A Farm Equipment Staff Report

Farm Equipment editors emptied out the offices in January and February to hit the

three biggest trade shows in America: AG Connect (Orlando, Fla.), World Ag Expo (Tulare, Calif.) and the National Farm Machinery Show (Louisville, Ky.).

At each of the shows, Farm Equipment found the mood to be good among dealers, farm attendees and exhibitors alike, reiterating once again that agriculture continues to be one of the economy’s brightest areas.

As the following pages show, manufacturers’ new product innovations continue to focus on developments that provide greater productivity and return on investment.

On a mission to report back on the latest innovations for your dealerships, staff quickly learned that there were enough to fill every page of the magazine now in your hands. So the following pages represent only a sampling of the new products staff unearthed. You’ll find more in future editions of Farm Equipment and Rural Lifestyle Dealer.

TRACTORS

Compact tractor maker KIOTI unveiled a prototype of the Mechron, its first utility transport vehicle for work or recreational uses. With a 22-hp, 3-cylinder engine and 4WD, Ron Parrish says dealers can expect the Mechron to be available by mid-year. The UTV offers a 56-in.-wide dump bed and a 1,600-lb. payload capacity.

VERSATILE’S construction-grade Scraper Special dwarfed most of the other tractors seen at the winter shows. Introduced in January by Versatile, Mike Shrimpton and Jose Suazo say horsepower for the new model ranges between 435-485. It also features a heavy-duty axle, rotating beacon, standard tow cable and can be outfitted with a variety of hitches depending upon the application. Also on display was the company’s new mid-size MFWD tractor with a horsepower range of 190-220.

TYM TRACTORS showcased its new T723 cab units with power shuttle, which Verwere shown for the first time and available for shipment in March. According to Andy Robson, this new 74-hp unit replaces the previous T700 model and features a Perkins engine, 24 forward and 24 reverse speeds and independent PTO. Charley Mullett also had materials targeting dealers on 10 points on dealers should choose TYM, including its internal floor-planning (not third-party) and full dealer shop labor rate on warranty claims.

LS TRACTORS displayed everything from subcompact to heavy duty utility tractors. The P Series are its highest horsepower 4WD compact utility cab tractors with a 20 x 20 (with creeper) synchro-shuttle transmission to take on a variety of heavy-duty tasks required on medium-sized farms, hay operations and livestock ranches.

MAHINDRA showed its 4035 4WD tractor, with a 3-cyl., 40-hp engine and maximum lift capacity of 3,090 lb.

The tractor is easy to access and maintain, with a hood that opens vertically and side panels that come off in seconds with no tools, explains dealer Wes Hargis.

ZETOR introduced its Silver Series tractors, which range 93-107 hp and include the company’s first power shuttle transmissions. The 4WD tractors have 4-cyl., water-cooled, turbo-charged diesel engines and lifting force of 7,020 lb. Zetor looks to boost its presence after a rebuilding year in 2009. January was one of the best months in recent memory, says David Taylor.

KUBOTA exhibited its B33SU HST/loader package. The mid-mount gearbox has been removed, and the tractor caters to price-conscious consumers, says Don Barker. Kubota also showed its new SVL 75 track loader, available in May to selected dealers, and its MX5100 tractor with a 3-speed hydrostatic transmission.

BRANSON TRACTORS utilized the shows to discuss the new beginning at the firm after the joint venture talks with Montana Tractor were discontinued in February. With all staff wearing “Team Branson” jerseys, the exhibit stressed the new executive team of Young Nam (president) and the return of Glen Ezell (vice president sales and marketing). “We have the support of Kukje and they’re behind us in the commitment to grow the dealer base in North America,” says Ezell. On display was re-designed prototype of the 6640.

NEW HOLLAND showed its T7000 Auto Command Series of tractors, including the 7060 model on display at the NFMS in Louisville. The tractors feature a 4-range CVT transmission for fuel efficiency and ease of use, an ergonomic armrest, a roof panel and a large cab “with the best visibility in the industry,” Thomas Lano says. New Holland also showed its new Rustler utility vehicle and 55-hp Workmaster tractors that will be available this spring.

