AGCO Corporation named Kolby Watson of the J.R. Simplot Company and St. Anthony, Idaho, the 2021 Operator of the Year at the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) Annual Conference & Expo in San Antonio, Texas, on December 1, 2021. The award recognizes the skills, dedication, and customer service demonstrated by application professionals to their local communities.

“I’m humbled by this recognition and very appreciative of the honor. The other finalists are such amazing professionals and community supporters, and I was just thankful to be nominated alongside them. This experience has been surreal and exciting, and I’m so grateful to everyone who made it possible,”

said Watson.

As Operator of the Year, Watson won an all-expense-paid trip to the ARA conference and a commemorative trophy. He will also receive a side-by-side utility vehicle (or cash equivalent) and 100 hours of use of the all-new Fendt Rogator 900 Series applicator.

Watson is well known in his community for his professional skills and devotion to helping others. Customers specifically request his services in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana for difficult and tedious jobs, which require long hours and great attention to detail. Watson stays abreast of the industry’s fast-paced agronomy developments as a statewide consultant and a regional Certified Crop Advisor.

Watson’s community service centers around his work as a volunteer with the South Fremont Fire Department, serving as a training officer. He participates in the Search and Rescue (SAR) Demolition Derby, which helps equip the group with new equipment and operational funds. He also pitches in with efforts to harvest local potato crops, which helps area farmers get them into cellars before bad weather arrives.

Bill Bata of Adams, North Dakota, and Brady Jones of Lindsay, Ontario, were also finalists in the program and appeared at the ARA conference with Kolby Watson and AGCO’s Application marketing teams.

“All three of our finalists exemplify the values that Operator of the Year seeks to recognize. We’re always very impressed with the skills and dedication our nominees demonstrate, and these hard-working professionals well serve our industry and communities,”

said Greg Pumo, director of application marketing for Fendt North America.

The post AGCO Names Kolby Watson 2021 Operator of the Year appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

A go-to favorite for agriculture, construction, landscaping, snow removal, and many other applications, the all-new TL619 telehandler from Bobcat gives operators the flexibility to accomplish a variety of demanding tasks with superior precision and performance.

Featuring a redesigned comfort cab, turbocharged engine, and easy-to-access service points, the TL619 combines power and nimbleness to create a lifting, stacking, backfilling, and reaching machine matched for the job.

Exceptional Performance

The TL619 has a load capacity of 5,500 pounds and a lift height of 19 feet for excellent productivity with every lift cycle. With an optional, add-on counterweight, operators can extend their telehandler’s rated capacity throughout the lift cycle to reduce repetitive tasks and complete jobs more quickly.

The advanced Tier 4, the turbocharged engine delivers powerful, high-torque performance, excellent efficiency and achieves emissions compliance without the use of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or selective catalyst reduction (SCR). Operators will also appreciate the new engine’s reliable cold-weather starting and a variety of features that make maintenance and service more convenient.

Five operation modes give operators the versatility needed for a wide variety of applications:

• ECO mode allows the operator to maintain hydraulic performance without using the engine’s full power – working with lower rpm, less noise, and lower fuel consumption.
• Smooth Drive mode is ideal for maneuvering across job sites with mild acceleration and deceleration while carrying loads.
• Dynamic Drive mode increases the responsiveness of the telehandler’s acceleration and deceleration for traveling between tasks.
• Flex Drive mode allows the operator to manage the engine speed independently from travel speed.
• Advanced Attachment Control mode allows for full auxiliary hydraulic performance.

Outstanding Comfort and Operability

The TL619 was designed to incorporate sleek and efficient Bobcat R-Series styling and enhanced visibility. The low-profile boom sits below the operator’s eye level to provide an open view of the surroundings. The redesigned engine basket sits lower for an increased line of sight. Front, top, and rear window wipers help keep windows free of debris and precipitation. Multiple mirrors on the operator’s left and right provide added visibility when working in confined areas. An optional rear mirror kit, rearview camera kit, and boom work light kit also are available.

The redesigned cab builds upon the Bobcat tradition of operator-centered design with high
visibility, excellent ergonomics, a comfortable suspension seat, efficient HVAC system, and an easy-to-read, automotive-style instrumentation panel that Bobcat equipment operators will find familiar across R-Series machines. Bobcat telehandler cabs are designed and tested to Roll-Over Protection Structure (ROPS) and Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) level II standards.

A single, intuitive joystick controls the travel direction, lift and tilt functions, boom extension, and auxiliary hydraulics. This gives the operator fine adjustment for lifting loads with care. It also allows operators to control several machine functions at the same time and from one control point, enabling more precise control and higher productivity without having to remove their hands from the joystick.

