Category Archives: Tractor

SmartTrax Boost New Holland Tractor Productivity

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The New Holland T9 Series Tractors with SmartTrax have been getting a lot of attention at farm machinery shows since last fall and High Horsepower Tractor Marketing Manager Sean Dorosz says there are good reasons for that.

“SmartTrax tracks boost the productivity and pulling efficiency of our T9 Series tractors,” Sean said at the recent New Holland media event, where journalists had a chance to test drive one of these bad boys. “Producers using this track option will increase traction and reduce soil compaction and slippage, which translates into less surface damage and a smoother ride.”

Sean says there are two types of SmartTrax modules available – High Idler and Standard. The track modules can be used on the tractor for spring planting and then installed on the combine for fall harvest. The simple installation allows you to go from wheels to tracks in less than a day – and then back again.

The first of the SmartTrax equipped tractors are starting to arrive at dealerships and Doug Roquet with SS Equipment in the Pacific Northwest says they had the first T9 SmartTrax machine available to the public and have been getting great response from farmers in the region.

“The 4-track system provides greater ground contact than tires or 2-track systems. This results in the best overall tractor balance, better traction, reduced slippage and reduced compaction,” Doug says. “In addition, the SmartTrax system from New Holland is built with advantages over other 4-track machines with thicker belts, heavier duty idler & bogey wheels with 50% thicker rubber and larger bearings, much larger drive wheels providing contact with 11 to 13 drive lugs verses 2 to 3 lugs on competitive models, and long track life for use on multiple generations of tractors.”

Take a look at some video Doug shot recently on a farm in southeast Washington.

New Holland TS6 Series Tractor

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Lean and mean is how New Holland is describing their new all purpose TS6 Series tractors. These tractors are made in Mexico. I spoke with Thierry Mahe, General Manager at the production facility. He says they’ve had a limited release of these tractors and based on the success of that launch they’ve now ramped up production for a full launch.

The four TS6 models range from 90- to 115-PTO horsepower: two models are equipped with 4-cylinder engines and two models feature 6-cylinder engines. All four models are available with either 2WD or 4WD, and with a flat-deck ROPS operator station or an all-weather cab.

TS6 tractors are available with a choice of three rugged transmissions: an 8F x 8R synchronized transmission with mechanical shuttle, an 8F x 8R synchronized transmission with hydraulic shuttle and a 16F x 8R DualPowerTM transmission with hydraulic shuttle. The DualPower transmission has an underdrive for each forward gear to provide more torque at the push of a button. An optional 4-speed creeper range is available for all transmissions.

Listen to my interview with Thierry: Interview with Thierry Mahe

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland

New Holland T6 Series Tractor

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The new T6 and TS6 Series Tractors from New Holland were getting a lot of attention at the 2012 National Farm Machinery Show. Andy Reinert says “We’re really bringing back an old friend.” He’s referring to the Ford 10 series but this model has been fully updated. He says their theme is, “Reliable, Rugged, Simple.”

New Holland’s new mid-range T6 Series tractors deliver outstanding power, performance and fuel efficiency with Tier 4a emissions-compliant engines that feature New Holland’s exclusive ECOBlueTM technology. Six models, from 90- to 120-PTO hp, are available with a range of standard to premium features with a combination of transmission, hydraulic and cab packages to suit the operation and preferences of a wide array of farming and utility operations.

Listen to my interview with Andy: Interview with Andy Reinert

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland

New Holland Has A Lot of New

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There is a lot new at New Holland and it’s on display at the 2012 National Farm Machinery Show. I visited with John Elliott, New Holland, Director, Marketing NAR, to get the aerial view of all the new products. When I saw John last at the Farm Progress Show New Holland was becoming much more customer segmented with three distinct segments, RCMU which is residential, commercial, municipal units, the dairy/livestock units and the cash crop segment. John says that on the show floor today there are product launches in all three areas.

The new products list includes:

Listen to my interview with John to learn more about all the new products being introduced by New Holland: Interview with John Elliott

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland

New Holland Announces Boomer 555 Contest Winners

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New Holland has announced the eight regional winners of their Boomer 555 Contest. This was a great promotion and we congratulate the winners. Lots of interesting and well done photo, video and written entries were submitted. These winners will enjoy the use of a Boomer tractor protected by the “industry-leading Boomer Guard-5 Warranty” for the next five years!