AGCO Corp. continues to push its new Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) diesel engines introduced last year. In addition to meeting air emission standards for NOx and particulate matter, the Challenger MT600C and Massey Fergusion 8600 engines (e3SCR) are showing significant improvement in fuel economy per Nebraska Tractor Test results. “The fuel efficiency test results validated and released by the Nebraska lab are a strong confirmation that the new technologies AGCO is incorporating into its high-horsepower diesel tractors are the right combination for meeting both the U.S. EPA emissions standards and growers’ needs for power and fuel efficiency,” says Jason Hoult of AGCO.

PLANTING

BRILLION FARM MACHINERY showcased its new FPS-6 Food Plot Seeder, which Mike Irish says got great attention. The unit, which fills a market void for compact tractor owners without a 3-point hitch, features a 72-in. working width, 2-5/8-bu. capacity seedbox, and numerous features for seed metering and placement for a variety of grass, legumes, small grains and blends. Also introduced was the firm’s 72-in. pasture overseeder, which was shown for the first time. Its 2-rotor design works efficiently and quickly and the unit closely follows the ground’s contour.

PRECISION PLANTING showcased its new CleanSweep system that allows-on-the-go adjustment of row cleaners from the cab. Dustin Blunier says it was designed to make the all-important residue level adjustment less tedious for an easier seedbed preparation process. Consisting of an air cylinder, line, air tank and compressor, the system fits Martin and Yetter row cleaners.

ENVIRONMENTAL TILLAGE SYSTEMS promoted its new SeedWarrior planter, which it says is the perfect complement to its SoilWarrior zone tillage unit. Owner Mark Bauer says the unit sets a new standard for in-field performance, durability, ease of operation and features an integrated seed and fertilizer distribution system.

YETTER MFG. CO. rolled out its new Firming Wheel, which complements spiked closing wheels by gently firming the seed zone and creating a more ideal seedbed. “This firming wheel helps press the soil lightly so that if you get a heavy rain, you don’t wash that area out with loose soil from drag chains,” says Derek Allensworth. “It does what the chain has done for years, but we’re just trying to firm that soil a little more.” The company says the unit helps prevent air pockets and results in even emergence.

KINZE’s exhibit focused on the 3800 24-row, forward folding and 3660 Twin-Line planters with Interplant option to plant in 30- or 15-in. rows. Both planters feature the Air Seed Delivery, says Laura Blomme, and Kinze is now the only planter manufacturer to offer a scale package as a factory option on these planters in 2010. “The Digi-Star scale option will provide corn, soybean and other row-crop producers with an important tool to improve planting efficiency and seed management.”

FERTILIZING APPLICATION

DAWN EQUIPMENT revealed its Model 6000 Anhydra Fertilizer Coulter, which the company says offers effective application of high rates of fertilizer, whether liquid, dry, manure or anhydrous ammonia. “We saw the need for a coulter-type application rather than a knife for minimal soil disturbance, yet with the ability to seal up to 200 units of nitrogen per acre on 60-in. centers with relatively low horsepower,” says Jim Bassett. The 6000 Anhydra provides adjustable depth control from 2-6 in. and an adjustable blade angle, allowing control of both row cleaning and closing systems. “In a high-residue system like no-till or strip-till, we can sidedress through a lot of residue and seal the ammonia,” he says, adding farmers can comfortably apply nitrogen at 8 mph with the system.

RICHWAY INDUSTRIES says growers can turn off 2-by-2 or pop-up fertilizer applications at the same time air or electric clutches shut off seed through its Nozzle Stop Pinch Valves. Savings can run up to $5/acre in 2-by-2 applications, says Richard Borglum. Air pressure at the control inlet completely collapses an internal rubber sleeve to provide immediate and complete shutoff, he says, adding the pinch valve concept used for fertilizer control is similar to the valves developed 25 years ago for floater sprayers.

