“From almost 8,000 applicants, these four outstanding women were selected to receive merit-based college scholarships from Mahindra USA for use during the 2012 school year,” Mahindra USA says in a release.”

In partnership with The National FFA Organization, the Mahindra scholarship winners were chosen based on their passion and involvement in agricultural studies as well as their academic performance and leadership.

“The scholarship winners’ hard work, dedication, perseverance and passion in pursuing their degree in Agriculture is a true testament to the bright future that lays ahead,” says Cleo Franklin, vice president of marketing & strategic planning for Mahindra USA. “Our primary objective in supporting educational opportunities, such as this scholarship, is to help women Accept No Limits, employ Alternative Thinking and Drive Positive Change within the Ag industry.”

Every year, Mahindra USA teams up with the National FFA Organization to sponsor select young women involved in agriculture and their pursuit of a college degree.

“Mahindra USA is proud to partner with the FFA, and we share in congratulating these four very accomplished students,” says Franklin. “We are thrilled to play a part in assisting them and their families in furthering their agricultural education. We know that a lot of these young women bring their knowledge and skills back to their communities, enabling them to Rise and make a positive impact in the lives of all stakeholders.”

When we think of tractors, race cars rarely come to mind. However, Husqvarna recently decided to partner up with the NASCAR Hall of Fame to unveil the aptly named Fast Tractor.

According to Husqvarna, the Fast Tractor it’s the fastest tractor in its class, able to reach top speeds of 7-8 mph. Not quite quick enough to turn laps at Daytona, but plenty fast to get your grass cut in record time.

“The Fast Tractor is designed to fit the needs of consumers who demand all-around high performance and high quality,” says John Marchionda, vice president of marketing for Husqvarna. “Consumers want the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are making a good investment. We’ve created a quality product that allows you to mow through yard work with precision and comfort – and the Fast Tractor reduces time spent mowing, which frees up valuable time to spend doing other things you really enjoy!”

Husqvarna officially launched the Fast Tractor during a special event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame viewing party for the Texas Sprint Cup Series race.

The Fast Tractor comes standard with a 24hp Kohler engine, 20″ rear tires, F7 hydrostatic transmission, 48″ reinforced cutting deck, and has comfort features such as a high-back seat with armrests, push/pull button blade engagement and an ergonomically-designed user interface. A safety switch under the seat automatically stops the engine and cutting deck when the driver leaves the seat and the Reverse Operating System allows users to mow while the mower is in reverse with the turn of a key.

Husqvarna is offering Fast Tractor owners a 10-year limited warranty on the reinforced deck; a
five-year limited warranty on the frame, chassis and front axle; a three-year limited warranty on the transmission; a three-year limited warranty on other non-expendable components; and, a one-year limited warranty on the battery.

The Husqvarna Fast Tractor is available exclusively at Lowe’s and Authorized Husqvarna Dealers nationwide for US $1,899.95.

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.”

According to John Deere, the new K-Series meets today’s emission regulations. Powered by a certified IT4/ Stage III B John Deere PowerTech engine, the K-Series comes equipped with a five-speed transmission that allows top speeds of 25 mph when roading. An optional AutoShift transmission is designed to enable smooth shifting and improve operator comfort by reducing the number of times the Transmission Control Lever (TCL) needs to be actuated during operation. A single loader lever with integrated electro-hydraulic (EH) auxiliary loader control eliminates the need for a second lever when using a multi-purpose bucket. In addition, a complete redesign of the cab ventilation now circulates cab air from front-to-back, directing airflow where operators need it the most.

Enhancements were also made to John Deere’s Total Machine Control (TMC) backhoes. Updates include a joystick redesign that gives operators even easier operation with equal lever efforts in all directions for smooth and productive operation as well as improved swing control that allows for more precise trench work with less backhoe wag.

The 210K EP and 310K EP are two new models designed specifically for rental and large contractor customers that need reliable, easy-to-use power. The EP models provide a 70 hp engine with IT4 power without needing any aftertreatment technology. This eliminates the need for additional operator training or extra monitoring of machines that have numerous operators focused primarily on quickly getting on and off a machine to get a job done.

Hydro-Gear, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has recalled approximately 2,700 lawn tractors due to an issue with the hydrostatic transaxle.

According to the recall notice, the hydrostatic transaxle can fail causing brake failure, which poses a crash hazard to consumers. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Cub Cadet, MTD Gold and Troy-Bilt lawn tractors sold with Hydro-Gear model 618-0319 and 618-04270B transaxles. Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt tractors included in this recall have dates of manufacture (DOM) ranging from December 2010 through March 2011. The DOM can be found on a label on the underside of the seat. MTD Gold can be identified by serial numbers starting with 1L15 or 1L16. Affected transaxles have serial numbers with the first four digits ranging between 0333 and 0348. Transaxle model and serial numbers are printed on a label on the transaxle.

Affected tractors were sold at lawn and garden retailers nationwide from January 2011 through January 2012 for about between $1,900 and $2,800.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled lawn tractors and contact the firm for instructions on obtaining a repair from an authorized service provider.

Kioti Tractor has entered the subcompact tractor market with the launch of its CS2410 model tractor.

