Equipment Roundup

In this Equipment Roundup, DTN/Progressive Farmer looks at Case IH adding AFS Connect to its larger Puma tractors, Pegasus Robotic launching a high-capacity drone, and AGCO expanding its technician training program with Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois.

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CASE IH ADDS AFS CONNECT TO PUMAS

The Case IH Puma series lineup now includes an AFS Connect equipped-Puma line, including the Puma 185 (180 horsepower, 225 horsepower boosted), 200 (200 hp, 245 hp boosted), 220 (220 hp, 260 hp boosted), 240 tractors (240 hp, 270 hp boosted) and a new Puma 260 (260 hp, 302 hp boosted).

AFS Connect Pumas come equipped with the AFS Pro 1200, 12.4-inch display, the AFS Vision Pro operating system and an AFS Vector Pro receiver. The display features antiglare coating for better visibility, Bluetooth and remote display viewing to connect operators with farm managers. The AFS Vision Pro operating system includes seven programmable run screens and split screen viewing. The AFS Vector Pro receiver improves guidance and connection signals.

The new AFS Connect Puma 260 tractor comes standard with a heavy-duty class 4.5 front axle and a heavy-duty rear axle, increasing the GVW capacity to 31,950 lbs. and allowing for larger diameter (group 48) rear tires. This increased capacity is optional on Puma 220 and 240 tractors equipped with a CVXDrive continuously variable transmission as well.

AFS Connect 6.7-liter Pumas offer a larger cab, more operator head and leg room, and more visibility (laminated windshield with an optional 240-degree sweep front wiper). The cab includes multiple power outlets and an optional AC power converter. The passenger seat storage bin can be converted to a cool box to keep refreshments cold out in the field. These tractors offer additional LED lighting packages, the lights mounted onto the cab and the hood. AFS Connect Pumas also feature a larger, 124-gallon fuel tank (the tank design creates spaces for two tool boxes). Right-hand steps incorporate an easy-opening battery compartment.

The new Puma 175 tractor (175 hp, 225 boosted) turns with an updated CVXDrive continuously variable transmission. This new model includes updated steps, an elastic hood closing rope, an enhanced armrest, a redesigned cab entry, upgraded interior space, new storage areas, a revised monitor bar and improved air flow.

For more information, visit www.caseih.com.

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PEGASUS FLIES

Pegasus Robotic Inc., exclusive XAG distributor, is launching the XAG P100 Pro 2023 agriculture drone in the United States (listed price is $49,900). XAG P100, with 57-inch blades, covers up to 70 gallons per hour, with a maximum pay swath of 33 feet. The XAG P100 Pro upgrade has several new features:

-- Folding design for transport and helicopter-like tilt rotor blades for enhanced flight stability.

-- Dual peristaltic pumps to double the capacity of spray volume to 5.8 gallons per minute at a speed of 31 mph.

-- Rapid switching between wet/dry products is possible with the P100 Pro's detachable 13.2-gallon liquid tank and detachable dry spreader capable of carrying a 110-lb. dry load of fertilizers, seed and other dry products.

-- Improved battery for long flight times.

The XAG P100 Pro is available through presale until June.

For more information, visit www.pegasusrobotic.com.

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AGCO'S SERVICE TECH DEGREES

AGCO has announced an expansion of its technician training program with Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. The college will build a 25,000-square-foot state-of-the-art training center on its campus made possible by a $5 million donation from AGCO Corp. The facility will house a new AGCO Agriculture Service Technician associate in applied science degree program, providing students with instruction specific to AGCO-branded equipment and cutting-edge precision ag technologies such as those offered by Fendt and Massey Ferguson, as well as education in general agricultural concepts.

The two-year program accepts students sponsored by AGCO dealerships, with classes starting fall 2023.

Students will also achieve AGCO certification for completion of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 curriculum on AGCO equipment. This certification includes the operation of AGCO equipment, basic troubleshooting, and application of technical service information. Students will also gain experience and knowledge on AGCO-based information systems, including service, warranty, and parts information.

For information about the AGCO Agriculture Service Technician A.A.S. degree program, visit www.parkland.edu/AGCO or contact your local AGCO dealer.

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

Follow him on Twitter @DMillerPF

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