AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, proudly celebrates the 175th anniversary of its Massey Ferguson brand.  As the first company to sell agricultural products on a global scale, Massey Ferguson has provided straightforward, dependable solutions for generations of farmers. The brand celebrates this milestone anniversary with a renewed dedication to farmer-focused innovation, embodied by the Massey Ferguson 8S Series tractor and the rest of the MF S Series lineup.

“For 175 years, the farmer has been at the heart of everything we do. We are, and always have been, agricultural problem solvers dedicated to providing the right equipment, at the right price, for individual farming operations. Our equipment is born to farm — delivering new cutting-edge ag advancements every decade and offering the sustainability and performance farmers need not just for today, but for the next hundred years.”

said Darren Parker, vice president of Massey Ferguson North America.

A Legacy of Farmer-Focused Innovation

From industry first to industry staples — like Harry Ferguson’s historic 3-point implement hitch system — over the past 175 years, Massey Ferguson has embraced innovation to produce dependable, economic farming implements for a wide range of applications and environments. Ours is a story of ingenuity, grit and a deep understanding of the farmers we serve. When Daniel Massey recognized the benefit of industrially manufactured implements and established Massey Manufacturing Co. in Ontario, Canada, in 1847, he began a legacy of farmer-focused innovation that carries through to our current equipment lineup. Our product line began with some of the first mechanical threshers, and we remained at the forefront of the ag industry with:

• The first mass-produced, self-propelled combines and combine harvesters
• Some of the first four-wheel-drive tractors
• First electronic hitch control systems
• And much more

However, it was Harry Ferguson’s TE 20, released in 1946, that truly embodies the spirit of Daniel Massey’s original company. This light, reasonably priced tractor could replace machines one and a half times its size, increasing productivity, versatility and ease of use. As part of the newly created Massey Ferguson brand, Harry Ferguson helped usher in a new generation of straightforward, dependable design. Today, our engineers continue to push the boundaries of performance, productivity and comfort with revolutionary equipment releases in HHP, CUE, material handling, hay and forage, planters and more.

Dependable Farmer Experience

Throughout our 175-year history, Massey Ferguson has made strategic acquisitions and investments to meet the needs of a dynamic industry. We have always focused on providing the right equipment at the right cost for the region and application by leveraging the best components of our portfolio to benefit our customers. These investments include:

• Partnership with “Sunshine” stripper harvester, which drastically improved productivity.
• Acquisition of Wallis Tractor, featuring the U-frame, which brought us closer to self-supporting frames.
• Partnership with Perkins Engines, builders of the most sustainable engines at the time.
• Acquisition of Landini, the Italian manufacturer of the first track-type tractor.

In 1994 Massey Ferguson joined the AGCO Corporation brand portfolio. This partnership allows us to combine resources across the family of AGCO brands to provide the most dependable, hardworking equipment for Massey Ferguson customers across the globe. Additionally, it provides access to world-class services, including AGCO’s GenuineCare and AGCO Protection. Farmers can focus on the field, not equipment maintenance, confident their assets are protected by the financial strengths of a global brand.

Straightforward Equipment Solutions

Over the decades, Massey Ferguson has continued to grow by providing solutions to those who wish to increase productivity, dependability and agricultural sustainability. Few brands can boast the wealth of knowledge and decades of experience that have resulted in powerful, dependable components at the forefront of the ag industry. The MF 8S Series is the culmination of 175 years of our progress — and our farmers’.

As North American agriculture changes to meet more stringent health and safety guidelines, operator comfort has become a key focus. Our exclusive Protect-U design puts a 9.4-inch gap between the engine and the cab. This results in less noise — just 68 dBa — and less vibration. A streamlined hood design and all-in-one aftertreatment system paired with a 360-degree view, offer improved visibility in all operations. The MF 8S Series leverages our selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to provide 40% less emissions from previous stages and fuel savings at lower engine revs, all while delivering a straightforward compliance that doesn’t lead to downtime. Additionally, cutting-edge technology, like our Datatronic 5 terminal and smart farming systems, allows farmers to maximize productivity while minimizing their carbon footprint.

“We are proud to celebrate 175 years of serving the global agricultural community. It’s a fantastic milestone. We appreciate the support and loyalty of generations of Massey Ferguson customers as well as those who are discovering the benefits of our straightforward, dependable approach to design with our newest models. From rural lifestyle to production ag, our equipment is built for those who are born to farm.”