Fingertip control access makes operation smooth and comfortable. On the front side of the joystick, the directional switch for forwarding, neutral, and reverse can be operated with the index finger. The 2-speed travel switch, left-arm float, boom extension, machine function settings, and auxiliary hydraulics are located on the rear of the joystick.

Unbeatable Uptime, Serviceability, and Versatility

The TL619 is built with a robust box-welded frame for enhanced rigidity – plus a low center of gravity for optimal stability. The shielded bottom plate protects vital components, and the engine, cooling system, and critical components are well-protected within the center of the chassis, ensuring minimal wear and tear due to job site obstacles or harsh terrain.

Engine compartment accessibility puts routine maintenance checks, filters, and other engine components in easy reach, as well as the oil filter and other service points.

Thanks to the Bob-Tach mounting system, operators can share select attachments with other Bobcat equipment for even greater versatility. From pallet forks and buckets to grapples and snow pushers, operators can conquer a variety of tasks without the need for specialty attachments.

The post Bobcat Introduces All-New TL619 Telehandler appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Growing a productive forest requires hard work and commitment. Correctly timed thinning improves the forest’s growth conditions and makes trees grow sturdier more quickly. Thinning supports forest biodiversity when part of the forest is always in the growth phase.

The post Ponsse Solutions for Thinning Sites appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AGCO announces that Fendt 900 Gen7 Series and 1000 Gen3 Series tractors will include the new FendtONE operator station. New models of these premium high-horsepower tractors will debut at the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 31-Sept. 2.

Fendt continues to lead the way in designing high horsepower tractors to meet the needs of producers in North America. The new Fendt 900 Gen7 Series and 1000 Gen3 Series tractors feature the cutting-edge Fendt technologies that have created agile, crop-friendly machines that can handle any task a crop producer, large-scale cattle operation, or custom farming operation faces.

The latest innovation for Fendt tractors is the advanced FendtONE operator station, which provides producers with a streamlined and highly efficient work environment. FendtONE features up to three large, easy-to-read display screens, as well as a new multifunctional joystick and customizable control buttons built into the completely redesigned right-hand armrest, putting all tractor functions within arm’s reach. Both new series also comes standard with five years of Fendt Connect telematics that allows an operator or their dealer to remotely monitor important machine data.

FendtONE is designed for convenience and simplicity

“The philosophy behind the FendtONE operator station is its simple design and function. Fendt has delivered technology that is easy to use by incorporating setup of all the tractor and implement functions through an intuitive touchscreen system,”

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

At the heart of the FendtONE operator station is a 12-inch LED touchscreen display mounted on the armrest, connecting the operator to all tractor functions. A second optional 12-inch display recessed into the roof liner can be pulled down when needed.

“The added display area is important for farmers who want to monitor many of Fendt’s smart farming programs, including ISOBUS for variable rate control or implement management; guidance with TI Headland; and more,”

Soliday says.

The two displays are linked and synchronized, providing data in unison. Each display shows up to six panels of user-selected information. Combined, these features provide more than four times the display area than the previous operating system.

A 10-inch digital dashboard-mounted behind the steering column enables operators to monitor real-time tractor conditions, including RPMs, speed, fuel level, and other core functions.

Operators also benefit from the additional control options built into the armrest. These include two joysticks – a larger, multi-function joystick that controls tractor functions, including speed and cruise control.  Right next to it, the standard 3L joystick controls the hydraulics and up to 27 ISOBUS functions. The 3L joystick can be used to control a complex ISOBUS-compatible attachment such as a Momentum planter or air seeder. There is no need for external joysticks if the attachment supports the AUX-N standard.

The armrest also accommodates push dials that control cab comfort features, including speaker volume and cab temperature.

All buttons and switches in the FendtONE cab are within easy reach and color-coded to match their function. For example, orange buttons run the powertrain, engine, and transmission functions, while blue buttons run the hydraulics. White buttons are unassigned and customizable based on the operator’s preference. Each operator’s profile, specific to either the user or a particular job, can be saved in the system, making it easy to come back to those settings again.

FendtONE is not only connected with the operator inside the tractor cab, it also is able to share data back and forth from the cab to the office in real-time. Both new series also comes standard with five years of Fendt Connect telematics that allows an operator or their dealer to remotely monitor important machine data.

“If a farmer is interested in monitoring machine hours, fuel consumption, machine location, whether it needs service or when it needs to refuel, FendtONE can simplify some of those tasks. It will also share error codes if the driver is not operating the tractor properly, so the issue can be corrected right away.”

