It’s been one year since the DOT field robot prototype made its first public appearance at Ag in Motion (AIM) near Saskatoon, Sask. The machine has since attracted attention from people around the world who are interested in the future of autonomous farming. Engineers in the DOT Technology Corp. shop in Emerald Park, Sask. have… Read more »
Category: Tractors
TechTour: An electric tractor built for CTF
Designed for controlled traffic farming (CTF), the Multi Tool Trac built in the Netherlands offers a unique look based on a series of farmer-driven ideas. The electric tractor was developed for use in three-metre CTF, but takes transport into account with an on-the-fly adjustable gauge system that takes it down to 2.25 metres for the… Read more »
Rotating cab gives tractor operator an owl’s-eye view
Hovering 350mm (~14 inches) above its base, the tractor cab definitely stood out as it sat perched atop a Deutz-Fahr 9340 tractor on display at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany. So why would a tractor cab need a lift kit? No, it’s not for aesthetic appeal, but for a practical reason: tasks that require the driver… Read more »
Camso launches remanufactured track program
Camso is giving new life to worn tracks. Earlier this month, the Quebec-based company unveiled its certified remanufactured program, giving farmers the ability to rebuild and reuse worn tracks. “When customers participate in our program, Camso takes their old tracks and puts new tread bars on the carcass, remanufacturing the used tracks and giving them… Read more »
Kubota offers semi-autonomous tractors, with the new M7002 series
European farmers can look forward to a new line-up from Kubota — and one that provides automation of some of the more mundane operator duties. The M7002 series tractors succeed M7001, with up to 170 horsepower, a new power shift transmission, improved braking performance, lower fuel consumption and updates to intelligence. With Tractor Implement Management,… Read more »
John Deere counting down to celebrating 100 years
March 14, 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of John Deere’s tractor business, and the company has big plans for its centennial celebration. John Deere entered the farm tractor business in 1918 through the acquisition of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company. At the recent National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, John Deere product marketing manager… Read more »
AEM expects machinery sales to rebound in 2018
With commodity prices staying low and farmers facing higher interest rates for the foreseeable future, there is reason to be cautious about equipment sales moving forward, especially after 2017’s mixed bag of results between Canada and the U.S. Some manufacturers, though, do see light at the end of the tunnel. At play in the optimism,… Read more »
Smart track technology uses sensors to improve durability
Are you driving too fast and compromising the life of your tracks? Maybe you’re driving too slow and could hit the throttle and get to the field faster? Track maker Camso plans to answer those questions when they launch new smart track technology in North America. Smart track technology will see sensors embedded in tracks… Read more »
Whoa, there: Speedy tractors, signage, and brake requirements
Here’s a fun debate topic: if your tractor is capable of traveling at over 40 km/h, is it still a slow moving vehicle (SMV)? It sure isn’t, and if you’re traveling above 40 km/h and displaying a SMV sign, you’re actually breaking the law. Last month at FarmSmart, RealAgriculture’s own Peter Johnson was on-hand for… Read more »
Versatile celebrates Genesis anniversary with special edition black tractor
The first Ford Genesis tractor rolled off the production line in Winnipeg in September of 1993. With changes in ownership over the past 25 years, the mechanical front wheel drive series has been sold in seven different brands around the world, including New Holland, Ford New Holland, Buhler, Fiat, and Versatile. “It’s still the same… Read more »
Kubota’s fully autonomous tractor to hit fields in Japan
Kubota’s fully autonomous tractor is offering Japanese agriculture an innovative solution to the challenges of an aging demographic. “Really we’ve been developing this technology for the local market in view of the fact that in Japan, much of the farming population is aging, and we’re starting to see some labour shortages,” says Kubota’s Mel McGlinchey…. Read more »
Canadian tractor and combine sales were strong in 2017
December ended with very cold weather across Canada, but overall Canadian tractor and combine sales numbers reported by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) were hot, compared to 2016. The December 2017 the Association of Equipment Manufacturers Canadian Flash Report shows 2WD farm tractors up 15.1%, 4WD farm tractors up 24.5% and self propelled combines… Read more »
Techtour: 1.5 tonnes of bolt-less ballasting in under 30 minutes
Proper weight distribution is key to unlocking a tractor’s full potential, in terms of fuel consumption, tire wear and drawbar performance. At the 2015 Agritechnica show in Hanover, Germany, John Deere showcased its 1.7 tonne drive-over EZ Ballast System. Since then, the EZ Ballast offering has expanded to include a new, wheel weight system. The wheel… Read more »
Canadian tractor sales continue to show strength in comparison to the U.S.
The Canadian tractor market has maintained its strength according to the November 2017 Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Flash report. One of the trends over the year has been the strength of the Canadian market in comparison to the U.S. numbers on a percentage basis. November total farm tractor sales in Canada were up 15.4… Read more »
Fendt debuts all-electric compact tractor
Automation is not be the only innovative path the agricultural machinery world is headed down. Fendt unveiled an all-electric tractor — the e100 Vario — this fall, and had it on display at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany. “We’ve removed the diesel engine and the diesel tank and have installed an electric motor with a 100kWh… Read more »