The series offers three models – M4D-061 with 65.4 horsepower and 52 PTO; M4-071 and M4D-071 with 73.2 horsepower and 60 PTO – including one standard and two deluxe models. The new series was designed to meet the needs of small cattle and hobby farmers, ideal for carrying round bales, pulling a small baler, loader work, raking hay and much more. The new series is now available at authorized Kubota dealers nationwide.

For a utility tractor, the series has a powerful engine to easily accomplish any job. The tractors have a 12F/12R transmission with two ranges and six speeds per range – as one of the only manufacturers to offer this type of transmission as standard in this horsepower range – with the option to add a creep range. Customers can seamlessly shift between gears, and simply pressing the de-clutch button – which eliminates the need to depress the clutch pedal when shifting to different gears within a range – gives operators more comfort and less fatigue when operating for long hours.

The new series comes standard with constant RPM management, which ensures stable operation and increased efficiency. This feature keeps the engine speed steady and prevents the PTO speed from falling under heavy loads and while operating in diverse terrain. Another great feature is RPM dual memory, which allows operators to save frequently used RPM speeds. Operators can easily set the A and B settings and switch between the two RPM speeds without having to manually manipulate the throttle. For convenience, the M4 Deluxe comes standard with electronic four-wheel-drive engagement. This feature will engage while operating in two-wheel-drive mode, if both brake pedals are pressed. The electronic four-wheel-drive engagement makes traveling and four-wheel-brake engagement smoother, easier and more consistent.

John Deere launches rugged, heavy-duty compact utility tractors

The new John Deere 3D Series compact utility tractors include the 3025D, 3035D and 3043D models.

The new series features three horsepower levels: 25HP (18.2kW), 35HP (25.5kW) and 43HP (31kW), a weight of 2,778 pounds (1,260 kilograms) and a hauling capacity of 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms). The new series offers a gear-driven transmission, with two ranges and four speeds each, offering a total of eight in forward and reverse.

A long wheelbase and wide stance increase machine stability and provide a smooth ride, even over the toughest of terrains. The 3D was designed to offer smooth and effortless steering, boasting a tight turning radius and hydrostatic steering system, which allows for consistent maneuverability with minimal effort required by the operator. The new models are compatible with the all-new Quik-Knect System. Utilizing one connector for the tractor PTO shaft and another for the implement, Quick-Knect prevents twisting or forcing to line up the splines when attaching rear implements. Operators now simply slide the tractor and implement connectors together until they click into place.

Additionally, the 3D units deliver strong drawbar performance and boast a three-point hitch that can lift nearly 1,600 pounds. Rear-mounted implements are easy to align and attach with optional telescope draft, saving time and effort. The new series also comes with a factory-installed 300E Loader, providing versatility on the front end. The two-pump hydraulic system allows users to easily steer and lift the loader at the same time. While one pump is dedicated to steering, the second manages other hydraulic functions.

Kuhn releases new Optidisc Elite cutterbar

Kuhn North America is excited to announce the introduction of the new Optidisc Elite cutterbar.

Farmers strive to produce the best forage possible for their animals. This new cutterbar design has an even lower profile while retaining the performance and reliability features of the original Optidisc cutterbar. Developed in partnership with farmers through testing in fields around the world, the new cutterbar has the performance to meet today’s demands for high-quality hay.

The Optidisc Elite’s low profile cutterbar creates a smooth, clean cut with minimal ash incorporation due to a very flat cutterbar angle even at low cutting heights. Additionally, differential disc spacing utilizes narrower spacing at the diverging discs for extra knife overlap to create a clean cut even when the grass is short or light. Wider spacing of the converging discs provides more space for the crop to pass from the cutting area, improving the cut quality. Free-rotating Fast-Fit knives also help enhance cutting quality and provide longer knife life.

Protectadrive disc bearing stations are designed to shear outside the gear case upon striking a major obstacle, protecting the gears inside the cutterbar. The equally sized gears in the cutterbar allow maximum power transfer with even torque loads across the full cutting width. Maintenance and downtime are minimized with a lubed-for-life design requiring no routine oil changes.

The new cutterbar is now available on select Kuhn GMD mowers and FC mower-conditioners.

Dot and New Leader unveil autonomous precision fertilizer applicator

New Leader Manufacturing will unveil the NL5000 G5 Crop Nutrient Applicator for the Dot Autonomous Robotic farming system at the Ag In Motion show, northwest of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, on July 16.

The NL5000 utilizes New Leader’s G5 technology, which includes 16 section swath width control, one-half width spreading, last pass control, boundary spreading and two product variable rate precision application technology.

This spring saw the Dot robotic system seed and spray thousands of acres on several Saskatchewan farms. Now Dot will have variable-rate precision fertilizer capabilities as well.

The Dot Power Platform is now available for purchase by farmers looking to move to an autonomous system and will be demonstrated at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily at the Ag In Motion Expo.  

—Compiled by Progressive Forage staff

PHOTOS: Photos courtesy of Kubota Tractor Corp., John Deere, Kuhn North America and New Leader Manufacturing.