Germany is the birthplace of the Mercedes Benz Unimog, an ultra-capable, four-wheel drive vehicle that was designed to be equally as much a truck as a tractor. After the end of the Second World War, German farmers, short on cash, needed both tractors to work their fields and a truck to haul their produce and get them to the local […] Read more
PHOTOS: Multi-purpose trucks gaining popularity
German farmers and contractors find uses for a hybrid truck-tractor
How it works: the differential
We look at the basic operating principle behind differential axle drives
Getting engine power to the ground in a vehicle or farm machine usually means routing torque from the engine flywheel through the transmission, then turning it 90 degrees to spin an axle connected to the wheels. Simple bevel-cut gears allow for that change in direction, but there is another problem that has to be overcome: […] Read more
Two new Tempo planters
Swedish brand Vaderstad adds new models to its high-speed planter line
With its purchase of Saskatchewan-based Seed Hawk a couple of years ago, Swedish implement manufacturer Vaderstad has made no secret of its intention to become a bigger player in the North American market. In November at Agritechnica in Germany the brand launched two additions to its line of Tempo high speed planters, which are capable of working […] Read more
Steel wheels a ‘new’ invention
Special steel wheels for skid steers a lower cost alternative than tracks
One of the new products on display at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon in January was Winnipeg-based Evolution Wheel’s all-steel wheels for skid steer loaders. At first glance they might evoke memories of old steel wheel tractors, but they’ve been developed to meet a very modern purpose, says Derek Hird owner of Evolution Wheel. There are […] Read more
New UTVs from John Deere and Can-Am
Two brands increase their side-by-side offerings for 2016
In January John Deere added another model to its Gator line of utility vehicles. The XUV590i is described as a “crossover” that can get you down the road at 72 km/h and also haul or tow a reasonable load. Under the hood, or more accurately, under the seat is a 586 cc, 32 horsepower, liquid-cooled […] Read more
Braving the weather
As I continue to log hours of travel time on the road and in the air attending machinery-related events across Canada, the U.S. and on other continents, I’ve come to the conclusion that Murphy got it right when the famous “Murphy’s Law” was discovered. On the off chance you don’t know what that refers to, […] Read more
More precision ag tools from John Deere
Premium Activation available for Gen 4 CommandCenter
In December John Deere introduced a new precision ag option, making its Premium Activation feature available for the Generation 4 CommandCenter on 6R through 9R Series Tractors. Premium Activation includes the three most commonly used applications from the GreenStar 3 2630 display: AutoTrac, Documentation and Section Control. The 4600 CommandCenter integrated display can be used […] Read more
Deere adds more wireless data transfer options
If you run older John Deere equipment that isn’t JDLink compatible or have a mixed fleet, transferring files wirelessly to and from all your machines is now easier. Deere just introduced Mobile Data Transfer, which is a USB to WiFi device that allows you to use your smartphone to transfer agronomic files wirelessly. Read more: More […] Read more
AGCO updates its Gleaner combines
The S9 Series gets a host of improvements from cab to driveline
Starting this year, the Gleaner combines rolling out of AGCO’s Hesston, Kansas, assembly plant will feature a broad range of upgrades that make them both more comfortable to drive and more efficient than their S8 predecessors. Since the brand introduced the S7 Tritura models back in 2010, S Series Gleaners have seen several updates. Now, […] Read more
Introducing the pellet harvester
Krone wins award at Agritechnica for its innovative new forage technology
One of the machines on display at Agritechnica 2015 that impressed show judges enough to win a Gold Innovation Award was German manufacturer Krone’s Premos 5000 pellet harvester. Until now harvesting forages meant either baling or ensiling it. The Premos 5000 offers a third option, creating pellets right in the field. “We can handle it […] Read more