Operators have long known that Maxxum and Puma series tractors offer unmatched in-field versatility. Now, upgrades to Model Year 2022 Maxxum tractors equipped with MultiControl armrests and Puma 150/165 tractors will put operator comfort and convenience front and center for even greater flexibility. Updates include a low-mount wiper, new steps, new monitor bars and rearview mirrors, enhanced safety lighting, and more.

“When it comes to getting the most out of every moment in the field, operator comfort is second to none. Maxxum and Puma series tractors are already known for their convenient designs and features that make in-cab comfort a priority. These new upgrades will further ensure that operators are able to work comfortably and productively regardless of field conditions,”

said J.E. Cadle, Case IH mid-range tractor marketing manager.

A suite of comfort- and productivity-boosting upgrades

Nothing slows productivity down like an uncomfortable operator experience. The new Maxxum and Puma series tractor comfort updates were designed with operators in mind. The updates include a host of convenient features that — taken together — lead to increased productivity out in the field. Features such as a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel and in-cab cool box keep operators comfortable during long days, while enhancements such as LED safety lighting, new sleek rearview mirror, and low-mounted front wiper make for greater visibility for out in the field.

The full list of updates to the Model Year 2022 Maxxum and Puma series tractors includes:

• Low-mount front wiper for maximum visibility
• In-cab cool box for increased operator comfort
• New aluminum steps
• New monitor bar with USB outlets for convenience
• New rearview mirror for better field of view
• New battery cutoff switch located outside the door
• LED beacon lights for greater visibility in all field conditions
• Elastic hood closing rope
• New advanced loader joystick with reverser

Enhancements build on 2021 improvements

In 2021, select Maxxum and Puma series tractor models were equipped with additional safety, convenience, and comfort updates to improve efficiency out in the field. These updates — which include a redesigned hood for Puma series tractor models 150 and 165, improved lighting to create a uniformly lit work area, and Hi-eSCR2 emissions technology for longer service intervals and enhanced fuel economy — were driven by customer input that has helped operators achieve greater in-field precision while remaining comfortable in the cab.

“Every enhancement we’ve made has been driven by what producers want and need from their equipment. We’re excited to build on these design upgrades in the years to come,”

Cadle said.

The post New Puma, Maxxum Series Tractors Increase Productivity Through Comfort Upgrades appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Their tractors allow farmers around the world to power their tractors by using the sun, wind, and other clean renewable sources of energy. Founder and CEO Stephen Heckeroth said that Solectrac is on its way to becoming the standard of electric agricultural and utility equipment around the globe.

Heckeroth has dedicated his life to finding alternatives to burning fossil fuels. He received a degree in Architecture and for 25 years designed and built solar homes. Then in 1990, he shifted his focus to designing and building electric vehicles.

“After designing and building several electric tractors for farmers, I received a commission to build an experimental electric tractor for Ford/New Holland in 1995,”

Heckeroth said.

“Then in 1996, I was commissioned by a Japanese company (EFRIG) to build an electric tractor that could be used to explode land mines left behind after wars.”

He said that these early electric tractor designs produced new innovations – steer by wire, zero radius steering, remote control operation, the use of wheel motors, on board inverter/chargers for mobile AC power, motors mounted on implements to replace dangerous PTO’s and the first ever use of linear actuators on a full function electric tractor.

So, with decades of experience under his belt and fueled by the mission to make a positive difference in the world, Heckeroth founded Solectrac LLC in 2012, with the goal of taking small farm electric tractors into commercial production.

The company grew out Heckeroth’s commitment to providing an alternative to fossil fuels. Now, Solectrac is the only company offering commercial sales of quiet, zero emission Electric Tractors in the U.S.

The electric motors used in Solectrac tractors are more than 90% efficient, have only one moving part, can go for decades without maintenance, produce maximum torque throughout the slow operating speeds of tractors and produce no pollution or Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

“Solectrac offers the eUtility electric tractor that can do the work of any 2WD, 40 HP diesel tractor on the market,”

Heckeroth said.

