Lucas Cooney, Author at Tractor News

John Deere 7280R Named Tractor of the Year

By Lucas Cooney
November 30, 2011

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. (more…)

Mahindra USA Announces New 10 Series Tractors

By Lucas Cooney
November 29, 2011

Houston-based Mahindra USA has introduced the all-new 6010 HST Cab and 6110 Shuttle Cab to its 10-series of tractors. The 10 series tractors are a value line of compact economy machines designed for a multitude of uses. The new 10 series models are both four-wheel drive and became available at Mahindra dealerships nationwide on October 31.

“The new 6010 and 6110 tractors continue Mahindra’s tradition of providing our customers with the superior performance, power and value that they require and expect from the world’s #1 selling tractor,” says Cleo Franklin, vice president – marketing and strategic planning for Mahindra USA. “These new tractors are economical, easy to operate, and ideal for general purpose farming, agriculture/livestock operations, and grounds maintenance.” (more…)

Hypro Introduces Poly Diaphragm Pump Series and Poly Transfer Pump Series

By Lucas Cooney
September 30, 2011

Hypro has introduced two new products – the Poly Diaphragm Pump Series and 3” Poly Transfer Pump Series.

Hypro’s polypropylene diaphragm pump is built with polypropylene heads and manifolds for corrosion resistance and is designed for harsh chemical applications. The three-cylinder design eliminates the need for pulsation dampening devices, and lengthens the life of the entire pumping system. This poly diaphragm pump series has flow rates up to 11.0 gpm (41.6 lpm) and pressure to 290 psi (20 bar).

The poly diaphragm pump is built with external inlet and outlet manifolds compared to that of internal manifold design. According to Hypro, this allows for easy valve replacement and lower cost repairs. The oil sight glass is located in a protected spot, positioned at the top of the pump body, reducing the chance for breakage. (more…)

John Deere Dealers to Sell Honda Products

By Lucas Cooney
September 29, 2011

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.” (more…)

Challenger Adds MT500D Series Tractors to Lineup

By Lucas Cooney
September 26, 2011

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.” (more…)

Three September Recalls for John Deere

By Lucas Cooney
September 21, 2011

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. (more…)

Kubota Recalls Riding Mowers Due to Fire Hazard

By Lucas Cooney
September 21, 2011

Kubota, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, has recalled about 6,100 riding mowers due to a potential fire hazard.

According to the recall notice, the fuel hose clamp can detach from the fuel filter and allow gas to leak out, posing a fire hazard. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

The Kubota riding mowers are bright orange, have 48-inch, 54-inch, or 60-inch wide mower decks and have “KUBOTA” stamped on either the sides of the front engine cover, or on the right side behind the driver’s seat. The serial number is located on the left front frame for T series models and the right front frame for GR and ZG series models. This recall involves Kubota Riding Mowers with the following model numbers and serial number ranges. (more…)

John Deere Boasts Largest Launch of New ag Equipment in History

By Lucas Cooney
September 19, 2011

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. (more…)

Case IH Unveils Redesigned Farmall B Compact Tractor Lineup

By Lucas Cooney
August 31, 2011

Attendees of the 2011 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill. witnessed the debut of the redesigned Case IH Farmall B compact tractor lineup. The new Farmall B compact lineup offers four models and a full line of attachments for compact tractors.

“Our new Farmall B Series tractors replace the current Case IH line-up of compact tractors. The 30B, 35B, 40B and 50B have been redesigned to better fit the needs of our customers, whether they’re used on a dairy farm, livestock operation, hobby farm or for municipal work,” says Greg Lucey, Case IH marketing manager for Farmall tractors. “The Farmall B Series continues to provide dependable power, fuel efficiency, comfort, and time savings, which greatly influences the performance needed.”

The Farmall B is offered in both hydrostatic and gear transmission models with a standard forward and reverse shuttle on the gear models. The Farmall 30B gear and Farmall 35B gear offer 12X12 synchronized shuttle transmissions, while the Farmall 40B gear and 50B gear boast a 16X16 synchronized shuttle. (more…)

Yanmar Modifies Compact Utility Tractor Partnership with MTD

By Lucas Cooney
August 31, 2011

Yanmar America and MTD have announced that the two companies are modifying their business partnership. Since 2006, Yanmar and MTD have been jointly marketing Yanmar’s compact utility tractors under the Cub Cadet Yanmar brand. Effective Sept. 1, Yanmar will begin distributing its compact utility tractors directly to dealers.

Cub Cadet Yanmar branded tractor models currently in the market will continue to be manufactured by Yanmar but will display only the Yanmar brand. Yanmar also will take over product support within the current distribution channel.

“The compact tractor market in North America is beginning to rebound from the economic downturn, and we believe that now is the perfect time for Yanmar to take on full responsibility for sales, marketing and customer service of our compact tractors,” says Katsumi Deguchi, executive vice president of Yanmar America. “By doing this, Yanmar will be able to focus more directly and efficiently on the specific needs of our compact tractor dealers and their customers. The transition to all of our customers will be seamless. We have appreciated the great marketing, sales and service our MTD partners have provided.”

(more…)

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