ALL ABOUT TRACTORS BY PAUL WALLEM This column emphasizes tractors – their history and their use in modern farming. When I heard that Argentina and Brazil (two of our largest export competitors) use a larger percentage of smaller horsepower tractors than we do, I turned to a good friend for answers as to why. Dale Simpson retired as International CNH senior marketing specialist, then began representing a Brazilian ag manufacturer and spent considerable time in Brazil. Dale explained that different cultures, labor, distances from dealerships, and the used market define the use of smaller tractors and equipment in these South American markets. Plenty of labor allows three or four planters with 100 HP tractors instead of the U.S. use of a 250 HP tractor pulling a 36-row planter. The smaller, simpler equipment allows repairs in the field because dealer service is a long distance away. Also, the market for used trade-ins is entirely small tractors which the smaller farmers can afford. There are no used buyers for large HP equipment. There is a big split between huge corporate farms (some 500,000 acres) and small operators in Argentina and Brazil. It’s interesting that the largest practices of no-till farming are in these same three countries. Claas New models from several brands have reached the market recently. Claas announced their new Arion 600 series. It’s available in 165 and 205 HP with a continuously variable CMATIC transmission. Maximum transport speed is 31 MPH. A 4-point suspension claims to provide a smoother ride. Front PTO is offered. Kubota The Grand L70 compact tractor includes three model options for premium, deluxe and cold weather. The multi-function loader joystick allows operators to set cruise control, adjust drive modes, and fine-tune transmission settings, all while completing loader tasks such as moving brush or stocking hay bales. JCB JCB Fastrac 6000 series includes a fully integrated tire inflation management system providing quick access to optimal field and road pressure. An optional satellite guidance installation comprises two receivers for quicker and more precise line acquisition, more accurate tracking over undulating field surfaces. Bobcat The Bobcat 4500 platform tractor is for feeding livestock, clearing snow, handling materials, grading, backfilling and other tasks. The CT4545 is 45 HP. The CT4558 is 55 HP. Fendt Fendt 800 Vario Gen 5 uses the AGCO Power Core 8,0-liter engine and VarioGrip tight inflation. Do your own repairs? A friend chose to build a heated shop so he could do a better job of maintaining his equipment. He had always called on his dealer to perform repairs. He started attempting to do those repairs himself, found that he could do more than he thought by studying manuals. He was also doing a much better job of maintenance due to the heated interior. Now he believes the shop will pay for itself. Pedal tractor pulls The Official Pedal Tractor Towing Association of Nebraska is open to children ages 4-12 for a chance to compete for the state championship. Top finishers at the state event qualify to compete at the national championship. Tractors and sleds are provided by the pull operator. The sled is designed to increase the load while moving forward. The competitor that moves the sled farthest with the heaviest load wins. Pulls are conducted in other states as well. Nebraska is the largest with 835 entries in 2024 and 791 in 2025. Iowa pulls have the same age requirements requiring age proof for entrants aged 4-12. Ohio features the Buckeye State pedal tractor pull. Please let me know of other state pulling contests, and I will list them in future issues. Paul Wallem was raised on an Illinois dairy farm. He spent 13 years with corporate IH on domestic and foreign assignments. He resigned to own and operate two IH dealerships. He is the author of THE BREAKUP of IH and SUCCESSES & INDUSTRY FIRSTS of IH. See all his books on www.PaulWallem.com. Email your comments to pwallem9@gmail.com. |
