Contractors know that accurate numbers to track job site activity and topography can mean the difference between completing a project on time and on budget. With the addition of Smart Construction Field and Smart Construction Drone to Komatsu’s suite of job site technologies, contractors have two new tools to better manage projects.

“When the Smart Construction group came in, they integrated everything together, and the transition felt seamless. Now, we can take the data, transfer it to the machines, get data back from the machines to the office, and utilize all of that information across the board forbidding, customer reference and billing,”

said Kevin Hawkinson, vice president of operations, A.W. Oakes & Son.

Smart Construction Field

Using data to track spending allows contractors to analyze those numbers quickly and find cost-effective ways to manage and resource projects. Komatsu has partnered with Moovila, an experienced provider of project management software, to develop Smart Construction Field, a mobile app that allows contractors to easily record job site activity and analyze operational efficiencies in near real-time.

Reports generated by Smart Construction Field can track daily job site conditions, and task progress can be broken down by labor, equipment, and materials, including machine utilization and fuel distribution, receipts, time cards, and subcontractor work. Regardless of equipment brand, Smart Construction Field can collect machine data from an entire fleet.

Smart Construction Drone

Collecting accurate topography is easy with Komatsu’s Smart Construction Drone survey technology. This drone solution captures quantities for production tracking and billing, without personnel walking the job site to do a manual survey.

Contractors can gather and analyze data throughout each project phase with topographic surveys that incorporate hundreds of thousands of data points. With the capability to take still photos from up to 400 feet above ground level or under bridge decks, Smart Construction Drone can be used as pre-job verification or to keep stakeholders up to date.

Smart Construction Drone pairs very well with Smart Construction Dashboard. Built to combine data from multiple sources into one comprehensive picture, Smart Construction Dashboard combines 3D design data with aerial mapping and intelligent machine data, to let contractors confirm quantities and visualize job site progress. Smart Construction Dashboard is powered by the 3D visualization power and geospatial accuracy of Cesium, a leading platform to visualize, analyze and share 3D data.

Both Smart Construction Drone and Smart Construction Field are part of Komatsu’s Smart Construction solutions, an umbrella of smart applications created to help construction customers optimize their business remotely, and in near-real-time.

The post Komatsu adds Smart Construction Drone and Smart Construction Field to its Suite of Job Site Solutions appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AGCO is bringing the Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 Series tractors to North America. Because they are built to order and may be fully equipped with the FendtONE operator station like the larger Fendt tractors, these compact and extremely capable workhorses are in a class of their own.

The handy, lightweight tractors will debut at the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 31-Sept. 2. The Fendt 300 Gen4 Series tractors will also be featured at select events after the Farm Progress Show. They are available to order through Fendt dealerships for delivery in early 2022.

The Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 tractors are available in four models ranging from 100 to 142 ECE R120 rated engine horsepower, all featuring the quality, comfort, and versatility that Fendt is known for. The 300 Gen4 Series tractors offer an outstanding weight-to-power ratio and the agility to handle a wide range of jobs in places larger tractors can’t go. With an unladen weight of just 11,045 pounds, the 314 model boasts just over 83 pounds per horsepower. Added ballast can bring the weight up to 18,739 pounds when the work at hand calls for more.

These tractors make fast work of residential and municipal snow removal, operating both front and rear attachments. They are designed to handle the continual back and forth of loader work and easily manage tight quarters when stacking hay, cleaning livestock pens and equine facilities, and working in specialty crop fields.

“AGCO is focused on providing the solutions our customers need. As we expand the Fendt offering throughout North America, we now have the 300 Gen4 Series tractor for customers who need a smaller tractor with the technology and capabilities only Fendt can deliver,”

says David Soliday, AGCO senior tactical marketing manager for tractors.

Trailblazing the way for tractors

Fendt 300 Gen4 Series tractors are characterized by the same innovative design and cutting-edge technologies that North American customers already experience in larger Fendt tractors.

