Combine line
Caterpillar is upgrading its rotary separation Lexion combines, with introduction slated for the fall of 2002.
The biggest change to the new R series combines is the fuel efficient engine. The Lexion 470 R and 475 R feature the new Cat C-9 engine at 340 horsepower with a power bulge up to 355 hp.
The 480 R and 485 R are powered by the C-12 engine rated at 400 hp with a power bulge up to 431 hp.
The cab’s seating and environment have been improved.
As on all Lexion combines, the new models offer farmers the Accelerated Pre-Separation threshing system.
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Up to 30 percent of the crop is separated out before it reaches the main threshing cylinder, protecting grain quality and improving machine capacity.
Farm Works Software has also designed new software to work with Cat combines.
The basic software package allows unlimited viewing of base, average and contoured yield maps, and uses common formats to import and export data.
Upgrades to Farm Works’ Farm Trac and Farm Site modules are optional.
This upgrade gives the user the additional tools required for field and chemical record keeping.
As well, it provides layering analysis of multiple types of global positioning system data, including soil types, soil tests, previous years’ yield information and next year’s nutrient and planting schedule.
For more information, contact a Cat dealer or visit www.cat.com.
New cutters
John Deere has two new 20-foot wide cutters, the CX-20 and HX-20.
The HX-20 has spring-suspended wheel standards for even cutting on rough terrain.
The CX-20 combines air springs and shock absorbers on all wheel standards. They have self-levelling clevis hitches for smooth tracking and tight turns. The wings fold up, giving a transport width of 12 feet.
The blades overlap six inches and have wings that flex vertically from 90 degrees above grade to 22 degrees below grade.
The left side of the HX-20 can be removed and replaced with a weight box, transforming it into a 14-foot flex wing rotary cutter. Both feature double-decker design that provides strength and cutting performance and reduces rust on the deck.
For more information, contact a John Deere dealer or visit www.johndeereag.com
Irrigation products
Lindsay Manufacturing has new control technology for its GrowSmart line of irrigation products.
The GrowSmart line will have FieldBasic and FieldBoss control panels, a voice-command mobile-monitoring system and on-line control, off-site computer monitoring system. The operating terms have been simplified. FieldBoss has the EZ Plan feature that provides simple irrigation scheduling. The equipment is designed to be compatible with most major brands of centre pivot and lateral move irrigation systems.
For information, contact Lindsay Manufacturing at Box 156, Lindsay, Nebraska, USA, 68644, or visit www.growsmart.com.
