One man, one machine … one industry. Regardless of whether you’re picking cotton or stripping it, non-stop harvesting is now industry-wide thanks to the all-new CS690 Cotton Stripper and the improved CP690 Cotton Picker, our replacement for the original non-stop harvester, the revolutionary 7760. First of its kind in stripper cotton country, the CS690 features 530 peak horsepower, a powerful cleaner offering 1,000-plus pounds-a-minute of rated throughput, and 10-percent more air system capacity versus its cotton stripper predecessor. Even better we’ve taken the baskets, boll buggies, tarps and more out of your operation, as well. We didn’t forget about owners of our original non-stop harvesting system. The upgraded CP690 raises the 7760’s harvest speed by five percent. Plus, we added a new CommandCenter touchscreen display for easier operation. Add in a new anti-slip regulation to give you superior traction control. Not to be missed, the CP690 showcases six-percent more horsepower to give you 590 hp at peak performance. The CP690 and CS690: fuel, labor, and machine savings that are unrivaled in the market – for the entire market.

Take into account the savings

Take a look in your machine shed. Now take a look at your ledger. Trying to find an area to help reduce some costs? Try this on for size: let’s nix those boll buggies, get rid of the module builders, and maybe sell off a couple of those tractors – or at the very least cut down on some machine hours. How’s that ledger looking now? Well, there’s more.

Let’s cut your labor force down to a mere fraction, lower your insurance premiums, and keep a ton of leftover fuel at the pump. Now check the ledger once more. Looking better? Good. Let’s keep going.

With the ability to harvest more efficiently in adverse conditions, such as high winds, you can get the crop out of the field in the optimal window more quickly and easily, allowing you to maintain the lint quality you demand. As we all know, higher lint quality means higher profits. There’s also less cotton loss in the field due to transfers from your basket machine to the boll buggy. And we’ve reduced transport loss to the gin yard, as well as loss from bad weather.

So when you take all these savings into account, John Deere Cotton Harvesters truly help put the ‘edge’ in your ledger.

When we say the CP690 is the ‘most powerful,’ we’re not kidding. You won’t find another cotton picker in the world sporting 590 peak horsepower – 560 hp nominal with 30 hp boost – that’s strong enough to get you through the toughest harvesting conditions, and then some. Best of all, it’s packed into a new 13.5L Tier 4 John Deere PowerTech™ PSS engine … an engine that’s as easy on your harvesting system as it is on the eco-system.

Add to that the fact that with the CP690 we’ve raised sync-speed harvest to 4.4 mph and bumped up scrapping speed to 5.3 mph. So with all this extra speed, you’ll still yield four bales an acre, yet finish sooner. If that’s not a win-win, then what is?

• Improved non-stop round module harvesting with 4.4 mph max row unit sync speed
• 13.5L Tier 4 engine with 590 peak horsepower
• Next generation ProDrive™ with anti-slip regulation
• New Premium LED lighting package

The soybean planting season and growing region have been extended thanks to researchers at Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center.

The Agustina soybean cultivar was developed and released by soybean breeders Benjamin Fallen and Emerson Shipe. Fallen said this cultivar possesses the long juvenile (LJ) trait which gives it the ability to produce high yields even when days get shorter and daylight hours are fewer. The LJ trait also allows the Agustina soybean to be grown in regions not suited for most existing soybean cultivars.

“The United States and Brazil are the largest soybean producers,” Fallen said. “Most of the time, when a new soybean cultivar is developed, it is adapted for specific regions in these countries.”

Most soybeans grown in Brazil are found in areas from latitude 10 degrees south to 25 degrees south, or from Mato Grosso to Parana. Most soybean varieties in the U.S. grow in areas between latitudes 35 and 45 degrees north, or from Arkansas to Minnesota. Fallen said Agustina is more adapted and performs best in regions from latitudes 22 to 29 degrees north, which means this line offers a much-needed resource for this region.

Agustina was tested in Tampico, Mexico, which is farther south than 34 degrees north latitude. The first year, this cultivar was the highest-yielding soybean line tested. It was the second highest-yielding the second year, proving the Agustina cultivar can grow in regions outside normal soybean growing regions.

Agustina also is resistant to soybean cyst nematodes, the primary pest of soybeans. Soybean cyst nematodes are small plant-parasitic roundworms that attack roots of soybeans. Management is difficult because of the length of its biological cycle, frequent changes in population virulence and ease of spread via infested soil. Effective management relies on crop rotation in combination with resistant cultivars.

“Agustina has excellent resistance to soybean cyst nematode HG type 2.5.7 (race 1) and HG type 0 (race 3),” Fallen said. “It also has moderate resistance to HG type 2.5.7 (race 5).”

Agustina seed will be sold commercially in both the United States and Mexico. The first year it will be commercial available is the spring of 2018. DBM Farms, located in south Texas, is the company that licensed the variety.

Soybeans typically are planted in South Carolina from May 10 to July 11 and harvested from Oct. 20 to Dec. 30. Top-producing counties are Clarendon, Dillon, Darlington, Florence, Lee, Horry and Williamsburg.

