It broke onto the scene here offering lower-horsepower tractors in the sub-compact range, toward just reaching into the utility class segments.

In the past couple of years it has pushed its top-end tractor offering up to 140 horsepower, providing a couple of models that would fit in well into hay or livestock operations.

However, the brand now has plans that could see it become a much bigger player in the agricultural sector.

WHY IT MATTERS: While the Kioti Connect updates will offer owners increased functionality that will eventually be on par with the major brands, the digital system will also pave the way for a significant leap ahead for the company: the introduction of fully autonomous tractors.

Kioti began offering a basic telematics package, Kioti Connect, last year. This year it introduced the updated version 2.0 and expects to update that again before the end of the year with version 2.5.

“We started last year with gen 1.0, says Youngjin Son, senior vice-president and chief product technology officer of Daedong-USA’s Kioti tractor division.

”With 2.0, we added a couple of features, such as our customers can look for needed parts and then get information about the nearest dealer’s inventory.

“Eventually with connect 2.5 and 3.0, we will add more functions, like remote start. We have that function already in Korea, but in the U.S,. we have to go through some regulation checks.”

“We’re using this service in conjunction with autonomous driving machines, so we can improve autonomous driving even better with these kinds of services,” Son adds.

“We haven’t brought autonomous tractors yet to the American market, but we plan to bring it late this year or early next year. Then this Connect service will be even more powerful in conjunction with autonomous driving tractors.”

The self-driving system Kioti plans to introduce will work with its range of tractors from 50 to 140 horsepower. The company has already commercially introduced the system in South Korea.

The plan is to have the autonomous system allow tractors to perform at least three functions: tillage, mowing and front-end loader work. The company also expects it will soon work with spraying operations as well.

Before it releases the autonomous system here, it is doing more field trials to conform the system to the differences in how the tractors will be used in North America compared to South Korea.

“Last year, we had to do additional tests in the U.S. market, and this year we’re continuing to test … (The) soil and the crops are different between the U.S. and Korean market,” says Son.

“We’re going to launch the commercial product at the end of this year or next year.”

Will higher horsepower follow?

As self-driving systems become more advanced, there is a likelihood that smaller-horsepower tractors such as those Kioti offers, working around the clock on their own, could become a method of choice, even for broad acre operations.

That means even though the brand’s flagship model is only rated at 140 h.p., the digital technology on the horizon could significantly boost the brand’s influence in agricultural operations, even without offering a high-horsepower model.

Son says there is still discussion inside Kioti about whether to grow its tractor range.

“That’s still a hot topic within the company. If you want to go higher (in horsepower), there are already big players there. We’d have to penetrate the market, and we’re pretty cautious about it. At the moment, we don’t have any plans to go above 145 yet.”

In the meantime, there are plans to forge ahead with significant advancements in its digital technology. The company hopes to eventually offer an all-encompassing system to support autonomous farm operations.

“Even though we have lots of challenges right now, we have a big dream or goal for agriculture,” says Son.

“We’re going to introduce autonomous driving tractors. And after that we’re going to introduce smart farming. So farmers can stay at home and look at a remote or a phone to see how things are going, maybe in three or five years. That’s what we’re going for right now.”

The post Kioti expects autonomous tractors in near future appeared first on Grainews.

On March 6, Texas-based Mahindra Ag North America (MAGNA) announced a transition away from Mitsubishi Mahindra Agriculture (MMA), its ag equipment joint venture with Japanese-based conglomerate Mitsubishi.

WHY IT MATTERS: Assurances about Mahindra’s future in the ag equipment business are helpful for Canadian farmers in the market for new iron – not to mention those who already run Mahindra-branded machines.

A MAGNA news release called the move “a well-planned and strategic decision” that “reaffirmed Mahindra’s commitment to delivering high-quality products tailored to the North American market.”

The company plans to introduce several new products over the coming months, including utility tractor models ranging from 26 to 70 horsepower. The new products are intended to replace current models produced through the joint venture.

However, dealers and customers will continue to have access to MMA products throughout the transition. Mahindra also says it will provide ongoing support for existing products — including parts, warranty and service — for years to come.

“Throughout the course of the joint venture, the two companies collaborated extensively in research, product development and engineering,” read the release.

“Mahindra will continue to leverage the shared experience, data and knowledge to design, build and produce tractors that meet and exceed the expectations of its dealers and customers.”

MMA was set up in 2015, two-thirds held by Mitsubishi and one-third by Mahindra. The two companies said at the time they aimed to “jointly develop products to address global opportunities in the tractor and agri-machinery space (and) improve cost competitiveness though joint procurement and optimize the supply chain.”

According to a Reuters report March 2, the joint venture has incurred losses “despite multiple structural measures aimed at restoring profitability.”

