“Lowe Manufacturing is highly respected for the quality of its attachments used in fencing, construction, landscaping, rental, contracting, utility, or agricultural applications. Richard and Mary Lowe have done an outstanding job growing the company and enhancing the Lowe products and brand. We are excited about maintaining the Lowe brand, the company’s people, and its locations in western Wisconsin.”

said Randy Schickert, president, and CEO of Berlon Industries.

The combination of these two financially healthy organizations will continue to partner with equipment dealers throughout the U.S. for sales of their attachments. Those dealers will have a broader selection of buckets and attachments available from the combined business.

Richard Lowe will retire from the company, which was founded in 1971, while Mary Lowe will remain with the business.

“Berlon looks to be a perfect fit for a continuation of Lowe Manufacturing. Their business model is in line with the Lowe model, which is based on quality products made by dedicated and talented people, and an entire staff that cares deeply about the customer.”

Richard Lowe said.

Richard Lowe added that Berlon’s commitment to maintaining the Lowe brand, people, and facilities was an important factor in the acquisition agreement. All staff at both Lowe Manufacturing and Berlon Industries will be retained.

The acquisition includes the Spiral Metals, LLC, division of Lowe Manufacturing, which specializes in non-standard helicoid flighting, sectional flighting, and conveyor screws. The spiral products are used within Lowe’s attachments and sold to outside customers.

Innovation, product quality, and extensive knowledge of the use of buckets and attachments have been key aspects of the success and growth of both Berlon Industries and Lowe Manufacturing. That innovation includes Berlon’s “Snowgrr” which adds tremendous efficiency in snow removal at distribution centers, its Material Long Bucket for removing material underneath conveyors and other equipment, and Lowe’s XR Series of trenchers.

Source: Berlon Industries

The post Berlon Industries Acquires Attachment Company Lowe Manufacturing appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“This panel discussion is intended to identify the challenges that farmers are facing and where the real opportunities might be in automating some of the tasks they have. We’re doing something that some of the major manufacturers do. They start at the end-client level and understand what the farmers’ challenges are so that they can create the technologies that automate certain tasks. That’s really the premise of this panel: If you had to draw a robot from scratch, what would these advancing technologies address in your agronomic operation?”

Frabotta says.

The roundtable discussion will also dive into the ways that some advancing technologies have failed to deliver on their promises. One area of innovation stands out as having been particularly disappointing.

“As an industry, there is some frustration that full autonomy has not been more prolific and commercialized at a faster pace. This speaks to the complexities of level-five autonomy and fully autonomous vehicles. I think the promise of such things has been overhyped and ultimately disappointing,”

Frabotta says.

Frabotta gives an example from the automotive industry. Tesla recently halted the rollout of its Full Self Driving beta software update. Even the name of this driving mode is somewhat facetious. Experts have described it as “enhanced cruise control” rather than a true self-driving vehicle. Frabotta notes that some overly ambitious agriculture technology companies have made similar claims then failed to deliver. While the results have been disappointing, there’s a genuine opportunity for technology companies and robotics manufacturers to improve future offerings.

“As we realize the complexities of that kind of fully autonomous technology, it forces us to examine what’s really necessary. There are always going to be tasks that are easier for farmers to manage. They don’t necessarily want machines to make decisions about those things because they want to be in control,”

Frabotta says.

It’s also important to note that not all of the market’s innovations have been lackluster. Frabotta says that variable-rate technologies have been rather successful. While the fertilizer sector helped to popularize variable-rate applications, he believes that crop protection will be the next frontier for these types of technologies, particularly in situations where the inputs are costly.

“With the variable-rate application of any input, there’s going to cost savings because it is site-specific and not broad-spectrum or broadly applied. I do think farmers are interested in learning about those opportunities, but in this World FIRA session, the farmers can really pinpoint what they want automated. They will talk about the things that might be monopolizing their time or energy, and by managing those things, the farmers can focus on the profitability of their operations,”

Frabotta says.

At the end of the day, that ability to succeed in this industry is what connects each of the panelists, despite their many differences in location, environment, crop mix, operation size, regulatory standards, and more.

“A lot of these farmers are going to be specific to orchards, vineyards, row crops, etc., but there is some commonality to what they’re all facing. They all have export markets; they all have a need for profitability. And really, what we’re talking about isn’t about technology. It’s about the profitability of the farm. Any way we can create a conversation that helps farmers evaluate their current and potential profit, I think that will resonate across all the different production systems,”

Frabotta says.

