New Kuhn 1004 power harrows enhanced over 1003 series
BRODHEAD, Wis. — Kuhn North America, Inc. introduces a new line of power harrows, the HR 1004 series. Kuhn HR power harrows are secondary-tillage machines, designed to create a smooth, level seedbed in one pass, saving the operator both time and expense.

The improved version of Kuhn’s highly successful HR 1003 series, the HR 1004 series includes enhancements such as new side panels for a smoother field finish and raised top-link attachment points for improved three-point lift and control. These power harrows feature an improved headstock design with higher top-link attachment and increased clearance for easier coupling to modern large-frame tractors. The vertical-axis mixing action provides horizontal cultivation that preserves soil moisture and maintains the original soil layers during fumigation or sterilization.

This new line is available in rigid models from 9-feet-10-inches to 15 feet, and vertical folding models which boast wider working width of 16-feet-5-inches and 20 feet with narrow transport. The HR machines provide outstanding seedbed preparation, creating the ideal environment for the best germination.

Kuhn- and Kuhn Knight-brand products are sold by farm equipment dealers throughout the United States, Canada and many other countries.

Crary Air Reel harvests crop far faster
WEST FARGO, N.D. — The Crary Air Reel is a patented reel system that comes equipped with high velocity air. By investing in an Air Reel, you will be able to replace your factory reel and add the benefit of air while keeping your header more compact, providing better visibility.

The constant stream of high velocity air will quickly feed crop back to the auger, eliminating bunching and increase the number of bushels added to your hopper. The Air Reel is able to handle a variety of crops and conditions. It has been proven effective not only in beans, but in wheat, lentils, cereal grains and peas as well.

With the Air Reel, there is no longer the need to wait for bunched crop to clear the platform, which will allow you to keep moving, increasing profits and reducing fuel expenses. The Air Reel fits most makes and models of combines.

For more information on the Crary Air Reel, contact a harvest specialist by calling 800-247-7335 or by visiting www.crary.com

Device devised to detect insects in stored wheat
LINCOLN, Neb. (USDA) — A laboratory milling device for improving stored grain management has been developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and an industry cooperator.

The system, called the “insect-o-graph,” can detect internal insects in wheat that are not visible to the eye or that cannot be detected by usual grading methods. The device, built by National Manufacturing, Inc. (NMI), of Lincoln, Neb., was based on ARS-developed technology.

ARS engineers Tom Pearson and Dan Brabec, in the Engineering and Wind Erosion Research Unit of the agency’s Center for Grain and Animal Health Research at Manhattan, Kan., developed the device, which uses electrical conductance signals to monitor wheat as it’s milled. If a seed containing an insect is crushed, an electrical spike occurs.

The software counts the number of insects in a kilogram sample. This system can detect low levels of infestations such as five to 10 infested seeds out of 30,000 good seeds.

Grain companies inspect grain as it comes into their facilities and before storage. Before unloading a truck or railcar of grain, a few minutes are taken to sample the load and inspect the grain. The insect-o-graph can estimate the number of live insects hidden in a 1-kilogram grain sample in about one minute.

The device was developed under a formal Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with NMI, and in collaboration with the food manufacturing company General Mills, as part of efforts by ARS to transfer its technology from the laboratory to the marketplace for the benefit of consumers. A paper describing this work was accepted for publication in the Journal of Stored Product Research.

Case IH expands air cart lineup with Precision Air 3580
RACINE, Wis. — Case IH unveiled the latest addition to its air seeding lineup: The Precision Air 3580 air cart. Engineered for large-acreage small-grain growers who need to cover thousands of acres in a short planting window, the Precision Air 3580 has a three-compartment tank with a total capacity of 580 bushels.

The three tank compartments hold 135, 183 and 262 bushels respectively, providing growers with more seeding and fertilizer options and higher capacities in one pass. Tanks are made of steel, with tough, powder coat paint inside and out for a harder finish, better rust protection and longer wear.

“Our broadacre customers are asking us for larger drills and carts with more capacity, so they can run longer between stops,” says Gord Engel, Case IH seeding product manager. “The less time farmers spend refilling seed and fertilizer tanks, the more acreage they cover during the prime planting window, and the more they reduce seeding costs.”

The patented downdraft meter system on the Precision Air 3580 divides product into equal sections, one for each primary line. Air and product are mixed in a parallel flow for smooth transition from meter box to distribution system, resulting in precise, reliable distribution of seed and fertilizer. All systems can be controlled and monitored from the comfort of the tractor cab, thanks to ISO 11783-compliant electronics.

A tough, wide stance frame and quad wheel configuration on the Precision Air 3580 provide excellent stability during transport and flotation in the field. The air cart is designed to handle tough conditions in the field and on the road, with options such as a transport beacon and field lighting package for extra visibility before sunrise and after sundown.

Other optional features include a rear hitch for towing additional trailing units, such as anhydrous tanks or liquid fertilizer carts, and ultrasonic bin depth sensors. The Case IH Precision Hoe 800 and Flex Hoe 700 air drills are engineered to work with and complement all Case IH Precision Air carts.

For more information, call 877-4CASEIH (422-7344) or visit www.caseih.com/na