John Deere recently introduced two new machine lines for model year 2024, both of which are designed to make material handling and other jobs around the farm easier. Between them, these machines can handle either big jobs or relatively small ones. And Deere describes both lines as “compact” machines, meaning they’ve packed a fair bit […] Read more
New big and small loaders from John Deere
Articulated loaders and compact tractor models added for 2024
Kenworth ready to deliver hydrogen-powered trucks in 2024
New fuel cell power a joint effort between Toyota and Paccar
Electrification and alternative fuels figure prominently in most of the news coming from major automakers right now, including in light- and medium-duty trucks. And the heavy-duty truck manufacturing landscape is no exception either. All truck segments are now seeing major alternative fuel development projects and commercialization of electric drives, all the way from pickups to […] Read more
Getting under the skin of the 50 series Patriot sprayers
A closer look at the updated Case IH sprayers
In this second instalment of our sprayer technology series, we take a look at the latest Patriot models introduced by Case IH last year: the 50 series. “With the introduction of the Patriot 50 series, we took the opportunity to start with a clean sheet of paper,” says Mark Burns, application equipment marketing manager at […] Read more
Deere spray tech targets just the weeds
John Deere offers advanced, in-crop, spot-spray technology
Having walked the aisles of the world’s largest ag machinery show, Agritechnica, in Hanover, Germany, one of the things that struck me was the sheer number of different sprayers, many from a host of brands unfamiliar to us here in North America. European farmers have an enormous choice of machines compared with what we’ve been […] Read more
How to diagnose a no-start problem
Trace the reason for a no-crank condition on older equipment
Nearly every farm has at least one or two older pieces of equipment that still need to put in a day’s work during busy seasons, such as an auger tractor or sprayer tender truck. One of the most common problems on older machines is the sound of silence after you hop in and turn the […] Read more
At Ag in Motion: Seeding equipment gets its closeup
Multiple manufacturers seize opportunity to compare offerings
Ag in Motion’s 2023 edition continued to make equipment demonstrations a central part of its presentation to farmers. Not only can farmers kick the tires on a machine of interest — they can actually see how it performs compared to competitors. That definitely helps inspire confidence when making a buying decision. This year the show […] Read more
Case IH adds to its Vestrum tractor line
Two more utility class models debut
In 2020, Case IH introduced the two-model line of Vestrum utility class tractors offering 100 and 130 horsepower, respectively. In February, the red brand added two more models to that line that fit in between those first two tractors. The newest Vestrums are rated at 110 and 120 engine horsepower. At the same time, the […] Read more
Deere reveals model year 2024 tractor updates
Better connectivity and preparation for autonomy figure prominently
In March, Deere pulled the wraps off of the planned updates to the 2024 line of 7, 8 and 9 series tractors it will soon begin offering producers, giving those machines the features that the brand says will help “prepare (farmers) for the future of precision agriculture.” And that, of course, means more digital capability. […] Read more
How you buy machinery is about to change
Subscription service and pay-as-you-go features a growing trend
The days of walking into a dealership, putting down your cash and getting a machine with all of the options you want in one transaction are coming to a close. Brands are now starting to look more intensely at the subscription model for advanced digital features as opposed to the old-fashioned, all included, one-time purchase. […] Read more
As mirrors go digital, there’s a lot more than meets the eye
Automakers slowly abandon glass mirrors for digital camera monitors
Rear-view mirrors. They’re a standard accessory on virtually every car and truck since about the time of the Model A Ford, and now they’re standard on many ag machines too. They’re about the simplest technology you’ll find on modern equipment — basically glass and plastic. But many manufacturers are now abandoning, or at least offering […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