Source: Agricultural Robotics

The post Robotics Manufacturers Take Note: Growers Need New Solutions appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

A new and expanded assembly plant and a logistics center were constructed in record time at the Linnavuori plant, both of which help AGCO Power modernize and streamline its engine manufacturing process.

“Despite a tight schedule and the global COVID-19 pandemic, the investment project has progressed as planned. The investments at the Linnavuori plant enable a more efficient and streamlined production process. Upgrades such as the automated logistics center and state-of-the-art robotics support improved quality, cleanliness, and work ergonomics. In addition, the investment paves way for the launch of production of a new engine family by the end of 2022,”

says Mr. Juha Tervala, CEO of AGCO Power.

Part of the investment was a multi-million euro overhaul to the plant’s machining line. Once fully operational, the 100% automated machining line enables flexible manufacturing of components in-house, reducing costs and increasing control over the production process.

“The successful completion of the project makes AGCO Power’s position in the global powertrain market better than ever. The new engine product family that is being developed will serve AGCO brands (Valtra, Fendt, and Massey Ferguson) more effectively and offer future solutions to customers in the off-road machinery market,”

Mr. Tervala continues.

AGCO Power operates globally and manufactures engines at four plants: Linnavuori, Changzhou, China, Mogi das Cruzes, Brazil, and General Rodriguez, Argentina, with an overall capacity of over 100,000 engines per year. In 2022, AGCO Power turns 80 years old, and the company will mark the anniversary with the completion of the plant expansion and the launch of a new, state-of-the-art engine family.

The post AGCO Power’s Multi-Million Investment in Engine Manufacturing Progresses appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The existing facility is approximately 70,000-square feet. Sukup is currently accepting applications for immediate hires at this location and plans to have the facility fully operational by April 2021.

Steve Sukup, president, and CEO of Sukup Manufacturing said,

“This is the second facility expansion Sukup has announced in 2021, and we believe this investment in our manufacturing facilities is a positive sign of continued growth as a company. Ultimately, our goal is to create products that help farmers feed and fuel the world, and this additional space and personnel are necessary to meet demand. One of our top priorities in this acquisition is to retain many of Global Fab’s current employees. We look forward to a smooth transition, and adding manufacturing capacity for our material handling products.”

Todd Hall of Global Fabrication said:

“Sukup is a trusted employer in North Central Iowa. We appreciate Steve Sukup’s leadership through this process and are confident the employee transition will go smoothly. It’s great to know that Global Fab will be part of Sukup’s positive impact on the agriculture industry moving forward.”

NCP, Inc., acting as an exclusive financial advisor, and BrownWinick, acting as legal counsel, advised Sukup on the transaction.

The post Sukup Acquires Assets of Global Fabrication appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“Inadvertent grain spillage from your bin door can potentially cause death or injury. Here at Sukup, we are continuously working to improve the design of our products to make them as safe and productive as possible. This new door design especially enhances safety by making sure the inner door panels are always closed when the outside door is closed,”

said Sukup bin sales director John Hanig.

Inner panels of Sukup’s 44” and 66” tall doors, both of which use the new safety hardware, provide structural support to grain bins.

“Grain Bin Safety Week is the right time to share this new door design as a way to underline Sukup’s commitment to farm safety. Our goal is to manufacture the highest quality equipment that helps farmers be efficient and profitable, but also maintain safety as a top priority,”

said Steve Sukup, President, and CEO of Sukup Manufacturing Co.

The post Sukup Debuts Grain Bin Door with Enhanced Safety Features appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

As the 2021 planting season nears, growers are looking at how to drive efficiency, boost yields and make the most of their equipment investments. Case IH shares how to achieve early, consistent soybean emergence to drive yields, and provides equipment investment recommendations for growers to consider to maximize ROI on their operation this year. In addition, new configurations of Precision Air carts bring the largest capacity in the Case IH tow-between model lineup for greater in-field efficiency, while new features for 2000 series Early Riser planters enhance accuracy and minimize compaction.

Plant soybeans earlier to maximize yield potential

While many growers prioritize planting corn before soybeans, studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign show that planting soybeans earlier can be critical to maximizing yield potential. When soybeans are planted early, they reach stage V1 earlier, resulting in more potential pods and seeds per acre.

