Windrower AutoSteer; AutoCommand tractor; InVigor hybrid canola
Windrower AutoSteer
MacDon has introduced GPS AutoSteer for its M and 9000 series SP windrowers.
The units give MacDon windrower owners high-accuracy machine control for greater productivity in fog, dust, heat and darkness. It can be used with WAAS, OmniSTAR (DGPS) or RTK signals at speeds up to 17 km-h.
GPS AutoSteer makes it easier to maintain a continuously full header for more acres per hour, which results in faster harvesting and reduced fuel consumption.
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Operators are able to quickly and easily line up for the next pass because of the unit’s rapid line acquisition through GPS positioning. The unit’s GPS capabilities also allow operators to obtain more uniform windrows, which makes for more predictable drying, as well as easier and faster baling, chopping and uniform windrows for pick up by the combine.
The AutoSteer units also offer hands-free steering, which is not limited to windrowing: all subsequent operations, such as baling, forage harvesting and combining, can use the same heading, allowing for hands-free harvesting.
AutoSteer software is adaptable to specific conditions, with parallel swathing or pivot applications that allow for harvesting in straight A-B lines, curved paths or circles. It features a modular design and can be transferred to other tractors, sprayers or combines using optional switch kits.
GPS AutoSteer is optional on all MacDon M and 9000 series SP windrowers and is available through AutoFarm. A factory-installed remote engage switch will be standard on all 2009 models and optional on prior year models.
For more information, contact 204-885-5590 or visit www.macdon.com.
AutoCommand tractor
The five models in New Holland’s 135 to 195 power take-off horsepower T7000 series tractors with the AutoCommand continuously variable transmission (CVT) are designed to offer, efficiency and performance to mid-range tractors. It comes with the SideWinder II armrest mounted to the T7000’s air-ride seat. The armrest accommodates the most frequently used tractor controls, and is electronically adjustable front and back on an inclined plane so operators can adjust it to suit them. It houses New Holland’s CommandGrip multi-function controller, engine throttle, electro-hydraulic joystick, electronic draft control, p.t.o. engagement and electro-hydraulic rear remotes.
The AutoCommand CVT combines features of a hydraulic drive system and a mechanical drive system to provide superior fuel economy.
The standard TerraLock traction system automatically engages and disengages four wheel-drive and four-wheel differential lock depending on steering angle, forward speed and hitches and brake application.
For more information, contact 717-475-2152
 or www.newholland.com/na.
InVigor hybrid canola
Bayer CropScience unveiled two new InVigor canola hybrids it plans to launch during this fall’s booking period for 2010. Trials indicate one of them is on track to set a yield record for canola, while the other brings the InVigor yield performance to another specialty oil hybrid.
“InVigor canola hybrids continue to lead the canola seed industry in yield, and with the commercial availability of InVigor 5770 and InVigor Health 1145 next year, the bar will be set even higher,” said Brad Ewankiw, marketing manager for oilseeds for Bayer CropScience Canada. Registration for both varieties is pending.
In Western Canada Canola/Rapeseed Recommending Committee public co-op trials in 2007-08, InVigor 5770 showed yields averaging 135 percent of the checks. InVigor Health 1145 showed yields averaging 133 percent of the checks.
In 2008, prairie canola variety trials, InVigor canola hybrids earned the top seven yield positions.
InVigor 5770 and 1145 are entered in this year’s PCVTS, which are managed by the Canola Council of Canada. InVigor 5770 is a late-maturing canola hybrid, best suited for the long- to mid-season growing regions of the Prairies. It is rated resistant to blackleg.
InVigor Health 1145 will be the newest hybrid developed through the alliance of Bayer CropScience with Cargill Specialty Canola Oils.
InVigor Health 1145 is a high yielding specialty oil canola that will be sold through Cargill and selected independent retailers. It is a mid-late maturing canola hybrid, best suited for the long- to mid-season growing regions of the Prairies and is also resistant to blackleg.
For more information visit www.bayercropscience.ca.
