota F3680 Front Mount Mowers – has an incredible 100-inch wide cut width, yet mows with the precision of a 21-inch walk-behind mower.… Continue reading

New Holland Construction has announced that Jeff Foster of Stoutsville, Ohio, is one of 32 semi-finalists who will compete at the New Holland Construction North American Skid Steer Championship event on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the 2011 GIE+EXPO show in Louisville, Ky. Foster, who works for Foster Farms in Stoutsville, will face off against the most talented compact equipment operators in North America in a series of skill-testing challenges using a New Holland Construction skid steer loader – a fast-moving and versatile machine found on almost every construction, landscaping and agriculture project.

From a field of more than 2,000 participants who competed in New Holland Construction Super Boom Road Show events across the United States and Canada this year, Foster and the other semi-finalists will be vying for the title of North American Skid Steer Champion and the grand prize of a new, fully loaded New Holland Construction 200 Series skid steer loader – valued at US$35,000 – for their sponsoring company, plus US$5,000 and New Holland Construction gear for the winner.… Continue reading

Worksaver, Inc. introduces new clamp-on snow blades, ideal for compact tractors with non-quick attach buckets.  An economical way to remove snow from driveways or small parking areas, these clamp-on snow blades are designed to install easily and to remove with a chain and turnbuckle system.  The attaching frame easily slides over the bucket cutting edge and the frame extends under the bucket bottom for complete support of the system.

This snow blade features 3/8” x 6” cutting edge of 1044 steel and the ability to angle right or left.  The clamp-on snow blade is available in 5’ and 6’ models.

For more information, contact Worksaver, Inc., P.O. Box 100, Litchfield, IL 62056-0100.  Phone: 217-324-5973.  Fax: 217-234-3356.  Website: http://www.worksaver.com/product/SnowBlade.html.  E-mail: sales@worksaver.com.… Continue reading

Hemisphere GPS and CLAAS Agrosystems announced a new OEM development agreement whereby Hemisphere GPS will develop next generation precision farming solutions for integration into CLAAS machinery.  The two companies are combining their expertise to develop new intelligent machine control solutions including precise guidance, advanced automated steering, application controls, and remote data management.  The multi-year partnership includes co-development funding to Hemisphere GPS for customized engineering of Hemisphere GPS technology to CLAAS specifications.  CLAAS Agrosystems, a company belonging to the global CLAAS Group agricultural equipment manufacturer, currently offers optional installation of Hemisphere GPS guidance products as part of their GPS Pilot automated steering solution portfolio.  Under the new agreement, Hemisphere GPS precision farming solutions will be introduced over the next several years as a factory installation on CLAAS machinery as well as aftermarket products throughout CLAAS’ distribution network.

“We celebrate the expansion of our strategic partnership into a joint development agreement that will provide CLAAS customers with the most advanced integrated precision farming solutions available,” says Dr.… Continue reading

Grant’s Portable Universal Input SQ2010 Datalogger

CAS DataLoggers recently provided the datalogging solution for a local environmental group monitoring the level of a river against rainfall. The river rose and fell visibly throughout the year and often caused property damage in periods of heavy rain, so a monitoring project was organized to find out just how much it varied and to correlate data based on the amount of rainfall. The group needed to have a data logging solution capable of continuous year-round recording which could be accessed remotely. Owing to the project’s outdoor location, this device would also need to be portable, capable of stand-alone operation, and would also have to be a completely weatherproof system that could survive exposure to conditions on the riverbank.

The environmental group installed a Grant Squirrel SQ2010 Portable Universal Input Data Logger in a weatherproof enclosure fitted with a solar panel to recharge an external battery.… Continue reading

It is well known throughout agriculture that without effective closure of the seed trench, the intensive effort spent on planting goes to waste. Now, Yetter has added another closing tool to its lineup: the 6200 Paddle Wheel.

The 13-inch Paddle Wheel features paddle-shaped fins, offering producers dealing with challenging soil conditions another option for trench closure. Extremely effective in excessively wet conditions, the Paddle Wheel also performs well in dry soil.

As the angled paddles enter and exit the soil, the uniquely shaped design works from the surface layer down to crumble hard or wet soil. This has two benefits. It reduces the possibility of sidewall compaction without creating air pockets while completely closing the seed trench. This results in ideal seed-to-soil contact.

