2003 Tractor News
Gerald R. Forsythe, an Illinois businessman and farmer with operations near Marshall, Illinois, takes delivery of the 100,000th Case IH Magnum tractor, an MX285, from Kurt Edens, manager of Farm Pride Casey, the Case IH dealer in Casey, Illinois. Mr. Forsythe drove the tractor off the assembly at the Case IH Racine Manufacturing Operations (RMO) in Racine, Wisconsin, which assembles all Case IH MX Magnum tractors. Introduced in 1987, Case IH Magnum tractors have logged an estimated 400 million hours of operation. Employees of the RMO added custom one-of-a-kind graphics to Mr. Forsythes tractor to recognize its exclusive status.
In Agritechnica fair in Germany Valtra launched a new C series model that is coming to the market next spring 2004. C series is a compact tractor that has been designed especially to meet the needs of livestock farms. The C series combines power and agility to create an ideally balanced package.
Valtra has updated the S-Series line of tractors. New S-Series tractors now offer 246 or 280 (ISO 14396) horsepower, up from 230 and 260 horsepower previously. The increase in horsepower is Valtra's way of ensuring that the needs of contractors and farmers continue to be met. At the same time, the power output and torque properties of S-Series engines have been improved. New S-Series tractors now produce a broader range of torque, which further increases their versatility.
The Valtra M series is now available also with articulated steering. Valtra can thus offer the unique combination of power with a tight turning radius suitable for all kinds of heavy work.
The turning radius of Valtra's articulated XM130 and XM150 tractors is approximately only 4.5 meters, depending on tyre size. Such a small turning radius makes any job easier, on the farm as well as for demanding contracting work. Valtra's XM models are just over 30 centimeters longer than standard front-steer models, while the height and width is the same. The center pivot separates the engine section from the cab section, making the cab exceptionally quiet.
Mahindra USA, Inc. just recently launched the "15 Series," an economical line of HST tractors. Included in the initial launch in September are the 2015 and 2615. The 3015 launched in October.
On 15 September, the Suolahti tractor factory manufactured its 500,000th Valtra tractor. The lucky owners of this red T190 model are Gilles Quetu and Bruno Renckert, who together grow wheat, oil plants, vegetable and grass seeds, as well as rose hips, on their 260-hectare farm. With one T190 already serving the farm, an M130 is also on its way.
John Deere introduces three new models of 7020 tractors designed with new styling, cabs, frames, and engines for greater productivity, reliability and value. These new 7020 tractors range from 140 to 170 horsepower.
KONE has on 10 September 2003 signed an agreement for the sale of its tractor business Valtra, including the subsidiary Sisu Diesel, to U.S.-based AGCO Corporation.
In accordance with the agreement, the purchase price is EUR 600 million. The transaction is subject to relevant competition authority approval.
The new Case IH MXU Series Maxxum tractor line offers producers the perfect blend of features and options for row-crop, loader and general-purpose applications. Three models range from 80 to 105 PTO horsepower.
When it comes to horsepower, no one in the industry tops the new Case IH STX500 Steiger tractor. Its 500 horsepower engine can pull the heaviest loads in the harshest conditions. The new tractor, available in wheeled and Quatrac versions for agricultural applications, expands the STX Series line to 10 models.
