Category Archives: Tractor

Ag Pro Companies Drive Green Challenge

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My latest stop for the John Deere Drive Green Challenge is Little Rock, AR with Ag Pro Companies. We set up at The Ranch, which provided a great driving ground for customers who wanted to try out some new John Deere tractors or Gators or mowers. Customers were able to do a comparison test with a Kubota too!

During my time here I recorded some excellent customer testimonials for publication on the John Deere Drive Green Challenge website. I also took a lot of photos. Next stop will be Gainesville, FL following the 2011 Agri-Marketing Conference.

Here are photos from the event: Ag Pro Companies Drive Green Challenge Photo Album

John Deere Active Command Steering

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Matt ArnoldActive Command Steering was one of the new things getting a lot of attention at the National Farm Machinery Show. These young guys were working on one of the simulators that were set up so attendees could get a real sense of how it works.

I spoke with Matt Arnold, Senior Marketing Representative, about the new product. He says it’s an option on the Model Year 2011 8R Series tractors. It’s a smart steering system that’s speed compensated. It adjusts the lock to lock ratio of the steering wheel as well as the effort. You can hear Matt explain how it works in my interview with him.

By the way there’s an 8R Active Command Steering Game waiting for you to try out. You can find it with this link.

You can listen to my interview with Matt here: Matt Arnold Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Announcing Western Farm Show Tractor Pull

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The voice of the Championship Tractor Pull at the Western Farm Show is Dave Bennett. He was also one of the announcers last week at the National Farm Machinery Show Championship Tractor Pull. I was there and I can tell you he does a great job.

Dave stopped by the AgWired booth this morning to talk about the return of the tractor pull to the show. It has been many years (almost 30) since the events were held together. Dave started his tractor pull announcing even before then. He says that an indoor tractor pull isn’t new but that diesel engine tractors was more recent since they need smoke tubes and exhaust fans to handle the smoke. He says we’ll have nine classes and you won’t see the same equipment twice.

You can listen to my interview with Dave here: Dave Bennett Interview

2011 Western Farm Show Photo Album

New Holland PowerStar Utility Tractors

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Brad MooreI didn’t get to go to the World Ag Expo to see these tractors unveiled but they were on display at the National Farm Machinery Show. They are the New Holland PowerStar Series Utility Tractors. To learn about them I spoke with Brad Moore, North American Mid-Range Tractor Segment Leader.

Brad says customers really designed these tractors by giving feedback in a series of customer clinics and “virtual reality” applications. The virtual reality allowed for a lot of models that could be tested with customers without using real steel.

PowerStar tractors will be available in both cab and ROPS versions. The entire three-model line (75 hp – 100 hp) will provide outstanding maneuverability, unparalleled comfort and excellent fuel efficiency for part-time farmers as well as livestock, dairy and other operators who are looking for a highly versatile tractor.

You can listen to my interview with Brad here: Brad Moore Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

AgWired coverage at the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:
New Holland

New Holland Explains Tier 4

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New Holland Tier4According to Sean Dorosz, New Holland, farmers are becoming increasingly aware of new Tier 4 standards. He told me that they are asking questions based on familiarity with the subject.

During the National Farm Machinery Show New Holland had a special location just to conduct Tier 4 tractor clinics and answer questions. Sean is conducting a session with some of them in the photo and you can hear him present following my interview with him.

You can listen to my interview with Sean that is followed by audio of him doing one of his presentations in the booth to a group of customers here: Sean Dorosz Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

AgWired coverage at the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:
New Holland

Championship Tractor Pull

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Championship Tractor PullIt’s “like candy for pullers.” That’s the Championship Tractor Pull taking place after the National Farm Machinery Show closes for the day.

I had to spend a little time seeing the big indoor show and have some photos uploaded for you.

This invitation-only event stars the nation’s best drivers and their ground-pounding machines – Pro Stocks, Super Stocks, Modified, and Alcohol Tractors as well as Two-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive Trucks. The drivers compete in four exciting evening performances and an additional pull on Saturday afternoon. Drivers are not only gearing up for the unequaled thrill of winning at this nationally recognized pull, but also for the chance to bring home a share of more than $200,000 in prize money.

