IRON Solutions of Fenton, Mo., honored the top tractor and combine models in the U.S. that held their value over time with the first-annual 2009 Official Guide Highest Residual Value Awards at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill.

Manufacturers of tractors and combines that have proven to hold the highest re-sale cash value in the market over time and use were recognized.

"The word 'residual' relative to this award is defined as the value that is left after a period of time and use in the field, and we are proud of the accomplishments of these manufacturers and models in having the highest residual value in the market after three years of service when compared to the original selling price," says Dallas Blome, Official Guide editor.

Of about 4,400 tractor and combine models tracked annually by IRON Solutions, more than 400 2006 models were analyzed for the 2009 awards. The awards are based on more than $3 billion in annual equipment sales transactions received from the industry and analyzed by IRON Solutions.

The winners for the 2009 Highest Residual Value Awards are:

• Combines — Class 5: John Deere 9560 STS; Class 6: John Deere 9660 STS; Class 7: John Deere 9760 STS; Class 8: New Holland CR970; Class 9: Lexion 590R.

• Tractors — Compacts: John Deere 5103; Utility: John Deere 5205; Small Row Crop (100-139 horsepower): New Holland TS130A Standard Cab; Mid-Size Row Crop (140-179 horsepower): Fendt 818; Large Row Crop (180+ horsepower): John Deere 8130; Track Units: Challenger MT8358; Four Wheel Drive: Case IH STX380.

"Because the Official Guide Highest Residual Value Awards are based on real transactions reported to our guides-reporting program, they accurately reflect what is happening in the market," says Scott Derksen, chief information officer for IRON Solutions.

"Unlike other valuation resources in the industry that merely report high-low-average prices of a model listed for sale — and do not take into consideration other critical differentiators in residual value like equipment options, machine condition, and model year — IRON Solutions receives highly detailed equipment sales transaction reports from equipment dealers, auctions, and private sellers across North America every day. Our expert team of analysts reviews each and every one to provide the most accurate values in the industry."