Parker said.

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In 2022, Steyr is celebrating three-quarters of a century since manufacturing its first tractor, a Type 180 model, in 1947. The brand, today a key component of CNH Industrial’s agricultural equipment business, is marking ‘75 years of quality made in Austria’ to underline the reputation Steyr has gained for its high build standards.

The famous red and white livery

The first STEYR tractor, a green 180 model, was produced in 1947. In 1966 STEYR tractors adopted the distinctive red-and-white colors that remain a hallmark of its tractors. Eight years later, tractor assembly and sales moved from the town of Steyr to St. Valentin, where they can still be found today. In 1996, Case Corporation, then the parent of Case IH, purchased the Steyr agricultural division.

Steyr’s first tractors with continuously variable transmissions debuted in 1999, with Steyr subsequently helping to shape this powertrain segment. In February 2005 the 500,000th Steyr tractor was produced. The St Valentin site is today the European headquarters of Case IH and Steyr, and with over 600 employees is one of the region’s largest employers. Besides a strong presence in their German-speaking ‘home market’, Steyr tractors are today sold across 20 countries throughout Europe, following gradual market expansion in recent years

Technological leadership

The brand has underlined its position as a forward-thinking technology innovator with the unveiling at Agritechnica 2019 of the Steyr Konzept. This futuristic tractor uniquely combines innovative technologies to create an environmentally friendly yet efficient and functional tractor concept that shows what the future of tractor development may look like. At its heart is a modular hybrid electric drive, combining a combustion engine, generator, and several individually-controllable electric motors to supply energy where it is needed.

In 2022, this was followed by the Hybrid Drivetrain Konzept. Derived from the thoughts and discussions prompted by the Steyr Konzept in 2019, the Hybrid Drivetrain Konzept takes the driveline aspects further down the development road. Work has focused on the potential of electric drive systems to power a lightweight, high-horsepower tractor delivering fuel consumption advantages averaging 8%. Supercapacitor technology enables power to be boosted when demand rises, providing up to 25% faster acceleration. In the field working with implements, also helps cover peak load in high draft applications, and has allowed the development of differential torque vectoring, reducing turning radius. In addition, it is possible to transfer power to an implement, via high-voltage sockets front and rear.

Linking the tractors of yesterday and today

“The first Type 180 and today’s STEYR Terrus CVT flagship tractor are obviously far apart in terms of technology, but one common thread they share is their build quality,”

believes Hannes Wogerbauer, plant manager at the STEYR tractor factory in St Valentin.

“Many of the factory team are from farms and understand what our customers expect from their STEYR tractor. It’s why we are proud to state‘Quality made in Austria’, and why the STEYR brand has a high level of customer retention.”

Innovation has also long been a reason why Steyr tractors are chosen by those seeking features to help them farm better, suggests Christian Huber, CNH Industrial Vice President of Global Tractor Product Management.

“The 180 was light, maneuverable, and powerful, a combination that had not always previously been possible in a tractor. Today, our designs retain those characteristics but, of course, incorporate numerous other innovations, such as our S-Brake patented trailer braking system.

“That’s why we say we are the partner to rely on, providing products backed by customer support, thought-through solutions, and skilled employees. STEYR tractors have a hard-earned reputation for quality, largely due to the commitment and craftsmanship of those employees, and the passion with which they build STEYR tractors remains as strong today as when we began. There are 75 years of history behind us, and many more to come, providing the agricultural, municipal, and forestry sectors with tractors of the very highest quality.”

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Komet Irrigation is celebrating its 70th anniversary, marking another milestone in the company’s mission to deliver innovative irrigation solutions since it began developing agricultural sprinklers in 1952.

Komet Irrigation specializes in the design and manufacturing of pivot sprinklers and big volume guns. The line-up of highly efficient water application products is the culmination of experience, years of meticulous research and development, and a focus on effectively meeting the challenges growers face in real-life field environments.

“We are proud to have served agriculture for 70 years, including 30 years in the North American market. As a family-owned business based in Austria, we remain firmly committed to the values and innovative spirit on which our father founded this company,”

says Hugo Drechsel, Komet Irrigation CSO and head of marketing.

Komet Academy: Education for Field-Specific Irrigation Conversations

“In addition to providing the highest quality irrigation equipment, we want to ensure our customers have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions based on their unique irrigation needs and the specific field conditions they encounter. One of the ways we can improve irrigation conversations between growers and dealers is by offering free online seminars during our Komet Academy Week,”

Drechsel explains.