The company distributes Farmtrac Compact Electric Tractor (CET) that can do the work of any 4WD, 30 HP diesel tractor and has two more models under development. The 2WD, 30 HP eFarmer is designed for row crop farming and the 4WD, 70 HP e70N designed for vineyard, orchards and other high HP utility applications.

The company has an assembly facility and office on the northern California coast and is leasing a new facility in Santa Rosa.

Heckeroth said that members of Soletrac’s team are dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds and skills in design, manufacturing, business management, communications, sales and marketing.

“Our team comprised of hard-working, talented individuals who have logged in thousands of hours creating an efficient, simple company dedicated to making sure everything Soletrac produces brings real, long-term value and increased productivity and environmental quality to their customers,”

Heckeroth said.

He added that the company’s biggest challenge, though, is to get the word out that electric tractors are available and that their performance is equal to or better than diesel tractors.

“I took about 20 years for electric cars to take hold in society,”

Heckeroth said.

“I hope that electric tractors will be accepted more quickly.”

Another challenge is range and run time of the battery however, Solectrac solved that challenge with its patented exchangeable battery packs, which can be used to extend run time or for back-up power. Their technology allows you to swap depleted batteries for charged batteries easier and more quickly than changing an implement.

Soletrac’s other innovations include the use of linear actuators, which are more efficient and have no toxic fluids, instead of hydraulics for lifting the 3-point hitches. Their eFarmer model has 3 hitches to allow three operations in one pass thereby greatly improving efficiency. It also is designed to allow uninterrupted visibility for cultivating row crops.

Despite challenges, the Soletrac team has received national and international recognition for its designs.

The company has received large grants from the US Indian Science and Technology Fund, which resulted in the design of the eFarmer electric tractor, and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Heckeroth said that the grants offered his team the chance to develop, test and improve the design of needed components that are key to successful commercial production.

In 2014, Solectrac was awarded a 3-year research and development grant by the India-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF). With the final prototype produced, Solectrac won a second grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to commercialize the production of all-electric tractors.

Recently, Solectrac was a finalist at Food Funded, an Entrepreneurship and Investor Fair and received the Escorts 2019 Innovation Award.

Since 2019, Solectrac has been a California Benefit Corporation and a certified B Corp, which means that social and environmental impacts are considered and tracked in Solectrac’s decision-making process.

“As the company grows, we will be creating needed employment opportunities in assembly, sales, and administration,”

Heckeroth said.

“We have also provided education on how to farm more sustainably by showing and demonstrating electric tractors at many ag schools, conferences and expos as well as individual farms.”

He said that supporting the local community is truly one of the best ways to affect positive change.

“Over the years, I have been involved in my local community, from serving as a member of the School Board and County Planning Commission to hosting a show on renewable energy on KZYX public radio in Northern California.”

His favorite part of working in the agriculture industry and with farmers are the many opportunities to be out in nature and watching the many miracles in the interaction between soil, water, air and sun that make plants grow and animals thrive.

“We joined the Farm Bureau because we have a shared mission of producing agricultural products while innovating new, profitable and sustainable farming methods,”

Heckeroth said.

“We want to be an active participant with the groups we support and we appreciate the Farm Bureau, its goals and the work it does for its members.”

He said that his goal is to help lead the agricultural community toward energy independence by producing electric tractors charged by on site clean renewable energy.

To gain further support for this mission, Solectrac launched its equity crowd funding campaign in May.

“We hope to fund the expansion of production in our assembly center in Santa Rosa, as well as finalize our eFarmer model and start development of a 70 HP equivalent electric tractor,”

Heckeroth said.

“We are looking toward a future where small farms will be able to provide food and energy security for their local communities.”

Source: Solectrac

The post Solectrac developes a Full Range of All-Electric Tractors appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The new V923 expands the Bobcat family of VersaHandler telescopic tool carriers, also known as telehandlers, making it ideal for operators who need increased lift height, reach, and capacity. Featuring a 130-horsepower turbocharged Bobcat engine and heavy-duty drive train, the V923 offers an increased rated operating capacity of 9,000 pounds for more productivity with every lift cycle and unbeatable pushing strength. In addition, the new V923 gives operators the versatility they need in numerous applications with a travel speed of up to 24.5 mph.