In 2016, in acreage planted, soybean was listed as the No. 1 row crop in South Carolina. Figures from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service shows a total of 405,000 acres of soybeans were harvested in South Carolina in 2016.

Soybean production for the total U.S. was up in 2016. According to the USDA, soybean production for 2016 totaled a record 4.31 billion bushels, up 10 percent from 2015. October 2017 figures from the USDA show sown soybean acreage for 2017-2018 is estimated up 694,000 acres to a record 90.2 million acres. Even with the higher acreage, USDA’s October Crop Production report shaved the U.S. soybean production forecast for 2017-2018 by 422,000 bushels to 4.431 billion. Forecast yields of soybeans for 2017-2018 are seen lower at 49.5 bushels per acre from 49.9 bushels in September.

(Source – http://www.farms.com/news/clemson-releases-new-soybean-cultivar-that-extends-planting-season-and-growing-region-128929.aspx)

For much of 2017, tractor and tractor-related equipment sales mirrored that of 2016. The 4th quarter of 2017 is where gains began to be made with December posting near hockey stick curve increases. Extrapolating those gains into predictions for 2018 is best left to economists who can stand behind their charts and graphs for defense, so we’re going to stick to what we know and what looks promising.

Taxes

The U.S. House and Senate passed a landmark tax reform bill that may or may not appeal to every Tractor.com reader, but includes several farm-related components that should improve bottom lines and lead to increased equipment sales. Disclaimer: consultation with your individual or corporate tax professional is highly recommended.

Over 90% of farms file their taxes through the individual code. Individual rates in most W-2 earner brackets have modest reductions with increased thresholds. This should help bottom lines. Standard deductions increase to $12,000 for single and $24,000 for joint filers. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) remains for individuals, but exempted amounts are increased and indexed for inflation. State and Local Tax (SALT) deductibility is limited to $10,000 annually. Charitable contributions remain deductible and capital gains rates are basically unchanged. The home mortgage deduction is capped at $750,000 for one home.

The tax reform bill included a bonus depreciation component allowing farmers to expense all monies spent in one year instead of being spread out. This component allows 100% depreciation of purchases from the end of September 2017 all the way to 2022. Like the component but don’t like the five-year cap? Don’t wait to start contacting your farm co-op representatives and legislators.

Section 179 of the bill allows for immediate write-off of capital expenses up to $1MM and doesn’t fully phase out until $2.5MM. Farm machinery depreciation time is reduced from seven years to five years. The pass-through component is a little complicated but good news for small businesses, which most farms are. The new tax law provides for a flat 21% tax rate for corporations. Without other changes, this would have proved problematic – companies taxed at a lower rate than the individual wouldn’t work – so Congress’ solution is to allow business income that passes through to an individual from a pass-through entity and income attributable to a sole proprietorship to be taxed at the individual rate less a deduction of up to 20%. There are limits and restrictions, so check with your tax professional.

Two other changes to the tax code are also worth noting: like-kind exchanges are still allowed so land for land exchanges remain tax-free, but equipment trade-ins are no longer. And, for those operating under a C-Corp structure, a change to a S-Corp may be advisable, as the new law contains a 6% increase from 15% to 21% (the new flat corporate rate).

So, were the increases in equipment purchases at the end of 2017 precipitated by expectations of tax relief or just due to improving economic conditions or at least expectations? We can’t really say. However, there does seem to be a brewing optimism that we hope will carry over into 2018 and beyond. Stay tuned.

Trends

With corn prices close to break-even point despite the overall economy, equipment purchases such as seen in 2013/2014 where more than 10,000 combines were sold aren’t likely to be reached. Soybean farms look to be more profitable, but it’s uncertain if that will lead to increased purchases.

The under 40 horsepower segment over the last decade has generated some 50% of the overall sales and has continued to show strong growth as opposed to high horsepower tractors. Purchasers of this class include homeowners, hobby farmers, municipalities, landscapers, and rural lifestylers. This segment averages less than a hundred machine hours annually and is more likely to trade-in their machinery and more frequently than full-time farmers. Experts predict this segment to increase to where it encompasses 65% of overall sales in 2018, climbing to over 150,000 purchases.

The next segment generally is known as the 40 to 100 horsepower marketplace, but is more like a split segment with 40 to 60 horsepower purchasers sharing many of the same profiles as that of the under 40 horsepower segment. This horsepower range is likely to see good growth. Sixty to 100 horsepower tractors, though, are in the segment where market conditions determine how and why monies are spent. With the current conditions and crop price expectations for 2018, this segment is likely to see flat sales volume. Experts are predicting 57,000 units to be sold from the overall segment.