The 300 Vario Gen4 Series includes four models: 311 (100 HP), 312 (113 HP), 313 (123 HP) and 314 (132 HP). The Fendt DynamicPerformance (DP) power boost intelligent sensor technology automatically adds 10 HP when it detects excessive auxiliary consumer demand on the 314 models up to 142 HP. This ensures that the 314 will provide maximum drawbar, hydraulic, and PTO performance.

The Vario 300 Gen4 Series includes the 4.4-liter AGCO Power engine that works in unison with the Fendt stepless Vario continuously variable transmission (CVT) for optimum power, fuel efficiency, and machine life.

“The main job of this versatile tractor is to quickly and reliably complete every task before the operator has to swiftly and easily switch over to the next one. The 300 Vario Gen4 tractors are equipped to handle a full range of front and rear implements. Specifically, they are designed to withstand the constant reversing and speed changes required for loader work,”

Soliday says.

Configuring the machine to the job

Besides specialty crop and chore work, Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 Series tractors can also be found hard at work in municipalities mowing and raking, hauling materials around the yard, or – in areas prone to snowstorms – removing snow. Since these tractors fit so many uses, they are offered in the choice of three trim packages – Power, Profi, and Profi+ – and with more than 210 options, so they can be ordered to match the buyer’s needs and use.

“The base configuration – Power – is fairly simple, and while it has the big 10-inch display on the dash, it does not include the 12-inch touchscreen display on the armrest. However, these tractors can be ordered with features all the way up to those that even a 1000 Series would have for precision agriculture, guidance and ISOBUS. All those features are easily added,”

Soliday says.

Comfortable cab, designed for productivity

Operator comfort is an important piece of Fendt’s engineering, and the Fendt 300 Vario tractors are no different. All the operator comfort features Fendt is renowned for can be found on the 300 Vario tractors. In addition to front axle suspension, the 300 Gen4 Series tractors are available with either mechanical or pneumatic cab suspension for a comfortable, quiet ride.

All tractor functions in the cab are located at the operator’s fingertips.

“A multifunction joystick and control buttons are integrated into the armrest, and a 10-inch digital dashboard is built into the steering column,”

Soliday says.

Select Profi+ packages also feature the full FendtONE operator station. The FendtONE cab offers producers more display areas, including a 12-inch touchscreen terminal in the armrest and the option of a second 12-inch touchscreen terminal that can be stowed halfway into the right side of the cab roof. FendtONE also brings operators more control options, including a multi-function joystick to operate hydraulics, loader, and ISOBUS features; the Pushdial controller used to run the display and cabin controls; and color-coded buttons that are laid out in an arc right at the fingertips.

“The FendtONE cab allows each operator to customize the tractor to individual preferences for each chore. The buttons are all color-coded to the functions they control – for example, hydraulic buttons are blue. And, to give operators more flexibility, white buttons on the control panel and joystick can be programmed to control tractor or implement functions based on the operator’s preference,”

Soliday says.

The perfect loading combination

Implement controls are centrally located on the armrest – either in the joystick or integrated into the armrest itself – for easy implementation operation. For example, when operating the loader, the operator’s left hand controls the turn and steer functions, while the right hand operates the Crossgate lever or 3L joystick for the front loader.

Fendt offers two front-loader options. The Fendt Cargo front loader comes in two sizes – the standard 4X75, and the 4X75 compact, which attaches the arm almost four inches closer to the cab to increase stability. The Cargo loader offers a semi-automatic attachment lock that features either a quick-release lever or a hydraulic lock, allowing the operator to push a button in the cab during frequent tool changes to easily switch between buckets, bale grabs, and more.

The Fendt CargoProfi front loader features the latest in smart technology. The loader can weigh its contents with the touch of a button, includes tilt sensors, and offers top and bottom limits for lifting height and tipping angles. It also has a memory function that saves positions and makes frequently repeated jobs easier.

