Kubota launched its initial two-model powershift M8 tractor line to about 80 North American dealers at an event in Grapevine, Texas, in August of 2019.

How to design a tractor, part 3

With Kubota involved in the project, the new tractors take shape and go public

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

Kubota Canada Ltd.’s new LX series of compact tractors bridges the gap between Kubota’s small, compact B series and its large, compact L series utility tractor lines.

Kubota’s new LX series compact tractors designed for versatility

Operator comfort and functionality top priorities for the LX’s three models

Kubota Canada Ltd.’s new LX series of compact tractors, unveiled in the spring, bridges the gap between Kubota’s small compact (B series) and its large compact (L series) utility tractor lines. Boasting bigger tires and higher horsepower than the B series, as well as a quick-transfer K-Connect front hitch system, the LX series is designed […] Read more


AGCO is introducing the 900 MT and 1100 MT tracked versions of its premium Fendt brand to North America.

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

Development of the Nemesis line began in 2013. It was launched to the public in 2019.

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


The Mini ROTT is approximately the size of a garden tractor
but with the appearance of a regular tractor.

New training tool helps teach, demonstrate and predict tractor rollovers

The Mini Roll Over Training Tractor was developed by students, farmers and engineers

A new training tool to help teach, demonstrate and predict tractor rollovers has been developed by Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), Red River Community College and the University of Manitoba School of Agriculture. The Mini Roll Over Training Tractor (ROTT) has been developed to educate people about the causes and dangers of rolling a tractor. According […] Read more

Versatile introduced the three-model Nemesis tractor line to the public in 2019.

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


Reg Alspach’s Massey-Harris 55 tractor model is about 6.5 inches wide by 6.5 inches tall and 11 inches long.

Editor’s column: Can you help solve the mystery of the Massey-Harris 55 model?

After reading a story about a Massey-Harris 55 tractor in the Feb. 24, 2015, issue of Grainews, Reg Alspach was inspired to put pen to paper and write about his Massey-Harris 55. The feature in Grainews, written by former machinery editor Scott Garvey, was about a Saskatchewan-based, Massey-Harris 55 owner named Frank Paul, who restored […] Read more

tractor tires vs tracks

Tires versus tracks: separating fact from fiction

Experts weigh in on tires, tracks and minimizing soil compaction

If conversation slows in a room full of farmers, three little words can ramp up a rowdy discussion: tracks or tires? Tracks have gained loads of attention and growing popularity over the past decade. However, does science back up their many supposed benefits, especially when it comes to minimizing soil compaction? Partial fact: Tracks produce […] Read more


No farmworkers? No problem

No farmworkers? No problem

Autonomous equipment is making it easier for farmers to do more with less labour

Rob Saik believes farmers shouldn’t have to spend hours sitting in their tractors. “We have the most skilled operators trapped in a glass cage for days on end,” he says. Saik, CEO of DOT Technology Corporation, is at the forefront of the movement toward autonomous tractors. The Regina-based startup created a U-shaped platform that attaches […] Read more

At the top end of Case IH’s tractor family is the articulated line of Steigers. Wheeled versions span the 370 to 620 engine horsepower range. The five Quadtrac models start at 470 horsepower and the three Rowtrac models go from 420 to 500 horsepower. The Steigers offer both powershift and the brand’s CVXDrive CVT transmissions.
The high-horsepower, MFWD Magnums, though, were where the brand had news to reveal this year. They were given a new look along with a host of digital features and named the AFS Connect Magnums, referencing the brand’s existing telematics products.
The new body styling looks similar to the autonomous tractor Case IH revealed back in 2016. The reason for that, claims the brand, is because these models represent the next generation of technology packed into a tractor as the industry gradually moves toward full autonomy. It pulls together a lot of new systems to allow the Magnums to communicate and stay connected in the field.
The new Pro 1200 monitor in the cab expands on the functions of the previous Pro 700. In fact, most of the tractor systems can be controlled through it, and it makes guidance inputs much simpler. The software that runs the Pro 1200 is based on the same Android technology most people are familiar with in their mobile devices. 
Inside the cab is a new control layout, but the new AFS Connect Magnum versions will have two or three ways to activate tractor systems. Those who are familiar with manual controls on the armrest will still find them there, although some will be in different locations. Virtually everything can be controlled through the Pro 1200 monitor.
Guidance is run through a new receiver that incorporates all the necessary guidance correction hardware into it, eliminating the need for a second computer inside the cab to facilitate corrections.
The new technology allows for improved mechanical diagnostics and wireless transfer of data, including GPS guidance lines.
The digital features built into the AFS Connect Magnums won’t remain unique to model year 2020 tractors; the technology is partly backwards compatible. So it can be retrofitted onto existing late model Magnums as well. It’s compatible with everything back to the Tier 3 time period. 
When it comes to the tractor itself, the new hood and cab styling are designed to make operation easier and the operator more comfortable. Slimmer cab pillars and a new, brighter interior colour along with more creature comforts give the new cab an updated feel. There is better storage and more visibility out of it, as well as a larger door that opens up the fill width of the cab, eliminating the B pillar and making entry easier.
To smooth out the ride there is a new adjustable front axle suspension, which is controlled through the monitor. Paired with it is a semi-active cab suspension.
In August the brand bumped up the maximum horsepower rating for the line, adding a 400 horsepower version of the AFS Connect Magnum.

PHOTOS: High horsepower tractor guide

A round-up of the biggest tractors available on the North American market

It’s been suggested by industry insiders that 2019 could be called the year of the tractor, because there were so many new introductions of them. That means even more choices for producers looking to re-power their farm fleet. Kubota, which has been gradually working its way into the mainstream agriculture sector with a steady stream […] Read more