One effective way producers growing both corn and soybeans can expand soybean-planting windows is by adding a lower-investment, high-efficiency air drill to their operation. The Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk, single-rank air drill, for example, is an ideal option to help plant soybeans earlier or into tough no-till seedbeds — all while maximizing ROI.

“For years, growers have traditionally prioritized planting corn before soybeans. Recent studies showing the significant benefits of early soybean planting, however, are causing some producers to reconsider their planting practices and plant soybean crops earlier. Adding an air drill to a producer’s operation for soybean seeding can add valuable days to the growing season,”

said Trent Nowosad, Case IH marketing manager for seeding equipment.

Late-emerging soybeans can be costly

In addition to earlier planting, key drivers to soybean yields that producers have control over are accurate seed placement and consistent emergence. Studies from North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association show that late-emerging soybeans can be costly — with a potential loss of up to $140 per acre when soybeans are just four days behind. Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk, single-rank air drills are designed to deliver the most accurate seed placement in the industry, allowing growers to set up their soybean crop for success and help plants emerge earlier and more consistently to boost yields.

Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk, single-rank air drills are agronomically designed with a parallel link row unit — a feature that sets this model apart from competitors. This row-unit is built to efficiently cut through residue, open a uniform seed trench, accurately deliver the seed and effectively close the trench. For growers looking for a soybean-special air drill, a single-rank configuration with 15-inch spacing is now available for the Model Year 2021 Precision Disk 500T.

“With the Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk air drill, producers don’t have to sacrifice accuracy and agronomic performance for efficiency. Each feature and component is designed to contribute to earlier, more-uniform emergence to help growers boost their bottom lines,”

Nowosad said.

New Precision Air 5 series air cart models

Delivering more capacity to help small grain producers make the most of their time in the field, Case IH is expanding the Precision Air 5 series air cart lineup with two new wide-bodies, tow-between models. The new Precision Air 3725 offers a capacity of 725 bushels, while the Precision Air 4765 carries 760 bushels — the largest capacity in the Case IH tow-between model lineup.

Each new model features a three-tank design, while the Precision Air 4765 air cart also is equipped with an auxiliary tank. The new models are available with a hydraulic jack to raise and lower the air cart, making it easy to hook up to the tractor, even when the cart is fully loaded. A multiposition rear hitch allows for proper drill height for added flexibility, accommodating varying types of drills.

Case IH also offers a new rice roller, available on all Model Year 2021 Precision Air 5 series air carts. Designed to meter both hybrid and conventional rice with unmatched accuracy, this option is available to order factory-installed. Current owners of Precision Air 5 series air carts can install the roller on their current models.

New features for Early Riser planter

To help producers achieve accurate seed placement, Case IH is offering the Precision Planting WaveVision seed sensor as a factory-fit option for the 2000 series Early Riser planter. Available for Model Year 2022, this feature is especially valuable for growers in high-dust or extreme residue conditions where a standard optical sensor might provide erratic feedback due to interference.

In addition, Case IH offers a 2×2 frame-mounted liquid fertilizer factory-fit for Model Year 2022, ideal for growers looking for precise placement of starter fertilizer with their planter pass. Available for 2160 Early Riser planters, new track offerings include a 24-inch-wide track spaced at a gauge width of 132 inches to help growers minimize compaction.

The post Case IH Seeding and Planting Lineup Boosts Efficiency, ROI appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“The Qualidisc is a flexible hybrid tillage tool that provides sizing and weed control in the fall, they can be used to incorporate residue and level the seedbed in the spring – especially after wintering stalks.”

Offered in 13′, 16′, 20′, and 23′ models, the Qualidisc excels in sizing, mixing, and burying residue while producing a quality finish in as little as one or two passes. Due to the unique parallel gang and camber angles of the disc blades, the Qualidisc can operate at shallower depths – from 1″ to 6″ – and at faster speeds up to 12 mph, making it the ideal solution for producers who are looking to cover more acres and achieve more aggressive surface tillage in less time.

Unlike competitive high-speed disc blades, the Qualidisc has an exclusive cone-shaped disc design that achieves complete cutout of the soil profile at all depths and reduces planter bounce. Shurts said,

“The discs are uniquely shaped. Compared to the shallow-concavity blades that you see on other high-speed disks, the Qualidisc’s cone-shaped discs maintain a consistent cut at all depths, while leaving a level finish. As the discs wear, the cutting angle remains the same.”

