John Deere, an industry leader in the compact utility tractor space, announced the launch of its Mechanical Self-Leveling Loader (MSL) option for small tractors. Designed to keep loads level throughout the lift, the new loaders are compatible with John Deere 1E, 1R, 2R and 3E compact utility tractors.

Most compact tractors utilize a loader, so John Deere recognized the need for MSL technology in its small tractor lineup. The company’s MSL system allows the operator to maintain a level bucket or pallet position from the bottom of a lift to the top. This provides increased stability for the materials being lifted and reduces the potential for materials to fall back toward the tractor.

The new system is easy to use, when compared to non-self-leveling loaders. With an MSL, the loader joystick is pushed forward to lower and back to lift. The load automatically stays level throughout the range of motion, without any left-to-right adjustments with the loader joystick.

In addition, MSL loaders provide an increase in lift capacity of up to 40%, when compared with our non-self-leveling loaders, so operators can move more with every load.

Additionally, John Deere MSL loaders for 120R, 220R and 300E will be available with a third function kit, which enables the use of additional attachments, such as the popular 4-in-1 bucket. The QuikPark loader mounting system (available on the 1E, 1R and 2R) and Quik-Change attachment carrier provide operators the ability to quickly install and remove implements, as needed to complete the task at hand.

To learn more about the new Mechanical Self-Leveling Loaders, as well as the full line of John Deere compact utility tractors, visit our their website or contact your local John Deere dealer.

Consumer Physics launches new dry matter analyzer to optimize silage harvesting and ensure consistent dry matter intake

Ag-tech company Consumer Physics is introducing SCiO Cup – the world’s fastest, portable, lab-grade forage dry matter analyzer. The smartphone-operated device transforms feed analysis by enabling frequent dry matter analysis. SCiO Cup enables on-farm decision making, ensuring consistent dry matter intake and reducing feed leftovers. In addition, SCiO Cup can be used on-field for planning silage harvest timing at optimal moisture levels.

SCiO Cup is already being deployed by Cargill and other leading feed and nutritionist brands. SCiO Cup supports dry matter analysis of chopped corn silage (green and ensiled), legume silage, grass silage, small grains silage and mixed silage. Silage calibrations are seamlessly and continuously updated in the cloud to ensure seasonal and regional accuracy. SCiO Cup also enables users to track past dry matter results and trends across time, per field or feed bunker/pit.

SCiO Cup is rechargeable-battery operated and can scan more than 1,000 samples on a single charge. It is rugged and shock-resistant, designed for on-field applications, and comes with a protective carrying case.

SCiO Cup has been developed by Consumer Physics using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and it is based on an earlier version that has been completely upgraded after three years of extensive field tests.

SCiO Cup is the second product launched by Consumer Physics in just a few weeks. In June, the company launched SCiO for corn – the world's first corn moisture analysis solution that provides instant results, in the field, directly on the cob, without shelling. This solution is tailored for corn seed producers, agronomists and corn farmers to optimize seed production and harvest timing.

Lemken expands Rubin 12 working widths to offer increased productivity for large-scale operations

Lemken, a global manufacturer and supplier of professional crop cultivation implements for strategic tillage, planting and crop protection, expands its line of Rubin 12 high-speed discs with 26- and 31-foot (8- and 9-meter) working widths. As with the original 9.8- to 23-foot (3- to 7-meter) models, the new implements are designed for intense residue incorporation in all soil types. This enables efficient, cost-effective tillage in all areas, even those previously reserved for cultivators. With the largest discs on the market and operating speeds of up to 10 mph, the 26- and 31-foot models increase efficiency and productivity for larger operations, in both spring and fall tillage applications.

All Rubin 12 models feature the largest-diameter discs of any high-speed implement on the market. The 29-inch (73.6-centimeter) serrated, concave discs provide an industry-leading working depth of up to 8 inches (20 centimeters), incorporating crop residue deep into the soil for faster nutrient release and compaction alleviation. This results in smoother, more uniform seedbed preparation and higher yields.

The wider 26-foot and 31-foot models are ideal for use with higher horsepower tractors for large operations with more ground to cover in a short timeframe. Operating at peak speeds, the 26-foot model can till up to 25 acres per hour, while the 31-foot is capable of up to 30 acres per hour.

