Farm Industry News

Katie Honnette

Articles by Katie Honnette

Good Buy: Cordless cut-off tool from Hilti

In May of last year, the welding giant Thermadyne changed its name to Victor Technologies Group, Inc. Since then, the company has launched two new 3-in-1 welders: the Thermal Arc Fabricator 252i and the Fabricator 181i. The products provide farmers with the flexibility of three applications in one unit and come completely equipped so there are no additional add-ons or costs after the initial investment. The 252i is a stationary unit that can weld up to ½ -in.-thick steel, while the 181i is portable and weighs less than 33 lbs.

Holiday wish list for the farm shop

Deck out your shop this winter with new tools from some of the biggest names in the power tool industry.

For more gift ideas for the farmer on your list this holiday season, view another gallery here.

Testing a new battery-powered trimmer for grass, weed trimming around the farm

High gas prices and emission standards have outdoor power equipment companies and homeowners looking for options. CORE Outdoor Power developed a line of high-torque, high-efficiency, battery-powered outdoor equipment designed to give gas-powered products on the market some major competition. The company invented a technology that replaces traditional wire-wound motors with a multi-layered, printed circuit board that works with magnets to create powerful rotational forces. The result is an efficient, compact, and powerful motor driven by lithium ion, according to CORE.

New cordless rotary hammer with dust containment from Makita

Makita expands its 18v line of cordless tools with the new LXT brushless rotary hammer with vacuum attachment. The tool has a 1-in. capacity and features three operating modes – rotation only, hammering with rotation, and hammer only. The tool has a variable speed, brushless motor that delivers 0 to 950 RPM and 4,700 BPM. Makita offers an optional HEPA Dust Xtraction vacuum attachment that is trigger-activated. The vacuum provides consistent contact with the work surface and has a large material holding capacity. The HEPA filter captures 99.95% of dust particles, according to Makita.

Newest high-tech tools for the shop from Milwaukee

At the recent 2012 New Product Symposium hosted by Milwaukee Tool, many new tool technologies were on display for attendees, from new heated jackets to dust extractors. Here is a sampling of the products featured at the show.

Ingersoll Rand releases new Edge series air tools

Ingersoll Rand launched a new line of Edge series air tools. The Edge series tools are durable, powerful and feature an ergonomic grip as well as an exhaust to blow air away from the project. The new family of tools includes a 3/4-in. Impactool with 1,050 ft.-lbs. of maximum torque, which is enough to handle tractor or semi-truck tire changes and other heavy-duty bolting jobs. The series also includes cutting tools such as a reversible air drill that is designed to be compact and lightweight with a rubberized grip, making farm implement or equipment assembly and repair fast and easy.

Miter saw light enough to carry one-handed

Bosch brings a new innovation to the miter saw market with the first one-handed, portable miter saw in the 12-in. segment. The CM12 single bevel compound miter saw has a lightweight and compact design and a carry handle that makes the saw easy to transport. In addition to portability, the miter saw was designed to provide accurate cuts at any angle.