Farmers attending this fall’s farm shows found larger, more powerful equipment and more complex, yet easier- to-use precision technology.

4-wd tractors

New Holland’s  new T9  tractors are available in four models with a standard 36-in.-wide frame for row-crop work. Engine horsepower ranges from 350 to 500 hp. Growers who want a broad-acre tractor can opt for one of the two wide-frame models with 535 and 600 hp. All of the engines are Interim Tier 4 compliant.

The T9 is equipped with 113-gpm hydraulic flow with up to eight valves. The hood opens in the front, and the cooling package pulls down for easy serviceability. The redesigned cab features the new Sidewinder II armrest console. The controls are common throughout New Holland’s tractor lines starting at 100 hp up to the T9’s 670 hp.

Prices for the T9 series of tractors are not yet available. For more information, contact your local New Holland dealer or visit www.newholland.com/na.

Folding corn header

The Northstar 2420 combine head for corn from Geringhoff folds from 41 ft. wide down to 21 ft. for transport. The 24-row, 20-in.-row header is the widest folding combine head in the United States, according to AEMSCO, a North Dakota-based distributor for Geringhoff.

 “The bigger the combines, the bigger the heads need to be,” reports Derek Molnar with AEMSCO. Folding the combine requires only the push of a button in the combine cab. Once the head is folded, the combine can be more easily driven from field to field without removing the head.

The Northstar head features Geringhoff’s knife-to-knife technology for cutting, Molnar adds. The Geringhoff header is manufactured in Germany and assembled in the U.S. Suggested list price is $180,000. For more information, contact Geringhoff/AEMSCO, Dept. FIN, 205 46th Ave. N.E., Minot, ND 58701, 701/852-1876, or visit www.geringhoff.com.

Vertical tillage implement

The new Sunflower 6630 series vertical tillage system from AGCO will size and mix plant residues with the top few inches of soil, helping warm and dry the ground for planting. The implement is equipped with the new SoilRazor VT disc blades, which feature a unique fluted wave pattern. Ingersoll Tillage Group makes the 22-in., stay-sharp blades. The blades are set at 18° gang angles, and the front and rear gangs are offset to ensure a ridge does not develop between gangs.

 Five models are available in the 6630 series, ranging from 21 to 32 ft. wide. Prices range from $43,900 to $59,990. For more information, call Sunflower at 800/748-8481 or visit www.sunflowermfg.com.

Combine header trailer

A new trailer to transport combine headers features all-wheel steering and 180° turning ability on the front wheels for tighter turns during transport. Brackets that hold the header on the trailer are easily converted without tools to handle any brand or type of header. The trailer will hold 20,000 lbs. and includes an adjustable rear LED lightbar for better visibility on the road.

The trailer is available in three sizes: 30, 36 and 42 ft. The 42-ft. model retails for $7,740. For more information, contact Unverferth, Dept. FIN, Box 357, Kalida, OH 45853, 800/322-6301, or visit www.unverferth.com.

Redesigned self-propelled sprayer

Hagie Manufacturing redesigned its STX10 self-propelled sprayer from the ground up. The 4-wd, hydrostatic sprayer features body styling that completely wraps the vehicle in composite body panels. As a result, clean air for engine cooling is pulled in from the top and routed around the engine. The 1,000-gal. sprayer has a new boom designed to be stronger and lighter than the booms on previous models. The boom includes a routing channel that holds fluid and electrical lines. The sprayer has 65 in. of ground clearance.

Base list price for an STX10 with a 90-ft. boom is $220,000. For more information, contact Hagie Mfg., Dept. FIN, 721 Central Ave. N.E., Clarion, IA 50525, 800/247-4885, or visit www.hagie.com.

Self-propelled sprayers updated

Equipment Technologies redesigned three Apache sprayer models geared to the commercial farmer market. The mechanical-drive self-propelled sprayers may be purchased with either a 120-in. fixed axle or an adjustable axle (120 to 160 in.). The UV product tank is custom molded to fit the chassis. A benefit of the new drive train is improved fuel economy — 9.3% on the AS1020 and 17.4% on the AS1220 at spraying speeds of 12 to 16 mph.