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

AgWired coverage at the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:
New Holland

John Deere Shows What’s New At AG CONNECT Expo

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AG CONNECT ExpoThis afternoon John Deere held an AG CONNECT Expo media tour of their exhibit while providing an overview of their latest product offerings. I spoke with John Deere’s Tim Merrett who says the show is a great place to display new products like their new Interim Tier 4 tractors that are just rolling off the production line this month. These new 8R models come with JDLink Ultimate Service and Service ADVISOR Remote, all of which is on display. There are also several tractor simulators you can get in and take them for a test drive.

You can listen to Tim talk about all that’s being offered from John Deere here: Tim Merrett Interview

Follow along with the media touring John Deere during the show:

2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

New Holland Commitment To Tier IV

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I have participated in a seminar on the new Tier IV engine requirements which go into effect this coming January and found myself very lost. I’m not that kind of engineer. To help understand it better I spoke with New Holland’s Sean Dorosz at the Farm Progress Show. Pictured is a New Holland T9 Series Tractor that will support the new technology.

“We don’t simply consider Tier IV as a legal requirement, but as a part of our fundamental role of agricultural machinery manufacturers which safeguards the farming environment for future generations,” says David Greenberg, Senior Director of Marketing, North America. “New Holland’s Clean Energy Leader position is based on fundamental elements for environmental respect that encompass not only Tier IV, but also biodiesel, the NH2TM hydrogen tractor and the Energy Independent Farm concept.”

As the Tier IVa regulations for products with engines over 174hp (130kW) go into effect in January 2011, New Holland will use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology for all machines producing over 100 hp. The advanced SCR engine solution was developed in partnership with Fiat Powertrain Technologies. SCR is a cool-running, quiet system that’s separate from the main engine function and does not compromise horsepower or torque. It does not interfere with engine performance but, in fact, actually improves it. The SCR after-treatment requires an easy-to-use additive.

You can listen to my interview with Sean here: Sean Dorosz Tier IV Interview

Harold Beaver Wins John Deere Chip Foose 4020 Tractor

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John Deere just announced the winners of their Big Buck Sweepstakes. The big prize winner is Harold Beaver who receives the Chip Foose customized John Deere 4020 Tractor.

As the grand prize winner of the John Deere Big Buck Sweepstakes, Beaver not only won the customized John Deere 4020 Tractor but also met and talked with Chip Foose, who designed and modified one of Deere’s most widely used and popular tractor models ever produced. From March through July, the Big Buck 4020 Tractor toured the country as part of the John Deere Drive Green Tractor Experience events.

Beaver filled out the winning entry at the James River Equipment John Deere dealership in Statesville, North Carolina, when he was getting parts for a lawnmower. He thought it was a great idea to use Chip Foose to promote the John Deere 4020.

In addition to the grand prize Foose-customized 4020 Tractor, John Deere is giving away three Gator XUVs as first-place prizes. Recipients of these prizes are: Stephen Hendricks, St. Louis, Mo.; Philip Cripe, North Manchester, Ind.; Robert Leis, Togo, Saskatchewan, Canada.

New Holland T8 and T9 Details

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Last week New Holland unveiled their new T8 and T9 tractors at the Farm Progress Show. I sat down with two of their marketing managers to learn more about these machines. Thanks to Gene Hemphill, media tent master and photographer, for taking the pictures.

Let’s look at the T8 Series first. There are five models of these tractors that range from 235 to 339 hp. I spoke with Sean Dorosz to learn what’s new in this series.

All T8 Series tractors feature a rugged Ultra Command™ full powershift transmission, powered by Tier IVa Cursor 9L engines developed and produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies. These engines provide constant hydraulic flow even under extreme load. Standard hydraulic flow is a generous 43 gallons per minute (gpm) and with the Megaflow™ pump option, capacity climbs to 72 gpm. Engine Power Management provides up to 50 hp of extra power in high-demand conditions.

You can listen to my interview with Sean here: Interview With Sean Dorosz

Next up is the T9 Series. These tractors range between 350 to 600 hp depending on which frame size you choose. To find out what’s new about this series I spoke with Wade Prouse.

All T9 Series tractors are powered by Tier IVa Cursor engines developed and produced by Fiat Powertrain Technologies. (9 liter engines in T9.390; 13 liter engines in T9.450, T9.505, T9.560, T9.615 and T9.670.). All models feature the efficiency of New Holland Ground Speed Management, which intuitively manages both engine load and transmission speeds to optimize performance and fuel economy.