A Z-Bar boom linkage delivers a greater range of bucket rotation, an increased dump angle at full height, and increased breakout force to lift material out of a pile and dump it easily. Plus, the new V923 features the power quick-tach attachment mounting system to increase utilization.

Improved performance

The V923 delivers all the power you need for your most challenging tasks. Its 130-horsepower Bobcat engine is designed for high performance and maximum efficiency, enabling operators to do the job while keeping fuel consumption low.

The V923 comes standard with a simple, state-of-the-art non-DPF Tier 4 engine solution. Bobcat engines meet Tier 4 regulations without a diesel particulate filter (DPF). This reduces downtime that occurs with DPF regeneration and long-term DPF maintenance costs – so operators can focus on working. Bobcat engines have a specially designed combustion chamber that minimizes the amount of particulate matter the engine creates. The amounts are low enough that a DPF isn’t needed for Tier 4 compliance, which simplifies maintenance as well as operation.

In addition, the V923 gives operators a heavy-duty hydrostatic transmission that delivers a smooth 0-25 mph stepless driving experience, quick power when needed and high wheel torque for digging and pushing. The low-profile, extendable boom gives operators the power to access a wide range of lift heights and reach lengths with increased visibility to the right side of the machine. The low boom pivot point in the rear also helps make it a powerful machine when pushing. As the machine pushes, more of the weight stays on the front axle.

Operation is safe and easy with the familiarity of a steering wheel and automotive-style foot pedals, along with many additional features to help operators get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Other notable performance features include:

• The load sense hydraulic system is designed for faster boom speeds and heavier lifting, giving operators extra power for smoother control when loaded, and the fastest boom cycle times possible when empty.
• A patented hydraulic lift system provides advanced high-flow technology to optimize lift capabilities while providing high-speed movement – plus unrivaled multifunctioning performance during the lift cycle.
• For durability and confidence when working on most intensive jobs, the V923 is equipped with reinforced heavy-duty axles with large lug nuts and a reinforced central differential gear. Heavy-duty universal joints are designed to handle tough working conditions, and the steering cylinder is protected in the upper position.
• The new, heavier-duty lift cylinder allows for a rated operating capacity of 9,000 pounds and improved lifting performance.
• Enable boom float while moving on uneven ground for smooth performance with attachments.

Increased machine protection

Bobcat has designed all its telehandlers with the same robust box-welded frame for enhanced rigidity – plus a low center of gravity for great overall stability. Its shielded bottom plate protects vital components. The engine, cooling system, and many critical components are well-protected within the center of the chassis, ensuring minimal wear and tear due to job site obstacles or harsh terrain.

For additional protection, the V923 is designed with a sealed engine compartment that helps shut out dust and debris, ensuring long component life. Plus, the radiator, oil cooler, and intake air coolers are mounted side by side, carefully located to receive the same quality and temperature of air, which provides efficient, consistent cooling ability, even in the most severe and dirty conditions.

In addition, an automatic reverse cooling fan gives operators the ability to keep the radiator area cleaner for longer – extending productivity and uptime while reducing the immediate need to clean debris by hand. Simply flip a switch to reverse the cooling fan or set it to automatically reverse at 30-, 45-, 60- or 90-minute intervals to purge the system of dust and debris.

The new V923 is designed with optional window guards. The optional front and top window guards are designed to protect operators and the machine from falling and flying debris. In addition, the V923 cabs are designed and tested to Roll-Over Protection Structure (ROPS) and Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) standards.

The V923 has a variety of other uptime protection features including:

• Fine mesh intake screen to help prevent large debris from entering the engine basket and plugging the radiator.
• Diesel fuel is contained in a durable, rust-free polypropylene tank to minimize condensation and contamination of the fuel system.
• Battery run-down protection that automatically shuts down after a predetermined time and voltage level, preventing accidental battery discharge.
• Machine shutdown protection system to continuously monitor engine coolant, hydraulic engine oil, and other vital machine functions.
• Cylinders are strategically located in areas that are less prone to damaging contact on the job, protecting them from harm.