The post Mahindra moving forward with new tractors, post-split appeared first on Grainews.

The new offerings include more three-point hitch attachments, such as box blades, rotary mowers and small tillage equipment. For the front end, the brand will now offer pallet and bale forks along with snow plows.

And there are new options for its line of UTVs as well, such as fertilizer spreaders and small disc harrows.

“Customer input is at the core of this expansion,” said Steven Benedict, product line manager at Kioti. “Our goal is to make it easier for our customers to find implements that fit their equipment, their work, and their budgets. This new lineup strengthens our ability to deliver reliable tools that help them get the job done season after season.”

The post More compact implements from Kioti appeared first on Grainews.

In October it debuted six models in the 37 to 60 gross engine horsepower range, the Grand L70 series, which offer a new slate of high-spec features.

There are two trim levels available in the line. The smaller L3770 and L4270 (37 and 42 horsepower) make up the deluxe versions, while the larger four are only available in the premium version. Both trim levels offer cabs, but the premium models can be ordered with an open operator’s station and ROPS.

The tractors use one of Kubota’s own 1.8-litre, three-cylinder or 2.4-litre, four-cylinder diesels, depending on the model. The engines in the deluxe versions are naturally aspirated, while the premium models use a turbo. There’s even an optional remote start feature.

Those engines are mated to the brand’s new iHST three-range hydrostatic transmission, It allows for manual or automatic shifting between ranges without stopping. The transmission acceleration response can be adjusted with a foot pedal and the iHST allows for a 29.8-km/h (18.4-m.p.h.) road speed.

Related: Check out the full specifications of the L3770 and L4270 Compact Tractors on AgDealer.com

For the operator, the tractors get an all-new four-post cab with curved glass for improved visibility. The cab offers windshield wipers up front and behind along with side window defrosters.

The new K-Command display in the cab allows for customization and Bluetooth connectivity. The premium models also offer an multi-function joystick for improved ergonomics,

If the L70 is going to be put to work for winter snow removal, there is a Nordik version available, designed with features to improve the tractor’s fitness for the job. It includes Nokian brand snow tires, heavy-duty three-point hitch upgrades, additional guarding, and a swivel air suspension seat, making rear-mounted snowblower use much easier.

There are three factory front-end loader options available, with lift capacities at maximum height from 783 kilograms (1,726 pounds) to 1,121 kg (2,471 lb.). Maximum lift height goes from 2.677 metres (105.4 inches) to 2.971 m (117 inches).

The Grand L70 models will hit dealers’ lots in early 2026.

The post Kubota introduces Grand L70 series of utility tractors appeared first on Grainews.

The new 5M series Masseys made their North American public debut. These utility-class models offer 105- to 145-horsepower diesels connected to the brand’s 12 x 12 Dyna-4 transmission. The transmissions include a brake-to-neutral feature, simplifying loader and baling operations. A mechanical joystick includes a third-function button for controlling loader attachments.

Agco has given these tractors features intended to appeal to livestock producers and hay and forage growers as well as municipal operators.

The tractors can be ordered with or without a cab — which makes them a little unique, because most new utility tractor announcements these days seem to include cab-only versions. For those who choose a cab, the 5M models offer upgraded HVAC capabilities, and air-suspended seat and high visibility roof.

In April the 5M models won a Red Dot Award for product design because of their focus on ergonomic design and functional operator station.

The four 5M models are built on two separate chassis, with the largest two, the 135- and 145-horsepower models, getting a larger frame capable of 11,500 lb. (5,216 kg) of three-point hitch lift capacity.

The 5M engines use a “simplified” Stage V emissions system to meet exhaust restrictions, so owners will have to feed them DEF as well as fuel. To keep those engines running longer hours, the tractors get a larger 52-gallon fuel tank.

The tractors are ISOBUS light and auto-guide ready and are compatible with Massey’s TaskDoc telematics system for data collection in the field.

Fendt 1000 series

At the high end of the horsepower spectrum, Agco announced the release of the Gen4 Vario versions of its flagship rigid-frame Fendt 1000 series tractors.

The updated line will include four models offering 426 to 550 horsepower, and they all get that muscle from a 12.4-litre MAN engine, which uses the Fendt iD low-r.p.m., high-torque concept. All that power flows through the brand’s Vario CVT transmission.

One of the most unique features of these updated models is compatibility with the PTx OutRun autonomous grain cart and tillage system. The 1000 Gen4 Series can have the PTx OutRun capability optionally unlocked from the factory for eventual automated grain cart and tillage operations.

