MacDon shows new FD2 Plus FlexDraper

The new FD2 Plus FlexDraper has 2 inches of extra flex at the cutter bar, allowing it to follow the contour of the ground more efficiently to harvest more crops.

In 2020, MacDon released its FD2 FlexDraper design with increased capacity, deeper drapers and a new cutting system.

The new FD2 Plus FlexDraper comes in widths from 30 to 50 feet.

For more information, visit the website.

Image courtesy of Reinke Manufacturing.

ReinCloud 3 app offers improvements for irrigators

Irrigation systems maker Reinke Manufacturing has unveiled ReinCloud 3, the latest update to its cloud computing software for iOS and Android.

The company, based in southern Nebraska, says compared to previous versions of ReinCloud, the new version is more intuitive and allows operators to integrate more data-driven information into their water management.

Compared to previous versions of the systems, there are now more options on control settings as well.

ReinCloud 3 is designed with mobile devices in mind, but it’s fully functional on all digital platforms, including iPads, desktops and laptops.

A few screen features can be customized on the new app. The order in which widgets appear on the screen can be set to any preference. Operators can move those that are most important to them to a more prominent position.

As for remotely controlling a system in the field, several updates are available there as well.

An operator can change the start and stop position of the end gun by moving its position on a screen image with a finger, rather than needing to know the exact GPS coordinates.

The new app is backward-compatible with the systems currently in use, so no changes need to be made to existing equipment. Anyone using an earlier version of the software can easily update it to ReinCloud 3.

The new app also has an increased level of security to help prevent hacking into the system or allowing it to be used as a gateway to other programs a grower might have on digital devices. The new added steps include biometric and multifactor authentication.

For more information, visit the website.

Image courtesy of KIOTI.

First cabbed subcompact tractor hits market

KIOTI Tractor, a division of Daedong-USA Inc., has launched the CS30 Series subcompact tractor, featuring the industry’s first factory-installed climate-controlled cab and the highest torque in its class. Designed for comfort, performance and efficiency, the CS30 sets a new standard in the subcompact category.

The climate-controlled cab includes heat and air conditioning for year-round operation. Premium seating and reduced noise and vibration enhance operator comfort. Optional integrated AV features – smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth and a rearview camera – keep operators connected. Additional conveniences include ample storage and a smoother ride.

Ergonomic upgrades include an improved lever layout and twin hydrostatic pedals for intuitive operation and reduced fatigue. Push-button four-wheel drive, power steering and a tilt steering wheel further improve handling.

Powered by a 1.2L KIOTI diesel engine with 24.5 horsepower and class-leading 51.63 pound-feet of torque, the CS30 delivers strong performance with fuel efficiency. Mid- and rear-power take-offs allow for simultaneous use of multiple attachments, boosting versatility. Optional quick-connect systems simplify implement changes for loaders, backhoes and midmowers.

The KIOTI Connect TMS system provides real-time alerts and vehicle data, while the illuminated digital instrument panel displays key information at a glance, including vehicle status and warnings.

The CS30 Series is built for tough jobs and long days, offering unmatched comfort, control and capability in a subcompact package.

For more information, visit online.

Image courtesy of Northeast Cover Crop Council.

A cover crop selection tool for Northeast U.S. farmers

The Northeast Cover Crops Council, in cooperation with Precision Sustainable Agriculture (PSA), hosts a cover crop decision support tool to help explore cover crop choices. This web-based app allows users to explore functions and characteristics of cover crop species suited to the Northeast and provides recommendations based on user-defined inputs.

Developed through collaboration among regional experts, the tool reflects collective knowledge from over 70 teleconferences in 2019 and 2020. Data was adapted from the Midwest Cover Crops Council species selector tool and modified to match the Northeast’s USDA plant hardiness zones and cropping systems. Additional sources include the USDA PLANTS database and a USDA-developed seeding rate calculator.

The tool features an explorer dataset with information on 42 cover crop and cash/cover crop species. Filters allow users to narrow choices based on environmental tolerances, weediness potential, growth characteristics and seeding and termination methods. Each species includes planting dates, rates and management details, with links to outside publications. The species selector helps users choose cover crops that optimize up to three agronomic goals and supports selection of individual species or mixes. A side-by-side comparison feature helps assess multiple species to determine the best fit.

This tool is a resource for anyone looking to try new or different cover crops. Knowing the information is vetted by experts and regionally adapted means recommendations will probably work on your farm.

For more information, visit online.

Image by Greg Price.

Brent unveils record-sized grain cart

The Brent 3298 model has a record 3,150-bushel hopper capacity, claiming the biggest grain cart in the industry, with flash-like unloading speed up to 1,000 bushels per minute. The suspension is patent-pending laterally mounted rubber-cushioned track suspension, adding extra cushion over rough terrain.

Depending on operator preference, the 3298 can be ordered with a traditional left-hand unloading auger or a right-hand unload configuration.

To lessen the footprint, the standard four-way directional downspout allows the operator to redirect grain with limited tractor movement to top off trucks. The 50-inch-wide Equalizer SP undercarriage track features 128 inches of ground contact length for more than 88 square feet of surface area for maximum flotation.

They say time is money, and the sheer size of the Brent 3298 Avalanche allows for a condensed work schedule tending to the fields.

For more information, visit the website.