Methane Powered Tractors Are Coming

Rounding out the tractor sales segments are 100+ horsepower 2WD, 100+ horsepower 4WD machines, and combines. Sales for all are largely at the mercy of the U.S. agricultural economy. Flat farm commodity prices combined with a tightening credit market should put downward pressure on sales. The possible exception might be the larger 4WD tractors which are typically used by the largest and most profitable farms. Here there may prove to be growth. Experts are predicting total segment sales to be less than 20,000 units. Combines, which we pointed out above saw stellar sales in the 2013/2014 timeframe, are also at the mercy of commodity prices. Expert sales predictions come in under 4,000 units.

News

Agritechnica 2017 awarded two gold and 29 silver medals by journalists representing 23 countries. Twenty-two tractors from 15 brands competed under intense testing and under the eyes of 24 judges. Best Utility award went to McCormick for its X6.440 VT-Drive tractor. Best of Specialized went to Fendt for its 211 Vario V tractor. Tractor of the Year went to Valtra for its Versu T 254 Smart Touch tractor.

Autonomous tractors continue to be of interest with all the major brands experimenting with concept vehicles. When fully autonomous truly begin to displace operator-driven farm equipment is anyone’s guess, but we were surprised to learn some 300,000 tractors with autosteer guidance systems and capabilities similar to the kind SmartAg is currently taking a limited number of orders for were sold in 2017. SmartAg calls its system AutoCart. In successful harvest testing, the system showed its capabilities by having an operator-driven combine call for a tractor-pulled grain cart to run alongside and capture the grain, then when full, drive back to unload into a waiting truck. The tractor-pulled grain cart operated fully autonomously. Predictions of 660,000 like units to be sold by 2027 are definitely an eye-opener.

Where does this leave a potential equipment purchaser? First, talking to their tax professional to make sure the most tax-enhanced strategies are utilized. Second, looking for deals. Those may be harder to come by in the under 40 horsepower segment, but should abound in the larger, more expensive segments. It may very well be a good time to capitalize on opportunities presented by a buyer’s market.

At a recent open house in Morton, Illinois, 360 Yield Center highlighted six products it’s testing and hopes to eventually sell to farmers. The young company is already well known for 360 Y-DROP, released in 2014, and 360 YIELD SAVER, which was made available to farmers in 2017.

Farmer and founder Gregg Sauder opened the evening event by explaining his motivation to keep delivering innovative products. “How are we going to lower inputs and raise yields? That is my passion,” Sauder said.

Growers from around the Midwest gathered at the company’s headquarters to see and touch the newest ag technology from 360 Yield Center.

360 DASH

One of 360 Yield Center’s newest products, 360 DASH delivers precise placement of starter fertilizer and other in-furrow products. Instead of a steady stream of fertilizer, as the name implies, 360 DASH deposits just a dash of chemical right on the seed. By eliminating wasted product between seeds, farmers will be able to cut their starter costs by over 50%.

Attached to the planter, 360 DASH will begin alpha testing in the spring of 2018. The technology is projected to be available to farmers in the spring of 2019.

360 SPRINT

Another 360 Yield Center product will begin alpha testing in the spring of 2018. 360 SPRINT allows a second operator on a John Deere Gator to refill a planter with liquid nitrogen fertilizer on the go.

Because the planter is not stopping every 20 to 30 acres for refils, Gregg Sauder said farmers will see 30% more productivity out of their planters. By his calculations, each pit stop at the edge of the field costs 12 minutes of planting time. If a farmer makes 10 stops a day, that’s two hours of wasted time – time better spent planting up to 90 acres.

360 SPRINT also enables farmers to run with lighter loads in the planter, reducing center weight compaction.

360 TANKS

Limited production of 360 TANKS is scheduled to begin spring 2018. These 700-gallon tractor-mounted liquid nitrogen tanks offer weight balance and capacity to select models of John Deere 8000R series tractors.

The tanks are designed with a low-profile to allow superior front and side visibility. The tractor’s side panels are still accessible for servicing when equipped with 360 TANKS.

The unique shape of the tanks, supported by a steel frame, provides compaction minimizing weight distribution without increasing transport width. The frame is a modular design to simplify shipping and installation. Compared to midmount tank options, the 360 TANKS mounted on the front of the tractor may offer greater accessibility.

Baffles, sumps, and rinse ports are built into the tank. An optional pump kit that includes a hydraulic pump, hoses, and pump mount is also available.

360 BANDIT

The company also plans to release limited production of 360 BANDIT spring 2018. This new solution from 360 Yield is designed to allow farmers to band nitrogen with their planter without disrupting other important planter functions. 360 BANDIT is attached to the planter, but separate from closing and depth control systems.

The attachment deposits nitrogen 1 inch below the soil surface, on both sides of the row, and 3 inches from the seed.

With the ability to work in a diverse range of soil conditions, including no-till and cover crops, the tool has application across the Corn Belt. At this time, 360 BANDIT can be used with John Deere row units, including high-speed systems. 360 Yield Center engineers continue to work on a product compatible with other planter makes and models.

360 GUIDE

A third product, 360 GUIDE is scheduled for limited production in the spring of 2018. The new solution is a guided steering system for self-propelled applicators designed to make steering in tall crops easier.

