In addition to the Euro IV engine now operating at 141 hp, the 8 m and 10 m models also have a new speed-sensitive CRC boom suspension equipped with an activation memory. A new hydraulic recovery mechanism also allows for a maximum boom lowering speed at all engine speeds and descent due to gravity. The unused hydraulic power ensures the execution of other movements, thus generating productivity gains. In addition, the hydraulic flow of the two models can reach 200 liters per minute, compared to 180 liters per minute with the previous version.
The Manitou group is also offering an "intelligence hydraulics" package for this new "silent force" generation that combines three new concepts: "quicklift," allowing the operator to extend or retract the telescope and lift the boom simultaneously, particularly for storage operations; the "bucket shaker," a new function that shakes the bucket with a single movement of the controls by the operator; and "return to load," memorizing the exact angle of the initial position of the bucket, enabling automatic leveling to carry out loading operations without any adjustment by the operator.
The cab soundproofing has also been optimized with a reduction of 6 decibels – compared with the previous version of the MLT 840 and MLT 1040 machines – making it the quietest cab on the market. Improved comfort with the addition of four additional LED working lights and the electric right-hand side mirror with a de-icing feature give the user greater visibility during maneuvers.
AGCO rolls forward with new 3200 series corn head
AGCO Corp. is offering a wider range of harvesting options for corn growers with the introduction of the 3200 series corn heads.
It is available in 6-row, 30-inch and folding 12-row, 30-inch configurations. Each version is available with a chopping option. The heads are available for Massey Ferguson and Gleaner combines.
With the crucial harvest window time frame, our operators are consistently working to make the harvesting process faster and more efficient. The 3200 series 12-row folding corn head is designed specifically for the grower who is looking to decrease the amount of time it takes to detach and road the head separately.
Topcon introduces AES-35 electric steering system designed for open platform vehicles
Topcon announced a new addition to its line of high-torque electric steering systems, the AES-35. It is designed to offer hydraulic performance with electric convenience to produce accurate electric steering for a wide range of vehicles.
Compatible with a wide range of equipment, including tractors, sprayers, spreaders, swathers and combines, the AES-35 offers new flexibility in GPS auto-steering to operations that do not use cabbed vehicles.
Its high-torque electric motor can operate in both forward and reverse to produce auto-steering at all levels of accuracy when used with the Topcon AGI-4 GNSS receiver/steering controller. It can even operate with RTK positioning accuracy, providing auto-steering performance to 2 cm. It is also capable of operating with wheel angle sensors that are sometimes required in applications requiring high-accuracy with repeatability.
Mattracks expands product offering with rubber track conversions
Mattracks has expanded its track offerings for automotive/truck applications with the release of its 400M1A1 model rubber track conversions. This expands the Mattracks automotive lineup by doubling the load capacity of the 200 series, which was the largest truck system prior to the 400 series release.
The 400 series is ideal for use on commercial vehicles weighing up to 40,000 pounds that require off-road mobility. Designed for heavy loads and smooth rides, this track conversion system features a 20-inch wide front track and 30-inch wide rear track. The 400 series is a hub-mounted design in order to facilitate a fast conversion from tires to tracks with little to no vehicle modification. This model also features Mattracks’ rubber torsion anti-torque system, steering assist option, rocker suspension and rear external idler for optimum sprocket wrap and fender clearance.
The 400 series track conversion system adds versatility to commercial and industrial specialty vehicles such as drilling rigs, aerial devices, vacuum trucks and other service or maintenance vehicles. Markets include, but are not limited to: oil and gas, utility, agriculture, construction, mining, exploration, tourism, and search and rescue.
Case IH reveals new tagline, new focus and a new autonomous concept vehicle
Case IH announced “rethink productivity” as the new tagline for the brand to demonstrate a new focus on future innovations that help producers achieve high-efficiency farming practices. As a demonstration of this approach, the brand also unveiled a sleek, new autonomous tractor concept vehicle.
“We’re officially adopting ‘rethink productivity’ as our North American brand tagline because it embodies both our approach to equipment innovation and our customers’ approach to their operations,” said Tom Dean, marketing director for Case IH North America.
Case IH and CNH Industrial’s Innovation Group based the cab-less autonomous concept on an existing Magnum tractor with reimagined styling. The vehicle was built for a fully interactive interface to allow for remote monitoring of preprogrammed operations. The onboard system automatically accounts for implement widths and plots the most efficient paths depending on the terrain, obstructions and other machines in use in the same field. The remote operator can supervise and adjust pathways via a desktop computer or portable tablet interface.
Through the use of radar, LiDAR (light imaging, detection and ranging) and onboard video cameras, the vehicle can sense stationary or moving obstacles in its path and will stop on its own until the operator, notified by audio and visual alerts, assigns a new path. The vehicle will also stop immediately if GPS signal or position data is lost, or if the manual stop button is pushed. Machine tasks can also be modified in real time with remote interface or automatic weather warnings. 
—Compiled by Progressive Forage staff
PHOTOS: Photos courtesy of Manitou, AGCO Corp., Topcon, Mattracks and Case IH.