Warranty and customer care

The Fendt Gold Star Customer Care package comes standard with each Fendt tractor. This 36-month/3,000-hour warranty features no deductible, covers all scheduled maintenance, and includes the cost of oil, filters, belts, and maintenance items during the coverage period. Each new tractor also receives five years of Fendt Connect telematics that allows an operator or their dealer to remotely monitor important machine data. In the rare case of a breakdown, Fendt dealers will take care of the parts support, while quickly diagnosing and repairing the problem to get the tractor back in the field or provide a loaner guarantee if it takes more than 48 hours to complete a repair.

The Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 Series will make its public debut at the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 31- Sept. 2, and may be seen at select Fendt dealer events this fall.

The post Fendt 300 Vario Gen4 Series Now Available in North America appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

As commodity prices heat up, the race is on for corn and soybean growers to maximize yields and return on investment potential. Enter the first-ever Field Forged Series from NK Seeds. Now available for the 2022 growing season from retailers across the U.S., this combination of proven performers and elite newcomers represents the best in seed innovation from Syngenta Seeds’ leading research and development engine.

The inaugural Field Forged Series lineup features 26 total hybrids, including 10 new NK corn hybrids and four new Enogen corn hybrids, and 20 new NK soybean varieties, each carefully evaluated and hand-selected for top performance.

“This is a big moment for NK, but an even bigger one for farmers. This isn’t just another product launch. The introduction of our first Field Forged Series is the culmination of many years of research and development, testing and working alongside farmers to deliver meaningful innovations for their fields,”

said Quinn Showalter, NK head of sales.

With challenges in agriculture constantly evolving, Syngenta Seeds is accelerating innovation to keep farms running, structuring the organization’s entire R&D process around the farmer. The company’s innovations include the Stalk Crusher, a unique sensor-based technology that’s delivering better-standing hybrids, and investments in trait introgression that are empowering breeders to pair the newest traits with the strongest genetics, faster than ever.

In NK corn, Syngenta Seeds R&D has powered a portfolio of hybrids that reflect both yield and agronomic excellence. Each Field Forged hybrid had to meet a number of strict requirements to be included in the launch class, including strong root rot resistance, stalk strength, tolerance of critical diseases, and broad adaptation.

“Our standards were high. To join the Field Forged Series, these NK hybrids had to outperform key competitors in their areas of adaptation not just once, but repeatedly across multiple years. They’re proven winners,”

said Joe Bollman, NK corn product manager.

The new NK hybrids also offer industry-leading trait choice, with Agrisure Duracade, Agrisure Viptera, and Agrisure Artesian traits to help farmers meet a variety of needs in their fields. Similarly, the lineup of Field Forged soybean varieties features a diverse selection of the latest in-demand traits, including both proprietary Enlist E3 soybean and proprietary XtendFlex soybean varieties.

“The days of one-size-fits-all soybeans are long gone. That doesn’t mean we can’t help keep management relatively simple. With our Field Forged soybeans, farmers can manage their fields with the traits they prefer while still benefiting from the powerful, proven NK genetics they’ve come to expect,”

said Eric Miller, NK soybean product manager.

All varieties in the Field Forged Series launch class have shown consistently outstanding yield performance in variable environments, offer resistance to Soybean Cyst Nematodes, and provide strong resistance to Phytophthora root rot through one or more genes.

Courtesy: Sygenta

The post NK Seeds Releases Field Forged Series of Top-Performing Corn and Soybeans appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The new K-QA system predicts QA codes using AI, ensuring better data quality and greater accuracy in identifying the issues so that they can be resolved faster. The systems are now delivering an accuracy of over 93%.