TILLAGE

McFARLANE showcased its Reel Disk. According to Stan McFarlane, dealers are already placing orders for the fall program. “We’re hearing that it’s the best machine for the spring conditions, since there was little fall work in so many areas,” he says. “It offers one pass and plant-behind, which will be key this spring.”

GREAT PLAINS showcased its Turbo-Till, which Roy Applequist has seen great interest in this spring after the wet fall kept many farmers’ tillage tools idle. The system’s patented coulters slice through residue without “hair pinning” tough stalks and stems. “This tool is useful in almost every condition from wet, soggy spring ground that needs the surface broken to dry and warm to hard conditions that must be softened to allow planting equipment to penetrate,” adds Tom Evans. The firm also demonstrated its new Air-Pro metering system.

THURSTON/BLU-JET showed its new BT Conquest for the first time with a new solution for handling residuewith a. Nick Jensen says the unit is designed for a constant-level pull-through and has a number of features for efficient operation at less horsepower. Production has just commenced with a limited production available for the fall season, he says. The firm also displayed its new, on-the-farm assembly trailer. Arranged through the dealership, the service puts Blu-Jet-trained employees on the customer’s property to assure proper equipment setup.

The highlight of REMLINGER’s exhibit was the first showing of the Precision Farm Machinery line it acquired in early February. Roger Westbeld says there’s been great interest from dealers wanting access to more of the PFM lines, including rock pickers, skid-steer rock buckets, multi-purpose fork buckets, power ditchers, post/tree pullers, bale slicers and screening buckets. Remlinger also displayed its long-standing strip-till equipment.

CASE IH showed its 22-ft.-sized True Tandem 330 implement for the first time. According to officials, many farmers are looking at the unit to quickly level out their seedbeds after the wet harvest — especially those who didn’t get their traditional fall tillage completed. The exhibit also featured the Early Riser 1260 planter (with 20-in. rows) and steerable rear axle, Axial Flow 9210 combine with tracks (which farmers are eyeing after last fall’s rutting and compaction damage) and AFS precision technologies, with a demonstration on how automatic shutoff works.

With a late harvest and soggy conditions the 3-PT 42 Ditcher from HURRICANE DITCHER should see a lot of action this year. Designed to work in less-than-ideal conditions, the Ditcher has a working speed of 2-4 mph and a standard ripper tooth to loosen soil and debris for smoother machine operation.

KRAUSE used its display to highlight its new Gladiator precision strip-till system. Designed for tough GMO crops, precise fertilizer placement, and non-stop seedbed conditioning, Curt Davis says that interest has been outstanding since the announcement was made last September. “Because of a number of economic factors, not to mention environmental influences, growers are going to commit to the best farming system for getting their fertilizer in the ground,” he says, citing their view of the bullish growth curve for strip-till. He says the firm is looking at larger-size units and options for dry fertilizer as well. Also on display was the new 24/7 Dual Range Soil Conditioning Reel option for the firm’s 8200 and 8300 disc harrows.

WILCOX AGRI-PRODUCTS unveiled its new Wilcox Rip Tiller. Wade Wilcox and Michael Pieretti call it the newest tillage tool for flat planting. “We use it on our own farm,” says Wilcox. He says it’s especially designed for one-pass, pre-plant tillage operations. It was developed to maximize “ground zero” ripping and impact aerates to improve water and nutrient uptake. According to Wilcox, design of the unit also reduces the tractor horsepower needed by as much as 25%.

TILL-TECH SYSTEMS introduced the Twister, which is ideal for sizing tough Bt corn stalk residue while providing several coulter options for minimum to maximum soil disturbance.“The spring pressure force we emit is the industry’s highest at 3,000 combined spring pressure and 1,500 per disc,” says Don Blaney. “As field conditions change, this machine permits adjustment on the go. It penetrates the hardest, toughest soil and trash will flow through the two gangs.” The company also has added the Zipper manure injector for draglines. Using a 13-wave coulter design on the front bar at 12-in. spacings opens the soil in a “V” configuration for complete injection of manure. The trailing blade on the second bar closes the soil, similar to the opening and closing of a zipper.

