TULARE, Calif. – Improved returns in the cattle business and a strong grains and oilseed market might provide a financial welcome mat for new, small tractors.
Case IH and Agco have brought new chore tractors to market this winter. Both companies brought their latest machine developments to Tulare, California’s World Ag Expo earlier this month.
Beginning in 1923, the Case IH Farmall began a 50 year reign as one of North America’s most popular tractor brands, including a plowing oriented Model C.
Read Also
Moe and Harrison tour Ag In Motion site
Ag in Motion 2025’s more than 560 exhibitors haven’t let the smoke blanketing the province dampen their enthusiasm as the Langham farm show got under way on Tuesday morning.
In recent years, Case has brought back the Farmall name and while today’s farmer won’t likely be spending much time tilling with the new 2011 Model C, the new machines might replace some of their old namesakes for bucket use, three point hitch tools and other utility work.
The new Model C comes in 65, 75 and 85 p.t.o. horsepower models.
Scott Rasch of Case IH said the machines might carry the red paint and branding, but these are “the latest in technology.”
“They have the (Fiat Powertrain Technology) four cylinder, 3.2 litre, turbocharged engines. The bigger two are intercooled. This is rugged technology and fuel efficient,” he said.
The Farmall C offers eight forward and eight reverse gears standard with a mechanical shuttle to move between them. A 12×12 with hydraulic shuttle is optional, as is a mechanical-drive front end.
The new Case IH splits the steering and hydraulic reservoirs, meaning that under a heavy load or full bucket the steering isn’t compromised.
It can come with a factory installed front-end loader.
The cabs can be outfitted with factory installed iPod connections and 15 degree seat swivels.
“And you can see a lot more of the machine when you have a loader or three point (hitch attachment),” said Rauch.
Agco, meanwhile, released a Massey Ferguson 5450 loader tractor designed to give the operator a wide view of the bucket and front end of the machine.
The new tractor has a left hand shuttle control, freeing up the right hand for loader work. It eliminates the blind spots often associated with loader frames and long hoods.
Rene Boivin of Massey says the operator can always see the tip of the bucket. The 5450 was designed with the bucket work in mind, for livestock operations or where a utility tractor is put to a lot of mixed uses with its loader.
The hood of the 75 h.p. tractor slopes away radically at the front, making it easy to see past its nose.
Forward and reverse shuttle responsiveness is controlled by a dial on the console, allowing for either aggressive moves for rapid loader work or smooth transitions in tight spaces or where precision is critical.
The tractor is powered by a Perkins turbocharged engine with a 16×16, four range, power shuttle transmission with an optional creeper gear.
Meghann McNally of Massey said the tractor brand’s reliable reputation is one of the assets it brings to the marketplace as farmers look to replace their aging yard and livestock chore machines.