The Komet Academy is a series of comprehensive, informal meetings covering topics in mechanized irrigation. The next Komet Academy Week is scheduled for February 21st – 25th, 2022, and will feature six seminars with topics ranging from designing the perfect sprinkler package to in-field troubleshooting.

“The Komet Academy presents a great opportunity for growers, dealers, and others interested in expanding their knowledge to submit questions and gain access to the experts,”

states Josh Mosier, general manager and technical sales director of Komet Irrigation Corp., USA & Canada.

“We often hear from participants that even after many years of irrigation experience, they still learn something new from the Academy. The one-hour seminars are entirely product-neutral and free to attend, regardless if you are a Komet customer or not,”

he shares.

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AGCO Corporation will showcase equipment from its Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Hesston by Massey Ferguson, and Gleaner brands at the 2022 National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS) in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 16-19.

The AGCO (booths 7801 and 7823) and AgRevolution (booth 7603) exhibits will showcase the first-ever North American display of Massey Ferguson’s groundbreaking S Series tractor family, the new Hesston by Massey Ferguson WR Series windrower, Fendt’s award-winning Rogator 900 Series applicator, and IDEAL 10T Combine, and a wide array of popular tractors, hay equipment, implements, and hands-on opportunities.

“AGCO’s exhibit this year will be filled with equipment never before seen at NFMS. Attendees will be able to experience some of agriculture’s smartest and most effective machinery, talk to product experts, and have fun playing games. Best of all, NFMS gives us the chance to learn from farmers and incorporate those lessons into the next generations of AGCO equipment,”

said Joe DiPietro, vice president, and general manager, AGCO NA.

The wide-ranging and interactive exhibits will make it a must-see stop for all attendees:

Massey Ferguson S Series Tractor Family: All New to NFMS and Together for the First Time! The S Series tractors deliver the straightforward dependability customers expect from Massey Ferguson. With tremendous levels of comfort and performance, these models deliver a cost-effective and farmer-driven solution.

• 8S Series Tractor: New to NFMS! Available in 205, 225, 245 and 265, 285 and 305 HP.
• 7S Series Tractor: Debuting at NFMS! Available in 155, 165, 180, 190 and 210 HP.
• 6S Series Tractor: Debuting at NFMS! Available in 145, 155, 165, and 180 HP.
• 5S Series Tractor: New to NFMS! Available in 115, 135, and 145 HP.

Hesston by Massey Ferguson WR Series Windrower: New to NFMS! Hesston by Massey Ferguson’s hay and foraging solutions have long been the equipment of choice for farmers across the United States and attendees will be among the first to see the new WR Series self-propelled windrower. Larger fuel capacity and hydraulic efficiencies mean the new WR Series offers more uptime, more power, and more comfort to maximize hay production and quality. The WR Series is a smarter, more powerful way to better hay.

AE50 Award Winners from Fendt and Massey Ferguson: Both the AGCO and AgRevolution booths will feature many current and recent winners of the prestigious AE50 awards from ASABE, including Massey Ferguson’s 8S Series tractor, and several from Fendt such as the Rogator 900 Series applicator, Momentum planter, IDEAL 10T combine, and 700 Gen6 Series tractor.

Massey Ferguson RB Series Round Baler: New to NFMS! The RB Series features a patented bale formation system with Constant Pressure System (CPS) that combines spring and hydraulic action producing dense and uniform bales. Consistent bale density is essential for all baled products, and Massey Ferguson’s new range of variable chamber round balers offers farmers the best solution due to their class-leading compaction, cutter, and pick-up capabilities.

Massey Ferguson VE Series Planter: New to NFMS! The Massey Ferguson VE Series planters are the next step in the evolution of planters from AGCO. This full line of planters — from rigid and folding-frame planters to narrow transport and track planters — offers growers straightforward, dependable, durable planters that deliver consistent, accurate seed placement for optimum yields.

Celebrate 75 Years of Hesston by Massey Ferguson: 2022 marks Hesston by Massey Ferguson’s 75th anniversary and, in addition to the new WR Series windrower, AGCO’s booth will feature a wide range of round and square balers, mowers, and rakes from the legendary and innovative hay equipment manufacturer. Attendees will celebrate with Round Bale Plinko and photo opportunities with Bucky the Bull.

