John Deere has introduced its K-Series Backhoe Loaders, eight models (310K EP, 310K, 310SK, 310SK TC, 315SK, 410K, 410K TC, 710K) designed to build on the success of the popular J-Series. Two economical tractor loader models (210K EP, 210K) round out the K-Series.

“Our customers are a diverse group that use backhoe loaders and tractor loaders for a variety of applications on the jobsite,” says Louann Hausner, product marketing manager for backhoe loaders, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “The new K-Series provides North American contractors a variety of options that are powerful, versatile, productive and economical. John Deere is committed to matching the right machine to the right customer.”

John Deere is off to a good start in 2012, reporting first-quarter (ending Jan. 31, 2012) equipment sales and revenues of $6.767 billion, an increase of 11 percent compared to the same period last year.

Equipment net sales in the United States and Canada increased five percent for the quarter. Outside the U.S. and Canada, net sales were up 21 percent.

John Deere’s sales success led to record first-quarter earnings of $532.9 million.

“By completing another quarter of record performance, John Deere has started 2012 on a strong note,” says Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer. “These results are evidence of the skillful execution of our operating and marketing plans. They also reflect an enthusiastic response by customers worldwide to our advanced lines of equipment. Maintaining such a high level of execution is especially noteworthy as we move ahead with major new-product launches and significantly expand our global market presence.”

Tractor Technology Keeps the Industry Moving

By Geof Fowler

More horsepower, higher flow hydraulics, electronic wizardry, more creature comforts, a new take on old technology and new sources of power all coming your way.

With productivity demands pushing large Ag tractor horsepower numbers to the point where peak ratings as high as 660 in 4WD machines and 389 in row-crop machines are no longer unheard of, the big news coming your way is ‘bigger isn’t better’ is out. Already, hydraulic flows as high as 113 gpm, 3PH lift capacities in excess of 10-tons, GPS guidance, field mapping telemetry options, and automated steering are solidly redefining farming today.

2012 will be no different, but what will be particularly interesting to follow is how the trickle down of these technologies will impact smaller utility tractor market all the way down to everyday lawn and garden machines. Read on and we’ll discuss some of the trends we expect to come in 2012 and beyond.

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Our Favorite Tractors of the Year

By Geof Fowler

Although the final numbers aren’t in, 2011 is shaping up as a good year for the tractor industry. Leading the increased demand is the large farm tractor segment which after a year of postponed purchases attributed to the added cost of Interim Tier 4 engines (as much as a 9% increase to sticker prices) has bounced back. High horsepower, high flow hydraulics, GPS, field mapping and telemetry options, automated steering and 4WD all are in demand. It won’t be long before we see the trickledown of these new improvements to the Utility (UT), Compact Utility (CUT), Subcompact Utility (SCUT) and even Lawn and Garden (LGT) and Garden Tractor (GT) industry segments. We can hardly wait to see what 2012 will bring.

In 2011 we were treated to a taste of new designs as well as machines from manufacturers who understood they had a good thing going and didn’t tinker with the recipe. In that vein, we introduce you to our pick for the Top Ten Tractors of 2011.

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2011 John Deere 1026R

By Geof Fowler, Photos by John Deere

With its 2305 model a bestseller and a standout amongst a field of stellar competitors, John Deere raises the bar with the new 1026R and gets our designation as Tractor of the Year (TOTY).

Harlan and Ed couldn’t be more different. Harlan is a self-employed machinist who, along with his wife Rita, raises and boards horses. Ed is an actuary for a major insurance company who teaches at a local community college and, in his spare time, maintains an eight-acre mini-estate. Both sit on our guest judge panel and participated in this year’s Tractor of the Year selection.

Says Ed, who already owed a John Deere 2305: “The 2305 was the perfect tractor—almost. It did everything it was asked of, but there were always little things you wished Deere had included. The 1026R addresses that list and more.”

While Ed and his wife muck stables and put their sub compact tractor (SCUT) through the daily dirty task of maintaining their stables, Harlan maintains his mini-estate with a shiny orange Kubota BX23 that we’re not sure has seen a drop of rain. His views were less from the capability side, although that was important, and more to the ease of use. Says Harlan: “I just want to use the tractor when I need to and not bloody my knuckles in the process.”

But the two from their divergent viewpoints both agreed on ten reasons the all new John Deere 1026R is our 2011 TOTY.

