Can-Am Defender Models Hit Market
BRP enters the utility/recreation segment of off-road vehicles with the Can-Am Defender family of side-by-side vehicles. Under the hood, choose from two rear-mounted Rotax V-twin heavy-duty utility engines: the 72-hp HD10 with up to 20% more torque at 4,000 rpm compared with competitors and the high-torque 50-hp HD8. The models sport a PRO-TORQ transmission, chassis with TTA-HD rear suspension and automotive technology.
A four-mode traction system (eco, normal and work driving modes), power steering and 13.1' turning radius enhances driving. To handle on-farm jobs, the Defender series provides sufficient ground clearance and suspension as well as leading towing and loading capabilities.
Features include the cargo box, modular dash adaptable system and VERSA-PRO bench seat. A variety of accessories are available.
For more information, visit www.can-am.brp.com.
John Deere to Buy Precision Planting
Big data is a big deal. Want proof? John Deere purchased Precision Planting from Climate Corporation, a subsidiary of Monsanto Company, in early November. John Deere hopes to finalize the deal in first quarter 2016.
Precision Planting will be independently operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Deere. Climate Corporation will retain the “digital agriculture portfolio” comprising the FieldView platform. The two companies will collaborate on “exclusive near real-time data connectivity”between certain John Deere equipment and the Climate FieldView platform. Customers will be able to share current and historical agronomic data between John Deere Operations Center and the Climate FieldView platform.
John Deere plans to acquire the majority of Precision Planting’s business assets, including the brand, facilities, and the majority of Precision Planting’s hardware, sensors, actuators and display systems. John Deere will also acquire Precision Planting’s leadership, most of its employees, dealer relationships and OEM customers.
John Deere plans to honor existing agreements with Case IH and AGCO to supply Precision Planting products for their planter models. Both Case IH and AGCO plan to continue the partnerships.
What’s still unknown is how the dealer network will move forward in the coming months. How many John Deere dealers will become Precision Planting dealers? Will the change in ownership cause dealerships that carry Precision Planting components but are competitive with John Deere to back out?
Farm Journal will continue to follow this acquisition as its ramifications develop. Stay tuned at www.AgWeb.com.
Drago Adds Tech to GT Corn Heads
Capturing bushels at harvest starts with the corn head. The Drago GT pairs self-adjusting deck plates with Quad-Suspension—integrated ear shocks under the deck plates that absorb energy from ears as knife rollers pull them down.
Available in four to 18 rows in 30" to 40" row spacings and eight- and 12-row folding models, Drago GT features a chainless design that delivers power directly to the head components. This powertrain system, known as the Endura Drive, delivers power through the row units, which eliminates two gears per row.
Equipped with the Twin Chop option, the two counter-cutting chopping knives double the chopping capacity without significantly increasing horsepower requirements. This creates 400 mph of energy to pulverize cornstalks. Spiral-cut gears save downtime by reducing gear maintenance and increasing gear life.
For more information, contact your local dealer or visit www.dragotec.com.