TG SCHMEISER displayed its newest SFS Series precision finish scraper. It can utilize both GPS and laser capabilities to provide a perfectly level surface or to follow necessary contours. According to Andrew Cummings, the new scraper is available in 14-, 16- and 18-ft. widths and has an adjustable hitch height assuring a straight pull. It has a 42-in. bucket height and perfect hitch with hole adjustment.

UNVERFERTH unveiled its new Clear Cut Coulter System option for the company’s Ripper Stripper strip-till tool. The system “gets debris away from the seed bed in heavier residue,” says Jerry Ecklund. Featuring a 20-in. rippled blade with 1,500 lb. of down force and dual trailing row cleaners, the Clear Cut system should be available in late 2010. Unverferth also exhibited its Rolling Reel Leveler with beveled-edge blades, and its new Pull-Type Tubular Conveyors for seed/grain. The conveyors, available this spring, have 2-in. vulcanized cleats and come in lengths of 19, 25, 30 and 35 ft.

HAY & FORAGE

CLAAS showed its new Orbis 900 Series Jaguar headers. At 12 rows, the headers can cover 30 ft. of corn, milo and forage sorghum in a single pass. With a uniquely engineered V-shaped crop flow, the header can process 400 tons of corn/hr. and is made for large custom operators who want to maximize the capacity of their high-horsepower forage harvesters, says Adam Danzinger.

KUHNS HAY ACCUMULATORS’ newest release is the Grabber with twine wrapper. The wrapper places and ties a twine around each group of bales and is great for groups of bales that may be moved or loaded/unloaded multiple times. Glendon Kuhns says it’s particularly useful when bales are stacked freestanding.

OXBO featured its Model 334 hay mergers. According to Doug Ahrens, the 34-ft. unit is capable of merging up to 78 ft. of alfalfa into a windrow big enough to keep the largest forage harvesters running at full speed. You’ll need a 150-hp tractor to get the most out this new unit. It also features steerable rear wheels and folds down to 10-ft. wide for road transport. It utilizes rubber tines and a center cam drive as well as a hydraulic float system that follows the contour of the ground for a smoother operation.

NIKKEL IRON WORKS focused on the all-new Darf spring/rod system that replaces the traditional springs and chains on Darf overhead rakes. According to David Van Vleet, the spring/rod feature makes it easy for the operator to adjust the rake, extends tooth life and is easier to maintain than earlier models.

On display at DURABILT, which was acquired by ACI in November 2008, was the new HC-3000 series high clearance rake. Brad Stout says the key features of the rake are its ease of adjustability and a kicker wheel in the back for a more consistent windrow.

Exhibiting for the first time under new ownership, BUSH HOG announced the “product preview” of its new hay-tool line.

“Bush Hog had not had hay tools before,” says Tom Taylor. “Units will be available at mid-year.”

MOWING & SHREDDING

BEFCO exhibited its D90 Series Flail Shredder, which comes in 60-, 72- and 88-in. widths. The unit features heavier hammer blades that are ideal for orchards, says Francesco Figna. The shredder has a standard hydraulic cylinder with dual-action remotes that lets operators offset the unit up to 16 in. The firm also showed its new 106-203 Series spreaders with 362 lb.-capacity poly hoppers and sealed heavy-duty gearboxes with metal gears.

HINIKER showcased its 6500 series flail windrowers that shred and windrow corn stalks in one pass. Customers that have shown interet, says Wayne Buck, are cattle-feeders looking to blend stalks with distiller’s grain, biomass firms preference for cellulosic ethanol and narrow-row, strip-till corn that is creating an abundance of residue. Buck is encouraging people to look into the Farm Service Agency programs, which include a match of up to $45/ton on bales delivered to approved facilities. Hiniker also displayed its strip-till units as well as a concept attachment on which it was seeking feedback.

ALAMO/RHINO showcased its new T12 Stealth flex-wing rotary cutters, designed for tractors of 35-50 PTO hp. According to Greg Pollock, key features include a low tongue weight, 12-ft. cutting width and smooth deck for easy cleaning, and unobstructed underside for maximum airflow and cutting. The firm also showcased its new three-unit series of boom flail mowers, which contain a simple cutter bar design to a handle a wide array of applications.