Soliday says.

1000 Series updates – new tires and a bolder footprint

The Fendt 1000 Gen3 Series includes four models ranging in power from 396 HP to 517 HP. These high-performance tractors are workhorses, designed for year-round work, including heavy tillage, planting, combine chaser work, and large-square baling. Track width can be adjusted down to 60 inches for row crop applications.

All models in the 1000 Gen3 Series have received another upgrade – a new tire option. The Trelleborg VF “very high flexion” 480/95R54 tires are the largest tires offered on a row crop tractor and are designed with stronger, reinforced sidewalls.

“This allows for less air in the tire, allowing it to flex up and down more, giving the tire quite a bit bigger footprint, more grip, and creating less surface compaction in the soil. We are limited on tire width for row-crop tractors, so making the tire diameter bigger means more tire can touch the ground at any given time.”

Soliday says.

The Fendt VarioGrip tire inflation and deflation system allow the operator to deflate the tire pressure from the cab with the push of a button. This Fendt-first innovation also allows automatic tire inflation before traveling down the road to improve handling and fuel efficiency. The Fendt 1000 Gen3 Series has a top road speed of 31 mph.

900 Series features – fuel efficiency, uptime, and agronomic benefits

Complementing the larger 1000 Gen3 Series, the Fendt 900 Gen7 Series tractors include five models ranging from 296 to 415 HP. They are designed to specifically meet the needs of producers in North America and deliver unprecedented fuel efficiency, uptime, and agronomic benefits. The 900 Gen7 Series has a wide range of implement connections at the front and rear to operate a varied combination of front and rear implements. Use the versatile tractor for a variety of jobs, including pulling a large square baler or planter, or for heavy work around livestock operations like spreading liquid manure and towing silage wagons.

The operating weights of the five Fendt 900 Gen7 tractors range from just under 25,000 lbs. up to 42,000 lbs. A convenient front mono-block ballasting system, with weights from 1,918 lbs. (870 kg) to 5,512 lbs. (2500 kg), lets the operator quickly re-ballast the tractor for the job at hand. Compact and agile, the 900 Series tractors have a narrow transaxle combined with pull-in turn action to allow them to maneuver in tight spaces with a shorter, smoother, and more precise turn.

“The Fendt 900 Gen7 series also offers the Fendt VarioGrip tire inflation and deflation system. Deflating the tires before entering the field gives the tires up to 15 percent more tractive power and improved ground contact with reduced soil compaction. Inflating the tires back up improves handling and fuel efficiency at road speeds up to 31 mph.”

Soliday says.

Fendt engine technology puts power where it’s needed

Fendt 900 Gen7 Series is powered by a six-cylinder, 9.0L MAN engine, and the 1000 Gen3 Series by a six-cylinder, 12.4L MAN engine. The Fendt iD low engine speed concept allows the tractors to achieve greater torque at lower engine RPMs. It works in unison with the Fendt tractor management system (TMS) and the Fendt stepless VarioDrive continuously variable transmission (CVT). VarioDrive, controlled through the FendtONE’s new multi-function joystick, automatically diverts power between axles to reduce slip and lower overall fuel consumption. With this combination, the engine operates at a maximum engine speed of 1700 rpm, provides exceptional pulling power, uses less fuel, and reduces wear on engine components.

Clean air, less dust

A new self-cleaning air filter system for the engine is now an option on both the 900 and 1000 Series tractors. This air filtration system blows compressed air back through the air filter in the opposite direction, helping to keep it dust-free even when the tractor is running.

Fendt gets a Gold Star for warranty

Each Fendt 900 or 1000 Series tractor is backed by the Fendt Gold Star Customer Care warranty. The full warranty covers the tractor for 3,000 hours or 36 months, with no deductible. It covers all scheduled maintenance, including the cost of oil, filters, belts, and maintenance items during this time. 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 network of dealers continues to grow and expand in North America, with more than 210 dealers currently supporting the brand.

“Among other things, Fendt represents excellence and quality, and we are ensuring we uphold these values by putting the right dealers in the right places and giving them the support needed to succeed in our dealer network,”

Soliday says.

The Fendt 900 Gen7 Series and 1000 Gen3 Series will be featured at the 2021 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 31- Sept. 2 in AGCO lot #333, as well as at select Fendt dealer field days this fall.

The post Fendt Will Unveil New 900 Gen7 Series and 1000 Gen3 Series Tractor Updates at the 2021 Farm Progress Show appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.