WHILE many innovations only have a brief time in the sun, 2017 saw some trends that may take-off.
Narrow tracks, autonomous concept tractors and transmissions were big news this year.
Narrow tracks
John Deere expanded their lineup of high-horsepower narrow tracks with the release of the 9RX narrow track series.
John Deere product marketing manager, Tiffany Turner said the row-crop sector was driving demand.
"Narrow track tractors can reduce the negative agronomic effects on pinch rows, reduce soil compaction and minimise soil disturbance for greater yield potential,” she said.
Autonomous concept tractors
Autonomous concept tractors were displayed across the country this year.
New Holland Agriculture commercial business manager for Queensland, northern NSW and the Northern Territory, Jeff Saunders said the concept tractors were not just a marketing tool.
“Technology gets developed in formulae one cars, then it moves into high performance cars and from there into general cars and we are following that same track,” he said.
New Holland Agriculture product manager for combines and high horsepower tractors, Marc Smith said concept projects allowed technology down flow.
“The autonomous project has given us the ability to transfer some of the component technology into our tractors,” he said.
“The IntelliSteer is a child of the autonomous project.”
Transmissions
The Steiger tractor range will move to continuously variable transmissions (CVT), Case IH announced at AgQuip this year.
Case IH high horsepower product manager, Alyx Selsmeyer said the CVT transmission would provide faster acceleration to a paddock or when moving the machine on the road.
“As well as noticing cost savings where fuel consumption is concerned, the CVT makes the tractor more user-friendly for operators of all skill levels,” she said.
“It all adds up to a tractor designed to ensure the most efficient operation at all times, in all conditions, regardless of the task or terrain.”
Fendt has had a long history with CVT, being the first manufacturer to use the technology in a tractor.
The VarioDrive, released in the Fendt Vario 1000 this year, sees a step up in the technology with a drive train that will allow torque distribution dynamically across the front and rear wheels.
On release, Fendt said the VarioDrive would increase efficiency, allow more power to the ground and save fuel by transferring torque flexibly to the axle.