“This new tractor model exponentially increases sales opportunities for Kioti Tractor dealers throughout North America,” Kioti says in a release. “Prior to the launch of the Kioti CS2410, Kioti primarily targeted homeowners with 5+ acres of land. The CS2410 subcompact tractor is appropriate for those homeowners with property sizes ranging from just under an acre up to five acres, possibly more.”

While subcompact tractors are a relatively new tractor category, they are designed for and perfect for residential use.

“Subdivision lots have grown in popularity over the past 10 years. The KIOTI subcompact will target homeowners who do their own yard work, anything from mowing or snow-plowing, to mulching or digging with its optional backhoe,” says Peter Dong Kyun Kim, chief executive officer of Daodong-USA, Inc. Kioti Tractor Division. “This product opens so many doors for our dealers and provides our brand with a significant opportunity for growth.”

The CS2410 subcompact tractor offers a 24.5 horsepower diesel engine. This optimized engine combines large power output with low fuel consumption for cost-conscious operation. The 20.7 HP PTO is among the highest in this size class, giving owners the ability to power a multitude of implements including Kioti’s optional front end loader, mid-mount mower and backhoe.

“Although this machine is our smallest tractor, it has a tremendous amount of power and strength for its size,” says Michael Boucher, senior director of sales and operations for Kioti Tractor.

In addition to power, the Kioti CS2410 has a ground clearance of 6.4 inches. Similar to Kioti’s line of 22-90hp tractors, the CS2410 is among the heaviest in its class. At 1,452 pounds, the CS2410 offers users brute strength and traction across a variety of tasks.

Standard features on the CS2410 include rear- and mid-PTO, power steering, parking brake, PTO cover, headlights, signal lamps, an SMV sign, horn, cupholder and a joystick valve when purchased with a loader.

Optional equipment includes front and rear hydraulic valves, rear working lights, cruise control, rear view mirror, canopy kit, block heater, grill guard, front towing hook, hydraulic filter guard and a swivel seat to work conveniently in either direction with a loader and backhoe.

The CS2410 will be available to consumers through authorized Kioti Tractor dealers as early as April 2012. The initial units available for sale will be eligible for up to $1,000 cash back or $1,500 cash back when purchased with a loader as part of Kioti’s spring finance promotion through June 30.

We always enjoy it when the latest joke-laden press release from the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association finds its way into our inbox. This time, the USLMRA promotes its upcoming race season while having a little fun at the NFL’s expense.

As the NFL deals with the bounty scandal, the USLMRA boasts that its STA-BIL Lawn and Garden Mower Racing Series participants only compete for “trophies, lemonade and bragging rights” and have avoided any hint of scandal after 20 years of “cutting edge competition.”

“We’re a family of racers who compete fair and square, a real slice of Americana, featuring American ingenuity and true-blue sportsmanship. There’s no place for bounties in the STA-BIL Lawn and Garden Mower Racing Series,” says U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association Founder and President Bruce ‘Mr. Mow It All’ Kaufman. “Well, we’re ‘virtually’ scandal-free. I’m still trying to find the racer who stole my beer at the driver’s party after the 1998 STA-BIL Nationals in Rockford, Illinois. Rumor has it either Sodzilla or Mudweiser is the culprit.”

Founded on April Fool’s Day 1992 in conjunction with Title Sponsor STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer, the USLMRA, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2012 and will announce a series of special events and festivities on its 20th birthday, April 1, 2012.

The U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association sanctions and presents organized lawn mower racing across America including the 20-race STA-BIL Lawn and Garden Mower Racing Series, a U.S. Open National Series, Local Traveling Chapters and Home Track Affiliated Clubs, hosting 140 events each year.

For mow info please visit http://www.letsmow.com.

2012 STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series and U.S. Open Events
* April 28, McDonough, GA – Windy Hill Mower Speedway, STA-BIL Southern Shoot Out
* May 19, Oil City, LA – Gusher Days, STA-BIL Gusher Days Mow Down Show Down
* June 2-3, Superior, WI – U.S. Cure Mower Cancer Open
* June 9, Englewood, TN – STA-BIL Volunteer State Mow Down
* June 23, Zion, IL – Nostalgia Days, STA-BIL Land of Lincoln Nationals
* July 4-5, Estacada, OR -4th of July Festival, STA-BIL Pacific Coast Summer Nationals
* July 21-22, Sparta, MI – Huntington’s Disease Race For Research, STA-BIL Great Lakes Summer Nationals
* July 28-29, Carlisle, Iowa – River Bottom Raceway STA-BIL America’s Heartland Nationals
* August 3-4, Clements, MD – Bowles Farms, STA-BIL Bowles Farms Turf Battle,
* August 11-12, Vestaburg, MI – U.S. Open V-Twin Shootout, Vestaburg Speedway
* August 18, Greensburg, PA – Westmoreland Fair, STA-BIL Northeast Summer Nationals
* September 1, Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, OH – 20th Anniversary STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Finals
* Sept. 2, 3rd Annual U.S. Open (Finals), Delaware, OH – Delaware County Fairgrounds, Delaware, MOWhio
* Nov. 3-4, Stevenson, AL – Sam Rogers U.S. All American Open