LAND PRIDE unveiled 13 new products, including its rear series blade, drag scrapers, rotary tillers, core aerators, pasture aerator, rotary cutters and zero-turn mowers.

The BUSH-WHACKER Single Spindle Mowers from Hall Manufacturing are available in sizes ranging from 5-20 ft. These smooth top rotary cutters have a 10-gauge lower deck and a 12 gauge upper deck with blades that are 0.05-4 in.

PRECISION FARMING

RAVEN’s new Slingshot created a lot of buzz among those looking at GPS and precision ag technologies at the shows. “We’re getting RTK to the field with a cell phone network,” says Paul Welbig of Raven Industries. Slingshot offers sub-inch accuracy to customers within 30 miles of the dealership. Ryan Molitor adds that robust and intuitive online tools allow data to be only a click away on any Internet-connected computer. Welbig says the firm is actively seeking dealers.

HEMISPHERE GPS’ newest entry is its new eDriveX hydraulic auto-steer system and Outback A220 smart GPS antenna. These new products take the company’s auto-steering systems to a new level of precision, according to Jeff Farrar. The new eDriveX opens up wider range of applications including nutrient placement, strip-tilling and bedding that require centimeter-level accuracy. The system operates from 1-25 mph and features six-axis inertial compensation and integrated wheel angle sensing, and has proportional hydraulics for precise control and line acquisition.

The main highlight of TRIMBLE’s presence, says Courtney Gaudet, was its Field-IQ system to control individual rows or sections, manage seed overlap at point rows and headlands and vary the application of seed, granular or liquid fertilizers. Also highlighted were VRS (cellular-based RTK) coverage in 7 states, combine yield monitor capabilities on the FmX, implement guidance and steering and EZ-Office and Farm Works software allowing a true Trimble-connected farm a reality with seamless wireless data transfer.

AG LEADER demonstrated its SureVac electric row shutoff for John Deere Pro-Series XP row units that provide row-by-row seed flow control. According to company officials, the row-by-row control device provides an easily-installed (less than 5 minutes per row), zero-maintenance solution to reduce seed costs and increase yield potential. Also promoted was the firm’s Integra guidance displays.

TEEJET TECHNOLOGIES introduced its Matrix Guidance system with RealView Guidance over Video, which allows simultaneous guidance information and video display. “The camera integrated into the system allows you to project forward from the cab and then lay your guidelines onto that video image to see what your real-view guidance is like,” says Jim Shone. “That video image gives you a perspective of where you need to be in relation to the rows, where you can’t get that out of an animated view.” The entry-level system can be expanded to include FieldPilot assisted steering, BoomPilot automatic boom-section control and more features.

DICKEY-JOHN unveiled its new Auto Section Control system with automatic row shutoff that reduces planting overlap and eliminates seed waste. The system has a dedicated terminal that displays field-coverage maps for a real-time view of as-covered area. On a larger screen, the operator can watch planted populations to get two views of the most important items to monitor. “The system can work up to 24 sections, either by grouping 3 rows together or by individual rows,” says Pat Fuchs. Plans include implementing auto-section control to be used with sprayers for nozzle shutoff and with anhydrous ammonia for individual knife control.

The Row Check system from LOUP ELECTRONICS uses sensors that monitor each row to ensure planter clutches are working properly and turning off when prompted. “Row Check is a simple, low-cost way to actually monitor the metering shafts themselves and determine whether or not the controller is actually turning these rows on or off,” says Jesse Farmer.

Newly released ParaDyme from AUTOFARM provides hands-free steering of tractors, sprayers, spreaders or combines with the accuracy and repeatability of Logic7D technology. The company says ParaDyme is the only system that knows both position and heading even when not moving, and has the ability to track, roll, pitch and yaw at all times. The dual-antenna system provides GPS accuracy using corrections via WAAS, Egnos, OmniStar HP/XP and RTK, as is also Glonass-ready.

