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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Challenger has recently introduced the all-new MT500D Series High Horsepower wheeled row crop tractors to North American professional producers.

The Challenger MT500D Series tractors, made up of four entirely redesigned models ranging from 170 to 225 engine horsepower (140–180 PTO HP), feature new comfort features designed to help producers handle the most challenging jobs. Optional factory-installed auto-steering and telemetry technologies available on these new models offer what Challenger calls a never-before-seen level of control.

“These new tractors from Challenger boast some of the most innovative features as they relate to emissions compliance, versatility, work management and operator comfort,” says Mike Alvin, product marketing manager, high horsepower tractors. “When there’s work to be done, professional producers need a tractor they can count on to finish a multitude of jobs, and that’s what we’ve created with the MT500D Series. These are tractors with the power and technology to work long and hard, helping their operators meet the intense demands of farming today.”

Husqvarna has recalled its TuffTorq K46LD Transaxle tractors due to intermittent drive failure, which poses a risk of reduced or lost braking ability.

This recall, which affects about 1,600 units, includes model numbers YTH23V42LS and YTH24V48LS and serial numbers ranging from 050110A001000 to 123110D999999. The first six digits of the serial number is a date code. Tractors included in the recall have a serial date range of May 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010. Model and serial information is located on an identification plate attached to the underside of the seat.

The recalled tractors were sold at Husqvarna authorized dealers nationwide from May 2010 through December 2010 for between $2,300 and $2,800.

A Caterpillar Expo Twenty Tractor built in 1927 was displayed at this year’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

This tractor has the distinction of being the first machine wholly designed and built by what was once called Caterpillar Tractor Co. Prior to producing the Expo Twenty, Caterpillar had been manufacturing track-type tractors using the assets and designs of its two predecessor companies, the C.L. Best Tractor Co. and The Holt Manufacturing Company. But when this unit rolled off the assembly line, it received an all-new serial number, EXP 0000-L, and earned a place in company history.

Its designation as an “EXP” or “expo” machine suggests it was either built for a special occasion or used by Cat dealers as a marketing tool at county and state fairs or other local events. The “L” in the serial number indicates it was manufactured in San Leandro, Calif.

According to Cat, its new Cat 621H, 623H and 627H Wheel Tractor-Scrapers are designed to deliver superior productivity and enhanced operator comfort and efficiency through the use of increased power and capacity, new structures, electronic controls and ergonomic design.

“The new H Series designs change the way wheel tractor-scrapers look, run and ride—and increase their capabilities to move material at the lowest cost per ton,” Cat says in a release.

H Series Wheel Tractor-Scrapers build on the proven durability and productivity of previous models with use of innovative technology. Sequence Assist and Load Assist automate many of the operator’s most demanding tasks, and when combined with Cat Grade Control, the new systems unburden veteran operators and help less experienced operators reach high productivity levels quickly.

With the H Series introduction, Caterpillar is offering the 621 in a push-pull configuration for the first time. The system enables two scrapers to work together when loading, rather than requiring a push tractor. Other scraper models have proven that the push-pull configuration is the low cost solution in many applications.