  • Daniel Del Vicario, Merrimack, NH
  • Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation (WI), Apollo Beach, FL
  • Joe Caffee, Geneva, IN
  • Melissa Horejsi, Webster, MN
  • Duncan Smith, Mtn. Grove, MO
  • Standing Stone Brewing Co., Ashland, OR
  • KR Equestrian, Schomberg, ON
  • Tristen Crooks, Weyburn, SK

New Holland Announces Discount/Contribution Initiative

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The New Holland Boomer Tractor that has put in time at Jay Leno’s Garage is now going to the auction block to raise funds for a good cause. Nicknamed “Lil Tug,” by the crew at Jay’s Garage, the tractor made an appearance at the NAFB Convention before starting a tour that ends at auction in January. At the same time, New Holland announced a discount/contribution initiative to coincide with the fundraising effort with the tractor auction. Pictured is Abe Hughes, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for New Holland Agricultural Business in North America, with Lil Tug.

New Holland and Jay Leno have spearheaded the program that will see the ‘Lil Tug auctioned for charity at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona on January 21, 2012.

Proceeds from the tractor auction will go to the Fisher House Foundation, best known for its network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers where families can stay while a loved one is receiving treatment. The Foundation also ensures that families of service men and women wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are not burdened with unnecessary expense during a time of crisis.

In grateful recognition of the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and their families, New Holland Agriculture announced today that effective on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2011 and continuing through January 21, 2012, it will offer U.S veterans and military personnel a $300 discount on the purchase of New Holland Boomer™ compact tractor models 30, 35, 40 and 50 purchased in North America. New Holland will also donate $100 to the Fisher House Foundation for every Boomer compact tractor sold in North America during the discount period.

“This discount and contribution program will further enhance the charitable efforts accomplished by the Fisher House Foundation,” said Abe Hughes, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for New Holland Agricultural Business in North America. “Agriculture has always been one of the backbones of America and it is very fitting that our industry steps forward once again to contribute to not only the courageous members of the Armed Forces, but also to a great role being taken by the Fisher House Foundation.”

I spoke with Abe during the NAFB convention. You can hear more about the programs in our interview: Interview with Abe Hughes

2011 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Coverage of the NAMA Trends in Agriculture & NAFB Convention is sponsored by BASF

What Would You Do With A New Boomer Tractor

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The weather has been a little up and down for opening day of the Sunbelt Ag Expo. Actually, the morning was pretty nice but after lunch the rain kind of set in.

I had a nice time this morning working with New Holland on behalf of their Boomer 555 Contest. I’m collecting some interviews for this social media campaign like this one with Joe Capps from Opelika, Alabama. He told me what he would do with a new Boomer tractor. The contest runs through the end of November so it’s not too late to get your entry in.

2011 Sunbelt Ag Expo Photo Album

Sunbelt Ag Expo coverage is sponsored by The New Holland Boomer 555 Contest.

QR Codes Add Mobile Info To Farm Shows

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See the funny looking black and white design in the picture? That’s a QR code. If your mobile device has a QR Code reader on it, just point it at that image and voila, you’ll be taken to the latest Boomer information on the web. It’s that simple. Got your device with you now? Give it a try. It even works right off your computer screen right now! I saw a lot of these around the Farm Progress Show last week.

You’ll notice that the picture also includes a New Holland Boomer. I can’t forget to mention the New Holland Boomer 555 Contest we’ve been helping promote. New Holland is giving away a five year lease on a new Boomer 30 with front end loader to eight regional winners. Here’s where you can enter. While at the Farm Progress Show I spoke with Abe Hughes, New Holland Agriculture Sales & Marketing Vice President about the contest.

Listen in to my conversation with Abe about the Boomer 555 Contest: Interview with Abe Hughes

2011 Farm Progress Show Photo Album


AgWired Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by New Holland GROWMARK Trellis Growing Systems

New Holland New At Farm Progress Show

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On opening day of the Farm Progress Show our sponsor, New Holland Agriculture, held a press conference to talk about new products and projects. Abe Hughes, New Holland Agriculture Sales & Marketing Vice President, led things off. I’ve recorded the full presentation that includes additional New Holland representatives providing product area updates in addition to Abe’s comments for you which you can listen to or download below.

The press conference focused on several new product areas like:

. . . Tier 4A engines with the addition of five new CR Series Twin Rotor® combines and three new CX8000 Series Super Conventional combines equipped with ECOBlue™ Selective Catalytic Reduction engine technology.

. . . an industry-leading 5-year Boomer Guard5 limited warranty on all Boomer™ 30/35/40/50 deluxe compact tractors.