“Proper seed trench closure ensures ideal seed-to-soil contact for improved germination, better stands and higher yields. Both Yetter Spike and Paddle closing wheels are effective tools for increasing yield potential for a quick return on investment,” said Jared Head, a Yetter product specialist.… Continue reading

Archbold Equipment has acquired Eagle Equipment near Portage in Wood County bringing their total number of locations to six.

Gary Schumacher, CEO of Archbold Equipment said, “these types of mergers are an integral part of the Archbold Equipment Co. business strategy to grow in a systematic way. This growth will result in improved purchasing power and long term support for Northwest Ohio customers, who are looking for a long term business partner for all their agricultural needs”.

He says they plan to maintain the employees, location, and most of the present manufacture lines that Eagle Machinery has represented the past 20 years. Brad Nafziger has been named the sales manger for that location and will lead the staff at the Portage location.

Eagle Equipment began operations under Archbold Equipment on October 7, 2011. Archobld Equipment and also has locations in Archbold, Sherwood and Ottawa, Ohio along with Topeka Indiana and Adrian, Michigan.… Continue reading

Bobcat Company introduces the new all-season non-marking, multi-bar lug rubber track, designed for the compact track loader and mini track loader.

The tracks are designed to fit the T180, T190, 864, T200, T630, T650, T250, T300, T320, T770 and T870 compact track loaders, and the MT50 and MT52 mini track loaders.

The multi-bar lug pitch system provides a smoother, softer ride, while the double offset tread pattern greatly reduces vibration, extending the life of the undercarriage, and helping contain the growth of any cuts or cracks.

Built using patented belting technology, the tracks provide incredible strength and are designed to carry the full load of the machine while running at maximum engine capacity.

The replacement track is available in  non-marking rubber and in non-marking orange for select models. Additionally, the non-marking rubber compound won’t leave black rubber marks on hard surfaces such as concrete.

For more information and pricing on the Bobcat Multi-Bar Lug replacement track, visit your local Bobcat dealership.… Continue reading

The Kuhn Primor 5570 M bale processor is ideally suited for the distribution of bedding in bedded-pack barns, as well as direct feeding of hay, silage and baleage. This machine can process large square bales up to 8′ 10″ long, as well as round bales that are 4′ wide and up to 6′ 7″ in diameter, to meet the needs of producers with medium- to large-sized operations.

This model comes as a heavy-duty, trailed machine designed for lower horsepower tractors. The top discharge blower allows the operator to easily direct and control the spread pattern of the material; distances of up to 60 feet can be reached without adding options. The Polydrive^® belt system drives the feed rotor, which pulls material from the bale without overcutting, resulting in uniform material length and consistency when bedding and feeding. The exclusive Unroll System makes it possible to load up to three round bales simultaneously, without the risk of jamming or uneven distribution.… Continue reading

Bobcat Company introduces new turf-friendly replacement track designed for the compact track loader. The track is designed to fit the T250, T300, T320, T750 and T770 model compact track loaders.

Ideal for landscaping and buildings & grounds applications the flat, even profile of the Bobcat turf track prevents the tearing and cutting of lugs. The tracks create reduced ground pressure, a significantly lighter footprint than conventional tracks, minimal ground disruption and a reduced risk of damage to irrigation systems and underground utility lines.

Engineered in a state-of-the-art facility, using patented belting technology and a proprietary rubber compound formula, the turf-friendly tracks are incredibly versatile and provide excellent longevity on hard surfaces such as pavement and asphalt.

The replacement track is available in  non-marking rubber and in non-marking orange for select models. Additionally, the non-marking rubber compound won’t leave black rubber marks on hard surfaces such as concrete.

For more information and pricing on Bobcat turf-friendly rubber tracks, visit your local Bobcat dealership.… Continue reading

U.S. and Canadian Growers Eligible for Rebates on MICHELIN® Agricultural tires

In addition to reduced soil compaction, improved durability and better traction, this fall Michelin North America Agricultural Tires is giving U.S. and Canadian farmers another great reason to utilize Michelin agricultural tires on their farm — cash back.

Through its new Ag Advantage program, Michelin is offering rebates on replacement ag tires purchased by Nov. 30. U.S. customers will receive $50 back for each tire, and Canadian customers will get $75. The program requires a two-tire minimum purchase and has a 12-tire maximum per invoice.

