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“Inutitu” digital system from Nokian Heavy Tyres of Finland allows data from sensors in ag tires to relay real-time data to a smartphone app.
Machinery & Shop, Machinery and Shop

Now it’s “smart” tires?

Nokian Heavy Tyres adds digital tech to its Intuitu tractor tires

By
With the dashboards on modern pickup trucks displaying real-time tire inflation pressures, we’re used to the idea of getting that kind of data in a vehicle. But Nokian Heavy Tyres of Finland has taken that idea one step further with its Intuitu system, calling it the “first step towards digital, real-time tire management.” Rather than […] Read more
Chevrolet’s 2020 Corvette Stingray could be described as a supercar for the masses.
Machinery & Shop

Corvette goes mid-engine

Toyapalooza: The iconic model gets a supercar design makeover

By
Ever dream of owning one of those classic mid-engine supercars like a Ferrari or Lamborghini? Typically cars of that ilk have a price point that means the closest most of us could ever come to owning one is having a poster image of it on the wall in the workshop. GM, however, has just created […] Read more
Machinery & Shop

Versatile offers more warranty

The brand introduces a three-year, 3,000-hour warranty on all 2020 tractors

By
There is probably nothing more frustrating for farmers than buying a new machine, only to have it sitting dead in the field with a breakdown a few days or weeks after it starts work. Unfortunately, though, it’s something many have experienced. In recent years, almost all brands have ramped up quality control at the manufacturing […] Read more
John Deere has added real-time nutrient analysis for 
liquid manure to the HarvestLab 3000.
Machinery & Shop

John Deere adds to HarvestLab 3000

Real-time manure nutrient-sensing feature added

By
One of the most difficult things for producers who use liquid manure to aid in field fertility is determining what level of nutrients is actually being applied. John Deere’s HarvestLab 3000 can now provide a real-time analysis of applied manure and allow operators to even out application rates. Deere introduced the HarvestLab 3000 back in […] Read more
Machinery & Shop

Kuhn introduces the MM 890 Merge Maxx

Hay merger combines swaths for up to 30 feet of effective cutting width

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In September, implement equipment manufacturer Kuhn introduced the MM 890 Merge Maxx hay merger. It allows producers to combine swaths and effectively bale or ensile the equivalent of a 30-foot cut all at once. Kuhn claims it’s the widest hay merger in the industry and can move hay left, right or in a 50-50 split. […] Read more
In this Shop Class instalment, we replace the cab suspension on this 2007 Freightliner Century.
Machinery & Shop

Replacing worn truck cab suspension

Installing new under-cab air bags to avoid an on-road failure

By
More than a few retired highway tractors find second lives pulling grain trailers on farms. While they may have logged a lot of miles, these trucks are still ideal for short-haul farm duty. But with age comes the need for maintenance. One of the most common maintenance items on today’s older highway tractors is the […] Read more
The range and quality of data and information coming from machines continues to improve and offer value to producers, according to John Deere.
Machinery & Shop

Telematics offers value to owners: Deere

AI and machine learning will improve data quality, reduce downtime

By
As time goes by, the usefulness of the wireless digital technology built into today’s farm machinery is becoming increasingly apparent to producers, according to Ed Olson, senior product lead for JD Link strategy, at John Deere. “Some of the tools are maturing to the point that the value is pretty obvious,” he said when speaking […] Read more
At the top end of Case IH’s tractor family is the articulated line of Steigers. Wheeled versions span the 370 to 620 engine horsepower range. The five Quadtrac models start at 470 horsepower and the three Rowtrac models go from 420 to 500 horsepower. The Steigers offer both powershift and the brand’s CVXDrive CVT transmissions. The high-horsepower, MFWD Magnums, though, were where the brand had news to reveal this year. They were given a new look along with a host of digital features and named the AFS Connect Magnums, referencing the brand’s existing telematics products. The new body styling looks similar to the autonomous tractor Case IH revealed back in 2016. The reason for that, claims the brand, is because these models represent the next generation of technology packed into a tractor as the industry gradually moves toward full autonomy. It pulls together a lot of new systems to allow the Magnums to communicate and stay connected in the field. The new Pro 1200 monitor in the cab expands on the functions of the previous Pro 700. In fact, most of the tractor systems can be controlled through it, and it makes guidance inputs much simpler. The software that runs the Pro 1200 is based on the same Android technology most people are familiar with in their mobile devices. Inside the cab is a new control layout, but the new AFS Connect Magnum versions will have two or three ways to activate tractor systems. Those who are familiar with manual controls on the armrest will still find them there, although some will be in different locations. Virtually everything can be controlled through the Pro 1200 monitor. Guidance is run through a new receiver that incorporates all the necessary guidance correction hardware into it, eliminating the need for a second computer inside the cab to facilitate corrections. The new technology allows for improved mechanical diagnostics and wireless transfer of data, including GPS guidance lines. The digital features built into the AFS Connect Magnums won’t remain unique to model year 2020 tractors; the technology is partly backwards compatible. So it can be retrofitted onto existing late model Magnums as well. It’s compatible with everything back to the Tier 3 time period. When it comes to the tractor itself, the new hood and cab styling are designed to make operation easier and the operator more comfortable. Slimmer cab pillars and a new, brighter interior colour along with more creature comforts give the new cab an updated feel. There is better storage and more visibility out of it, as well as a larger door that opens up the fill width of the cab, eliminating the B pillar and making entry easier. To smooth out the ride there is a new adjustable front axle suspension, which is controlled through the monitor. Paired with it is a semi-active cab suspension. In August the brand bumped up the maximum horsepower rating for the line, adding a 400 horsepower version of the AFS Connect Magnum.
Machinery & Shop

PHOTOS: High horsepower tractor guide

A round-up of the biggest tractors available on the North American market

By
It’s been suggested by industry insiders that 2019 could be called the year of the tractor, because there were so many new introductions of them. That means even more choices for producers looking to re-power their farm fleet. Kubota, which has been gradually working its way into the mainstream agriculture sector with a steady stream […] Read more
Krone claims to be the first company to offer tandem axles and a three-blade cutter system, which help to producer a denser bale.
Machinery & Shop

Krone celebrates large-bale production anniversary

This family-owned Germany manufacturer has been making bales for 25 years

By
February 2019 marked a production milestone for the family-owned German manufacturer Krone. The company, which produces hay and forage equipment, is celebrating 25 years of large square baler production. Along with that, 2019 marks 45 years of selling equipment in North America. When it began large-square baler production in 1993, the brand claims to have […] Read more

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