New products at the 2013 National Farm Machinery Show: Part 1

Ag Leader Technology – GeoSteer Automated Steering System

Farmers looking to reduce operator fatigue, lower fuel consumption, increase working hours and extend operation windows have a new tool—the Ag Leader GeoSteer Automated Steering System. It was designed for farmers looking for repeatable, sub-inch accuracy. The new steering system is ideal for planting, spraying and other field operations that require precise automated steering. The single antenna design makes it easy to transfer the system from one vehicle to another. An exclusive Flex Mode allows the GeoSteer System to continue operating for a period of time if the system temporarily loses the differential GPS signal. The GeoSteer System integrates seamlessly with the Ag Leader Integra and Versa displays. Built-in remote diagnostics and autocalibration are both easily accessible from the in-cab display. GeoSteer’s remote service system allows dealer service technicians to access and diagnose the unit while the operator is in the field.

Featuring a built-in cell-modem designed to access CORS and other RTK networks, GeoSteer can also be used with other differential signals, including WAS/EGNOS and OmniSTAR XP/HP systems. GeoSteer can be used on virtually any brand of equipment capable of being operated with an automated steering system. It also supports most common and advanced guidance patterns, including SmartPath.

Learn more at www.agleader.com.

UTV Hitchworks - The Farmboy Predator

The Farmboy Predator is a 3-pt. hitch that attaches to many different vehicles, including the Polaris Ranger 800 and 900, Kioti Mechron 2200, and Cushman 1600 XD. The Predator has an electric-over -hydraulic actuator built for UTV Hitchworks by Parker Hydraulics. It has a 400-lb. lift limit, and has 400 lbs. of hydraulic down pressure, making tasks such as discing and planting much easier. The Predator bolts on and installs in 20-30 min.

Learn more at http://utvhitchworks.com/.

Bad Boy New and Improved ZT Elite Mower for 2013

With so many improvements to the popular ZT, Bad Boy has named it the ZT Elite. Built with legendary, commercial-quality, all-steel construction and high-horsepower engines, the center of gravity has been improved by shifting the seat and lengthening the floorboard, gaining improved traction and operator comfort. According to Bad Boy, separate hydraulic tanks, gas-charged steering dampeners and sealed front caster bearings make this the best-performing, longest-lasting residential class mowers on the market.

Learn more at www.badboymowers.com.

Snapper Pro Kohler EFI Engine Option for S200xt Series

Snapper Pro now offers a new Kohler EFI engine option to its popular S200xt mid-mount zero-turn line-up for commercial cutters interested in performance and durability at an affordable price. Featuring Vanguard Big Block (32, 36 gross hp), Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf Series (28, 30 gross hp), Kawaski FX (25.5 gross hp), and now Kohler Command Pro EFI (29 gross hp) engine options, the S200xt has plenty of powerful engine choices available. A dual Hydro-Gear Commercial ZT-5400 drive system delivers unmatched performance, while 61- or 72-in. iCD Cutting Systems with striping kit assure a high-quality cut.

Learn more at www.snapperpro.com.

Gehl V400 Skid Loader

Gehl introduces the vertical-lift V400 Skid Loader, the largest skid loader in the world. The V400 boasts a rated operating capacity of 4,000 lbs. and a true vertical lift height of 144 in. The V400 is a true vertical lift machine, which means the lift path follows a vertical line as opposed to an “s-shaped” path offered by competitive vertical-lift models. Lifting up to 144 in. means the V400 can easily load high trailers and trucks. The V400 comes equipped with a powerful Cummins diesel engine providing 326 ft.-lbs. of torque and 99 gross hp. The hydraulic fan with swing-out cooler reduces fuel consumption and noise levels, and provides improved service access. All daily maintenance and service checks can be performed through the large rear-engine hood. High system pressure, with optional high-flow of up to 40.8 gpm is designed to handle virtually every high-performance attachment. Standard Hydraglide ride control allows the lift arm to “float” when transporting loads, minimizing loss of material and offering increased operator comfort.

Learn more at www.manitou-group.com/cms.