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On the occasion of this year’s Agritechnica, the world largest indoor farm equipment show (held Nov. 15 – 19 in Germany), the John Deere tractor 7280R (max. power 310 hp with IPM) was selected as “Tractor of the Year 2012” by a jury of editors of 20 European farm equipment journals.

Chosen from a group of seven finalists, the 7280R represents state-of-the-art tractor technology. In addition to featuring fuel-efficient stage III B Diesel-only engines, the 7280R is also available with ActiveCommand Steering. The ActiveCommand Steering system automatically adapts the steering force for optimum control and manoeuvrability in the field and on the road. Other features include the CommandView II cab with CommandArm operator console, GreenStar 3 CommandCenter display and optionally available ActiveSeat.

Deere & Company has entered into a new sales and marketing agreement with Honda Power Equipment to sell Honda premium power products at participating John Deere dealerships in the United States. Shipments of Honda inventory to John Deere dealerships will be phased in, beginning in 2012.

Under the terms of the agreement, participating John Deere dealers will offer Honda’s walk-behind lawnmowers, generators, tillers, water pumps and snow blowers. In addition, Deere said, it will no longer market John Deere-branded walk-behind mowers or walk-behind snow blowers in the U.S., in any sales channel, after 2012.

“Honda power equipment has earned a strong reputation for durability, quality and reliability – all which are important attributes to John Deere customers,” says David Everitt, president of the Worldwide Agricultural and Turf Division at Deere. “For homeowners, our premium John Deere lawn tractors will continue to lead the way at our dealerships but will be complemented with the strong line of Honda power equipment products.”

John Deere has issues three separate recalls is September due to issues with a cooling fan, brake assembly and mower blade assembly.

The first recall involves John Deere lawn tractors powered by Kawasaki engines. According to the recall notice, the cooling fan installed on top of the front mounted Kawasaki engine in the lawn tractor can break. If the cooling fan is not operational, the engine can overheat causing the surrounding plastic to melt, creating the risk of fire and serious injury.

So far John Deere has reported 163 such failures, including 83 reports of engine melting or engine fires and one report of a minor burn injury following a fan failure fire.

The recall involves about 36,000 units, including John Deere X300, X300R and X304 Select Series lawn tractors with Kawasaki FS541V engines manufactured between Sept. 20, 2010 and July 21, 2011 within the following serial number ranges listed below. The model number is on both sides of the tractor hood, and the serial number can be found on the machine frame near the front right tire.

John Deere has completed the public unveiling of its new ag equipment for 2012 as part of what the manufacturer is calling the largest, most significant product introduction in the company’s 174-year history.

John Deere boasts significant improvements in power, comfort, and performance are the hallmarks of the new machines including the S-Series Combines with larger corn heads and platforms; high-horsepower 4WD and track 9R/9RT Tractors; 6R Series row-crop tractors and 5 Series utility and specialty tractors.

According to Barry Nelson, manager of media relations for John Deere Ag and Turf Division, these products greatly extend the company’s broad portfolio of equipment products for use in all types of farming, livestock and specialty crop operations, as well as for commercial and property maintenance businesses.

John Deere’s 5 Series Utility Tractors have been given a redesign for the 2012 model year.

With more horsepower options ranging from 65 to 115, John Deere says its 5M Series models and 5E Limited Series Tractors can handle a wider variety of attachments and jobs for customers in the farming, equine, livestock, specialty crop production, property maintenance and landscape business segments.

The 5E Limited Tractors include the 5083E Limited with 83 engine horsepower; 5093E Limited with 93 engine horsepower; and the 5101E Limited with 101 engine horsepower. Changes to the new 5E Limited Series start with a new cab designed with easier-to-reach hitch, hydraulic and PTO controls on the right side and a cleaner, more comfortable cab with an optional push-button air-suspension seat for a better ride.

The 5E Limited Tractors also come standard with a MFWD engagement feature that activates two- or four-wheel drive with the shift of a lever and a new MFWD indicator light; new hydraulic system with optional triple deluxe SCV stack that can handle more demanding attachments; and the popular Economy PTO setting that saves fuel and engine wear and reduces noise and emissions when operating PTO-driven equipment.

“In addition to the cab, we’ve redesigned the transmissions and added oil-cooled, self-adjusting wet traction and PTO clutches that aren’t typically found on other utility tractors,” says Matt Blaylock, John Deere product marketing manager for 5 Series Tractors. “These highly durable and reliable utility tractors now have more heavy-duty components, as well as increased hydraulic functionality, comfort and convenience options to help customers use them in a wide variety of applications.