Additionally, lateral adjustments allow the front and rear gangs to be adjusted to pre-define disc wear and to ensure disc overlap for complete soil cutout and optimum tillage performance throughout the lifespan of the blades.

The Qualidisc is also equipped with an active suspension system that dampens the movement of the tool during operation to ensure a level finish while also reducing bounce during transport. This improves the effectiveness of the machine at higher speeds in the field and on the road.

“Unlike other high-speed disks, the Qualidisc uses an active suspension system – both in transport and field positions. During transport, the system eliminates the ‘hop’ and evens out the machine so you can get down the road at higher speeds. In the field, the system dampens bounce from the rear carriage, keeping it level to provide an even, consistent cut, seedbed, and floor-finish.”

stated Shurts.

For increased stability in rough field conditions, optional gauge wheels can also be added.

Great Plains offers three rear attachments for the Qualidisc: a cage roller for lighter, dry soils; an exclusive ActiPack Roller for medium to heavy, wet soils; and an ActiPack with knives to increase clod breakdown and prepare a final seedbed. Additionally, each unit comes with a standard two-year warranty.

Source: Great Plains

The post Great Plains Introduces the Qualidisc for Tilling appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The powerful red will be reduced to a few important elements, while the main body of the products will have a new color, a dark charcoal black. The new coating, in a mat dark hue, creates a strong contrast to the remaining red elements and highlights their functionality.  As a strong identifier, the transmission covers will remain red with the typical laser-cut Seppi logo in yellow.

The new charcoal paint is derived from the look of the raw steel and sends a signal of strength, one of the core values of the Seppi product. This is a brilliant eye-catcher and is also very practical as the natural wearing-related loss of color on parts of the machine will be less visible. The product will keep its stylish look and value for much longer.

The elements that are kept in the traditional red are mostly those that represent the very special Seppi character, i.e., adjustable hood, side shift, special supports or guard frames. The signature color brings the components functionality to the attention of the user and improves visibility and passive safety.

Furthermore, the products will be distinguished with clear model name decals and a series of graphical decals with technical advantages. These “features logos” are meant to give information about the hidden but important features customers love about their SEPPI M. machine.

The post Seppi M Present New Brand Colors appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“Many farmers have shared horror stories of using inferior land rollers that have broken down due to failure in engineering design, materials, or quality assurance testing. We feel our land rollers are the most durable and offer the best return on investment. And the best way to show farmers our confidence in the value of our land rollers is to support them with an unprecedented 10-year limited warranty. We understand the impact of downtime during a critical time for farmers; we do our best to ensure that Summers equipment is ready when it’s ‘go time.”

said Bruce Johnson, Director of Strategic Innovation and Business Development at Summers Manufacturing.

Summers builds land rollers in sizes ranging from 15-91 feet wide. The 10-year limited warranty applies to all components manufactured by Summers Manufacturing. Items such as tires, hydraulic cylinders, and bearings are covered by their respective manufacturers’ warranties.

The post Summers Extends 10-Year Limited Warranty on Land Rollers appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AGI’s senior credit facility now totals approximately $575 million Canadian dollar equivalent, excluding an undrawn accordion of $100 million. For reference, as at March 31, 2020 AGI had drawn $345 million under these facilities.

The amendments to the credit facility include a suspension of all financial covenant requirements for the six-month period ending October 31, 2020 as well as the ability to normalize Q1 2020 and Q2 2020 financial results for certain Covid-19 impacts when calculating trailing EBITDA in future covenant calculations. Following October 31, 2020, AGI’s minimum leverage ratio covenant will return to 3.75x up to and including the calculation as at March 31, 2021. The minimum leverage ratio decreases to 3.50x for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 and returns to 3.25x thereafter. During the financial covenant suspension period AGI is subject to a minimum liquidity covenant. The maturity date of the facility remains March 20, 2025. The amendments announced today do not impact terms of AGI’s Series B and C secured notes that total $60 million.

  We would like to thank our banking partners for their outstanding support during this crisis and we welcome Farm Credit Canada (FCC) to our lending syndicate. This amendment, in combination with our recently announced dividend change, is part of our Preparation with Progress initiative to prudently deal with the crisis while also progressing on strategic initiatives.”

said Tim Close, President and CEO of AGI.

Source: AG-REM

The post AGI announces $100 million credit facility expansion and amendment of terms appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.