Advancements for the Field

Farming has always been about getting the most production from inputs and efforts. Today’s implements offer more tools than ever to maximize efficiency. Each year, equipment companies roll out new products. Here is a sampling of new tools available from top manufactures for 2017.

Case IH

Case IH unveils their new Advanced Farming Systems AccuTurn technology that provides hands-free, automatic and repeatable turns for increased accuracy and reduced operator fatigue. The system assists with turn planning and turn speed optimization, precise product application to manage and control inputs.

AccuTurn features two modes of operation to precisely customize the level of automation for the application at hand, from tilling to planting soybean fields. The auto-speed feature provides automatic turn path planning that adapts to speed, including maximum turn speed alerts. AccuTurn is available for AccuGuide™ auto guidance equipped tractors, including Steiger®, Magnum™, Optum™, Puma® and Maxxum® series tractors.

“Whether operating in expansive open spaces or smaller, twisting fields, AccuTurn takes guidance to the next level by allowing you to make precise, repeatable turns that make the most of headlands,” says Leo Bose, Case IH Advanced Farming Systems marketing manager.

The Tiger-Mate 255 field cultivator creates an ideal growing environment by using advanced features including a redesigned shank assembly, tool-free leveling and adjustments, and a rugged frame for increased ground speed. The swept-back, high-concavity shank design helps soil ramp up and explode higher to mix particles, break down tough clods and level the soil at speeds up to 10 miles per hour.

“With so much emphasis on planting speed and efficiency, producers need a superior field cultivator to realize their planters’ full potential,” says Chris Lursen, Case IH tillage marketing manager.

The Axial-Flow 140 series combines feature enhancements that can help increase soybean harvest productivity while simplifying operations and maintenance, including an all-new, two-speed electronic shift transmission. The Axial-Flow 140 series combines include an all-new residue management system that uses a chevron blade mounting pattern for more consistent and better quality distribution.

“The Axial-Flow 140 series helps producers put more high-quality grain in the tank,” says Cy Werda, Case IH combine marketing manager. “The enhanced Cross Flow™ cleaning system is built to handle greater capacity at higher speeds and can sense when the combine is maneuvering on uneven ground.” Six lightweight concaves make it simple to tailor the combine to different crop and field types.

Raven Industries

South Dakota’s own Raven Industries introduces the Hawkeye® Nozzle Control System. This pressure-based product control system delivers precise sprayer application in a variety of conditions, reducing spray drift and getting the most out of every nozzle. Individual pulsing valves control each nozzle, delivering a consistent spray pattern as speed and conditions change.

The Hawkeye Nozzle Control System offers turn compensation and improved pressure consistency regardless of fl ow rate or ground speed. The system also helps operators apply products properly at the right rate and with the proper spray pattern.

“Spraying is a lot more complicated, so more precise applications help farmers with control,” says Ryan Molitor, Raven Industries’ director of customer experience. “Proper droplet size reduces the risk of drift and increases product efficacy.”

The new Rate Control Module (RCM) uses Raven’s control algorithms to make it an extremely precise application controller. The RCM fits a variety of applications and can handle up to five products, including liquid and granular fertilizer, anhydrous ammonia, air cart and generic applicators. The RCM eliminates the need for product-specific controllers.

“Because the RCM can control multiple products, it sounds like operating it would be complicated, but it is really simple,” Molitor says. “It’s designed for the average person. It’s flexible, but also simple to set up and use.”

John Deere

John Deere introduces two new tillage tools to help producers prepare a more agronomically sound seedbed and to handle tough soil conditions and high levels of crop residue at speeds up to 10 miles per hour.

The new John Deere 2230 Level-lift™ and Floating Hitch Field Cultivator feature a redesigned frame with stubble-resistant radial tires and no daily maintenance points. For level or gently rolling ground, the John Deere 2230 Level-lift Field Cultivator comes with three- or five-section configurations in 15 different sizes ranging from 23.5- to 60.5-foot widths. For level or hilly terrain, the 2230 Floating Hitch Field Cultivator is available in 14 different widths from 25.5 to 69.5 feet.

John Deere also rolls out a redesigned 2330 Mulch Finisher that enables farmers to more effectively size and distribute large amounts of residue while still producing a smooth, even seedbed.

Products and companies featured are in no way an endorsement by the South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.