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“Massey Ferguson has been offering farmers around the world straightforward and dependable machines since its inception nearly 175 years ago. Few brands around the world can claim such a lasting impact in the agricultural industry. Massey Ferguson was truly ‘Born to Farm’,”

said Eric Hansotia, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of AGCO Corporation.

Luis Felli, senior vice president, and general manager for Massey Ferguson adds,

“Massey Ferguson is now pivoting from being a pure farm machinery manufacturer into a provider of straightforward and dependable experiences that provide the best value for farmers and make their business more profitable and sustainable. This globally consistent, farmer-first approach enables customers to experience the transformation of the brand in a unique way all over the world. Complemented by a synchronized Global organization, it was only natural to launch a new logo during this unprecedented moment in our history.”

“2022 will be THE year of the new Massey Ferguson global brand. We have been thinking of a new logo since we unveiled the MF NEXT Concept at Agritechnica 2019.  MF New Era started to come to life with the MF 8S launch in July 2020 followed by the launch of a full line of products these past 18 months, including our September 2021 Born to Farm Digital Event.  November is an iconic month for the brand, falling exactly 63 years after the announcement of the brand’s creation and its iconic logo. As we celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Daniel Massey’s first farm equipment workshop in 2022, we felt it was the perfect time to refresh the logo while introducing a new meaningful tagline,”

said Francesco Murro, Massey Ferguson vice president of global marketing, sales enablement & partnerships.

The Massey Ferguson Triple Triangle – The most recognizable icon from 1958

“The triple triangle shape is a strong icon that has embodied Massey Ferguson since 1958. Our new logo is a mix between our strong heritage and fresh brand values. The three triangles overlap to represent the mutually beneficial relationship and trust between farmers, dealers, and the brand,”

added Mr. Murro.

“Working as one Massey Ferguson Global Team, we aim to make farming operations easier, more profitable, and more sustainable across the globe. We want to use this new logo to invite farmers, more than ever, to become part of the Born to Farm Massey Ferguson family. We also took this opportunity to transition to a modern, sleek and flat design while giving the logo life through the interaction of three triangles interlocking one into the other. Drawing it with one single, solid, and straightforward gesture creates the appearance of movement. The flat design is very reflective of our current digital world, allowing us to manipulate the logo to bring it to life for our websites, applications on smartphones and smartwatches, or even the screens inside the machines themselves,”

says Alfredo Jobke, director marketing global Massey Ferguson.

“Our September 2021 Born to Farm event was the first expression of this new logo and its “Born to Farm” tagline. The great feedback and amazing enthusiasm we received, pushed us to really go for it. The new tagline conveys our unique brand value proposition and sets Massey Ferguson apart in the market and in the communities we serve,”

concluded Mr. Murro.

New Global Massey Ferguson Brand Identity rollout in 2022

The new logo will be progressively implemented across the globe. It has already begun to be featured in the brand’s digital channels and will be updated in all Massey Ferguson marketing material moving forward. This change builds momentum as Massey Ferguson prepares to celebrate its 175th Anniversary starting in January 2022.

The Massey Ferguson logo and tagline refresh provide the brand with a unique opportunity to realign its key messages to focus on the farmer first approach and the straightforward, dependable, accessible, and sustainable brand drivers. Farmers around the world will be able to experience the new Massey Ferguson brand identity for the first time toward the end of Q1 2022. The company will also implement a step-by-step introduction into its facilities, factories, and offices across the globe, as well as in Massey Ferguson Dealer Network signage starting in 2022.

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This pioneer of autonomous agricultural robots is already celebrating its 10 years of existence and growth. To mark this occasion, the founders look back at some key dates that have made Naïo Technologies today.

Naïo Technologies’ beginnings

Aymeric Barthes and Gaëtan Severac, both robotics engineers, decided to embark on the adventure following the first discussion with farmers in Pontoux-sur-l’Adour during the Asparagus Festival held on 1 May everyday year. Their first encounter with a producer gave them the idea of creating a robot to help him and his colleagues with their time-consuming, arduous, and repetitive tasks.

After two years of sketches and trials, in 2013 Naïo Technologies was the first company in the world to market an agricultural robot in the field, called Oz, on the farm of a couple of Occitan market gardeners in Belberaud (department 31). At the time, this little assistant was perceived as a real revolution in the agricultural domain!

The story continues

The family expanded in 2016. A new range of robots made their appearance. Alongside Oz, Naïo Technologies welcomed Dino, dedicated to the mechanical weeding in large-scale vegetable fields, and Ted, dedicated to the viticulture sector.

