The underlying cause of most premature tire failures today is the same one it has always been: improper inflation. “About 80 per cent of failures are related to air pressure maintenance,” says Brian Rennie, director of sales engineering at Bridgestone Canada. “That’s been the key since day one, since pneumatic tires started.” And it continues […] Read more
How to keep truck tires rolling
New ag apps for iPad
If you own an iPad, there is a pair of new agricultural apps that can turn it into a much more useful tool. They may even save you time and money. ScoutDoc First, there is ScoutDoc, offered by AgNition Inc. of Guelph, Ontario, which allows you to turn that iPad into a handy field scouting […] Read more
Caterpillar hits the road
Back in the early 1970s, Caterpillar began a research and development program with the aim of building an on-highway, heavy truck. That project was eventually cancelled and the truck never did hit the market. Recently, though, senior management decided to revive the on-highway truck idea, and the first model of its kind to wear the Cat brand, […] Read more
Seized engines
If you’re afflicted with the urge to restore old vehicles and machines—as I am—you’ve likely checked out more than a few rusty hulks hiding behind rows of trees or farmyards. When deciding whether or not its worth the trouble of dragging a machine home for a restoration, there are a couple of musts to consider. […] Read more
A hunting I will go
A long-awaited event took place this past week; and I’m not referring to groundhog day, although a rodent did play a part in the lead up to it. What happened that was so special? Electricity was finally restored to my workshop—for the second time since September. Underground electrical service lines are great. You don’t need […] Read more
MFWD tractors bulk up
This summer Case IH announced the pending introduction of its most powerful Magnum tractor yet, the 370 CVT. Rated at 370 engine horsepower, the new Magnum will probably be the most powerful rigid-frame tractor on the North American market when it’s released in late 2012. Despite the pending introduction of that big Magnum, which will […] Read more
A double take on tandem discs
After its $14.5 million purchase of Alberta-based Ezee-On Manufacturing, Buhler Industries has added the former Ezee-On tillage equipment it acquired with the company to its Versatile and Farm King-branded lines. “The acquisition of Ezee-On is another step in the process of becoming a full-line equipment manufacturer,” said Dmitry Lyubimov, President of Buhler Industries, when the […] Read more
Touring Agritechnica 2011
Every second November the German Agricultural Society (DLG) holds Agritechnica, a farm machinery exhibition. With 2,748 exhibitors from 48 countries showing up this year, the demand for floor space filled all the available pavilions on the gigantic Hanover fair ground. In just 14 years, it now claims the title of world’s largest farm equipment fair. […] Read more
Manitoba Ag Days
This past week I spent a couple of days wandering the aisles of the Manitoba Ag Days show in Brandon. After you’ve logged as many miles walking through machinery exhibits as I have, you become pretty tuned in to the subtleties. I find myself comparing not only the show to other machinery events, but also […] Read more
The end of a remarkable year
2011 was a remarkable year in the farm equipment sector, unlike any in recent memory. The number of new machines introduced to the market this year was more than impressive. John Deere held what it referred to as the largest introduction of new machinery in its 174-year history. AGCO described its new product launch as […] Read more