It was last August that Claas of America introduced its latest entry, this time into the all-purpose tractor market. Claas is widely known for its Lexion combines and, with the Xerion tractor series, the company is forecasting it will achieve the same success in the high-horsepower market. Not only is the Xerion series powerful, it also provides speed for efficient transport, plus reduced compaction and overall enhanced manoeuverability. The company says its designers have worked hard to create something new specifically for the needs of North American farmers, which includes improved power transmission, dual wheels and enhanced hydraulics. The Xerion design includes three different models, all with a Mercedes-Benz engine: the 5000 and 4500 are equipped with a 12.8-litre engine and the 4000 comes with 10.6-litre engine, capable of running at 530, 490 and 435 hp, respectively. In spite of all that power, the Xerion line is still easy to operate, with six steering modes and three driving programs.

PHOTOS: Tractors with BIG horsepower

Machinery Guide looks at offerings from New Holland, Claas, Massey Ferguson, John Deere and Case IH

Reading Time: < 1 minute There’s really no telling how much bigger these machines will get. Just when it appeared that 500 hp was a safe upper limit, manufacturers pushed right through. Below, Machinery Guide looks at five big tractor series, some with tracked technology and others with cab or transmission enhancements for 2015. All boast big horsepower, which in […] Read more

hanson acres

Hanson Acres: Where is this flight heading?

When the tourist brochure arrived, it looked so innocent

Reading Time: 5 minutes You’re really sure this is a good idea?” Dale asked his wife. “Dale, I’ve had the tickets since December,” Donna said. Then her phone beeped and she looked down at the screen in her hand while she kept talking. “It’s a little late to go changing my mind now. I’d let the other women down. […] Read more


Krone Easycut F 360 CR Glide

Forage equipment sees major technology boon

Machinery Guide looks at forage equipment from Krone, New Holland, Vermeer, Claas and John Deere

Reading Time: 4 minutes Don’t stop with the models we’ve highlighted from the five manufacturers below. We’re bringing you news on some of the most innovative and efficient models, but forage equipment as a sector is experiencing a major technology boom. Most manufacturers have unveiled multiple new designs in the past 12 months, particularly Deere, New Holland and Vermeer. […] Read more

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Hanson Acres: Please answer the phone!

By the morning of the third day, Dale Hanson was worried

Reading Time: 4 minutes “I don’t know why he’s not answering his phone,” Dale said to his wife Donna. “Remember the last time you got all worked up about Ed not answering the phone?” Donna said, looking up from her magazine. “He was at a fish fry in the trailer court.” The first year his father had packed up […] Read more


John Deere tractor dealership

Shifting borders in the farm machinery business

Get ready to buy a whole lot more from your equipment dealer than just equipment

Reading Time: 5 minutes Have you ever seen an International Harvester refrigerator, or a Massey-Ferguson cream separator? They were farmyard fixtures at one time. Farmers bought them from their local farm machinery dealership while buying a wide variety of other essentials too. Over time, those equipment dealers evolved from that “everything-you-need-we’ve-got” business model to become machinery specialists, strictly purveyors […] Read more

manufacturing production line

Manufacturing talent

Executives at the major equipment manufacturers know their brands can’t succeed without the right people on the payroll

Reading Time: 5 minutes Among the Big Four farm equipment brands, John Deere owns the largest slice of the North American market, and the bosses at its world headquarters in Moline, Illinois, have no intention of letting that change any time soon. In December they revealed their updated, long-term corporate strategy to investors, outlining how they intend to keep […] Read more


Yetter 5000 Stalk Devastator

Farm equipment to help speed up your day

Machinery Guide looks at innovative equipment from Bobcat, Sunflower, Yetter and Brandt

Reading Time: 4 minutes With spring on the horizon, Country Guide is providing a quick update on new equipment that doesn’t plant or harvest, or haul or spray. Even so, these are innovative designs that can prove just as valuable in the broader scope of all that’s happening on the farm these days. So have a look, and if […] Read more

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Hanson Acres: It’s a rink out there

When Dale takes grandson Connor to the arena, all sorts of things begin to slip

Reading Time: 5 minutes Dale Hanson and his son Jeff were out in the shop, trying to fix the electric tarp on their semi trailer. They’d hoped it was just a bad switch, but by mid-morning they’d figured out that the electric motor was seized. They were going to have to go to Regina for a new one before […] Read more


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Hanson Acres: Slipping into the dealership

It’s business — big business — but they’re off to a bumpy start

Reading Time: 5 minutes Damn idiot ought to get a ticket. Driving like that,” Dale shouted, hitting the brakes. The truck slid a little on the slippery highway, but Dale held the wheel and slowed to 80 without coming too close to the back of the green Chevy Malibu in front of them. Dale waited impatiently for his chance […] Read more

Hardi Alpha Evo 4100

Self-propelled crop sprayers see upgrades

Machinery Guide takes a quick look at the Hardi Alpha Evo 4100, Hagie STS 2015, John Deere R4045, and the New Holland Guardian SP.400F

Reading Time: 4 minutes It’s February and the itch to get into the shop and get things ready to put some seed in the ground is growing a little stronger every day. On many farms, the job that comes first, however, is spraying. Increasingly, this a job where it’s important to control the controllable and take full advantage when […] Read more