New Holland Agriculture
www.newholland.com/na
New Holland's flagship T8 Series tractor range has been further enriched with the introduction of the renowned AutoCommand continuously variable transmission. The new range-topping T8.420 develops an impressive maximum 419 horsepower with engine power management making it the world's most powerful CVT tractor.
The six model T8 Series line-up, with outputs ranging from 273 to 419 horsepower, is powered by efficient ECOBlue SCR Cursor 9 engines, developed in collaboration with FPT Industrial, and delivering Tier 4a emissions compliance.
New Holland has tailored its AutoCommand transmission for the T8 range to perfectly match its dimensions and usage profile. The AutoCommand transmission uses intuitive force-based logic and is controlled via the ergonomic CommandGrip handle, identical to that found on T7 AutoCommand models. The four modes of operation known from T7 AutoCommand-Auto, Cruise, PTO and Manual-provide the same flexibility to optimize task or fuel efficiency. All transmission functions are grouped in one place for a smooth, seamless application of power.
The T8 AutoCommand features four points of optimized efficiency where the transmission drives through a full mechanical connection. These points have been engineered to correspond to the most frequently used operating speeds. Available in 25-mph ECO and 31-mph options, customers can reach top speeds at lower engine speeds if loads permit (1400 rpm and 1725 rpm respectively).
All T8 AutoCommand models benefit from an increased wheelbase, improving stability and traction. The wheelbase is a full 14 percent longer than the nearest competitor, yet T8 tractors still deliver staggering turn performance.
Ballasting flexibility has been further increased with the release of new wheel weights to enhance overall productivity by maintaining traction in even the most difficult conditions. Single-wheel T8 tractors can have up to 5,500 lbs. added to the rear axle, and when dual wheels are used, the rear axle ballast loading can now be increased to 9,000 lbs. This loading allows the T8.420 to fully utilize the available power, even at slow speeds.
John Deere & Company
www.deere.com
John Deere has expanded its 6 Series tractor family with the introduction of 12 new models in the 105 to 170 engine horsepower range for 2013.
The all-new John Deere 6M Series tractors include six models from 105 to 170 engine horsepower and replace the standard 6030 and 7030 Series tractors.
In addition, John Deere has updated its economical 6D Series tractor lineup that was introduced in 2008. The new 6D Series include 4 models ranging from 105 to 140 engine horsepower.
Expanding on its 6R Series Tractors for the row-crop market, John Deere introduces two mid-horsepower models: 6140R and 6150R, offering 140 and 150 engine horsepower, respectively. These two models complete the 6R model line-up, giving customers a total of eight different models to choose from in the 105-210 engine horsepower range.
Both new 6R models come standard with John Deere 6.8L PowerTech PVX engines with Intelligent Power Management that provide an additional 20 horsepower during transport and non-stationary PTO applications. Transmission options include a 20-speed AutoQuad Plus ECO Transmission (standard), 16-speed PowerQuad Plus (optional) or IVT Transmission (optional). IVT and AutoQuad Plus configurations are available with up to 50K (31 mph) transport speed.
John Deere has also introduced the new DirectDrive transmission for the 6R Series. The newly designed 24-speed DirectDrive transmission combines the handling comfort of an IVT transmission with the power and efficiency of a mechanical transmission.
www.challenger-ag.com
Challenger, a global brand of AGCO, is adding four new models to the MT500D Series of wheeled tractors. The new, fully redesigned tractors, with 110 to 125 PTO horsepower, complement the Challenger lineup of tractors designed to meet the intense demands and challenging environments of today's farming operations.
In addition to a more powerful, more fuel-efficient engine, the tractors feature a redesigned, more ergonomic cab for improved comfort, with fingertip controls embedded in the armrest for easier operation. The cab features OptiRide hydraulic cab suspension, which automatically adjusts for changing field conditions. Combined with a new, quieter engine, the more comfortable cab helps reduce operator fatigue from long days in the field.
All four new models feature Tier 4i emissions-compliant AGCO Power 6.6-liter engines. The engines use AGCO-exclusive second-generation e3 selective catalytic reduction (SCR) clean-air technology. The system monitors exhaust and adjusts diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) treatment in real time for improved emissions, minimal maintenance, reduced fuel consumption and industry-leading DEF use efficiency. Increased horsepower is courtesy of a larger AGCO Power engine, plus a boost in common rail (CR) injection system pressure from an AGCO-exclusive Bosch pump.