The guidance system that comes standard in applicator machines is designed to work best in bare ground and good A-B line situations. After quick installation, 360 Yield Center’s steering system works with the applicator’s existing system to stay in the middle of the row.

“The 360 System connects between GPS globe and the OEM controller. It takes the GPS position provided by the globe, adjusts it, and sends a correct position back to the steering controller,” 360 Yield Center explained in a press release.

To do this, 360 GUIDE intercepts the applicator’s GPS signal and corrects the latitude- and longitude-position-based data collected by two feeler wands and sensors. If the machine gets off course due to planting errors or changes in topography, this new product gets the applicator back on track.

360 GUIDE is compatible with John Deere R-Series, 4730, and 4830 applicators that have John Deere Autotrac. It may also be used with Hagie STS10 and STS16 applicators equipped with Raven SmarTrax steering system. The solution can be used for 20- to 38-inch rows.

To minimize risk of damage to the unit, it is equipped with a magnetic breakaway system. When installing 360 GUIDE, a mounting frame is attached to the front of the applicator.

360 GLIDE

Finally, the company announced a fourth product that is being prepared for spring 2018 limited production. The 360 GLIDE is a boom-height control system that can be used with the 360 Y-DROP system to ensure proper hose position and nitrogen placement. Current solutions may struggle to measure properly through the canopy or leaves, and are better suited for bare ground.

As the name suggests, a rod equipped with three sensors glides across field terrain communicating the position of the Y-DROP base to the applicator boom control. The rod is designed to flex and pivot to accommodate contours, turns, and backing up.

A breakaway feature protects the rod from rocks, washes, and gullies. When the base is hit by an obstruction, the system raises automatically, then quickly returns to the operating position.

360 GLIDE is currently designed for John Deere applicators that have the BoomTrac Pro Auto Boom Sensing System, and Hagie and Rogator applicators equipped with Norac Booth Height Control. More options are expected to be available in 2019.

The 360 GLIDE system works in conjunction with the existing control system, so no additional monitors are necessary.

1. Transmission. “This really involves anything that deals with the bearings, chain sprockets, idlers, anything that really helps drive that planter’s transmission to the meter itself,” Bauer explained. She says farmers should focus on this area first to eliminate any future problems. Bauer uses a spinner motor that will run the main drive shaft of the planter so you can do this step in the shop without the tractor running.

2. Row unit. Sometimes row units can be bent or twisted by rocky soil or sloping terrain. “Make sure your row units are still centered,” she said. “You can check that quickly in the shop. I just stretch a tape back and make sure everything’s uniform.”

3. Down pressure assembly. With many down pressure setups–manual springs and automatic pneumatic systems–the proper setting is still paramount. “You just want inspect your overall system and make sure that you know nothing’s broke,” she said.

4. Parallel arms. “Really this is your bolts and bushings,” she said advising farmers to make sure they are tight. You can also pull them out and if there’s any wear on the bolt or bushing it’s time to replace those. “That’s a pretty easy one to check in the shop,” she said. “Then just make sure those stay tight. We say to tighten them now when it’s in the shop and then you get partway through your planting season, maybe you get rained out a day, and then we recommend that you tighten those up again.”

5. Row cleaners. “We really recommend running a floating type of a row cleaner in any tillage system whether you’re in conventional tillage, no-till–it doesn’t matter,” she said. Bauer recommends only running no-till coulters in no-till conditions. “So if you’re doing a lot of conventional till and some no-till we’d probably say leave it off,” she explained, “but if you’re running pretty much all no-till then we’d say we could leave the no-till coulters on.”

6. Gauge wheels. Bauer says improperly set gauge wheels are one of the most common problems she sees in the field. Make sure they are set tight enough. “We really want them tight up against the outside of that disc opener,” she explained. “If there’s any space in there, we get soil that comes in there off the surface which is dry soil. Now the wheels turn and [the dry soil] gets inside there and then when it falls back out, and it actually falls out into the seed trench. That means you are basically putting dry soil on top of your seed which can be a real negative in trying to get uniform germination.”

7. Disk openers. Make sure you have right size disk opener for the model of planter you have. “Most manufacturers talk about only a half inch away or in the diameter of those opening disks,” she said. They also need to be set for the right point of contact. Bauer recommends double checking with your dealer or looking in your manual to find out how to set them. “That really varies not only on the brand of the planter but also the model of the planter,” she said.

8. Seed tubes. Bauer recommends inspecting seed tubes for wear and damage. Worn seed tubes can cause seeds to go where you don’t want them. “We’re trying to make it so there are no issues,” she said.

9. Guards. Inspect the guards on your seed tubes, Bauer advised. “We replace those a lot because if that gets worn it damages the seed tube,” she said.

10. Closing wheels. According to Bauer, ensuring closing wheels are working properly is essential. “The key is making sure they’re centered behind the planter,” she said. And she encourages farmers to evaluate all of the many options that are on the market.