The OutRun autonomous grain cart system is currently operating in limited release on a select number of farms. It was initially launched compatible only with the John Deere 8R models, even though it’s a PTx Trimble-Agco development. The 1000 Series will be the first Agco tractor to use it.

“We’re preparing customers for the future with the first Fendt tractor that can support autonomous operation through PTx OutRun,” Fendt senior marketing manager David Soliday says.

The post Agco launches updated Fendt, Massey Ferguson tractors appeared first on Grainews.

The two tractors have a rated engine horsepower consistent with their model numbers, putting out 85 and 99 respectively at the PTOs.

Rear three-point hitch lift capacity nearly doubles from the other PowerStar models, jumping up to more than 10,000 pounds (4,535 kg).

Both new models get a 21 g.p.m. (80 l/m) hydraulic flow rate, with up to three rear remotes as well as electronic mid-mount valves for a loader.

The tractors get a 16 x 16 semi-powershift transmission instead of the 12 x 12 transmission or Dual Command transmissions fitted to the other PowerStar models. The uprated transmission allows for clutchless shifts between key ranges and includes up to eight automatic gear shifts.

Related: See all the specifications of the PowerStar Electro Command 120 and 110 on AgDealer.com

The new tractors are available with optional cab and front axle suspension. The cabs get a new high-visibility roof panel for clearer views when doing loader work. Like the 16 x 16 transmission, which has been brought in from other NH tractor series, they get the same electronic mid-mount joystick that lets the operator shift gears, de-clutch and operate the loader all from one control point, as other higher-horsepower tractors offer.

Model year 2026 Electro Command tractors come standard with NH’s base FieldOps telematics package, which includes such features as location tracking and remote engine performance monitoring. An advanced telematics package can be purchased to upgrade and add to those features.

“This latest addition to our PowerStar family is redefining comfort, control and productivity in the utility tractor segment,” says New Holland’s livestock and dairy business manager Alex Berwager. “With its premier features, enhanced performance and Electro Command semi-powershift transmission, these are the most capable PowerStar tractors ever built.”

“This is the PowerStar that bridges the gap between utility and agricultural performance – delivering the versatility of a utility machine with the power, comfort and technology you’d expect from a production-class agricultural tractor,” says NH product marketing manager Lena Patton. “It’s the most comfortable and highest-performing tractor ever put into this series.”

The post New high-spec utility tractors coming from New Holland appeared first on Grainews.

“The new HX1302 and HX1402 are really our first entry into this market that gets us over 100 PTO horsepower,” says Joel Hicks, Kioti’s product line manager for tractors. “We’re now up to 130 and 140 engine horsepower, 109 and 120 PTO horsepower.”

The new models will continue to use Kioti’s in-house turbocharged 3.8-litre, four-cylinder diesels, but now, for the first time, they get mated to a power shift transmission that includes two creeper gear ranges. In all, there are four ranges with eight power shifts available in each one, making it a 32 X 32 gearbox.

As for emissions, the diesel will breathe out though a diesel particulate filter and require the addition of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) for an SCR system. All of the emissions components will be hidden under the hood. Despite that, the hood keeps a relatively low profile and access to engine components is still good.

The HX tractors get another significant upgrade from the brand’s previous flagship models with a standard closed-centre, load-sensing hydraulic system.

“Our previous HXs were around 31 g.p.m. (117 litres per minute) hydraulic flow,” says Hicks. “This unit gets up around 44 g.p.m. (166 l/m), with 30 or 31 g.p.m. dedicated to the rear of the tractor and joystick valve for remote valves or a loader.”

At the rear, three remotes are standard with a fourth available as an option. Each has an individual mechanical flow control adjustment.

The rigid-mount front axle includes a limited slip differential for improved traction. The wheelbase gets stretched about eight inches to 102 inches (2.59 metres).

Tire options are limited at the moment.

“We’re running 380R28 on the front, 460R38 on the rear,” says Hicks.

The same five-post cab style carries over from the existing HX models, but this time with suspension to smoothen out the ride.

Inside the cab is a 12-inch LCD screen, and there is a telematics option from Kioti. “Right now it’s provided to the customer free of charge for the first year,” says Hicks.

And, of course, the new HX models come loader ready.

New sub-compact 30 series

Aside from growing its tractor offering at the high end of the horsepower ladder, Kioti has added a new model of sub-compact, the CS30. Making this tractor unique is its claim as the first sub-compact to be offered with a factory-installed, climate-controlled cab.

The CS30 is the first of the 30 Series tractors to be introduced. A ROPS version is set for release sometime soon.

Aside from the cab, the 30 Series model offers a number of premium features compared to existing 20 Series open-station models.

The CS30 is rated at 24.5 horsepower with just over 51 pound-feet of torque from its three-cylinder diesel.