Shur-Co SMART2 Transmitter for 4500 Series HD Electric Roll Tarp

Shur Co’s new SMART2 transmitter operates more than 100 different devices, including Shur-Co’s 4500 Series HD electric tarp and ProTrap electric tarp openers; also auxiliary lighting, and even swing auger drives. It senses and displays all of the devices related to a trailer’s electric tarp and hopper traps at a range of more than 100 ft., relaying real-time positioning from 0-100% open or closed. The SMART2 transmitter doesn’t just open or close the chosen application all the way, but instead allows operators to specify the exact positioning they are seeking to achieve. Each device can be programmed to operate and stop at a specific position in Express Mode. Just press and release the button to automatically open or close the tarp or trap at the precise position. With safety in mind, the transmitter has a built-in emergency shut-off; simply close the flip-style lid and whatever operation is running stops immediately. The SMART2 has a 2-1/2-in. easy-to-read digital screen that is back-lit for night operation. Smart2 runs on a rechargeable lithium battery and comes with a charging cradle and 12-volt charging cable.

Learn more at www.shurco.com.

Hutchinson/Mayrath Swing-Away Auger Improvements

Hutchinson/Mayrath has released significant improvements to the company’s swing-away augers. All models use high-quality, American-made gearboxes from Superior Gearbox company. The boxes are stronger, lighter, easier to service and are available with replacement parts. Other auger improvements include larger access panels for improved serviceability. Select models have a reduced transport height and additional thrust bearing assemblies that ease the forces on the lower gearboxes.

Learn more at www.hutchinson-mayrath.com.

Kencove Farm Fence Supplies Remote Control Energizers

Kencove Farm Fence Supplies introduces a new line of remote-controlled energizers that can be turned on or off from anywhere along the fence line. The remote not only turns the energizer on and off, it also acts as a fault finder and voltage meter as well. Honestly sized according to the actual amount of energy (output joules) used to circulate the voltage along the fence line, weather-soaked and overgrown weeds do not impede performance. Kencove Energizers use ultralow impedance to maintain the integrity of the voltage while still performing under real-life conditions. Kencove Energizers are available in a range of sizes from 3 to 24 joules. The 24-joule unit features LED diagnostic indicator lights that are green when the voltage is over 3500v and red below 3500v. Grounding conditions are also monitored by the LED lights.

Learn more at www.kencove.com.

Salford Farm Machinery I-5100

Using Salford’s patented concepts around individually mounted blades, Salford’s new I-5100 carries four rows of 22-in. concave disc blades on 5-in. spacing. The I-5100 uses all of the clearance and obstacle protection of Salford’s Independent Series to till in wet conditions without plugging. A unique blade mount allows the I5100 to penetrate hard ground, while operating more aggressively than a traditional disc harrow. According to the company, when equipped with Salford’s HD harrow kit, the I-5100 maintains Salford’s exceptional field finish.

Learn more at http://www.salfordmachine.com/.

Livestock Concepts – Draminski Mastitis Detector

The Draminski Mastitis Detector unfailingly detects sub-clinical mastitis in its earliest, visually undetectable stage. This easy-to-use, valuable and trustworthy aid helps maintain a healthy herd and higher-quality milk production.

Learn more at http://livestockconcepts.com/.

May Wes Tractor Stalk Stomper

May Wes offers Tractor Stalk Stomper products for multiple tractor models for various farming practices. Applications include planting, tillage and all other field usage. Products are available for tractors with flotation tires, row-crop tires and tracks. Choose from complete kits of major brands to configure build-your-own solutions. The Tractor Stalk Stomper hydraulics can be operated independently or automatically from an implement line. For John Deere users, May Wes offers an optional automatic lift switch to raise the Stalk Stompers automatically whenever the tractor is put in reverse. May Wes Stalk Stompers cover a broad line of corn headers and the Quick Disconnect features a design for ease of installing, adjusting and shoe removal. Because of the popularity of this design, MayWes offers an upgrade package to enable corn header owners with the original Standard-mount May Wes Stalk Stompers to make a practical switch to the new Quick Disconnect design. May Wes provides 9- and 14-in.-wide shoe options for all major corn heads.

Learn more at http://www.maywes.com/.