(Base on- https://www.agweb.com/article/10-planter-components-to-check-before-plant18/)

Four autonomous tractors are primed to change the way we farm

By Megan Wild

As the world’s population grows and the number of farmers declines, we need a solution to meet the growing demand for food and other ag commodities. Enter robot tractors, also known as autonomous vehicles.

These autonomous vehicles can take care of such tasks as weeding, seeding and tilling, while farmers can control and monitor them from another location — often on a tablet or smartphone. The robots use sensors, GPS capabilities and Internet connectivity to navigate and share information with the farmer and other equipment.

Automated tractors are known to increase farm productivity and reduce labor costs. According to a report by Goldman Sachs, a global investment banking firm, automated tractors can increase farmer revenue by more than 10 percent. Here are four options being developed.

Case IH Autonomous Concept Vehicle

Case IH first unveiled its autonomous tractor in the summer of 2016. Until recently, the company has mostly been gauging farmer interest in the robot tractor. Now, it’s ready to start testing its autonomous concept vehicle, and it’s doing so at Bolthouse Farms, one of the largest producers of carrots in North America. The testing will start with primary tillage and deep tillage.

Case IH plans to use what it learns from the Bolthouse testing phase to refine its technology and determine what features to work on next.

Yanmar

In collaboration with Hokkaido University, Japanese farm machinery manufacturer Yanmar has developed and is testing its own robotic tractor. The equipment is designed to work in the rice paddies that are common in Japan and other parts of Asia. Japan is pushing the development of robot tractors as the number of farmers in the country continues to fall.

The autonomous tractor features sensors, GPS capabilities and a cockpit camera. The engine control unit automatically adjusts engine speed and travel speed. Yanmar is also developing a user interface for tablets to make operation easier.

Xaver

Xaver, developed by AGCO, looks even less like a traditional tractor but it can still fill one of the tractor’s typical roles. Instead of pulling a planter behind a tractor, farmers may soon be able to send out a swarm of small autonomous bots to do their planting.

Xaver started as a research project under the name Mobile Agricultural Robot Swarms (MARS). It got its new name once it left the research phase and entered product development. The bots work as a group, heading out into the field and communicating with a control program. The program tells the robots where to go and receives information about their locations. It even stores the GPS coordinates of where the bots plant each seed.

Each bot can plant up to about a quarter of an acre in an hour. An estimated 15 robots could potentially replace a conventional eight-row planter. Xaver plans to offer a pilot series and possible a pay-for-use model in 2019.

Retrofitting Existing Equipment

In addition to the dedicated automated tractors being researched, developed and tested, companies are also creating technologies to help farmers automate their existing equipment. Realistically, many farmers will take this route.

Smart Ag, an Iowa-based tech company, has developed a tractor automation kit and a cloud-based platform that farmers can use to automate their existing fleet, no matter who manufactured it.

Farmers can also add smart technologies to driver-operated tractors. John Deere recently bought  Blue River Technology, a California startup, which developed a robot that can identify unwanted plants such as weeds, weak crops and overcrowded plants from the back of a tractor. The robot can then spray these weeds and plants with a precisely targeted shot of herbicide. This technology could reduce herbicide use, which lowers farmers’ costs and helps protect the environment.

The farming and tech industries aren’t typically thought of as complementary, but robot tractors and other smart technologies are changing that. They’re starting to play a more important role in agriculture around the world and are making farms more productive and profitable as a result.

(Source – http://www.farms.com/ag-industry-news/robot-tractors-that-will-disrupt-agriculture-in-2018-195.aspx)

Fendt 1100 MT was designed based on years of experience, consistent further development and a constant willingness to help farmers and contractors all over the world to achieve maximum efficiency and performance. With its 12-cylinder AGCO Power Motor and innovative drive technology, it sets new standards in the field of power transmission and all that with full road capability.

Unique chassis for permanent best grip

The chassis is a characteristic of Fendt 1100 MT. It represents the latest expansion stage of our decadeslong experience with track tractors. Today it fulfils the fundamental ideas of achieving as much contact area as possible for the best traction and lowest soil compaction better than ever. The profi large tractor comparison also proves: No other tested large tractor brings more engine performance to the soil (profi 12/2016).

Robust design without compromises

The MTS chassis has a robust lengthwise design with rubber tracks, which are powered by fractional engagement instead of by sprockets and driving teeth. The drive wheels at the rear axle are driven by rolling tracks and have a large diameter in order to increase the contact area between the wheel and the track, and therefore to reduce track slippage. The front guide wheels stretch the rolling tracks by pushing them forward against their inner surface. The pressure directed forwards onto the guide wheels is provided by a hydraulic cylinder and a pressure accumulator so that a rolling track tension of just 142 kN is generated.

Comfortably spring-mounted

Thanks to the unique suspension system integrated into MTS, both the drives can be adapted to the ground contours independently. The oscillating rollers press the rolling track onto the ground in order to keep the contact area as large as possible even on uneven surfaces.