Among other things, the French start-up accelerated its international development between 2016 and 2019 through the establishment of a distribution network in more than 25 countries: Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Canada, Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand, etc.

In 2020, Naïo Technologies conquered the United States, opening an American subsidiary in Salinas, California. With a team of 15 people now, the company offers the service provider of a robot, the famous “Robot As A Service”, which is proving highly successful.

The year 2020 also marked the launch of the second version of Ted, the robot for vineyards, and the evolution of the pioneering Oz, now fitted with new tools allowing it greater versatility and henceforth a multi-task machine.

The post Naïo Technologies Celebrates its 10th Birthday appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

2021 marks the 25th consecutive year that Koller Craft, LLC and Agri-Fab, Inc. have worked together to produce equipment that the agriculture industry utilizes on a daily basis. Agri-Fab, a manufacturer of lawn and garden attachments, has teamed up with Koller Craft to create parts for its spreaders and hoppers that many people have relied on for years.

One of the oldest plastic molders in the Midwest, Koller Craft uses injection molding for various parts for spreaders and hoppers, coming in different sizes and colors—black, orange and green. Throughout the last quarter-century, Koller Craft has used its injection molding on poly cart trays, dust covers, sweeper housing and gears, among other industry parts.

To manufacture some of these parts, Koller Craft uses High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which provides tensile strength, a large strength-to-density ratio, high-impact resistance and a high melting point. Other parts are manufactured with Polypropylene (PP Copolymer). This is more flexible than HDPE and retains its shape after torsion, bending and flexing.

When plastic is used to manufacture these parts, it holds up to the tough environment the end product is earmarked for. Plastic can tolerate exposure to chemicals, ultraviolet rays and moisture that causes metals to oxidize and rust. It will flex when needed and will not scratch or dent like metal can.

Plastic can also be a more cost-effective option than metal. The ability to consolidate multiple parts into one piece eliminates the need for secondary options and keeps costs down. Resin, used during plastic molding, also delivers lower material costs than metal.

Another benefit of plastic is it allows for flexibility in the design and manufacturing process. Metal parts often require welding, grinding, die work, bending and rework on each individual part in order to achieve the design specifications. With plastic, these secondary steps are often included in the manufacturing tool and allows for the injection molded part to come out complete. The part can also have color and texture added to it, eliminating the need to paint or decorate the part.

After 25 years, the relationship between Koller Craft and Agri-Fab remains as strong as the millions of parts they have manufactured together. These two manufacturers plan on continuing to collaborate for many years to come.

About Koller Craft
Koller Craft, LLC, a Koller Enterprises company, is a family-owned and operated full-service provider of injection-molded plastic components that is headquartered in Fenton, Mo. Since 1941, it has focused on providing its customers with the highest levels of service and quality. Besides manufacturing the product to the proper specification, Koller Craft also specializes in on-time shipping, customer service and quick problem resolution. To learn more, visit https://koller-craft.com

About Agri-Fab
Agri-Fab is a manufacturer of lawn and garden and outdoor equipment. Agri-Fab’s product line has expanded to include many innovative and feature-rich products for the lawn and garden industry as well as the UTV/ATV market. Established in 1975, the company employs over 400 people during peak season and distributes products through dealers and retailers worldwide. Agri-Fab is located in Sullivan, Ill., a town with a population of 4,500 people. https://www.agri-fab.com

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Continental is the oldest independent and also one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world. Over the past 150 years, the company has set standards in the tire industry with its pioneering spirit and innovative strength.

Time and again, it was Continental’s engineers who, with their ground-breaking inventions, ensured that tires became safer, more efficient, and sustainable. Milestones in Continental’s tire development include the first treaded tire, the first tire with a detachable rim, the patent for the world’s first tubeless tire, and, with its “all-terrain” model, the first dedicated winter tire. Likewise, the first pneumatic tractor tire came from Continental.

Later came the first rolling resistance-optimized tire and the first production tire to feature a tread made of dandelion rubber. Continental is also one of the pioneers in the field of digitalization. As early as 1999 the tire manufacturer demonstrated that the data required for advanced driver assistance systems can be determined even more accurately and quickly if the tire is used as a data source.

This was the birth of the intelligent tire. Meanwhile, Continental is connecting its tires and their sensors to the cloud and offering its customers completely new, smart, and digital tire solutions and services.