TMAP uses advanced artificial intelligence to generate actionable insights and exposes them with APIs for direct consumption in other systems. TMAP enables manufacturers to achieve cost leadership by improving their aftermarket operational efficiency and increasing revenue by leveraging the latest innovations in data analytics. TMAP KPIs leverage machine learning algorithms to adapt to environmental and process changes. In addition, this solution leverages Tavant’s comprehensive MLOps methodology for the end-to-end automation of the machine learning pipeline.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Tavant, reflecting our confidence in the company’s strong artificial intelligence capabilities. K-QA now brings a whole new level of accuracy and allows Kubota to find and fix issues faster than ever. The solution also provides warranty analysts and QA engineers insights and powerful tools to look inside the data for emerging trends, root cause analysis, and validation of countermeasures.  Overall, the solution is a monumental achievement and provides a lot of value to Kubota, its dealers, and customers,”

said Cristoph Nathan, Senior Director, Kubota.

“AI-Powered TMAP helps manufacturers unleash the latent information in their data and deliver actionable business insights and predictions. The expansion of our collaboration with an industry leader such as Kubota is a testament to our unwavering commitment, data-driven mindset, and digital capabilities,”

said Atul Varshneya, VP of Artificial Intelligence, Tavant.

The post Kubota Partners with Tavant to Track Equipment Field Defects appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AGCO Corporation has released the final yield results from its 2020 Fendt Momentum Crop Tour.

During the 2020 growing season, field demonstration plots were planted in five locations in the United States, including Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In addition to evaluating the effect of equipment-induced soil compaction at all locations, the AGCO team continued its comparisons of various planting depths, downforce levels, and seed singulation on corn yield at the South Dakota, Minnesota, and Ohio locations.

“During the past five years, we have conducted more than 50 field comparisons in North America and around the globe demonstrating the importance of proper corn seed placement. What we’ve shown is that there’s no substitute for getting seed planted into adequate soil moisture at a depth sufficient enough to allow for uniform emergence and good nodal root development.”

says Jason Lee, AGCO agronomist, and farm solutions specialist.

The AGCO team compared corn plant performance and yield based on three variables:

1. Depth – Corn was planted at six depths ranging from 1 inch to 3.5 inches.
2. Downforce – Corn was planted with light downforce, heavy downforce, and real-time automatic downforce control provided by DeltaForce automated downforce from Precision Planting.
3. Spacing – Corn was planted at two singulation rates – 93% and 99% seed spacing accuracy.

Corn was planted with a Fendt Momentum planter pulled by a row-crop tractor running dual tires. All comparisons were planted in 30-inch rows, with the exception of the North Dakota location, where the corn was planted in 22-inch rows.

Takeaway No. 1: Plant into moisture and no less than 1.5 inches deep

Crop Tour comparisons verify there can be yield penalties when corn is planted too shallow or too deep. Plant too shallow (1-inch-deep or less), and the corn plant’s nodal roots will develop at or just below the soil surface. Limited nodal root development is detrimental especially when conditions turn hot and dry. Lee says this was especially evident at the Ohio location where the soil was wet at planting, then dry during the growing season. Corn planted 1-inch-deep exhibited more tip-back on the ears than corn in rows planted at 1.5 inches or deeper, due to the combination of poor nodal root development and dry growing conditions.

“When we get tip-back, there is little or no kernel development on the last one or more inches of the ear tip. That’s lost yield potential. Over the past five years, we found that corn planted 1.5-inches-deep yielded 13 more bushels per acre on average than corn planted 1-inch-deep. At current corn prices, we’re talking about $50 or more in lost return per acre due to planting too shallow.”

Lee says.

In certain conditions, planting too deep can reduce the total number of plants that emerge and cause uneven emergence. Reduced emergence lowers the overall plant population; uneven emergence leads to runt plants that can’t compete with their neighbors for resources. Both reduce yield potential. At the Ohio location, corn planted 3 inches deep yielded 6 bushels per acre more in 2020 than corn planted 3.5 inches deep — a difference that closely mirrors the five-year average.

“Typically, a planting depth of 2 inches will provide the maximum yield potential in most planting conditions. This can vary, however, and adjustments should be made based on soil moisture and the extended weather forecast. We know that planting depth is a simple adjustment to set, but it’s such a critical piece to maximizing corn yield.”

Lee says.