Rollers with pendulum suspension

The pendulum suspension of the rollers ensures even weight distribution across the entire rolling surface in order to increase traction and enlarge the contact area. The rolling area on the steel core of the rollers is sheathed with a polyethylene compound. The polyurethane compound, which is directly applied on the steel rolling surface of the rollers, creates an increased resistance against heat and tearing. This prolongs the service life of the rollers. The rollers are suspended via pendulum carriers, which allow the rolling track to flexibly follow the ground contours. The rear roller pair is suspended from a lever system using rubber dampers.

Powerful lifting unit

A steering rear linkage can be ordered ex works for all Fendt 1100 MT tractors. This hydraulic linkage is available in category III or IV and it has a lifting power of 98.5 to 198.2 kN at the lower links hooks across the entire length of stroke. The electronic control and operating elements ensure precise operation of the lifting unit.

Electronic control of lifting unit

The rear linkage is electronically operated. The electronic system modulates the hydraulic valve to lift and lower the linkage, where the driver can set different linkage parameters such as lowering and lifting speed, maximum lifting height, maximum depth, slip control and tension control. The driver adapts the EHR (electronic linkage control) to the TMC display in the cab.

Complete PTO

There is a 1000 PTO at the rear. Upon being switched on, the PTO reaches 1000 rpm at an engine speed of 1979 rpm. The rear PTO serves as a drive for equipment and makes the tracked tractor more versatile. A springoperated PTO brake blocks the PTO in switched-off condition.

Powerful hydraulic system

All Fendt 1100 MTs have a closed hydraulic system (closed centre) with pressure and quantity control (load sensing), which respond quickly and allow precise control of the hydraulic equipment. The dedicated variable flow pump conveys up to 224 l/min to the control valves and the linkage. All the hydraulic consumers are fed from the oil container situated at a higher level, which is housed in the gearbox and rear axle housing. A pump with 321 l/min capacity is available for the most challenging attachments.

Active swinging drawbar

An active swinging drawbar can be ordered for Fendt 1100 MT tractors without linkage. Two hydraulic cylinders under the tractor are connected to one of the rear control valves, and swivel the drawbar by 28° in both directions. In the process, the drawbar moves on the rollers without wearing. The drawbar can be arrested using bolts; if the control valve is switched to floating position, the drawbar can swivel freely and is damped hydraulically in the process. The active drawbar makes the tracked tractor more versatile and increases the influence of the operator.

Quiet cab The four-post cab with rollover protection (ROPS) and steep nose hood provide an excellent view in all directions. The cab is positioned high on the chassis and is shifted to the rear of the tractor in order to optimise the view of the drawbar and work area immediately behind the tractor. The driver has an unobstructed view of wider equipment thanks to the arrangement of the rear B-column. Power mirrors, all of which can be adjusted from the cab, are available if required. Independent tests confirm: The cab of Fendt 1100 Vario is the quietest in the large tractor segment with 67dB (A) (profi 12/2016).

Ergonomically designed

The operator enjoys a combination of comfort and functionality inside the cab. The insulated cab and airsprung air-ride seat makes work a pleasantly quiet driving experience and the new air conditioning system with TXV expansion valve provides the right temperature. The new sound absorber reduces noise pollution for the operator and the surroundings.

Everything at hand

The Tractor Management Centre (TMC) comprises the right armrest, control elements and display and serves as the control centre of the tracked tractor. Thanks to TMC, the operator can make all the tractor settings comfortably and control nearly all the functions centrally. The TMC armrest is attached to the right of the seat and follows its movements so that the operator always has all the control elements comfortably at hand. The driving direction is determined by pulling the gear selection lever back and forth. The gears are easily shifted using push buttons on the selection lever. Clearly labelled toggle switches are available for hydraulic valves.

Information centre

The TMC display (Tractor Management Centre) is an interactive colour monitor. It provides the driver with an overview of all the important tractor data. At the same time the driver can adjust many tractor functions using push buttons and knobs while working. This way, the TMC display can communicate with the ISOBUS attachments quickly and easily and operate them. The TMC display has a connection to a rear view camera.

(Source – https://www.fendt.com/int/geneva-assets/article/67498/484583-fendt1100mt-09-2017-en-v1.pdf)

Imagine what would be possible with a clean-slate design, six plus years of research and development, go-ahead for over 90% new componentry, and a budget in excess of $350MM. That’s exactly what AGCO made available to the Massey Ferguson team in their largest capital investment yet in a single tractor line. Throw in more than 36,000 hours of lab and field testing in the toughest locations in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, and the end result is tough, heavy, capable tractors designed for sale worldwide with nearly undetectable changes for specific markets. Meet the three platform Massey Ferguson Global Series.

4700 Series

First announced in 2015, with the 4700 series, then a three machine lineup, but now expanded to four models, these tractors get power from AGCO 3.3L 3-cylinder engines. Using selective catalytic reduction (SCR), high pressure common rail (HPCR) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) technologies, these engines achieve EPA Final Tier 4 (FT4) compliance only using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) without the need for costly, heat-generating, unnecessarily complex diesel particulate filters (DPF).