. . . anniversary edition of New Holland’s FR9000 Series self-propelled forage harvesters.

And much more.

Listen to or download the full press conference here. New Holland Press Conference

Here’s video of Abe’s comments at the press conference.

2011 Farm Progress Show Photo Album


AgWired Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by New Holland GROWMARK Trellis Growing Systems

Jay Leno’s New Holland Boomer “Lil Tug” Going to Auction

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This here’s a story about a tractor called “Lil Tug.” Lil Tug is a New Holland Boomer that did duty in Jay Leno’s Garage for years. His story is about to enter a new chapter though since Jay has taken possession of a New Holland Boomer 8N! Lil Tug will be auctioned and the proceeds will go to the Fisher House Foundation. This photo is one I took in Jay’s Garage back in May of 2007. You can still listen to my interview with Jay. So let’s get back to the story (chapter 1), which was announced today at the Farm Progress Show.

You can listen to Abe Hughes, New Holland Agriculture Sales & Marketing Vice President, talk about the project during a press conference at the Farm Progress Show here: New Holland Press Conference Audio

It started four years ago when a little blue tractor rolled off of the New Holland assembly line in Dublin, Georgia, prepared to proudly face its future of doing the work it was built to accomplish. The little blue tractor knew it could faithfully carry out the smaller chores as it would watch the big muscle tractors leaving the machinery shed with the power needed to tackle those more demanding jobs in the fields that stretched to the horizons.

But, as fate would have it, the story didn’t quite turn out that way. Instead, the little blue tractor was placed on a truck and headed westward across the nation, past massive fields, over mountains, and finally taken off the truck outside of a large garage in Burbank, California. A short time later the little blue tractor was driven into the large garage and introduced to scores of vehicles of all ages, shapes and sizes — the likes of which it had never seen. Continue reading →

John Deere R Series Tractors Overview

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In the big John Deere product launch this week there were a lot of tractors to look at. I visited with Brad Tolbert and Jarrod McGinnis about what new features are being offered on the lineup of 6/7/8/9 R Series models. Pictured is a 9510 R tractor on the demo track.

According to Brad, John Deere has increased the cab size on the 6R Series by twenty percent and upped the hydraulics capacity and are offering new loaders to make it a very versatile tractor. He says the company will start building them in January.

Jarrod says the 7R Series is a totally new tractor. They started with a blank slate and built it according to what customers were asking for. For example, the new cab is basically what you only saw on an 8R Series tractors previously. The cabs on the 7/8/9 Series are now the same which makes things easier for operators who have to get in and out of different models.

You can listen to my interview with Brad and Jarrod as they review other features, including horsepower here: Overview of New John Deere Tractors

2011 John Deere Product Launch Photo Album

Riding in a New John Deere 7R Series Tractor

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The most fun part of the John Deere product launch is getting in the cab out in the field. I rode along with Jessica Kroug, Program Development Program, 7R Series Tractors. We were in a 7215 R model. See what it’s like in the video below.

Our ride and drive track provided multiple real field conditions and situations. The tractor is unbelievably comfortable and with the heat we had the air conditioning was a welcome relief. Here’s some information on the new model line.

With a focus on increased power, versatility, capacity and improved operator comfort, John Deere introduces the 7R Series Tractors for the 2011-2012 season. These completely new row-crop tractor models have many of the performance features found in the larger 8R Series, making them even more productive in the field.

The five new 7R models available this fall include:
7200R – 200 engine horsepower; PowerTechTM PSX 6.8L Engine
7215R – 215 engine horsepower; PowerTech PSX 6.8L Engine
7230R – 230 engine horsepower; PowerTech PVX 9.0L Engine
7260R – 260 engine horsepower; PowerTech PVX 9.0L Engine
7280R – 280 engine horsepower; PowerTech PVX 9.0L Engine

The 7R Series Tractors come with a wide array of new customer-driven features including the new IVT and Command QuadTM transmissions, options for larger tires, compact chassis, and greater engine horsepower ratings. These features give the 7R Tractors the versatility to handle the tillage, planting, haying, loader work and many other tough chores on the farm.

2011 John Deere Product Launch Photo Album

John Deere is Accelerating Growth

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This evening John Lagemann, John Deere Vice President, Sales & Marketing — United States/Canada/Australia/New Zealand for the Agriculture and Turf Division, welcomed us to the biggest product launch in the history of the company. The ag media along with a large crowd of dealers got a great show and then had the opportunity to take to the floor to get on the new equipment and talk with John Deere product representatives. The photo below is a new John Deere S660 Combine.