Takeaway No. 2: Don’t skimp on downforce

Once proper planting depth is determined, it’s crucial that enough downforce is placed on each row unit to maintain that depth. Inconsistent depth control can also lead to uneven corn emergence, resulting in yield loss.

Since 2016, AGCO Crop Tour plots have compared light, heavy and automatic downforce. Too much downforce (right) can create sidewall compaction in the seed trench, which can lead to root development issues, causing yield loss. Crop Tour comparisons show a yield reduction of about 13 bushels per acre when downforce is too light and a 2- to a 3-bushel-per-acre penalty for heavy downforce as compared to automatic downforce (left).

“Soil type and condition changes across a field, and growers have different options for maintaining corn seed depth, including spring, airbag, and hydraulic downforce systems. As with planting depth, downforce is a balance. Set it too light, and the seed doesn’t get placed to the right depth because there’s simply not enough force to keep it there. However, too much downforce can create sidewall compaction in the seed trench, which can lead to root development issues.”

Lee says.

During the past five years, AGCO Crop Tour trials have compared three downforce protocols: light downforce, heavy downforce, and automatic downforce. The results demonstrate that automatic downforce, which adjusts to field conditions in real-time, provides a yield advantage.

“On average, when downforce is too light, we see a yield reduction of about 13 bushels per acre when compared to automatic downforce. By contrast, we see a 2- to a 3-bushel-per-acre penalty for heavy downforce. So, if you aren’t running a planter with automatic downforce and want to err on the side of caution, set your downforce on the heavy side.”

Lee says.

Takeaway No. 3: Uniform seed spacing increases yield

In addition to uniform emergence, the uniform spacing of corn plants within the row is crucial to maximizing yield potential. Evenly spaced plants result in equal competition for essential resources, allowing for optimal growth. The result is more bushels per acre.

Uniform spacing of corn plants within the row is crucial to maximizing yield potential. AGCO Crop Tour plots compared 93 percent and 99 percent seed singulation using the vSet metering system. Yield results over five years show that a 6 percent reduction in singulation results in a yield loss of about 5 bushels per acre, a good reason to avoid skips and doubles when planting.

“We want to avoid what is referred to as ‘skips’ and ‘doubles. Skips occur when the planter doesn’t drop a seed, resulting in a missing plant and no ear whatsoever. Doubles occur when the planter drops two seeds close together. The result is two smaller ears that don’t produce the same yield as ears from evenly spaced plants.”

Lee says.

A planter’s ability to drop one seed at a time is referred to as seed singulation. Crop Tour field demonstrations have compared plots planted at two singulation rates – 93% and 99% using the vSet metering system.

“Our five-year data shows that 6% reduction in singulation results in a yield loss of about 5 bushels per acre. So growers really want to avoid skips and doubles.”

Lee says.

Crop Tour 2021: New year, new questions

Lee adds that while the AGCO team will continue many of the field trials from the past five years, some new questions are likely to be posted in 2021.

“We’re still working out the details, but we would like to do some plots comparing plant populations, the impact of starter fertilizer, as well as differences between types of tractor tires and tracks. The whole team is excited to ask new questions, help growers improve their planting practices, and ensure their corn crops reach full yield potential.”

he says.

Source: AGCO

The post AGCO Presents the Second Crop Tour Harvest Report appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AGCO Corporation has released yield results from its 2020 Fendt Momentum Crop Tour.

During the 2020 growing season, field demonstration plots were planted in five locations in the United States, including Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In addition to continued comparisons of the impacts of various planting depths, downforce levels, and seed singulation on corn yield, the AGCO team also measured the effect of equipment-induced soil compaction on the crop in 2020.

“Soil compaction caused by wheel traffic is an increasing concern among farmers, especially due to the weight of today’s tractors and high-capacity, central-fill planters. Compaction can restrict root growth, limit nutrient and water uptake, and ultimately lower corn yield. Our plots in 2020 looked at ways growers can reduce compaction at planting and avoid those yield penalities.”

says Jason Lee, AGCO agronomist, and farm solutions specialist.