“Tires are our passion. Our technological excellence has ensured safety, reliability, and sustainability for 150 years. We are proud of this. Many of today’s technology standards in tires come from Continental. Time and time again, we push the boundaries of what is possible. Our goal is to produce our entire product portfolio exclusively from sustainable materials in a climate-neutral way by 2050 at the latest,”

said Christian Kötz, Head of the Tires business area and member of the executive board of Continental.

Continental’s roots go back to the early days of the founding era. On October 8th, 1871, the “Continental-Caoutchouc- & Gutta-Percha-Compagnie” was incorporated. The product range initially included a variety of rubber products, such as toy balls, rubber mats, roller coverings, rubberized fabrics or balloons, and solid tires for carriages and bicycles. When the bicycle began its worldwide career in 1892 with freewheel and coaster brake, Continental was the first German company to produce pneumatic bicycle tires, and hence “pneumatics” soon became a household word.

A short time later, in 1898, the production of pneumatic tires for cars also began. The first pneumatics was still treadless and had comparatively limited handling characteristics by today’s standards, especially on wet or wintry roads. All tire manufacturers were looking for solutions to the sliding susceptibility of their products – until Continental presented the world’s first car tire with a tread in 1904.

Industrialization and mobility needs as early drivers of innovation

The triumph of individual mobility and advancing industrialization demanded tire products forever new fields of application. In addition to safety, the theme of comfort also increasingly became the focus of attention.

In 1908 Continental engineers caused a worldwide sensation with the invention of the detachable rim, which made the wheel and tire mounting much easier. To mark its 50th anniversary, Continental was the first German company to launch large tires for commercial vehicles on the market. In 1928 tires for agricultural tractors and tractor units were manufactured for the first time.

The T2 agricultural tractor tire was the first pneumatic agricultural tire in Europe. In the industrial sector, Continental revolutionized the segment of solid tires, which are used on forklift trucks, airport vehicles, and other heavy-duty industrial applications. Introduced in 1932, the great success of the ContiSuperElastic solid rubber tire led to the abbreviation for this category that is customary in the industry today: CSE.

Another milestone in the industrial history of the 20th century is the first tire made of synthetic rubber, which rolled out of Continental’s factory hall in 1936. Under the effects of the shortage economy during the war years, the tire manufacturer launched the first research series to obtain rubber from Russian dandelions. A project that was taken up again in 2011 and has been successfully driven forward since then. The “Urban Taraxagum” bicycle tire is Continental’s first tire made in series production using rubber from dandelions.

In 1943 Continental filed a patent application for the tubeless tire. An invention that significantly improved the rolling resistance of tires and became a common technological principle in the post-war period and still is today. Continental first enabled particularly safe driving in winter in 1934 with its “all-terrain” model, its first dedicated tire designed for snow, and thus its first winter tire. In 1953 Continental crossed the snowy St. Gotthard Pass in Switzerland with its M+S tires (mud and snow) under notarial supervision, successfully completing the first winter tire test in history.

Intensive testing enables safety – in city traffic or when driving under extreme conditions

Before a new tire from Continental is launched on the market, it has to successfully pass a wide range of tests, be it technical innovations in the passenger car, truck, or special tire sector. In total, new tire models cover 25 million test kilometers each year before the actual start of production. The enormous effort is justified. Because it is the foundation for the product quality of the tire manufacturer from Hanover, for all applications – even under extreme conditions. In 2003 Continental became the only supplier of a production tire with a permissible maximum speed of up to 360 km/h with the ContiSportContact Vmax. In 2007 the ContiSportContact Vmax was the first tire to be entered in the Guinness Book of Records and was the first choice for numerous record-breaking races of well-known tuners.

For the testing of tires and all conceivable conditions, the company maintains state-of-the-art tire testing facilities worldwide. The Contidrom near Hanover, the “prototype” and reference of all Continental tire test centers, was opened in 1967.

As early as 1968 the first electronically controlled driverless car took to the track at the Contidrom, to the astonishment of the press and public. Continental has further developed this technology and now uses it at its test site in Uvalde, Texas, USA, to subject its tires to endurance tests.

In 2012 the Automated Indoor Braking Analyser (AIBA) was officially opened at the Contidrom test site. This facility, which is the only one of its kind in the world, enables the brake performance of tires on different road surfaces to be tested all year round, regardless of the weather, and fully automatically using unmanned vehicles. In the future, tires will also be tested there is a new type of dynamic driving simulator.