I visited with John immediately after the show. John says this is a “tremendously important introduction for us because it’s the culmination of a wide portfolio of products with integrated technology.” Connectivity was a key word during the presentation. John estimates that well over 6,000 people will participate in the product launch.

You can listen to my interview with John here: Interview with John Lagemann

John Deere today completed the public unveiling of its new ag equipment for 2012 as part of the largest, most significant product introduction in the company’s 174-year history. Significant improvements in power, comfort, and performance are the hallmarks of the new machines including the S-Series Combines with larger corn heads and platforms; high-horsepower 4WD and track 9R/9RT Tractors; 6R Series row-crop tractors and 5 Series utility and specialty tractors.

According to Barry Nelson, manager of media relations for John Deere Ag and Turf Division, these products greatly extend the company’s broad portfolio of equipment products for use in all types of farming, livestock and specialty crop operations, as well as for commercial and property maintenance businesses. “Across the board, we’ve increased the power and added many features to our new equipment that will make customers even more productive, wherever these machines are used,” Nelson says. “This is the strongest lineup of new ag products ever from John Deere.”

In addition to new John Deere combines, headers and tractors, the company recently introduced its new 7R Series Tractors for the row-crop market; its largest, most advanced self-propelled 4940 Sprayer with 1,200-gal. solution tank, 120-ft. booms, and advanced loading and application technologies; and revolutionary Triple-Mounted Mower-Conditioner that cuts a swath more than 28 feet wide.

We started our day out in the field with the new machines. I’ve recorded some video and other interviews from there that I’ll be posting over the coming days. But you can bet I got photos that are online!

2011 John Deere Product Launch Photo Album

Biggest Product Launch in John Deere History

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It’s the largest product launch in the history of John Deere and that’s where I’m stopped on the agriblogging highway. We’re in Indianapolis to learn all about these new machines. Today the ag media got to see the new tractors and combines and get inside for some stick time. I’ll be posting photos, videos and interviews over the next couple days. Right now I’ve got to get ready to see the “big show” with the group.

The tractor in the picture is a new 6R Series that was on display.

For the row-crop tractor market, John Deere introduces the 6R Series Tractors for the 2012 season. The new 6R Series, which replaces the John Deere 7430 Premium and 7530 Premium models, includes three tractor models: the 6170R with 170 engine horsepower; the 6190R with 190 engine horsepower; and the 210 horsepower model 6210R.

According to Chris Borgman, John Deere product manager for mid-size tractors, the 6R Series Tractors have a higher horsepower range, increased hydraulic capacity, more integrated technology and larger ComfortView cabs than the previous 7030 Premium Series Tractors.

Make a Video Entry For New Holland Boomer 555 Contest

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There are some great entries in the New Holland Boomer 555 Contest. This social media driven promotion we’re helping with is going well. Who wouldn’t want to win a 5 year lease on a new Boomer 30 compact tractor with front end loader? We’d like to see some video entries. How about it? Got some creative juices flowing? Get out your camera, go on location on your property and tell New Holland what you’d do with a Boomer. All you have to do is upload your video to YouTube (or other video service) and enter the “Share” link in the Official Entry Form. Easy. So easy that I had to make a video just to help get things rolling.

Not Your Typical Tractor Show

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Looking for a tractor show that is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll? Than look no further than the upcoming 2011 Cambridge Tractor Show and Ag Day that will be held on Saturday, August 6 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm in Cambridge, Illinois. There are not only lots of tractors “through the ages” to enjoy, but also a multitude of shows including a pedal tractor show, semi-tractor show, farm truck show, hit and miss motor show, and lawn and garden tractor show.

Still not enough variety for you? Then check out the featured tractor this year, which is a Farmall tractor sporting a Maytag motor that was chosen by Mayor Jim Crouch. It’s a 1952 Farmall Super M White Demonstrator tractor owned and restored by Dave and Angie Charlet of Cambridge.

Other tractors of note that will be on display include the “Pink and Red” 1948 M Marmall tractor specially painted to bring awareness to heart disease and breast cancer. This tractor is also owned by the Charlet’s and was restored by Chad Hutchingon, also of Cambridge, in memory of his mother Sylvia Hutchinson who died of heart disease.

While we have to leave some of the fun as a surprise for attendees, we will tell you that a fun new activity this year is an “pedal” tractor pull. There will also be fun ag-related games for kids of all ages 1 -100+. For more information contact Karen Hutchinson at 309-937-5859.