The AGCO team asked three questions regarding planter-induced soil compaction:

1. Is there yield loss in the center rows planted with high-capacity, central-fill planters?
2. Can yield loss be mitigated when planting with high-capacity, central-fill planters?
3. Does pinch-row soil compaction cause yield loss, and if so, how much?

Corn was planted at all five locations with a Fendt Momentum planter pulled by a row-crop tractor running dual tires. All comparisons were planted in 30-inch rows, with the exception of the North Dakota location where the corn was planted in 22-inch rows.

To compare the impact of compaction caused by tire pressure and planter weight, the plots were planted using one of three settings on the Momentum planter:

• Load balance. The planter’s optional Load Logic system automatically monitored and hydraulically transferred weight equally to all wheels, while also automatically adjusting tire pressure to the lowest manufacturer-recommended psi for the weight.
• Controlled traffic. The system intentionally pulled weight from the wings and concentrated it on the in-line tandem transport wheels, also with auto-adjusted low tire pressure.
• Disabled. The Load Logic system was disabled so the planter operated much like other central-fill planters, with the weight concentrated in the middle of the planter and tire inflation pressures at a static 55 psi, a common road-transport pressure level.

To allow for yield comparisons, rows from wing sections of the planter were harvested separately from the center section at four of the locations. At the Ohio location, each row was harvested individually to determine its yield.

Takeaway No. 1: Eliminating pinch rows likely to improve yields

Of all the yield data, none was more telling than the row-by-row comparison made at the Ohio location, where Lee described the soil condition at planting as “a little tacky.” This led to some soil compaction, which restricted root growth and impacted the corn crop later in the season when the weather turned dry.

Rows were designated as pinch rows (those with a tire track on both sides of the row), affected rows (those with a tire track on one side of the row), and non-affected rows (no tire tracks). The resulting agronomic message was clear: Pinch-row soil compaction reduces yield, especially in less-than-ideal planting conditions.

“Because of its in-line tandem wheel design, Momentum creates no-pinch rows, unlike other planters where there are tire tracks on both sides of a row. The dual wheels on our row-crop tractor created two pinch rows, and those rows averaged about 194 bushels per acre, whereas the rows without wheel compaction averaged a little more than 203 bushels per acre.”

Lee explains.

The two pinch rows created by the tractor yielded 9 bushels less than the rest of the rows across the planter. When that loss is averaged across the entire planter, the total yield penalty from pinch rows was 2 bushels per acre in this comparison.

“While it’s only one year of data at one location, our results mirror the same yield penalty that others have demonstrated. The more pinch rows in your setup, the larger the potential impact on overall yield in a field. That being said, how many pinch rows are you creating at planting?”

asks Lee.

Lee notes it was interesting that the plot showed virtually no yield difference between rows affected by compaction on only one side and rows without compaction.

“I would have expected some yield loss. We’ll repeat these demonstrations in other soil types with varying planting conditions and tillage practices to see if the trend continues,”

he adds.

Takeaway No. 2: Planting into ideal soil conditions is best

Lee says that at three of the five locations, there was no yield difference on average between wing sections and the center planter section, regardless of the combination of air pressure in the tires and how the planter weight was managed.

“We recorded an average yield difference of less than 1 bushel per acre, so you have to ask why. And the answer is simple: When we planted at those three locations, the conditions were ideal. The soil moisture was incredibly fit for planting, to the point we weren’t going to create enough compaction to produce yield differences. I think it really emphasizes the importance of planting into fit conditions.”

Lee says.

Takeaway No. 3: Yield loss from center-fill planter compaction can be mitigated

At the North Dakota location, wet soil conditions at planting led to soil compaction, providing a different yield result. With Momentum’s weight-transfer system enabled and spreading weight across the entire planter, rows from the planter’s center section averaged 8 bushels more per acre than when the system was disabled and weight was concentrated in the center rows.