Depending on the model, tractors are available with a choice of Techstar CVT (continuously variable), AutoPower 6 (24-speed, partial-powershift) or AutoPower 4 (16-speed, partial-powershift) transmissions for efficient power transfer under any field condition. The AGCO-exclusive Techstar CVT delivers true clutch-less, step-less operation for no shifting between ranges, the convenience of a 1,200-hour service interval and limited moving parts for long life.
As with other MT500D Series tractors, the cab on the new tractors features an OptiRide Plus cab suspension system. This unique hydraulic suspension system relays information through an electronic control unit to automatically adjust to control bounce, rolling and pitching for a comfortable ride in the field or down the road.
Inside the redesigned cab, a right-hand-control armrest, multipad control and new multi-function joystick provide easy-to-reach, fingertip control and ergonomic design that are comfortable for the operator. A Datatronic CCD display offers greater performance and functionality and is easier to read, so producers can accurately monitor and adjust tractor and implement settings.
Kubota Tractor Corporation
www.kubota.com
The Grand X Series offers one of the largest cabs in its class. Within the mid-size ag/utility line, the M135GX is Kubota's most powerful tractor with a 374-cubic-inch, turbocharged direct injection diesel engine that boasts 118 PTO horsepower.
The Grand X Series cab has room for two, with an optional instructor's seat. With a wide-opening door and easy-to-climb stairs, spaciousness is king inside, even with the instructor's seat. Compared to the standard M-Series models, the Grand X cab is 10 inches wider with seven more inches of headroom.
Kubota's outstanding power and fuel economy go hand-in-hand with the Grand X Series tractors. Each tractor in the series is versatile, powerful and productive. When it comes to clean performance, the common rail system electronically controls the fuel injection timing and amount in stages rather than all at once for optimal combustion, greater efficiency, better fuel economy and less engine noise.
Sleek new design elements add aesthetics and functionality to the M-Series' ergonomically designed cockpit. The new rounded-glass, panoramic windshield, sloping hood and grill design improve the operator's range of vision. The new cab has four pillars versus the six in the original design to offer more than seven inches in headroom and more than 10 inches in width for ample legroom. Wide-opening glass doors provide easier access, while the unobstructed ceiling with new glass roof panel and glass lower-rear panel allow for a clear view.
Enhancements on the Kubota Grand X Series deluxe mid-sized tractors help operators work more efficiently. The new, redesigned control console is user-friendly, concentrating all operating controls where everything is intuitive and within easy reach. The dash-instrumentation includes a central command LCD panel that monitors 26 different functions, including engine information, fuel used per hour, travel direction and gear selection. To complete the new Grand X Series enhancements, Kubota has substantially increased the standard hitch capacity to 6,834 lbs., with an optional 9,447 lbs. capacity for heavy-duty applications.
Case IH Agriculture Equipment, Inc.
www.caseih.com
The 2013 Steiger Rowtrac will be one of the highest horsepower, tracked row-crop tractors in the market with the capacity to pull larger implements. It will have the advantages of Quadtrac technology for both primary and secondary tillage and field applications, including planting, side-dressing, fertilizing and specialty applications.
The Steiger Rowtrac boasts equal-sized, independent, oscillating drives on all four corners. The wheelbase has been extended from 154 to 160 inches, so each track has more ground contact, resulting in better transfer of power to the ground.
"Better traction helps reduce compaction by minimizing slippage on the soil surface," says Mitch Kaiser, Case IH Steiger marketing manager. "Compared to two-track systems, operators will see no ridging or berming in turns. And each track drive oscillates up and down up to 10 degrees to maintain consistent ground contact no matter what the conditions. Not only will farmers be able to plant seed sooner, but the seed will have a better environment in which to germinate and develop strong root systems that extend down into the soil area, with better access to nutrients. Less in-row compaction translates to earlier emergence of crops and the opportunity for increased yields."
On each end of the roller beam, a mount controls pitch roll and yaw along with some vertical load, and two mounts in the center handle the primary vertical load. While the tractor is oscillating in the middle, each track moves independently. The exclusive Case IH design fits in a very narrow undercarriage width for row-crop applications.
The Steiger Rowtrac gives operators more adaptability and versatility for different cropping systems, with 20-inch, 22-inch, 30-inch and 40-inch row-crop spacing options, and the track width to suit many types of operations.
The undercarriage features a new advanced suspension system. Rubber "donuts" act like shock absorbers and keep the suspension from shifting from side to side, which helps the tractor remain accurate on the row.
The Steiger Rowtrac is designed with a small overall size in mind for excellent visibility and a tight turning radius, so the Quadtrac four-track, positive-drive system is highly maneuverable in the field. It also is very transportable on the road for farmers with large operations and several locations to manage.