Thus, professional test drivers will also be carrying out realistic driving scenarios virtually. Having each test cycle completed in the driving simulator instead of on real roadways means fewer test tires need to be produced. Hence, this investment in the new testing technology also contributes to Continental’s extensive sustainability efforts.

Resource awareness as an early driver of technological excellence

Continental has been committed to greater sustainability in the tire and automotive industry since the early seventies of the last century. The effects of the oil crisis in 1973 provided the impetus for a research project to develop tires with optimized rolling resistance.

The insights gained in this project ultimately led to the presentation of a previously unprecedented product in 1993. For the first time, a tire in the ContiEcoContact combined environmental benefits and economic aspects with outstanding driving and safety characteristics.

Since then Continental has been facing major challenges in dealing with finite raw materials and the need to reduce CO2 emissions. For many years now sustainable and responsible management has been an integral part of Continental’s corporate strategy. Efforts here are centered around the strategic topics of climate action, low-emission mobility, the circular economy, and sustainable supply chains, thus embracing all phases of the value chain.

As early as 1903, a branch plant was set up in Seelze near Hanover for the reprocessing and recycling of rubber scrap. In 2013, Continental opened its unique ContiLifeCycle plant in Hanover Stöcken. With its integrated approach to retreading for truck and bus tires and a specially developed industrial-scale rubber recycling plant, it is an industry pioneer.

In order to make the tires of the future even more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly in terms of production, use, and recyclability, the company is systematically investing in the research and development of new technologies, alternative materials, and environmentally compatible production processes. For example, the tire manufacturer intends to gradually switch to 100 percent sustainably produced materials in its tire products by 2050.

Sensor technology and digitalization enable innovative tire solutions and services

Continental is also one of the pioneers when it comes to the digitalization of tires. As early as 1999, the tire manufacturer demonstrated that the data required for advanced driver assistance systems could be determined even more accurately and quickly by using the tire as a data source. That was the birth of the intelligent tire.

Since then Continental has continued to drive forward the digitalization of tires, enabling completely new services for fleet and end customers. Since 2010 Continental has bundled all services for fleet customers under the umbrella of its brand Conti360° Fleet Services. From the recommendation and perfect selection of the right tires to correct mounting and quick assistance in the event of a flat tire to constant inspection and comprehensive tire reports for all their vehicles, the fleet operators receive a highly professional all-around tire service.

The company is continuing to expand the ecosystem of smart, digital solutions for Continental’s premium tires that have been created in the meantime. As one of the world’s largest suppliers of electronics, sensor systems, and software in the mobility industry, Continental has a decisive competitive advantage here.

For example, Continental’s ability to allow the tire to communicate with other safety-related components as a central element in the vehicle system led to a ground-breaking project back at the beginning of the millennium: the 30-meter car.

The coordination of all systems involved in the braking operation resulted in a vehicle that came to a standstill after only 30 meters with full braking at 100 km/h. At that time the average braking distance was still between 36 and 40 meters. This corresponded to shortening the braking distance by up to 25 percent.

Today, Continental is using the direct connection of its tires and sensors to the cloud to offer completely new business models. Fed by a large number of data points, Continental’s fleet customers can check the condition of their tires at any time using algorithms developed in-house.

This means that tire maintenance can be carried out on an as-needed basis, not as a preventive measure, and thus much more efficiently. Fleet providers thus benefit from minimized downtime due to repairs, increased safety, lower overall costs due to greater energy efficiency, and generally more efficient operation. In 2020, Continental set new standards with the presentation of its successful pilot project for significantly accurate tread depth monitoring using algorithms and vehicle telemetry data.

In the future, Continental will continue to stand for innovative excellence in tire technology with its premium portfolio in the passenger car, truck, and special tire segments. In its new strategy program presented in 2020, Continental describes its path into the new decade. The focus of the Vision 2030 strategy program is the consistently customer-centric orientation of the organization and all business activities. In addition, the tire sector aims to continue to grow profitably and differentiate itself from its competitors in a rapidly changing market environment in the areas of sustainability and digital solutions.

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New Holland is marking this important milestone with a 60th Anniversary Special Edition of its FR Forage Cruiser for all units produced for the next season. The machines will bear a distinctive 60th Anniversary decal to symbolize the machine’s advanced technologies and exceptional performance.

