Machinery
CNH introduces the T4 Electric Power
Electric and autonomous utility tractor about to hit the market
Last month, CNH Industrial, parent company of Case IH and New Holland, announced the pending introduction of the ag equipment industry’s first battery electric, fully autonomous tractor. A prototype version of it was on display for the first time at a media day in Phoenix, Ariz., in early December. It wore New Holland blue and […] Read more
New rakes and tedders from Kuhn
Haying equipment manufacturer updates its small and large implement designs
Haying equipment manufacturer Kuhn had a lot to talk about last fall. It introduced a number of updated new models to its rake and tedder lines. The new GF 1003 series tedders include both pull-type and three-point hitch-mounted models. They use the brand’s new OptiTedd small diameter rotors that the company says are stronger than […] Read more
Imperial Oil clears Edmonton renewable diesel plant for construction
Quick decision motivated in part by need for feedstocks such as canola oil, company says
Reuters — Imperial Oil on Thursday announced approval for an investment of $720 million to build Canada’s largest renewable diesel facility at its Strathcona refinery near Edmonton. The Calgary-based company said the facility will produce 20,000 barrels per day of renewable diesel and is expected to start production in 2025. Imperial expects regulatory approval for […] Read more
Updated balers from Claas
Round and large square baler lines get upgrades to improve bale density and more
In September, Claas announced updates to its North American offering of both round and square balers, the Variant 500 series round baler and the Quadrant 5300 Evolution series square baler. “Each of these machines is designed to provide maximum performance, easy maintenance and the reliability you expect from Claas,” says product manager Matt Jaynes. “By […] Read more
Why fluids have no place in the drive tires on your tractor
Filling tractor tires with liquid to improve traction is no longer a good idea
Like every other aspect of agricultural equipment design, ag tires have evolved significantly from the days when bias-ply technology was about the only choice for most tractors. The introduction of modern radials means tires are now much more capable of turning engine horsepower into usable traction than bias-ply tires ever were. The way bias-ply tires […] Read more
Germany considering withdrawal from crop-based biofuels by 2030
Lawmakers seek to boost biofuel made from wastes
Hamburg | Reuters — Germany’s government is considering proposals to phase out the use of biofuels produced from food or animal feed crops by 2030, the German biofuels industry association (VDB) said on Tuesday, adding the measure could increase carbon emissions. German environment minister Steffi Lemke said Jan. 17 she will soon send proposals to […] Read more
Ritchie Bros. raises cash payout in bid for IAA
Activist investor Starboard Value buys into Ritchie
Reuters — Canada’s Ritchie Bros. on Monday sweetened the cash component of its buyout offer for IAA Inc. by 28 per cent, valuing the U.S. auto retailer at US$5.94 billion, and also secured the backing of a key IAA shareholder which had questioned the initial offer. The latest cash-and-stock offer at $44.40 per share, will […] Read more
RcFarmArm allows for some remotely controlled tractor functions
Farmers see the benefits of keeping both feet on the ground with bolt-on attachment for tractor
Repeatedly climbing in and out of an auger tractor to start it and engage the PTO can get tiring after a long day of hauling grain in from the combine. And it can even be a bit difficult for those whose mobility isn’t what it used to be, such as older farmers. But there is […] Read more
China driving crude oil price increases
Bulls on crude oil expect a 'very shallow' recession
MarketsFarm — China has largely been behind the current upticks in global crude oil prices, according to Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for Oil Price Information Services in Lakewood, NJ. He suggested that China’s economy will begin to pick up steam in 2023 after the government loosened its super-tight COVID-19 restrictions. “You can […] Read more
Claas updates its 8000 series Lexion combines
New cab, wider header and other improvements for 2023 model year
Claas has decided to update its 8000 series combines. In November, the brand announced 2023 model year machines will see a number of improvements to ramp up both operator comfort and machine efficiency. “The Lexion has built a reputation for delivering a mix of efficiency, precision and convenience,” says Greg Frenzel, Claas combine product manager. […] Read more