VERIS TECHNOLOGIES’ Soil Color Sensor measures levels of soil organic matter — soils high in organic matter appear darker in color maps — to help growers identify soil productivity potential. Mounted within a specially configured planter row unit, it’s combined with Soil EC sensing on the Mobile Sensor Platform, so variations of soil texture and soil organic matter are mapped at once, allowing growers to set yield goals and vary plant populations.

KVERNELAND calls its all-new IsoMatch Tellus the next generation universal ISOBUS terminal. It provides 2 ISOBUS interfaces, or machine screens, in 1 terminal without constantly toggling between screens. A proprietary function of the new unit is an ISOBUS Stop Button, which when pressed, sends a message to all the connected implements. It also features firm grip accurate control in combination with easily accessible digital touch screen soft keys that make physical soft key buttons out of date.

SPRAYING

MILLER showcased its Nitro, N2XP and Condor self-propelled sprayers. The Condor G Series earned an AE50 Outstanding Innovation from ASABE, says Tim Criddle, recognizing the machine as one of the top 50 new ag innovations in 2009.

VERSATILE’s exhibit marked the firm’s entry into the self-propelled sprayer market, as it unveiled the SX275 Self-Propelled Sprayer. The unit is the re-launch of the Redball unit that Buhler acquired the rights to last year and featured a two-wheel mechanical drive system, 275-hp Cummins engine, C-channel frame and Pro-Action flex boom. The firm also highlighted its Versatile Precision Ag System (V-PAS), which provides greater accuracy and efficiency to a variety of operations as well as the ability to move systems from one piece of equipment to another.

JOHN DEERE rolled out its new 30 Series Sprayers and showed off the 165-hp 4630 model, which allows operators to spray 60-100 acres/hr. with an 80-ft. boom, at spraying speeds up to 15 mph. Air-ride suspension delivers more comfort and a more uniform spray pattern. The 4630 can be integrated with GreenStar precision products like Swath Control Pro, AutoTrac and the SprayStar rate-control system. The company says the 600-gal. tank offers less total weight and an optimum split, plus more maneuverability.

CDS-John Blue introduced its new VisaGage II visual flow monitor system for monitoring flow rates of liquid fertilizers and herbicides. According to Diana Kuhl Stubbs, operators can know that it’s working at a glance. “You know immediately if an outlet is plugged, which can cause variations in the application rate,” she says. If the ball in the gage is lower, it indicates that there’s a restriction at the outlet, hose or opener that is supplied by that flow monitor. When the ball is higher than the others, it’s an indication that hoses or fittings are broken or are leaking.

PBM SUPPLY & MANUFACTURING displayed a wide range of sprayers — from self-propelled units to tank trailers — for nearly any spray application you can imagine — from spraying roadsides to lawns and trees. Particularly prominent at their exhibit were units that can be towed by ATVs and UTVs.

Denny Stahl says the GVM 9275 Prowler offers row-crop tires to help it operate in the post-season and extend the machine’s use into summer months. It has a lightweight design and equal-weight distribution that allow it to stay on top of the ground even in the wettest conditions.

GREENLEAF TECHNOLOGIES revealed the TurboDrop Variable Rate Nozzle that’s designed to provide a wider flow range, whether for crop protection products or fertilizer. The fertilizer nozzle model can be operated from 20-140 psi, allowing a 4X rate change at any given speed. It uses a 6-hole streaming fertilizer tip to minimize potential leaf burn while maximizing fertilizer distribution.

LIVESTOCK/MANURE
 

JAY LOR showed its new Dinamica Generale Stad4 microcomputer scale system for feed mixers, which is more reliable than previous setups and includes more options for operators, says Jamie Vasa. The scale, made in Italy, offers good visibility in all weather conditions and includes 10 load/unload programs. The user can set the configuration parameters.

DIGI-STAR showed its new NT460 Nutrient Tracker for manure management. The device provides actual manure application information from spreaders, allowing farmers to protect themselves with verification of their nutrient management plan. “The larger producers want to document what they’re spreading,” says Kevin Klubertanz. The firm also exhibited its new Grain Tracker kits for Deere and Case IH planters.