“Yes, we want to plant into fit conditions, but oftentimes Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. That’s what happened in North Dakota. Our location was super flat and poorly drained. Planting into that wet soil made it quite evident that by spreading the weight of the planter across the entire machine we can mitigate compaction-induced yield loss from high-capacity, central-fill planters, especially in the center section where the planter weight is typically concentrated.”

Lee says.

Growers often select high-capacity, central-fill planters to increase productivity and maximize the acres they plant during the short planting windows that provide optimum yields. However, the planter’s weight may have negative agronomic consequences leading to yield loss. The 2020 Crop Tour confirmed this conundrum but offers a solution in the form of Fendt’s innovative planter design.

“With Momentum, we don’t have to sacrifice the agronomics to be productive. I’m looking forward to the 2021 Crop Tour and learning more about how we can help growers improve their planting practices and ensure their corn crop reaches its full yield potential.”

Lee says.

Source: AGCO

The post AGCO Releases Yeld Results from the 2020 Fendt Momentum Crop Tour appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

In this role, Williamson will conduct field trials and research evaluating the impact of various hay production practices on forage yield and quality. She will also support the AGCO Green Harvest team through project collaboration and advisement on livestock nutrition and forage quality. One of her first projects evaluates the differences in the nutritional value of silage bales when wrapped in plastic at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after baling. As she conducts research, she will help customers and dealers learn the most effective techniques for harvesting high-quality forages.

“I am excited to be part of the AGCO Crop Care team working with hay producers. Hesston by Massey Ferguson has been a leader in hay and forage equipment for more than 70 years. To conduct research that helps our products provide the best possible results for hay and livestock producers is a welcome challenge. Plus, to build upon the trust of those who rely on our hay and forage equipment is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.”

Williamson says.

Before joining AGCO, Williamson served as the extension forage crops specialist and assistant professor of Forage Management at the Pennsylvania State College of Agricultural Sciences in University Park, Pennsylvania.

“In today’s climate, producers need tools and know-how to remain profitable and ensure their operations are sustainable. The research projects Jessica is conducting are just some examples of the AGCO Global Crop Tour field trials began in 2015 to provide research-based products and practice recommendations that will benefit crop and livestock producers and the land that we all rely upon.”

says Darren Goebel, AGCO director of Global Agronomy and Farm Solutions.

Source: AGCO

The post AGCO Names Jessica Williamson Hay and Forage Specialist appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

According to John Mishler, precision ag marketing manager for John Deere, traditional guidance line setup can be a challenge for some customers during the season. Mishler said:

“When using AutoPath, guidance lines are automatically created from a map of crop row lines for each field. These mapped row lines are used to automatically create guidance lines for the entire field for all other in-field passes, such as spraying, nutrient application, or harvesting operations, later in the year. Using this solution, operators know which rows to start on and can precisely follow the auto-generated guidance lines, regardless of the field application or machine width. This increases operator confidence in being on the right row and the efficiency of field operations throughout the growing season and harvest.”

During the first field pass the planter or strip-till implement and tractor are equipped with StarFire Receivers to precisely record the location of each row with AutoPath. Thus, subsequent field passes are based upon actual documented row location rather than a static AB Line which may or may not actually represent the planted row due to implement drift on sidehills or around curves. This reduces guidance line setup time and line management when starting all subsequent field operations in standing crops, eliminates the need for counting rows, optimizes all field operations, and helps reduce crop damage.

Mishler adds:

“Operators can use implements and platforms of different sizes or widths for subsequent field operations since AutoPath automatically adjusts the row guidance lines based on each machine’s size. It helps operators automatically find the right row, maximize each field pass to help reduce overlaps and damage to standing crops while saving time, fuel, and equipment hours.”

AutoPath is included in the John Deere Generation 4 Automation bundle and available for either the 4600 CommandCenter Integrated Display or the 4640 Universal Display. It’s available for use on tractors, sprayers, and combines, and can be incorporated with active and passive implement guidance systems for planters, nutrient applicators, and other field equipment.