Selectable steering and travel modes

The versatility of the V923 is endless with three steering and travel modes to give operators application-matched maneuverability.

The V923 has three steering types and four travel speeds to fit the needs of a variety of jobs.

• All-wheel steer: Helps with quick and tight turns.
• Front-wheel steer: Enables top-speed travel, eliminating the need to haul the machine on a trailer from the job site.
• Crab steer: Precise side-to-side positioning.

Select from three travel modes that provide more precise movement in numerous applications.

• 2-Speed travel option: Offers two-speed ranges, each with its own high and low setting, for improved productivity and better maneuverability.
• Speed management: Adjusts travel speed independently from the engine speed. Operators can use their accelerator pedal to set the engine speed to the optimal setting for the attachment they are operating, then dial in their desired travel speed.
• Inching control: Reduces drive speed without reducing power to the attachment, enabling slower, more precise control without sacrificing productivity.

Enhanced operator comfort

The V923 was carefully designed for the best visibility from every angle. The low-profile boom sits below operator eye level to provide a better view of the operator’s surroundings. Front, top, and rear window wipers clear away moisture and minimize the buildup of dust, debris, and mud. Multiple mirrors on the operator’s left and right assist them when working in confined areas. An optional rear mirror kit and boom work light kit are also available.

The V923 has a unique wraparound rear window that gives operators a completely unobstructed line of sight to the side and rear of the machine. Plus, an easy-to-read instrumentation panel gives operators an edge in equipment operation. The backlit display panel monitors major functions and features intuitive attachment controls, operation lights, warnings, and an hour meter for quick service checks.

A boom cushioning suspension system makes it easier for operators to handle the load, providing a smoother motion as the attachment angles to its minimum or maximum pitch, or when the boom reaches full retraction. Activating ride control reduces material spillage and enables operators to travel at faster speeds for increased productivity. Thanks to its dampening effect, this feature also increases comfort by offering a smoother ride when traveling across uneven terrain.

An enclosed cab with heat and air conditioning is standard for V923 telescopic tool carriers, minimizing dirt and dust inside the operating area and keeping the operator refreshed through the workday. Automotive-style vents allow operators to point the air where they need it, providing enhanced comfort in all weather conditions. In addition, a single intuitive joystick allows operators to control several functions, including travel direction, lift and tilt functions, boom extension, and auxiliary hydraulics from the cab. A high-comfort air-suspension seat adjusts to the operator’s weight, enabling maximum comfort on the job site. Plus, the V923 is available with a keyless start option, giving operators the convenience of keyless start and the added security of an owner-defined numeric code.

Unmatched attachment versatility

Available on the V923, is the power quick-tach attachment mounting system, which provides robust, compact attachment versatility. The hydraulic lock function allows operators to change non-hydraulic attachments safely and quickly without leaving the cab.

The V923 is approved for use with the following attachments:

• Bale fork (accessory for rigid pallet fork frame)
• Bucket, general purpose: 93 inches
• Bucket, grapple: 96 inches
• Bucket, light material (2.6-yard volume): 96 inches
• Pallet fork, floating
• Pallet fork, rigid
• Pallet fork, side-shift

Quick Look: V923 VersaHandler telescopic tool carrier

Horsepower: 130-hp, non-DPF Bobcat Tier 4 diesel engine
Operating weight: 18,158 lb.
Maximum rated lift capacity: 9,041lb.
Maximum lift height: 277 in.
Maximum reach: 162.3 in.
Auxiliary hydraulic flow: 39.6 gpm
Travel speed, low (Gear 1): 3.7 mph
Travel speed, high (Gear 2): 24.5 mph
Three steering modes: Front, all-wheel and crab

Source: Bobcat Company

The post Bobcat Presents the New V923 VersaHandler Tool Carrier appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.