System is offered for Kubota M5, Fendt 700 Series and now John Deere 5100E tractors with more to come
Even as some major original equipment manufacturers begin to dip their toes into the autonomous equipment segment, a number of start-ups offering add-on autonomous systems have already hit the ground running. Iowa-based Sabanto is one of the companies that is now offering a commercially available system. Related stories in this issue: Kubota debuts a concept […] Read moreMachinery — page 24
Kubota debuts a concept robotic tractor
Autonomous unit has a four hour run time, six minute charge time and is comparable to a 100-horsepower tractor
In recent years, automotive and agricultural equipment brands have been increasingly looking to the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show to debut new digital and robotic technologies as those features proliferate on new machines. This year Kubota chose that event to unveil its New Agri Concept fully autonomous tractor. Autonomous machines and data utilization are key […] Read more
Company helps streamline shift to autonomy
Bluewhite focuses on assisting customers’ move to autonomous operations with retrofit kit for utility tractors
Alon Ascher, chief business officer at Bluewhite, an autonomous systems company, believes adopting the newest technologies on a farm isn’t something that can easily happen in one single step. So, as his company works with growers to incorporate self-driving tractors, he thinks it helps to make it a gradual process. Related stories in this issue: […] Read more
Shipping bill shocks Man. farmer
WINNIPEG — In September of last year, Lee Stewart ordered a $290 part. The roller at the back of the swather was broken and he needed to replace a cone piece on the end. Stewart had 300 acres of crop to swath on his farm near Miniota, Man., so he needed the part as soon […] Read more
Supply chain chaos starts to ease
BRANDON — Manufacturers of ag equipment and some agricultural dealers in Canada have changed their practices because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are now stocking more parts and components on site because a lack of products caused major disruptions during the pandemic. “I know it can be a challenge for producers, dealers and manufacturers to […] Read more
Equipment manufacturers focus on technology
Major implement companies face high-tech future as they wrestle with automation, autonomy and precision agriculture
Images of autonomous machines working on their own in fields can easily grab the attention of early-adopter producers, especially those facing a labour crunch. They also make impressive headlines and brand announcements. However, even though several concept, prototype and even a few production machines have appeared on the scene, nearly all producers will again still […] Read more
Farmers frustrated with equipment manufacturer
Multiple producers lodge complaints against Leon’s Manufacturing; company blames problems on supply chain issues
REGINA — Yorkton-based equipment manufacturer Leon’s Manufacturing has been the subject of multiple complaints about its sales and delivery practices over the past five years. The company’s name quickly pops up in posts by disgruntled customers in an online search with the Better Business Bureau website and farmers’ forums. Yet Leon’s continues to attract more […] Read more
Convert your truck into a hybrid
B.C.-based Edison Motors pioneers the retrofit market with its diesel-electric conversion kits for vocational trucks
There’s an old saying that everything old is new again. When it comes to automotive and machinery design, that seems to be true in spades. Diesel-electric equipment has been in use for decades, but until recently, that system had fallen out of favour with many equipment manufacturers, including heavy truck builders. “It’s weird,” said Chace […] Read more
Equipment manufacturers adjust to battered supply chain
About a decade ago I was with a group of journalists touring a new ag equipment manufacturing plant in Germany. As we made our way past a stockpile of raw steel, our guide pointed out that the storage area of that new building was only a fraction of the size of the one it replaced […] Read more
Reid out at REAL; Regina farm show still a go
REGINA — The interim board chair at Regina Exhibition Association Ltd. said all planned shows and events will go ahead after chief executive officer Tim Reid was fired earlier this month. That includes Canada’s Farm Show. “I would like to reassure every event holder, every person that’s planning on coming to an event, that our […] Read more