4700 Series tractors ride on 88” wheelbases, and range in horsepower from 75 to 100 with power take-off (PTO) output ratings from 58 to 88. Available in open station and cab configurations, there are two trim levels: Classic and Deluxe. Three transmissions are available: an 8×8 mechanical shuttle for 4707, 4708 and 4709 classic trim tractors, an 12×12 synchro mechanical shuttle on 4710 classic trim tractors, and a 12×12 synchro power shuttle (SPS) available on 4700 deluxe trim tractors. For tractors outfitted with the SPS transmission, electronic shuttle reactiveness control along with easy shift control are included. Easy shift control is just that, press button to clutch, shift gears, and then release button to engage drivetrain.

Available in 2WD or 4WD trim, 2WD tractors come with adjustable front axles while 4WD tractors get cast steel fixed front axles with center driveline and combination bevel gear planetary final drives. Classic models come with AutoLock front axle differential lock while Deluxe models get HydraLock axles (more on this below).

Hydraulics are through an open center system flowing 17.7 gpm that gives the Cat-II three-point hitch (3PH) a lift capacity of 4,850 lbs. measured 24” behind ball ends. Telescopic lower stabilizer arms are optional on classic tractors and standard on deluxe, as are extendable lower ball ends. Classic tractors have one valve standard with the option for a factory installed second. Deluxe tractors come with two valves with a third available as a field-install option. Standard independent, electro-hydraulically engaged PTO speed is 540/1000 rpm with classic tractors having the option for 540/540E.

Base weights for 4700 series tractors range from 7,478 lbs. (2WD open station) to 8,644 lbs. (4WD cab). Minimum width is 60.3” when equipped with 420/85R30 rear tires. Of note, all Global Series tractors come standard with Trelleborg radial tires.

4700 series tractors use the existing 931 non-self-leveling (3420 lb. lift capacity to 136”) and 936 mechanical self-leveling (2770 lb. lift capacity to 136”) loaders.

5700 Series

There are two models in the 5700 series: the 100 horsepower 5710 (83 PTO @ 2200 rpm/90 PTO @ 2000 rpm) and the 110 horsepower 5711 (93 PTO @ 2200 rpm/99 PTO @ 2000 rpm). These are AGCO 4.4L 4-cylinder engines that achieve FT4 compliance only requiring DEF but no DPF. Base weight for these tractors range from 8,845 lbs. to 10,011 depending on model, 2WD/4WD (5711 tractors are 4WD only), and open station/cab configuration. Wheelbase grows 7.7” over 4700 series machines and is 95.7”. Standard rear tire size is 460/85R34 making the minimum tractor width 64.8”.

Classic trim tractors come with 12×12 synchro mechanical shuttle transmissions while deluxe trim models get 12×12 SPS power shuttle transmissions.

Hydraulic flow from the main pump is 15.1 gpm measured at rear remotes for classic tractors with deluxe models getting an auxiliary pump flowing 10.8 gpm (25.9 gpm total). This translates to a Cat-II 3PH lift capacity of 7,710 lbs.

6700 Series

The 6700 series also consists of two models: the 120 horsepower 6712 (99 PTO @ 2200 rpm/106 PTO @ 2000 rpm) and the 130 horsepower 6713 (109 PTO @ 2200 rpm/114 PTO @ 2000 rpm). As with the 5700 series, these are AGCO 4.4L 4-cylinder engines. Base weight for these tractors grows to 9,021 to 10,187 lbs. depending on configuration, though all 6700 series machines are 4WD and come with 12×12 SPS transmissions. Wheelbase grows 2.7” over 5700 series and is 98.4”.

The hydraulic system is identical to the 5700 series, but in the case of the 6700 series, the Cat-II 3PH lift capacity is increased to 9,390 lbs.

5700 and 6700 series tractors share the new FL series loaders: FL3723 and FL3819. The numeric significance relates to the capacities with the first two numbers the lift height (3.7 and 3.8m) and the last two numbers lift capacity (2.3 and 1.9 metric tonnes).

Commonalities

The cab used on Global Series is identically sized across the three platforms, is the largest in class, and is 75 dBA quiet. The standard seat is spring suspension mounted, adjustable fore and aft, and has a mechanical weight adjustment. Classic platform tractors have a fixed steering column, while classic cab and deluxe open station tractors have tilt capability. Deluxe cab models have tilt/telescope adjustability and 5700/6700 deluxe models come with a swivel seat. For the ultimate in comfort, an air ride seat that swivels is an option.

Mentioned above is the HydraLock front axle available on deluxe 4WD 4700 models, 5710 and 5711 tractors and all 6700 machines. HydraLock begins with HD Dana 740 componentry that is not limited slip but full locking and will automatically disengage at 19 mph, or at a 25-degree turn angle, and reengage at 23-degrees.