“Tires are an important investment in your business,” says Michael Vandel, marketing segment manager for Michelin. “When you select the right tires to handle the load on your machine and keep them properly inflated, you can see a payoff in improved traction, fuel economy and reduced soil compaction. All of that adds up to a better bottom line.… Continue reading

AGCO announced that it has agreed to acquire GSI Holdings Corp. (GSI) from affiliates of New York-based Centerbridge Partners, L.P. for $940 million. With annual revenue of over $700 million, GSI is a leading global manufacturer of grain storage and protein production systems. Headquartered in Assumption, Illinois, GSI sells its products globally through more than 500 independent dealers. The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2011, subject to regulatory approval.

“GSI is an excellent fit with AGCO and will allow us to extend our reach in the agricultural industry and provide our customers with an even wider range of products and services,” said Martin Richenhagen, AGCO’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “With its high quality products and services, recognized brands and global capabilities, GSI gives us strong positions in the grain storage and protein production segments and is well-positioned to benefit from increases in global grain and food demand.”… Continue reading

Great Plains was one of the first Ag manufacturers to produce vertical tillage tools when it began delivering the original Turbo-Till model back in 2002. A couple of years later a heavy-duty model went into production sporting thicker blades and heavy-duty gauge wheels. A Series ll Turbo-Till model was introduced in late 2007. The Series ll model boasted a stronger frame, greater weight per gang, and a beefier transport axle.

Fast forward to today and we have the completely new vertical tillage machine rolling down Great Plains state-of-the-art production line in Ellsworth, KS. Its name is Turbo-Max.

Turbo-Max has 2 coulter gangs like previous Turbo-Till models but with 7 1/2’’ spacing between each blade it has 25% closer blade spacing per gang. The 2 gangs are offset so the second gang splits the first – sizing residue to an impressive 3 ¾” laterally (the narrowest among major vertical tillage manufacturers).

The more innovative aspect of this new machine is that it has the ability to angle the gangs hydraulically on the go from straight to up to 6 degrees.… Continue reading

At Farm Science Review, Ty Higgins found a great example of precision agriculture in soil sampling. He talked with Bill Young and Ben Callaway of AgRobotics about this new technology.

 … Continue reading

Heather Hetterick spoke with Jim Walker, Vice President of North America for CASE IH when he stopped in Ohio for the Farm Science Review. Walker said CASE IH is ramping up production to meet demand and shares why CASE IH chose SCR to meet tier four regulations.

Jim Walker for Web… Continue reading

It’s an age-old problem in agriculture: ground-engaging tools – disks, coulters and wavy blades that penetrate soil and cut crop residues – eventually go dull. Until now, there was no way to realistically sharpen a wavy-bladed implement with dull blades. “It is with great excitement that Case IH announces the Robo-Sharpener^TM,” says Rob Zemenchik, Sales and Marketing Manager, Case IH Tillage Products. “It’s the world’s first manually supervised ‘field-service robot’ for sharpening wavy or regular tillage blades on the Case IH True-Tandem 330 Turbo.”

“We introduced the 330 Turbo vertical tillage tool in 2007, with its patented low-concavity wavy blades,” Zemenchik adds. “Case IH field specialists soon recognized that we could further extend customer value if we could provide a sharpener for its wavy blades. We couldn’t find a sharpener anywhere in the world, so we invented our own.”

The patent-pending Robo-Sharpener system sharpens a Case IH Turbo blade in just a few minutes.… Continue reading

A new high-capacity, heavy-built tedder, which boasts an impressive tedding width of 49.2′ (15 m) – yet handling capabilities that rival much smaller models – is now available from Vermeer.

The new Vermeer® TE490 Tedder is “designed to meet the needs of high-acre hay producers who want to cover more acres, in fewer passes, in less time, with lower fuel costs,” says Phil Egging, Product Manager, Vermeer Forage Solutions.

“The TE490 is a prime example of smart design in a machine that combines high-capacity with exceptional handling and operator convenience. You can fold and unfold it quickly, transport it easily, cover lots of acres in a short timeframe and make adjustments without tools. It has all the advantages of a smaller tedder in a much larger package, allowing you to do more with fewer operators and less equipment,” Egging added.

Similar to its TE Series forerunners, the TE490 features specially coiled hook-style tines, which create unprecedented “bottoms-up” tedding action for more consistent dry down.… Continue reading