MachineryLink

John Deere leads the pack with nine AE50 awards, while Yanmar will launch a new Electrification Unit in April and AGCO has named its 2024 Technician of the Year.

DEERE SCOOPS UP 9 AE50 AWARDS

John Deere has earned nine 2025 AE50 Awards for innovation in engineering and technology.

AE50 Awards are given by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers in the areas of agricultural, food and biological systems. ASABE was founded in 1907.

Here are Deere's AE50 awards:

-- 9RX 710, 770 and 830 Tractors. Three new 9RX models, the 710 hp, 770 hp and 830 hp, are powered by the JD18 engine from John Deere Power Systems. This Final Tier 4/Stage V-compliant 18-liter engine meets emissions requirements using exhaust-gas recirculation technology, eliminating the need for diesel exhaust fluid.

-- 300M Series Self-Propelled Sprayers. Sprayers are highly maneuverable, making them ideal for narrow-access roads and are fully integrated with John Deere precision ag technology.

-- Implement Control Mode (ICM) with eDrive Kit. Creates the ability to offboard electric power generated by an EVT transmission.

-- See & Spray Premium. See & Spray Premium is a Precision upgrade for existing sprayers. The technology is currently available for application on corn, soybean, cotton and fallow fields.

-- C-Series Air Carts. The C-Series air cart line offers reduced maintenance and improved seeding accuracy with features including corrosion-resistant AccuRate stainless-steel meters and faster calibrations with Deere's EZCal calibration system.

-- 5ML Tractor Cab. It's designed for the tight spaces of orchard and vineyard environments. The John Deere 5ML specialty tractor includes an all-new cab with access to John Deere precision technology such as JDLink and AutoTrac guidance, and has compatibility with the G5 Display and StarFire receiver.

-- AutoSelect Pulsing with Multi Rate. AutoSelect Pulsing with Multi Rate is a new functionality available with ExactApply nozzles compatible with model year 2023 and newer John Deere self-propelled sprayers. This functionality delivers multiple rates across the boom.

-- Milk Sustainability Center. The Milk Sustainability Center is a cloud-based solution for dairy farmers by integrating their machinery, milking equipment and herd management software brands into one platform.

-- Active Slope Adjustment. Active Slope Adjustment technology provides active material re-distribution on the cleaning shoe by a variable speed conveyor belt during sidehill operation.

YANMAR LAUNCHES ELECTRIFICATION GROUP

Yanmar is set next month to launch a new Electrification Unit dedicated to advancing electrification in the compact equipment off-highway segment. The Electrification Unit will focus on delivering diverse e-powertrain solutions, including batteries and eDrives.

Yanmar will be working with its customers to electrify applications such as excavators, wheel loaders and others.

Yanmar is a global innovator in industrial equipment including small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, machine tools and components.

AGCO NAMES NORTH AMERICAN TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

AGCO has named Levi Stefanson its 2024 Technician of the Year.

Stefanson of Full Line Ag Sales Ltd. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, was awarded the 2024 title and a $5,000 prize after a three-day, hands-on competition against five other finalists nominated by AGCO dealerships across the U.S. and Canada.

The program recognizes North American AGCO dealer technicians for their diagnostic and maintenance abilities and dedication to continuous learning and customer service skills.

"This event honors the often 'unsung' heroes at our dealerships -- the technicians who ensure our farmers' vital equipment runs smoothly," says Ash Alt, manager of technical training, North America, in an AGCO press release.

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

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