The post John Deere introduces AutoPath for Row Guidance Throughout the Season appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The App or website will give you direct access to the most up to date results of specialized testing and fertilizer experience. In just a few steps, the spreading charts App/website shows you the right settings for your Vicon fertilizer spreader.

1. Select your spreader model or enter your serial number.
2. Enter the working width, application rate, driving speed, and select your type of application.
3. Select the shape of your product to spread.
4. Fill out the density (kg/l) and the distribution (%). The distribution can be determined with the granule size box which is delivered with your Vicon spreader.
5. Select your type of vanes and get the results which are matching your entered settings and vane set.
6. Select the product you would like to spread and you immediately get the advice.

By following these easy steps, you are sure that you get the best spreading pattern possible in the field.

Source: Vicon

The post Vicon Presents the New Spreading Charts App and Website appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Engine and drivelines

The X6 range features a Stage IV / Tier 4 Final engine equipped with Common Rail, the electronically controlled injection system that introduces the exact amount of fuel required into the engine, reducing fuel consumption and maximizing performance.

Highly configurable drivelines are available, which means that depending on the needs of each individual farm it is possible to equip the McCormick X6 with different drivelines, from the Speed Four to the Xtrashift electro-hydraulic driveline.

The Power Four driveline has 4 synchronized gears and 3 mechanical speed ranges, for a total of 12 FW + 12 RV, with a hydraulic reverse shuttle. The inclusion of the Creeper gear provides for 16 FW + 16 RV and a minimum speed of 310 m/h.

The Xtrashift driveline, equipped with an HML hydraulic reverse shuttle, triples the 12 speeds of the Power Four gearbox, bringing them to 36 FW + 12 RV. Available on request, the Creeper further increases the number of speeds, reaching 48 FW + 16 RV.

De-Clutch and Reverse Power Shuttle make it easier to respectively engage and reverse gears without using the clutch pedal. A potentiometer regulates the aggressiveness of gear engagement and reversal. The power take-off is available with 2-speed or 4-speed versions and synchronized option.

Hydraulic circuit and axles

The open-center hydraulic circuit ensures optimal functionality for the 6,000 kg capacity hitch and the hydraulic control valves, up to 4 on the rear and 2 upfront. Upon request, the X6 can be equipped with a front hitch and power take-off and with the Series M front end loader.

The X6 range guarantees maneuverability and stability in all working conditions and excellent handling during transport thanks to the sturdy front axle, rigid or suspended, equipped with electro-hydraulic “Hydralock” diff lock and four-wheel drive with electro-hydraulic engagement. This arrangement ensures continuous optimal functionality, even when working with the front hitch and front end loader.

The exceptional handling of the X6 is owed to the broad swing of its axle, its high ground clearance, and its 55° steering angle. Power steering allows for smooth steering, even at low speeds.

An electronically controlled suspended front axle is also available as an option, which improves performance on rough terrain by ensuring the maximum grip of each wheel for greater stability and control of the vehicle. It improves traction and handling in the field and improves safety, speed, and operator comfort on the road.

The suspended axle is equipped with a diff lock and oil bath disc brakes which, combined with the rear ones, ensure effective 4-wheel braking on all 4 wheels.

The rear final drives offer the same characteristics of robustness and reliability.

Deluxe Slim Cab

The newly designed Deluxe Slim cab provides the operator with less tiring and stress-free workdays. These results are guaranteed by the generous, perfectly soundproofed passenger compartment made with automotive quality materials that are pleasant to the touch and easy to clean.

The 4-post structure offers excellent comfort and visibility. The cab also features ergonomic controls, air-suspended driver seats, climate control, and a Bluetooth radio system. The lowered roof allows the tractor to enter low overhead environments such as stables, while the presence of a transparent door ensures perfect visibility during the use of the front end loader.

The X6 can be equipped with satellite guidance upon request, thanks to an agreement with Topcon Agriculture, and with the ISObus system to maximize productivity, profitability, comfort, and safety.

Source: McCormick

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