You can listen to my interview with Wade here: Interview With Wade Prouse

Farm Progress Photo Album

John Deere Brings New Generation of 8R Tractors to the Fields

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John Deere has released its next version of the 8R Tractors that were originally released last year. This upgraded version integrates the “smart-tractor” concept into the row-crop tractors. I caught up with Cody Dicken during the Farm Progress Show to take a look at the new 8R Tractor and learn more about its new features.

“First and foremost, customers will notice new styles and new lights on the front grill. But quickly when they step into it, they’ll notice that the power levels have increased by about a 10-15 percent power increase depending on the model,” explained Dicken.

The 8360R and the 8360RT get up to almost 300 btu horsepower and Dicken continued, “From what we can see, these are the most powerful row crop tractors anywhere in the industry.”

One advantage of the new 8R Tractors is that farmers are easily able to integrate the new GPS technologies into their operations.

“Last year when we came out with the 2010 8R we introduced the Command Center on the seat. This year, we’ve taken the Command Center to the next level,” said Dicken. “We now have an option to enable the tractor with a touch steer display and the GreenStar applications are now available.”

With the Command Center, growers can also operate AutoTrack and SwatchControl Pro, which makes it easier for growers to be able to use the technology.

You can customize the tractor to meet your needs so it works from a small to medium operation all the way up to an extra large operation. Not ready for all the bells and whistles yet? Don’t worry. You can add technologies as your operation grows.

To learn more, visit your local John Deere dealer. They are accepting orders now and manufacturing will begin in January 2011 for delivery in time for next growing season.

You can also learn more by listening to my interview with Cody Dicken. Cody Dicken Talks 8R Tractors

Check out our Farm Progress Photo Album.

Whoa, Nelly, Big Bud is Big

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Whoa Nelly AgWired peeps. Have you seen how BIG Big Bud is?

Big Bud is the world’s largest tractor and one of the biggest draws at this year’s Farm Progress Show. He was built by hand (all the Big Bud’s manufactured were done one at a time, no assembly line was ever used) and topped out at 27 feet long, 20 feet wide, 14 feet tall and weighing 100,000 pounds. Big Bud is the baby of Ron Harmonn, birthed in 1977 in Montana. The inspiration was derived for the need for a better tractor to plant and grow cotton.

Until this week, Big Bud had been on display in a farm museum in Dyersville, Iowa (the home of the famous ball field from Field of Dreams). He was moved to Boone, Iowa by Crop Production Services (Agrium), a company that provides agricultural inputs to farmers around the country.

Steve Sopher, an area agronomist with Agrium told me that they brought Big Bud in to give growers a walk down memory lane, and that he did. Between 15,000 – 20,000 people came to see Big Bud in person over the three days. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 people were at Farm Progress from around the world, so you can bet that most spent some time checking out Big Bud – and they won’t forget his enormity any time soon.

For those of you who missed out on this amazing piece of history, Sopher said that he will be back at the 2011 Farm Progress Show. You can also watch this video.

And be sure to check out all the Big Bud views in our Farm Progress Photo Album.

AgWired coverage of the 2010 Farm Progress Show
is sponsored by: New Holland and

New Holland NH2 Helping Achieve The Independent Energy Farm

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One of the coolest examples of new technology on display at the Farm Progress Show is the New Holland NH2 hydrogen powered tractor. Paul Trella, New Holland, told me all about it on video this morning. He says the tractor is part of their effort to help create the energy independent farm. The tractor is not in commercial production but it has been demonstrated on a short course. Paul says they’re hoping to have it run through some actual production work soon and that a model will become available in the near future. Here’s some information about it.

The basis:

A current T6000 tractor.

What is inside:

* A Hydrogen tank
* Fuel Cells System perfectly integrated into production tractor, with standard components
* Electric motor n° 1 – Power to traction
* Electric motor n° 2 – Power to PTO and auxiliaries

What is not:

* No diesel tank
* No combustion engine
* No exhaust pipe
* No gear box

Farm Progress Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2010 Farm Progress Show
is sponsored by: New Holland and

New Holland Unveils T8 and T9 Tractors

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New Holland unveiled their new T8 and T9 Tractors today at the Farm Progress Show. Prior to the unveiling the company held a press conference. I’ve got the audio for you below. The rain miraculously stopped just as it was time for the outdoor unveiling. What timing!

