As tariffs weaken the competitiveness of companies exporting into the U.S., economists see these trade agreements more as a loss for both sides, as costs rise also for farm equipment manufacturers already inside the country.
Tag Archives Caterpillar
Tariffs add billions to U.S. equipment costs
Efforts to re-shore manufacturing through tariffs are expected to make U.S. companies less competitive
Special-edition Cats
At the end of January, in honour of its 100th anniversary, Caterpillar announced the availability of limited-edition machines through select Cat dealers around the world, including here in Canada. The limited edition models feature a custom “Centennial Grey” paint scheme to recognize the original colour of Caterpillar’s first products. The models will also include special […] Read more
Cat machines allow for semi-autonomous control
Cat Command allows an operator to be miles away from a machine
There’s more than a little chatter about autonomous equipment operation in farming these days, but that same topic is taking centre stage in other industries too, such as mining and heavy industry. In mid-November, Caterpillar expanded the compatibility of its Cat Command semi-autonomous technology to its mid-sized wheel loaders. Granted, few if any farms will […] Read more
Cat introduces more ‘next generation’ skid-steer and compact track loaders
Eight new models offer 74- to 134-horsepower options
When it comes to skid steers and their tracked versions, known as compact track loaders, there are more than a few different brand choices on the market to pick from. Caterpillar has now made it clear the brand intends to remain a major player in that machine segment. “We are excited to launch the ‘next […] Read more
Toromont to sell Manitoba Agco, Claas dealer chain
Dutch firm to buy AgWest
Canada’s Caterpillar equipment distributor for Manitoba and points east is set to sell a major Manitoba dealer of Agco’s farm equipment brands as well as the province’s exclusive dealer for Claas combines. Toromont Industries announced Monday it will sell its AgWest Ltd. arm to Dutch equipment distributor Mechan International, effective May 1. Neither company would […] Read more
Engine maker Cummins says expects ‘some impact’ in Russia
Deere says will abide by sanctions
Reuters — Diesel engine maker Cummins Inc. expects “some impact” to its business in Russia and is analyzing and preparing for current and anticipated sanctions, the U.S. truck engine maker said in an e-mailed statement on Monday. Many firms have idled operations in Russia after it invaded Ukraine last week, resulting in powerful Western sanctions. […] Read more
What’s happening outside ag?
The state of autonomous development in other sectors
We’ve all heard a lot about the development of autonomous farm equipment, but what, exactly, is going on in other sectors? The answer is, quite a lot. A number of presenters at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in January revealed what their companies are doing as they advance the technology. Here’s a sampling of what […] Read more
Steel tariff shrapnel hits U.S. farmers
Kane County, Ill. | Reuters — Lucas Strom, who runs a century-old family farm in rural Illinois, canceled an order to buy a new US$71,000 grain bin last month — after the seller raised the price five per cent in a day. The reason: steel prices jumped right after U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs. […] Read more
Toromont to buy Cat dealer Hewitt
Reuters — Toromont Industries said Monday it would buy privately held Hewitt Group for about $1.02 billion in cash and shares to expand its network of heavy equipment dealers in Eastern Canada. Through the deal, Concord, Ont.-based Toromont will acquire Hewitt’s 45 Caterpillar dealerships in Quebec, the Maritimes, Labrador and Ontario, increasing the number of […] Read more
Caterpillar says compliant with tax laws after IRS claim
Reuters — Caterpillar Inc. said Friday it was compliant with tax laws, a week after federal law enforcement officials raided three of the company’s buildings in connection with a probe into the heavy machinery manufacturer’s offshore tax practices. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has challenged the company’s taxes for the years 2007-2012, the company said […] Read more
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