Classic and Deluxe Differences

Other differences between classic and deluxe model not listed above are: All tractors come with a combination of analog and digital instrumentation including DEF and fuel levels, and temperature, however, deluxe models add a performance monitor that includes things like acres/hr., and fuel consumption by hour or by acre. On the 3PH, all tractors come with position control, but draft control is optional on classic models and standard on deluxe. Valves on classic tractors are double acting (DA) with float (F), while valves on deluxe tractors add kick-out (KO). All are spring return to neutral (SRN). Other niceties on deluxe tractors include auxiliary electric outlet, mid-mounted front work lights, fender extensions, and fuel tank guard.

Wrap up

The Global Series is a milestone achievement for Massey Ferguson, combining a fresh design, efficiencies of scale, and worldwide compatibility. Ideal for marketplace segments seeing growth such as hay, dairy, farming, municipal, and general loader work, it will be a surprise if the AGCO investment is anything but a big success. For an agribusiness in the market for a heavy-duty 75 to 130 horsepower workhorse, the Global Series would be well worth checking out.

 (Source – http://www.tractor.com/features/2018-world-ag-expo-spotlight-massey-ferguson-global-series-1903.html)

Although the 9RX range has been around overseas for a couple of years, the closest we’ve got to see it in action here is through photos and video. So when one finally arrived on our shores, at Drummond & Etheridge in Rolleston, Canterbury, I was lucky enough to get an up-close look and drive of the massive John Deere 9620 RX.

Although the machine has been snapped up already by a large contractor in North Canterbury, I managed a sneak peek and a brief drive before it left, and hopefully, we’ll catch up with this machine again at its new home to find out just how it’s performing for its new owner.

Pulling power

Under the bonnet is a massive 14.9-litre six-cylinder Cummins QSX15 engine, which is rated to 620hp and puts out a whopping 670hp at full boost with the help of a variable geometry turbo. Impressively, this engine also meets Tier 4 final emission standards using exhaust gas recirculation, a diesel particulate filter, and AdBlue. Fuel tank capacity sits at a huge 1500 litres, with filling points on either side to make life easy. The AdBlue tank holds 83 litres to keep the engine running clean.

The robust and reliable E18 transmission is a full powershift, giving 18 forward and six reverse gears without needing the clutch. An auto efficiency manager can be customised to a set forward speed and engine rpm to then control the gears depending on the load to minimise fuel consumption and deliver efficiency.

While John Deere has many years of experience building high horsepower articulated machines, the company hasn’t simply slapped on tracks to an existing machine. A lot of thought has gone into the design of this tracked range. The drive sprocket is more than a metre in diameter, allowing more contact with the track lugs to ensure drive in all situations.

Only two mid rollers are used, which is said to give less vibration for a smoother ride, and the idlers are slightly higher than the mid rollers for less scuffing and a greater ability to climb over obstacles. As standard, the machine runs on 30-inch Camoplast tracks, which are said to exert only 7psi of ground pressure – not bad on a massive 28-tonne machine.

Hydraulics

Hydraulic flow rates are huge, as the machine is optioned with a high-capacity pump delivering a total output of 435 litres per minute. Five sets of remotes are standard with an option of up to eight, capable of delivering 160 litres per minute out of each set.

The three-point linkage on the rear uses a heavy-duty quick frame with CAT 4 pins and has a lift capacity of more than nine tonnes. Somewhat unusually for this size tractor, it is also fitted with a rear PTO as an option. It has a single 1000rpm speed and the power output is capped at 335hp.

Cab

The CommandView three-cab provides a comfortable environment for the operator. It is exceptionally quiet and has great visibility. Most importantly, in my opinion, it uses four-post cab suspension on spring-loaded shock absorbers on each corner, which gives the operator an amazingly smooth ride – something that can be a problem on tracked machines.

Controls are familiar, as they are the same as any machine from the 6R range upwards –simple and well laid out with everything found on the right-hand command arm and armrest. Electronic spools are at your fingertips as are the PTO and linkage controls. As you would expect, the functionality of the machine is customisable to the operator and task at hand. This is done through the touchscreen Command Centre display.

VERDICT

Overall, it’s a highly impressive machine and great to see one first-hand in New Zealand. I’m looking forward to seeing it again when it’s put to work at its new home.

JOHN DEERE 9620 RX SPECIFICATIONS

(Source – https://www.farmtrader.co.nz/reviews/1803/john-deere-9620-rx-review)

How you benefit.

• NEW: CEBIS MOBILE touchscreen for controlling CEMOS DIALOG and CEMOS AUTOMATIC
• NEW: Mercedes-Benz engines provide reliable reserves of power, even under the toughest field conditions
• NEW: LEXION 660 TERRA TRAC
• NEW: Side access to straw walker compartment
• Professional straw processing with SPECIAL CUT and power spreader with automatic discharge direction adjustment for even spreading of straw over the entire working width
• VARIO cutterbars in widths up to 12.27 m facilitate up to 10% better performance by optimising the crop flows

(Based on http://www.claas.co.uk/products/combines/lexion670-620-2017, https://www.independent.ie/business/farming/machinery/different-claas-the-next-generation-of-lexion-600-34985825.html)

Producers can seamlessly share in-depth agronomic data through AFS Connect with trusted providers to optimize productivity and in-field efficiency