Like other Steiger models, the Rowtrac machines have Power Boost to provide extra power when needed with hydraulics, PTO, during transport and in other challenging conditions. New features provide even more flexibility: the 113-gallon-per-minute parallel flow hydraulic system for use with a three-point-hitch and PTO offers increased efficiency and adaptability for more planting and grain-cart applications.
AGCO Massey Ferguson
www.masseyferguson.us
Massey Ferguson, a global brand of AGCO, is adding four new small-frame tractors to the 7600 Series of row crop tractors for North American producers. The new tractors, with 110 to 130 PTO horsepower, boast a 6 to 8 percent fuel-efficiency improvement.
The new tractors feature a redesigned, more ergonomic cab with OptiRide cab suspension, for improved comfort and easier operation. Combined with a quieter engine, the cab helps reduce operator fatigue from long days in the field.
All four models feature Tier 4 interim emissions-compliant AGCO Power 6.6 liter engines. The engines use AGCO-exclusive second-generation e3 selective catalytic reduction (SCR) clean-air technology. The system monitors exhaust and adjusts diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) treatment in real time for improved emissions, minimal maintenance, reduced fuel consumption and industry-leading DEF use efficiency.
Increased horsepower is courtesy of a larger AGCO Power engine, plus a boost in common rail (CR) injection system pressure from an AGCO-exclusive Bosch pump.
Depending on the model, tractors are available with a choice of Dyna-VT (continuously variable), Dyna-6 (24-speed, partial-powershift) or Dyna-4 (16-speed, partial-powershift) transmissions for efficient power transfer under any field condition. The AGCO-exclusive Dyna-VT CVT delivers true clutch-less, step-less operation for no shifting between ranges, the convenience of a 1,200-hour service interval and limited moving parts for long life.
As with other 7600 Series tractors, the cab on the new small-frame tractors features an OptiRide hydraulic suspension system. This unique cab suspension system relays information through an electronic control unit to automatically control bounce, rolling and pitching for a comfortable ride in the field or down the road.
Inside the redesigned cab, a right-hand-control armrest, multipad control and new multi-function joystick provide easy-to-reach, fingertip control and ergonomic design that are comfortable for the operator. A Datatronic CCD display offers greater performance and functionality and increased legibility so producers can accurately monitor and adjust tractor and implement settings.
www.bobcat.com
Bobcat Company has introduced the 500 frame-size skid-steer and compact track loaders. The seven new medium-size machines make up the most popular size class in the Bobcat loader family and provide operators with extensive feature upgrades including increased visibility and a more comfortable cab.
The 500 frame-size loaders feature a unique cab-forward design that moves the operator closer to the attachment and provides unmatched visibility in all directions.
The new loaders tout the largest cab door opening on the market, offering superior visibility to the cutting edge of the bucket or the corners of an attachment. The height of the cab has been increased, providing additional headroom, while still keeping the overall machine size small enough to operate in tight spaces.
Windows on the sides and rear of the cab are larger to provide more visibility to the tires and back of the machine. The larger top window makes it easier and more comfortable for the operator to see an attachment with the lift arms raised.
Bobcat increased the size of the 500 loader cab by 10 percent, redesigned the interior to allow operators to adjust the environment to their individual preferences and improved cab pressurization.
Operators have the choice between standard foot pedal hydraulic controls, the Advanced Control System (ACS) or the Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC). The standard foot pedals control the lift and tilt through mechanical linkage. The optional ACS lets the loader operator use a dash-mounted switch to instantly select between advanced hand control or advanced foot control of lift and tilt functions. The low effort control levers of the optional SJC can be operated in the ISO or H pattern. These handles move up and down in conjunction with the seat to reduce arm movement and operator fatigue. The joystick mounts also slide forward or backward to adjust to the preference of each individual operator.
The 500 frame-size loaders have increased hydraulic performance over their K-Series equivalents. The hydraulic systems on M-Series loaders have been engineered for higher standard flow and pressure. Size, horsepower and cubic-inch displacement are matched to the loader's rated operating capacity, balance and weight, producing a loader that can outperform higher-horsepower machines.
The skid-steer models offer a two-speed option which boosts the maximum travel speed from 7.4 mph in low range to 11 mph in high range. The hydraulic bucket positioning option keeps the loader bucket level as the lift arms travel upward.
Available only on M-Series loaders, the panel intelligently monitors key loader functions, and the keyless start helps prevent theft. The 5-inch, full-color LCD screen offers better readability and interaction. Easy-to-read virtual sweep gauges allow the operator to quickly read and understand the machine's performance.