“Our patent-pending suspension technology allows operators to better handle the bumps and jostling that naturally comes with baling hay,” said Josh Vrieze, the company’s product manager. “If you think about all those bumps over the course of the day or multiple days, ride quality can really impact the operator. In the ZR5, operators experience a smoother, more comfortable ride with the cab uniquely positioned over the suspension.”

With a nod to the lawn care industry, Vermeer has applied zero-radius turning to the steering system in the self-propelled machine. This feature allows operators to gain better maneuverability and driving efficiency than a conventional tractor-baler combination.

While still a prototype, automating the baling process as well as providing the ability to automatically make real-time adjustments based on field, crop and operator inputs are just a couple of the goals the company has for the self-propelled baler. Integrated quarter-turn technology is part of the ZR5 baling automation process. During the tie-cycle, the machine can automatically rotate to the left or right, positioning the bale parallel to the windrow upon ejection. When placing bales parallel to the windrow, the picking up process can be completed up to 35 percent faster.

Keeping machine maintenance simple is another objective the company is striving to achieve. The bale chamber can be removed for maintenance in a matter of minutes, helping to ensure producers are spending time productively in the field.

New Holland expands sprayer offering

New Holland Agriculture debuts its newest front boom sprayer models to its product portfolio: the Guardian SP310F and its sister machine, the Miller Nitro 7310. These two models are the first to be engineered and built as a result of New Holland’s acquisition of the Miller-St. Nazianz company in 2014.

Boasting a crop clearance of up to 78 inches, the new models were designed to give operators the flexibility to spray effectively in all crops and during all stages of crop growth – from short beans to late-season corn. To further enhance productivity, the suspension can be adjusted in the cab from 72 to 78 inches, depending on the needs of the operator. They also feature a completely redesigned suspension, an FPT engine and a new cab built with the needs of the operator in mind. The reduced weight of these new models and maintained even weight distribution allows for reduced soil compaction.

The new advancements on these two new models work together to increase productivity while minimizing maintenance and fuel usage. Combining the power of the reliable, 310 horsepower FPT engine for increased torque with the new electronically controlled planetary drives, operators will be able to reach road speeds of up to 35 mph and improve fuel economy without compromising speed.

In addition, the new models offer chemical injection, which increases customer convenience by allowing operators to keep product and water separated in order to vary the rate of application across the field. This will allow operators to use one product in one field and another product in a different field without the need to stop and refill. Complete with an automatic rinse feature, operators can rinse the tank and boom quickly and conveniently.

John Deere introduces 2630 Series disks

John Deere brings greater control to light-, medium- and heavy-duty tillage operations with the new 2630 Series implement lineup, which includes four distinct models: 2630 Disk, 2633 Disk, 2635 Disk and 2633 Vertical Tillage implements, each providing different levels of soil penetration, residue mixing and seedbed preparation. The new tillage tools allow customers to match the right tool to their field and soil conditions while improving tillage performance with the latest in on-the-go precision control, thanks to TruSet Technology.

TruSet is included in base equipment on all 2630 Series implements, making depth and pressure adjustments quick and easy from the cab. Instead of up to 10 minutes needed for manual adjustments, operators can make precise changes to down pressure and depth in less than six seconds, with 0.1-inch depth adjustment and 0 to 900 psi down pressure on rolling baskets.

In addition, customers can select from either mechanical stabilizer wheels or TruSet hydraulic stabilizer wheels as an option to maintain more consistent depth control on rolling ground.

The new models include the 2630 Disk, available in different working widths from 20 feet 9 inches to 49 feet 3 inches for lighter soils and seedbed preparation; the versatile 2633 Disk for either primary or secondary tillage up to 6 inches deep in 10 different widths and tillage configurations; and the primary tillage workhorse 2635 Disk that cuts 8 inches deep for maximum tillage and crop residue incorporation, available in five working widths and configurations.

First-ever Caterpillar utility vehicles

Caterpillar introduces its first-ever Cat utility vehicles – the gasoline-powered Cat CUV82 and diesel-powered CUV102D.

Both utility vehicles feature a rugged steel cargo bed and offer 1,000-pound (454-kg) total rear cargo capacity and 2,000-pound (907-kg) towing capacity for outstanding performance in a variety of applications.

The new utility vehicles boast a four-wheel independent suspension system with a front sway bar to provide unmatched stability at full load. A long swing-arm suspension, custom-tuned springs and shocks deliver a balance between a smooth ride and hauling loads. Ample ground clearance ensures these vehicles navigate rough terrain with ease.

These new UTVs quickly maneuver over rugged terrain at the worksite at speeds reaching 45 mph (72 kmph), depending on the model. The CUV82 is powered by a 0.8L three-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 50 hp (37 kW), while a 1.0L three-cylinder diesel engine delivers 25 hp (18.7 kW) to the CUV102D.

The company’s UTVs are built for quiet and comfortable operation all day long. The design minimizes noise and vibration during operation for a quieter ride. Both models comfortably seat two riders side-by-side with ample leg, elbow and headroom for tall riders.

Customers can customize their UTVs to meet specific work needs through more than 50 accessory options. Multiple cab options with sealed surfaces on the ROPS structure provide a weather-tight enclosure, while other offerings include snowplows, heater, front winch and power dump. These UTVs are prewired for quick do-it-yourself installation of all options.

These UTV models will be available throughout the U.S. and Canada (excluding California and Quebec).

A1 Mist Sprayers debuts

A1 Mist Sprayers features a 60-gallon PTO-driven mist sprayer known as the Terminator. This heavy-duty sprayer can spray up to 80 feet vertically and 140 feet horizontally – far more coverage than a standard boom or spot sprayer. The Terminator features a 15-inch riveted fan with chain and sprocket for 210-degree right-to-left rotation. Also included is an easy-to-reach safety control center for quick adjustments on the job.

Other features include:

• Six roller cast iron pump (22 gallons per minute)
• Electronic on/off controls with 30-inch cable
• Four-nozzle cannon volute
• 2 foot by 8 foot hydraulic cylinder
• Forklift compatible frame
• Additional upgrades

This sprayer is ideal for spraying livestock, pastures, fences and road ditches, and other insect/weed spraying applications.

A1 Mist Sprayers is a Valley Industries brand based in Ponca, Nebraska. Each sprayer comes fully assembled, and includes basic safety and technical information to tackle any application.  

—Compiled by Progressive Forage staff

PHOTOS: Photos courtesy of Vermeer, New Holland Agriculture, John Deere, Caterpillar and Valley Industries.