In past instalments of this series (see ‘Related Articles’ links below), we explained why the Versatile Nemesis tractor project came to be, how the design parameters were set and how the components were chosen for it. All of those things are pretty consistent when it comes to developing new tractor lines for any brand. But […] Read more
How to design a tractor, part 3
With Kubota involved in the project, the new tractors take shape and go public
High tire inflation pressures stunt plant development
AGCO Crop Tour demonstrates tire pressure’s effect on crop growth
Two years ago, AGCO media relations staff introduced Jason Lee at a press event at the AGCO assembly plant in Jackson, Minn. He was the company’s new agronomist and farm solutions specialist and his job — among other things — was to measure the brand’s equipment designs’ effects on crop production. That data, he said, […] Read more
FendtONE improves digital access
Improved operator interface makes tractor and implement control easier
Among the key trends influencing machinery design across all brands today is operator comfort. As part of that, making digital control and access simpler and more intuitive has figured high for engineering priorities as well. AGCO’s Fendt brand has been working on those priorities too. The latest result of that effort is the introduction of […] Read more
Fendt expands its North American tractor offering
More model lines from AGCO’s Fendt
Fendt’s traditional home and main tractor manufacturing facility is nestled in picturesque Bavaria, in southern Germany, and it’s just a 35-minute cab ride at 210 kilometres per hour on the Autobahn from Munich’s airport. (Trust me on that.) The Marktoberdorf facility is extremely modern and builds the brand’s several wheeled tractor model lines. But here […] Read more
Grainews’ toughest UTV evaluations yet
Real-world testing shows each has its own design advantages
At Grainews, we’re no strangers to doing practical equipment evaluations. Over the years, we’ve put a host of machines through tests that measure how well they can perform the typical work they’d be put to on farms. This year, we were at it again. We took a group of side-by-side UTVs and put them through […] Read more
How to design a tractor, part 2
Versatile settles on concept, now engineers and designers need to build it
After Buhler Industries took over the original Versatile assembly plant in Winnipeg from New Holland in 2000, tractors sporting the Versatile brand name once again appeared on the market. Although the company inherited the four-wheel drive and Genesis tractor line along with the Winnipeg factory, both lines were dated and needed upgrades. High and very-high […] Read more
New players enter the light- and medium-duty truck segment
International and Mack move back into familiar territory
Over the past few decades, many truck manufacturers have retreated from the broad range of models they offered to specialize in specific segments of the market. However, recently, some brands have been expanding their offerings once again and returning to segments they had previously abandoned. Among those going down that path are International (under Navistar […] Read more
New 6000 series straw-walker combines from CLAAS
The redesign offers higher capacity and improved straw quality
German ag equipment manufacturer Claas has been steadily growing its presence in Canada and the United States for several years now. The yellow paint scheme once used on its combines sold here was the result of a joint marketing partnership between Claas and Caterpillar. However, the companies parted ways a long time ago, and Claas […] Read more
How to design a tractor, part 1
A unique look at the development process behind Versatile’s Nemesis
Last year, in the pages of Grainews, we informed you about the 2019 launch of Versatile’s new Nemesis tractor line, which are also built as the Kubota M8s. And you probably saw similar announcements of the tractors’ introductions in other publications, but what no one else has done is given you a behind-the-scenes look at […] Read more
New combine header line from John Deere
Updated header options for X, S and T series combines
Ever since the initial introduction of the S series models, John Deere engineers have been offering buyers additional ability to spec out green combines to better suit either corn and beans or small grains crops. And this year, Deere has gone another step further with the introduction of a completely new group of headers tailored […] Read more