PATZ displayed its Ozy manure treatment system, which uses patented electrical pulse technology to treat liquid manure and reduce pathogens and odor, as well as manage nutrient concentration. The unit comes in trailered or stationary models. John Hoffner says the initial reason for developing the machine was for odor control in lagoons, but dairy farmers are noticing fewer cases of mastitis in cows on farms where the machine is being used.

ART’S WAY showcased its new Roda V-140 spreader from its acquisition of Roda Mfg. Standard features on the unit include vertical beaters, poly-lined floor, 667X apron chain, single worm gear drive and single axle.

NUHN exhibited its no-till manure injector with Dietrich shanks. The injector is meant to handle fields where trash is being left at the surface. “It can cut through the corn stalks and incorporate manure in the 4-6 in. depth range, and it has auto reset,” says Ken Prince. “It’s excellent for no-till operations.”

BALZER INC. introduced its new manure/strip-till unit that allows crop producers to place finishing hog manure at proper agronomic levels right where they want it. Combined with RTK or a similar guidance system and Balzer’s Rite-Rate Control System, it allows producers to fully utilize animal waste economically and as an environmentally friendly source of plant nutrients, says Mark Van Hyfte.

Mark Phillips of KUHN NORTH AMERICA says 2010 will be a “big year” for the company as it will introduce 86 new product models. Coming this summer is the new Vertical Maxx commercial twin-auger TMR mixers. Developed for dairy and beef producers who feed around the clock, these units have been designed with commercial-grade components that wear less over time. The VTC series are available with single- or tandem-axle trailer as well as a truck-mount option in sizes ranging from 800-1,100 cu. ft. The drive system consists of a 2-speed splitter gearbox, two planetary gearboxes and two torque-disconnect PTOs that provide independent protection for each planetary.

DURATECH’S newest addition to its Haybuster line is the H-1130 tub grinder designed for “big operators,” says Al Goehring. The Big Bite 50-in. heavy-duty hammermill is now standard equipment and has been moved to the rear of the tub to reduce the length of the belly discharge and accelerate product removal. The hammermill operates at 2,300 rpm, or 40% faster than previous models and can handle round or big square bales and loose hay. It also has 40% more discharge space under the screen area for more volume. The drive system is rated from 200-315 hp.

HARVEST & GRAIN HANDLING

VERMEER showed its CCX770 cob harvester to take advantage of the growing market for ethanol production. After offering only rental opportunities in 2009, Jay Van Roekel says the company learned growers wanted to purchase the units, and thus have created retail opportunities for a limited number of dealerships. “Our unit doesn’t ask the combine to do anything more,” he says, noting that a Class 7 combine is required for the machine. “It has a separate engine, separate hydraulics. It’s a plug-in-play; the combine simply needs to tow it.”

Once again providing unique demonstrations from their exhibit, CALMER CORN HEADS showed in operation its BT Crusher trash reduction kits that allow quicker harvesting with less trash intake, less grain loss and less horsepower.

Also covered through a visual display was narrow-row corn as well as data from Calmer’s research farm.

KOYKER made big news with its entry into the grain bagging equipment market. With its experience in grain storage through its parent Sioux Steel, the firm was well positioned to enter the growing grain bag market, which represents a diversification from its loader and attachment business, says Scott Luden. “The Model 1050 grain bagger has the largest auger on the market while also providing an ultra high flow rate,” says Luden. Manufactured in South Dakota, the grain bagger is ready for shipment now, with a grain unloader to be released for the fall season. The firm also displayed the Round Bale Transport 7000.

“We’ve given Case dealers an option that makes them more competitive,” says HILLCO TECHNOLOGIES’ Polley McLeod of the company’s new sidehill leveling system for Case IH combines. According to Stacey Lorentz of Hillco, the new leveling system virtually eliminates hillside grain loss. It compensates for slopes up to 18% with fully automatic variable-speed leveling. It also provides for fully automatic header height and lateral tilt control. Header adapters are available for both early and late series headers.