Base price of the Apache 720 model with 750-gal. tank is $155,000. The AS1020 with 1,000-gal. tank is $175,000, and the AS1220 with 1,200-gal. tank is $195,000. For more information, call Equipment Technologies at 800/861-2142, or visit www.etsprayers.com.

Large-capacity manure applicator

The new 8300 Agra Trac manure applicator from Balzer positions two liquid manure tanks horizontally on the toolbar. The injectors are located closer to the tractor, resulting in less drift and better control. Sixteen tires distribute the weight to reduce compaction. For road travel, a transport frame and wheels are hydraulically lowered to transport the applicator vertically at a 12-ft. width. The applicator has a total capacity of 8,300 gal. It injects manure in 16-row (30-in. row) or 12-row swaths. A distribution manifold precisely applies manure to each row. A minimum of 375 hp is required to pull the applicator in the field.

Price: $126,000. For more information, contact Balzer Inc., Dept. FIN, Cty. Rd. 27, Mountain Lake, MN 56159, 800/795-8551, or visit www.balzerinc.com.

Anhydrous ammonia applicator

Case IH says its new Nutri-Placer 940 is the widest anhydrous ammonia applicator in the industry. The new applicator comes in widths of 65 and 60 ft. It features a heavy-duty welded frame with heavy tubing that runs the full length to allow staggered coulters and row units for easy residue flow. The 65-ft. model is supported by 14 wheels, and the 60-ft. model has 12 wheels. Large flotation wheels on a walking tandem support the mainframe for both field and transport. The applicator features a five-section field flex and seven-section fold frame for handling ground contours and easy folding and unfolding. Its transport width is 18 ft. 9 in and height is 13 ft. 9 in.

Price of the 65-ft. model is $102,000, and the 60-ft. model is $94,000. For more information, visit www.caseih.com/na.

New displays

Two new displays designed to operate AutoTrac and Swath Control Pro are available from John Deere. The GreenStar 3 2630 display comes with video capabilities as well as increased memory, faster processor and a touch-screen display. The screen is easier to read in sunlight and operates many types of implements and controllers through ISOBUS connections.

The other new display is the GreenStar 3 CommandCenter that is standard in the new 8R series tractors. This master display eliminates the need for other controllers and displays to be installed in the cab. It is available with an optional touch screen. Pricing for the GreenStar 3 2630 starts at $5,895. For more information, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com.

Smart display, remote joystick

Trimble introduced a new CFX-750 display, expanded capabilities on its variable-rate sprayer controls and the new EX-Remote joystick at farm shows this fall.

 The CFX-750 is a new 8-in., color touch-screen display to control many guidance, steering and precision applications. It is capable of receiving Glonass satellite and will control application of seed, chemical and fertilizer. The base unit with free WAAS capabilities starts at $2,995. Add $2,000 for each level of accuracy upgrade, from OmniStar to sub-inch repeatable RTK. Adding an RTK radio costs $1,995.

The EZ-Remote joystick quickly mounts to any console and works with Trimble’s displays, including the CFX-750, FmX, EZ-Guide and EZ-Guide 250. The joystick buttons are programmable and illuminated to help operators see and feel the control points for rapid execution of tasks. Price with cable for the joystick is $199.

The Field-IQ crop input control system has been expanded. The modular, section and variable-rate application control system now handles up to 48 sections, more sections than any other variable-rate system in the industry today, according to Trimble. It is compatible with the FmX integrated display and the CFX-750.

The platform kit and cab kit for self-propelled sprayers using existing OEM switches is $2,990. The Raven/EZ-Boom kit that uses an existing wiring harness is $1,895. The full harness kit for liquid pull-type sprayer or ammonia application, including cab kit, full harness kit, valve and flow meter cables, and five-section adapter harness, is $2,680.

For more information, contact your local Trimble dealer, or visit www.trimble.com.