What to do on Valentine’s Day? Do something special for that special someone, of course. But if you’re a farmer, grounds maintenance professional, landowner or just someone with an affinity for tractors, combines and the latest farm equipment, two shows that very week beckon: the World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif. and the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky. Last year we brought Tractor.com readers an Expo overview from Tulare. This year we’re in Louisville to find out what’s new.
Unlike the World Ag Expo, which is mostly held outdoors and lays claim to being the world’s largest agricultural exposition, the National Farm Machinery Show gets bragging rights to being the nation’s largest indoor farm show. And large it is, filling eight interconnected halls where 300,000+ visitors get to explore the latest agricultural products spread over some 1.2 million square feet. In our two days, we were only able to spend time with a small percentage of the 850+ agricultural exhibitors. Advice to anyone planning on attending; allow as much of the week as you possibly can.
AGCO
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Big news for Agco’s Massey Ferguson lineup is the replacement of the venerable 2600 HD Series with all-new 4600 and 5600 series machines. And while Tier IVa emissions requirements may have driven the series redesign, Massey Ferguson has taken the opportunity to incorporate other improvements purchasers are sure to appreciate. Our initial impression? Row Crop technology continues to filter down to smaller farm and general utility tractors and is a good thing. Stay tuned for upcoming reviews as we get the chance to get these machines dirty.
John Deere
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John Deere showcased a wide range of models, including the all-new four-passenger Gator XUV 825i S4. This is an all-round crossover utility vehicle with increased work capacity while still offering a good ride. The suspension is independent, there is lots of storage built in which increases with the fold down rear seat. MSRP begins at $9,599. Zero percent financing on 1, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Series tractors (17 models ranging from 20 – 66 horsepower) and implements is also expected to increase sales up to 15% over what was already a record year. And those rumored new 1000 and 2000 series models will be hitting dealer stocks first quarter of 2013. Look for Tier IV emissions compliance along with better ROPS lighting and new green fuel caps to be among the minor tweaks.
Kioti
Kioti was out in full pink with a SCUT and a UTV painted as such and raising funds and awareness for a great cause. We couldn’t get enough of two pre-production models: a NX 6010 HST Cab tractor with side-by-side pedals and a RX 7320 Cab tractor with a shuttle transmission. Both models are expected to hit dealer stocks towards the end of the year. Stay tuned for upcoming reviews for both.
Kubota
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Kubota proudly showcased its all-new M Series, of which Tractor.com reader got to get an early review of the M135GX in December. The M Series is comprised of four models ranging from 100-135 horsepower, all with added width, increased headroom and Tier IV emissions compliance. The all-new M126GX Cab, M7060 Cab, and BX1870 are sure bets for reviews we can’t wait to do, but it was the L3560 Cab with aggressive styling and all the bells and whistles backed up by new levels of performance that had us in a near drool state. You can be sure when these hit dealer stocks over the next six months we’ll be there to give you first “field” impressions.
New Holland
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New Holland introduced its all-new all-purpose TS6 Series tractors which have PTO horsepower ratings from 90 to 115, two with four-cylinder powerplants and two with six-cylinder mills, your choice of 2WD/4WD and cab/open station. Three transmissions are offered, an 8 x 8 synchronized transmission with mechanical shuttle, an 8 x 8 transmission with hydraulic shuttle, and a 16 x 16 DualPower transmission with hydraulic shuttle. DualPower comes with an under drive feature for each forward speed that provides more torque at the press of a button. Naturally, Tier IVa emissions compliance has been built in. The input from New Holland customers has been that they need greater horsepower. This of course means more fuel consumption, but the consumer recognizes better overall productivity can offset those costs.
Case IH
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Case IH showcased a lot of new technology in its large utility and row crop tractors as well as the other end of the spectrum in its all-new 100A Series, which are simplified, robust machines designed for the smaller farm owner. Value priced, with the 140A model beginning at $54,000, purchasers have their choice of options ranging from 2WD/4WD and open station/cab models.
TYM
TYM, the South Korean manufacturer developing quite a following, had a wide range of products on display, many with cabs and many with transmission choices that are sure to maximize productivity and comfort. A T723 Cab tractor caught our attention and was immediately added to our list of tractors to be tested. Rumors of new subcompact models coming out towards the end of the year were met with knowledgeable winks and nods.
Mahindra
Mahindra always seems to get the most models in the tightest space booths and the 2013 NFMS was no exception. For both days we were at the show, the Max models captured a lot of attention. We know sales for Mahindra have been good, and these models are a lot of the reason why. Tier IV compliance is top priority and more models such as the compliant 8560 Cab we tested in December will be rolling out soon.
Fun Stuff
No farm machinery show is complete without side distractions – food and other aural events. In Tulare, we were treated to a Trace Atkins concert; in Louisville a wicked dusty, noisy tractor pull where 9,300 lb. Super Farm Tractors, 6,200 lb. Super Modified Trucks and 10,200 lb. Pro Stock Tractors competed. Failure to mention new media friends we made from Full Pull Magazine and pulloff.com would be disingenuous, and especially the earplugs provided to yours truly who’s thought to already be half-deaf by a certain understanding Valentine back home. If you haven’t been able to attend the National Farm Machinery Show, make sure to add it to your calendar for Valentine’s Day next year – if your sweetie objects, bring her along.
Related Reading
2012 World Ag Expo Report
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