“All of our previous models had a 1.0-litre engine,” says Hicks, “but on the CS30 we’re going to a 1.2-litre with the same horsepower output, but we’ll get a 15 to 20 per cent increase in torque as well as good fuel consumption.

“The 30 Series is kind of a step up from the 20 Series, with newer styling that is more in line with what our newer products look like and an integrated joystick valve.”

The CS30 can be mated to a backhoe attachment that offers a six-foot digging depth.

“When you put the backhoe on it, there is a quick removal to take the back glass out,” says Hicks. “Swivel the cab seat and you’re actually still sitting in the cab when you operate the backhoe.”

There is also an automatic attachment system for the mid-mount mower, making connecting pretty easy.

“You can drive over it and it auto-connects,” says Hicks.

Kioti has a distribution centre in southern Ontario that handles Canadian products, so none of the tractors come out of the United States.

The CS30 has a base MSRP of $33,539.

The post Kioti pushes tractor offering well up into utility class appeared first on Grainews.

The new 1M Series 25, and its 35 and 40 higher-horsepower brethren, are to be marketed to people who may just be getting into farming.

“We think this is a growing segment of the market,” says Kevin Lewallen, tactical marketing manager of compact and utility tractors for Massey Ferguson. “You have more and more people that are interested in getting their feet wet in the ag industry and they start with either a sub-compact or compact tractor.”

So what do these tiny but mighty compact tractors have to offer?

For starters, the 25-hp model is the first time Massey has a tractor of that size with a factory-fitted cab. This allows operators to benefit from the 1M’s creature comforts, such as air conditioning to help you stay cool in the summer and a heater to keep warm in the winter.

That cab will be a welcome feature for operators working in farmyards in the summer sun, and especially handy in the winter if you’ve ever been blowing snow and had the wind shift and blow snow back in your face.

READ MORE: SDF to build low-horsepower tractors under Massey brand

The deluxe cab also comes standard with tilt-steering, side-by-side foot pedals, cruise control, a wider and taller seat, USB ports and LED lighting.

A reinforced frame and upgraded hydraulics boost the lift capacity for the 1M Series tractors, with the 25-hp model capable of lifting 386 kg (852 lbs.). Lift capacity runs up to 848 kg (1,870 lbs.) on both the 35- and 40-hp models.

As for attachments, Lewallen says the 1M Series tractor comes equipped with a 60-inch, mid-mount, drive-over mower deck. The 1M tractors can also be fitted with a variety of front attachments such as a blade, bucket, rotary broom or snowblower.

At the rear, the 1M 25 has a 20-hp PTO and comes standard with two remote connections. Lewallen adds that Massey Ferguson has partnered with a number of OEMs for rear-mounted attachments.

The new 1M Series tractors are available now at Massey Ferguson dealers.

The post Massey Ferguson rolls out new compact utility tractors appeared first on Grainews.

“We entered into production and started shipping in July,” Bobcat’s product specialist Jonathan Widmer says. “They’re new — three different models. This is our largest series of tractors.”

The 66-horsepower UT6066 is available in either open-station or cabbed configurations. The 74-horsepower UT6573 is a cab-only model. All three models have front-wheel assist.

The tractors get power from a Daedong turbocharged diesel engine. Mated to that is a 12×12 power shuttle transmission that comes standard across all three models.

“This is the size class where hydrostatic (transmissions) go away and we get into the gear driven,” Widmer adds. “There’s no foot-clutching, you’re doing all the clutching electronically with your thumb. When you look at all the competitive models, everyone in this space is doing it (power shuttle transmissions), at least as an option. But not everybody does it as standard.”

The response of the power shuttle can be adjusted to make a more gradual or faster change in direction, depending on the operator’s preference and the job at hand.

There are a few other features on the larger tractors that the brand hasn’t offered before. Those include a mechanical self-levelling front-end loader, LED lights and a PTO cruise function.

“If you’re working the tractor heavily it will slow down the tractor so your r.p.m.s stay up for the implement,” Widmer says.

Inside the cab, operators will find the environment and trim level similar to cabs on other Bobcat machines, including an adjustable seat and tilt steering column.

Widmer says the decision to grow the tractor line’s horsepower range came as a result of input from dealers who found many customers wanted larger models.

“We talked to a lot of our dealers and they were saying somebody came in looking for a tractor and it seemed like they needed just a little bit more (horsepower). That was probably the biggest push why we wanted to get into this.

“Bobcat makes it onto farms with skid steers and loaders, but we didn’t really have a tractor we thought farmers and ranchers might use.”

The new tractors get final assembly at a plant in North Carolina and come with a standard two-year, 1,500-hour warranty.

The post Bobcat introduces utility-class tractors appeared first on Grainews.