Henrik Aaskov Hansen, Global Product Manager for New Holland Self Propelled Forage Harvesters, said:

“For the last 60 years, New Holland forage harvesters have constantly pushed the boundaries of performance, delivering the highest quality silage to meet the most demanding requirements of livestock farmers. More recently, our FR Forage Cruisers have also proven invaluable assets in biomass production, which is developing fast in response to the growing demand for sustainable fuels. As we mark this important milestone, New Holland Forage Harvesters are demonstrating how their versatility is helping our customers to improve their profitability and fully grasp the opportunities of new revenue streams.”

FR Forage Cruiser: ultimate versatility, productivity, and crop quality
New Holland’s forage harvesters deliver crop quality and throughput with no compromise. The proven Power Cruise features to ensure ultimate capacity in fields of varying crop density, while the power of the state-of-the-art header through grass, corn, and whole crop.

The FR Forage Cruiser can be relied on for industry-leading chopping performance with features such as HydroLoc technology that ensures constant chop length regardless of crop type and variations in load, and the exceptionally strong cutter head with a wide range of configurations to match every need – from conventional or shredded silage to biomass.

The FR Forage Cruiser leverages advanced technologies to deliver the best quality silage for livestock feed and biomass plants alike. These include the industry-leading ActiveLOC technology, which automatically calibrates the chop length to ensure the most nutritious silage depending on the actual moisture of every individual swath. The award-winning NutriSense NIR sensor nutrient analysis technology provides valuable crop nutrient data collected by the forage harvester, which can be visualized on the MyPLM Connect portal, helping farmers make informed decisions to market their crops most profitably, and tailor inputs for enhanced future yields.

The FR Forage Cruiser also offers all the advantages of New Holland’s MyPLM Connect telematics, which keeps the farmer connected to the machine at all times, enabling them to send and receive real-time information that helps operate more efficiently, productively, and profitably.

Brad Wenger, Product Marketing Manager for Self Propelled Forage Harvesters, New Holland North America, said:

“Precision technology solutions on our current FR Forage Cruiser have evolved greatly from the pull-type forage harvester allowing the operator to control a wide range of parameters on the machine to produce high-quality silage. Whether the crop is for livestock, biogas, or even hemp production, the FR Forage Cruiser allows customers to fuel their business with the optimal crop quality and precision data across all applications. The NIR technology provides a granular measurement of key nutritional values to support a profitable and sustainable forage business.”

Source: New Holland

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In 1871 the clocks were set for success

It all started at a festival: Franz Pöttinger was a resourceful master clockmaker who in the 19th century was already highly innovative and looking towards the future. From his point of view, the precision of a timepiece could also be applied to machines for making farmers’ hard work easier. This meant that the forage chopping machine’s time had come. And for it, he was awarded the Silver Prize Medal at the Linz Festival (AT) in 1871. That was 150 years ago, the same year the company was founded. Pottinger has been serving the agricultural technology industry ever since.

In addition to the forage chopping machine, the company also produced fruit mills and presses, harvesters for silage and forage, brushwood chippers, and potato harvesters. In the 1950s, one of the best-selling machines was a loader for hay, straw, grass, and beet leaves. A few years later, the conveyor rake revolutionized mountain farming. This paved the way for the “Green product range“. Following continuous ongoing development, the hay loader soon became the forerunner for the loader wagon. Pottinger has been the world market leader in this segment ever since. Acquiring the Bavarian Plough Factory (DE) opened the door for the grassland specialist to enter the tillage market in 1975. Power harrows, stubble cultivators, and plows were then added to the product range. The third key area of competence was seed drill technology. The company successfully entered this market in 2001 by taking over the Rabe plant in Bernburg (DE).

Pottinger flags are raised all over the world

Following the first exhibitions at trade fairs in Austria and neighboring countries, international success started in 1999 with the foundation of the first sales subsidiary in France. Another 14 subsidiaries in Europe, the USA, and Asia followed, the most recent achievement being the opening of the subsidiary in Poland in 2020.

Honor the past – be the future.

Pottinger has always felt a strong connection to farmers. Recent events in particular have shown how important it is for everybody to have a sufficient supply of high-quality food.

“At Pottinger, we have been working for the success of our customers for more than 150 years. As a family-owned company, Pottinger takes its responsibility for future generations and the environment very seriously. It is our duty to develop agricultural technology that allows and promotes all aspects of farming also in the future,”

is how Gregor Dietachmayr, Spokesperson for the Management Team, outlines the company’s strategy for the future.

Source: Pottinger

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