The new Rubin 12 models also feature all of the implement’s key design elements. This includes the company’s patented symmetrical disc arrangement, which provides precise directional stability and eliminates side draft – even when working on an incline – for consistent cultivation and optimal penetration over the whole working width. The new models also incorporate quality-engineered design elements, such as maintenance-free angular ball bearings, to tackle tough soils and large volumes of crop residue with minimal maintenance. These features, in conjunction with the wider working widths, greatly improve overall productivity, allowing larger operations to maximize efficiency.

All Lemken implements come with access to the company’s knowledgeable customer service technicians and genuine replacement parts, available 24-7 through the website, where you can also find more information on the 26- and 31-foot Rubin 12 models.

Deere adds new material handling equipment and compact sprayers to Frontier lineup

John Deere expands its lineup of versatile Frontier equipment with the addition of new loader carrier adapters, pallet fork grapples and tractor-mounted sprayers.

Frontier Loader Carrier Adapters are ideal for customers who are looking to trade for a newer John Deere tractor and loader package without updating their current inventory of implements or for customers with an older tractor and loader who want to upgrade to new implements.

Five models are available to fit a variety of compact and larger utility-sized tractor and loader combinations.

• The SA21E is compatible with John Deere 300R, 400 or 500 Series Loaders, with Quick Attach for fast connections with skid-steer style attachments.
• The SA21G works with loaders that use a global attaching system to attach skid-steer style attachments.
• The SA22D is a skid-steer carrier that’s compatible with Deere 600 and 700 Series Loaders, which utilize Quick Attach to connect with skid-steer style attachments.
• The DA21G is a global carrier for customers using 500-series style attachments, which use a hook-and-pin attaching system.
• The GA21E is a John Deere Quick Attach that works with 400 or 500 series loaders to allow the use of attachments that mount to a global tool carrier.
• The GA22D is a John Deere Quick Attach that works with 600 or 700 series loaders to allow the use of attachments that mount to a global tool carrier.

The new Pallet Fork Grapple attachment can go on compact or utility tractors to move awkward piles that are not easy to grab with a pallet fork, including brush, firewood or lengths of pipe. The grapple’s tooth pattern is built for gripping, not piercing, and provides a secure way to move material. The PG11 and PG12 match John Deere compact and utility tractor and loader combinations with an available third-function hydraulic connection.

The PG11 can be easily attached to Frontier AP10 Series or AP11 Series pallet forks, while the larger PG12 fits the Frontier AP12 Series.

The LS20 can be ordered with 45-, 60-, 110- or 150-gallon tanks to best fit your field size or coverage area. Five boom widths are available from 10 to 30 feet wide.

A boomless option for spraying across rough terrain, or when obstacles are present, is also available in 24- or 30-foot spray widths and can be fitted with flat spray nozzles. The LS20 comes equipped with a handy spray wand or spray gun to help spray those hard-to-reach or smaller areas.

All three of the new Frontier product families are now available for ordering and can be added to your new tractor purchase to help keep monthly payments low. For more information, visit their website.

Pioneer launches new mobile tool to identify pests, diseases and deficiencies in crops

Pioneer released a major update to its Pioneer Seeds app with a new tool: Threat ID. This technology delivers farmers access to cutting-edge pest, disease and deficiency identification technology for their crops in the palm of their hands.

Threat ID, powered by Plantix, allows farmers to detect issues impacting their fields by simply taking one crop photo. It then recognizes the specific patterns left behind by pests and provides an immediate identification of the most likely pest or disease threats and nutrient deficiencies. Threat ID boosts the efficiency of scouting and allows farmers to schedule follow-up consultations with their local Pioneer agronomist.

Threat ID uses modeling technology that covers 30 crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum. With an ever-growing catalog of 20 million photos spanning the entire life cycle of crops, Threat ID provides accurate results throughout the entire growing season.

Farmers can get instant results by taking a photo using Threat ID while in the field or by uploading it later when an internet connection is available. With the threat identified, farmers can then access the extensive agronomic expertise of international crop scientists and local Pioneer agronomists for treatment recommendations.

Threat ID joins the Pioneer Seeds app suite of digital agronomy tools, including:

• Yield Estimator to capture yield estimates using a smartphone or tablet camera
• Digital Tag to get detailed information about a seed bag's batch
• Rate Estimator to determine optimum seeding rate for maximized performance
• Vegetation Index to check the relative health of fields

The Pioneer Seeds app with the Threat ID update is available for download at no cost at the Apple App Store or on Google Play.  

PHOTOS: Photos courtesy of John Deere, Consumer Physics, Lemken and Pioneer.