RICHIGER’s new EA-350 Gain Bag Unloader debuted from the Show-Me Shortline exhibit. According to Chris Finck, the new unit offers an average dry corn unloading capacity of 12,500 bu./hr., a sizeable increase from its 10,000-capacity predecessor. In addition to the capacity increase, says Finck, a patent-pending design to increase grain flow allows the capacity increase with a reduced energy requirement, as a 60-hp or lower tractor can do the job.

WORTHINGTON AG PARTS’ display was used to debut the Capello corn head, which the firm is now distributing in the U.S.

According to Mike Winter, the Italian-based Capello, which has manufactured corn heads for 50 years, originally designed the unit with the stalk chopper in mind, vs. rival units that added it as an accessory later.

TELEHANDLERS

DEGELMAN, the exclusive distributor of Italian-based Dieci in Canada and the U.S., displayed a telehandler at their exhibit. The firm offers 14 fixed-arm and rotational body telehandlers, says Sheldon Mohr. In addition, Degelman manufacturers an array of attachments for the units, which can accommodate virtually any type of skid-steer attachment. Also prominently displayed was the firm’s landrollers.

JCB showed its new 515-40 telescopic handler, which Ray Bingley says is the most compact and maneuverable telescopic handler model ever produced by the company. Featuring an innovative single-spine mainframe design, the unit is under 6 ft. in. height, making it perfect for use in confined areas that previously could only be accessed by skid-steers.

MANITOU exhibited its TMP55 Poultry Series truck-mounted forklift, with a lift capacity of 5,500 lb. and lift height of 124 in. Made in Waco, Texas, and already available to dealers, the forklift is meant to lift cages in and out of chicken houses quickly and efficiently. “It’s designed for the bigger poultry farms,” says Andy Gray. The company also showed its MSI 30 Tier III-compliant forklift, which will soon be built in the U.S. instead of France.

TIRES & TRACKS

CAMOPLAST introduced its new mid-roller for Challenger’s row-crop 35-55 and tillage 65-95 series trackEDractors. According to Richard Paquette, the company’s newest line of mid-rollers feature the latest production rubber compounds, increased width for improved track and wheel life and the industry’s best 2-year or 2,000-hour wheel warranty.

FIRESTONE “rolled out” its newest brand of agricultural tire — the AD2. Tom Rodgers says it stands for Advanced Deflection Design. He says the AD2 technology allows tire sidewalls increased flexibility while maintaining durability, giving farmers the option to carry heavier loads than standard radials — up to 20% heavier — or reduce inflation pressures to minimize soil compaction.

The newest TRELLEBORG tires for agriculture — the TM900 and TM800 — feature a unique design that allows them shed mud quickly, preventing the build-up that can occur with other farm tires. “These tires are capable of handling speeds up to 40 mph in most sizes,” says Jeff Jankowski. “The scalloped design breaks the suction of most ag tires that cause mud to stick.” The TM900 radials were co-designed with the major ag equipment manufacturers for 200-360 hp tractors, while the TM800 was developed for tractors up to 260 hp. The radial design helps reduce soil compaction while providing a comfortable ride for the operator.

MULTI-SEAL is an air lock tire technology firm now recruiting equipment dealers. Kelly Marbach provided information on how dealerships can start selling tire sealant (repairing up 95% of all punctures up to 0.05 in. diameter for the life of the tire) and net $28,000 annual from their parts and service counter. The exhibit included testimonials from Texas dealerships such as Landsdowne-Moody, Lashley Tractor Sales and Ewald Tractor Inc.

A liquid tire ballasting system, RIM GUARD, is an environmentally safe material that can replace rust-causing calcium chloride, says Phil Globig. “Last year, we shipped 1.2 million gallons.”Globig is actively seeking more dealers for the product.

Farm Equipment editors also uncovered a number of new products at the shows that dealers can offer to their rural lifestyle, lawn and landscape customers. For the newest products in these areas, visit www.rurallifestyledealer.com.