Tractor Parts Talk

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Here’s a new blog to add to your feeds. It’s called, Tractor Parts Talk, from TISCO. The company provides “all-makes of aftermarket tractor and agricultural equipment parts and accessories in North America.”

“Tractor Parts Talk is an informative hub where everyone in the agriculture community can connect,” said William Stuckert, president of TISCO. “Our goal is to translate our many decades of experience serving the ag industry into an easy to use resource to help the farming community — whether they are a farmer in the field on their smartphone or a parts distributor in a store on their laptop.”

Tractor Parts Talk blog topics to date have covered the effect of heavy spring rains on the 2011 growing season, tractor part tips on air filter maintenance, a refresher on farm safety, and the importance of agriculture in creating jobs, stimulating the economy, housing wildlife and improving the environment. At tractorpartstalk.com, visitors can also find and purchase tractor parts through tractorpartmart.com to keep their equipment running in the field and connect with a local parts dealer in TISCO’s extensive dealer network.

Find TISCO on Facebook and Twitter too.

New Holland Announces Boomer™ 555 Contest

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Announcing the New Holland Boomer™ 555 Contest. Eight lucky winners will receive a 5-year lease (150-hour per year) on a New Boomer 30 with a 240TLA Loader with the 5-year Boomer Guard5 Limited Warranty. All you have to do is fill out the entry form and describe how you would use a New Holland compact tractor.

You can find out all you need to know, including contest rules and regulations, on the Boomer555.com blog. This is a new ZimmComm project btw. I’m going to be the Boomer™ 555 Contest blogger throughout this campaign, updating you frequently with announcements and sharing selected entries and feedback from the folks I meet. Yes, that does mean I’ll be out and about. Follow along on Twitter and Facebook too.

Here’s a picture of a Boomer 30. Picture that on your place!

So, let’s learn more about the contest from Doran Herritt, New Holland Brand Marketing Manager. We spoke by phone. Doran says New Holland decided to conduct the Boomer™ 555 Contest as part of their introduction of the new 5 year limited warranty on the new Boomer tractors. The 5′s represent 5 months to enter to win a 5 year lease on a Boomer 30 with a five year warranty. Doran encourages you to think creatively about how you would use a Boomer tractor/loader and enter the contest. Whatever you can dream up is okay. It’s time to get Boomer555 Fever!

You can listen to my conversation with Doran here: Doran Says - Get Boomer555 Fever

If you aren’t familiar with the New Holland Boomer Tractors then learn all about them on the New Holland website.

Customer Videos From John Deere Drive Green Challenge

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You’ve probably wondered what I was doing at various John Deere dealers this past couple months. Well, now you can see it in action. It is a series of customer video clips for the John Deere Drive Green Challenge promotion that is taking place around the country.

John Deere selected several dealership promotion days and I showed up to collect some video and ask them what they thought about the new compact and subcompact tractors they drove. It has been a very enjoyable experience because I got to meet some very interesting people.

If you’re interested to see if a John Deere Drive Green Challenge event is coming to your area you can search on the Dealer Events Map.

John Deere Unlocks Augmented Reality

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Want an early preview of the John Deere 7R Tractor? Then visit the John Deere Unlock website.



As part of its launch of new large agricultural equipment for 2011, John Deere has created an innovative, interactive new website – johndeere.com/unlock – to give growers an early preview of the new John Deere 7R Tractor, combines and other new equipment for 2011.

The Unlock website features regularly updated webisodes depicting key features of the new 7R Tractor and combines over the next several months. The first webisode introduces the Guetterman farm family of eastern Kansas and the features they look for in a new row-crop tractor. Another highlight of the website will be the augmented reality program that allows viewers to sync with a webcam to have the equipment come to life with animation and sound on their computer.

According to David Pauli, John Deere advertising manager for large ag equipment, the website is intended to help generate excitement for the new products in a way that gives viewers a highly informative experience. “We wanted to create a continually fresh, novel platform that is entertaining and gives growers unique insight into our new equipment over several months leading up to launch. Every week they’ll get a chance to see something new and different about the products.”

The Unlock website will host information on the new John Deere 7R Series Tractors, combines and other equipment that will be introduced later this summer.

For an early inside look at this new equipment, visit www.JohnDeere.com/unlock.

I’m glad to see that the video is also being posted to the John Deere YouTube channel! I’ll be interested to see how this “augmented reality” program works when ready.