New Holland T8 Series tractors combine the productivity enhancing speed and stability of a long, 11’4” wheelbase with the agility you’d expect from a short wheelbase. The five models in the new T8 Series range from 235 hp to 339 hp.

and

New Holland’s T9 Series 4WD tractors meet the power and productivity needs of both row crop and broad acres producers with a choice of a standard or wide frame, industry-leading hydraulics, the largest cab in the industry and the industry’s first cab suspension system.

You can listen to the New Holland press conference (and download it) here: New Holland Press Conference

Farm Progress Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2010 Farm Progress Show
is sponsored by: New Holland and

Steer Your Deere

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To promote and show off the new steering technology of the John Deere 8R tractors the company has sponsored a new game on Agriculture.com called Steer Your Deere.

Navigate a John Deere 8R Series tractor down an obstacle-strewn path. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to acquire ACS, immediately noticing easier steering ability. You’ll generate income for travel time, overtime and bonus items, but you stand to lose some for uncontrolled driving. Rocks, hay bales, and logs abound!

Once you’ve given it a spin, stop by Machinery Talk, add your score and talk a little friendly smack!

“Big Bud” at Farm Progress

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The world’s largest tractor is sure to be a big attraction at the 2010 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa next week.

The Big Bud 747 tractor was built in Havre, Montana by Ron Harmon and the crew of the Northern Manufacturing Company. Measuring 27 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 14 feet tall, and weighing in at 100,000 pounds, Big Bud can work more than one acre per minute, at speeds up to 8 mph. Except for its new paint job, chrome stacks, and a whopping 900 plus horsepower – the Big Bud looks like it did when it rolled out of the Northern Manufacturing Company building back in 1977.

Crop Production Services (CPS), Dyna-Gro Seed and Loveland Products Inc. will be featuring Big Bud to reinforce their “Think Big” theme for 2010.

Here’s a promo video of Big Bud:

The Antique Tractor Show

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ZimmCast 262Antique tractors are a passion for Michael Hinton. He decided there needed to be a good resource for people who share that passion so he started The Antique Tractor Show. This website is meant to be a place to find information and to enhance the effort he’s teamed up with Frazier Dailey who has Antique Tractors Forum.

Michael Hinton
The Antique Tractor Show is a site dedicated to Antique Tractor Enthusiasts all over the globe. If you use antique tractors, collect antique tractors, or just enjoy looking at antique tractors, welcome to our site! The Antique Tractor Show chronicles those individuals who indulge their passion for buying, restoring, and displaying Antique Tractors through an expanding series of web-based Shows. Our goal is to carry on the legacy of keeping the great tractors of the past, ever present long into the future.

Listen to my conversation with Michael to learn more about what he’s doing.

Since I just attended the Shady Dale Rodeo the program ends with a song titled, “Rodeo Has Got My Heart” by Trinity Lane from Music Alley.

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsors, Novus International, and Leica Geosytems for their support.

You can listen to this week’s ZimmCast below.

The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired. Subscribe so you can listen when and where you want. Just go to our a Subscribe page.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

John Deere To Build Tractor Museum

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How about another John Deere story? The company is going to build a museum in Waterloo, IA to focus on the history of the tractor and engine design manufacturing.

Construction on the John Deere Waterloo Tractor and Engine History Museum will begin in late 2010 with opening of the facility scheduled for late 2011. The museum will be an addition to John Deere attractions in Iowa, Illinois and Germany as well as visitor centers at John Deere factories around the world.

“The public is interested in learning more about the company’s past, present and future,” said Bill Becker, director, global brand management. “This new museum will complement other John Deere-branded properties by amplifying the tractor and engine history of the company and enabling visitors to explore the development and capabilities of these products more in-depth.”

The tractor and engine museum will include artifacts and interactive exhibits to celebrate the rich history and dynamic growth of the tractor business at John Deere, which today is the world’s leading provider of agricultural equipment.

Deere currently operates a historic site in Grand Detour, Illinois, where John Deere started his business in 1837. In addition, Deere offers the John Deere Pavilion and John Deere Store in Moline; the John Deere Harvester Works visitors’ center in East Moline, Illinois; the John Deere Forum in Mannheim, Germany; and visitor centers in other John Deere’s facilities.