Livestock Equipment

Farmers, Truckers and Gear Heads Rejoice: EPA Rolls Out Streamlined Diesel Engine Fluid Guidelines

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:52:52 GMT

EPA is rolling out new guidance for manufacturers of farm equipment and other heavy-duty vehicles, removing regulatory red tape requiring diesel-powered farm equipment to reduce engine torque dramatically when a problem arises with the machine’s Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system.

You can read EPA’s statement on the announcement here.

The new rule making goes into effect immediately for all new diesel engines on model year 2027 machines. It should also be noted the new guidance from EPA is voluntary for all non road equipment. Ultimately, each manufacturer will have the right to choose whether it implements the new inducement strategy or maintains the status quo with its own machines.

To fix the problem for farm machinery already in the field, EPA’s new guidance, developed in collaboration with farm equipment manufacturers, will work to ensure necessary software changes can be made on the existing fleet.

(EPA)

EPA administrator Lee Zeldin says now all non-road equipment, like farm tractors, combines and sprayers, must be configured so there is no impact on engine power for up to 36 hours when a DEF system malfunction occurs. Once 36 engine hours have passed, a 25% reduction in engine torque will go into effect until the machine is serviced. If the farm equipment is not fixed within 100 engine hours, then a 50% reduction in torque is activated until the machine can be serviced.

Additionally, farm equipment can be restarted with full engine power three times for up to 30 minutes after inducement, according to the EPA release.

“This is the first crack in the ice toward saying we don’t need these expensive systems on our farm equipment,” says Ben Reinsche, owner, Blue Diamond Farming Company in Jesup, Iowa. “We don’t need to immediately shut off an engine or be restricted for 36 hours if you have DEF unavailable or a malfunction.

“This is a positive step and maybe a formative step toward saying that having these emission standards on farm or off-road equipment is not critically necessary,” adds Reinsche. “There are so many other things farmers can do that are planet positive, like using conservation and sustainability practices, rather than having an after treatment system on our diesel engines.”

Small Business Administration (SBA) leader Kelly Loeffler says the new rule will save 1.8 million family farms across America a staggering $727 million per year while offering “vital financial and operational certainty.”

“This announcement today is such a big deal, especially on behalf of our farmers and ranchers,” says USDA secretary Brook Rollins. “At a time when our ag sector is really hurting, our farmers have had to endure a 30% cost increase in inputs, and a $30 billion Biden-era trade deficit, these everyday regulations being lifted makes such a difference.”

The new guidance greatly reduces a machine setting known as DEF derating and allows operators more time to secure DEF, refuel and make repairs. The new guidance also reportedly retains the environmental benefits of Tier 4 engine and DEF regulations for farm equipment and trucks.

“Today we are taking another important step forward by undoing these diesel fluid guidelines that have hurt our farmers and small rural businesses,” says U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). “Not only will these new guidelines save family-run farms hundreds of millions of dollars per year, but it is also just common sense, folks. No farmer should have their tractor come to a halt in the middle of a field due to Green New Deal-style regulations from Washington.”

How Did We Get Here?

EPA ushered in DEF requirements for large farm equipment when it enacted broader Tier 4 emissions standards in 2004.

Tier 4 Interim rules, which required DEF for farm machines 750 horsepower and up, then went into effect in 2008.

In 2015, EPA’s final Tier 4 regulations were put in place, meaning all new non-road diesel engines — regardless of horsepower rating — had to comply with new emissions standards.

Curious where your farm equipment is made? Check out Farm Journal’s “Who Makes What Where” feature to learn more.

Why Do Many Farmers Hate Using Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?

American farmers say they detest using DEF due to the challenges and additional fuel cost it tacks onto their operations.

Here are some reasons farmers aren’t big fans of DEF:

Higher Costs and More Maintenance: DEF adds on extra materials costs for machinery-based field work. Farmers must purchase large amounts of fluid, and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) framework that processes DEF is prone to malfunctions and expensive to repair. Often a simple-but-unexpected repair can pop up out of nowhere and end up costing farmers thousands of dollars and leave equipment inoperable.
Field Work Interruptions: If a tractor runs out of DEF or if the system breaks down, under the now-defunct previous guidelines engine power was greatly reduced, which is known by many farmers as “going into limp mode.” For farmers who rely on their equipment to operate consistently and reliably during planting and harvesting, any issue quickly becomes a major headache.
Storage Issues: DEF has a limited shelf life and is sensitive to temperature ups and downs. A quick Google search says DEF freezes at around 12°F and can degrade if stored in temperatures above 86°F. And who wants to look at a giant pallet of DEF cartons stacked in their machinery barn? Nobody, that’s who.
Contamination/Quality Control: DEF fluid must be pure and free of contaminants. Accidentally using the wrong type or getting foreign substances in the tank during refilling can wreak havoc throughout the system, leading to repairs and downtime.
Engine Performance Concerns: There are farmers who believe newer emissions systems, including those that use DEF, reduce the machine’s total power output and lower fuel efficiency.

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Machinery Pete: Versatile Skid Steers, Used Tractors Are Hotter Than Fish Grease

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 21:18:37 GMT

What goes well alongside sweltering summer Midwest heat and humidity?

Well, if you answered used farm equipment auctions, you’re on the same wavelength as our used equipment-obsessed friend, Machinery Pete. He hit the road last week, capturing all of that sweet, sweet iron moving at auction.

All jokes aside, the extreme heat and humidity that hit the Upper Midwest this weekend can indeed be a bad omen for farm auction results, Pete says. Good thing there’s plenty of online auctions this summer so you can avoid the sweaty, sunburned crowds while still getting down on all the bidding action.

Here’s a quick sample of what Pete says stood out from the past seven days of red-hot farm equipment auction sales:

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

In an online Pifer Group auction that pulled used farm equipment from Minnesota and the Dakotas, a 2024 John Deere 335 P-Tier skid steer (pictured above) with 275 hours sold for $94,000. Pete says that’s a pretty good deal considering the only comparable model listed for sale at MachineryPete.com right now is a 2025 335 P-Tier. That bad boy starts at $159,000, though.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

And a 2009 John Deere 325I skid steer with only 124 hours on it sold for $36,000 at the Harry and Lola Blackburn farm estate sale in Iowa.

On the tractor front, on Tuesday of last week, the folks at DPA Auctions moved a pair of late-model John Deere tractors that originated from farms in South Dakota.

(DPA Auctions)

In that sale, two 2024 John Deere 8R 280 MFWD tractors, one with just under 1,200 hours (pictured above) and another with 1,451 hours on it, sold for $315,000 and $296,000, respectively.

“Those were both above the average auction price this year, which is just over $282,600,” Pete says. “And interestingly, that’s up from last year’s average which was just over $258,000.”

And finally, Pete’s “Pick of the Week” is a pair of used tractors:

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

At the Blackburn estate auction in Iowa, a Gold Key Certified 2009 John Deere 7230 Premium 2WD tractor (above) with only 1,076 hours sold for $94,500.

And at the Al Bruhn farm auction sale Saturday in Mapleton, Iowa, a vintage 1968 International Harvester 756 German diesel tractor set a new all-time record at $29,000. The previous high for that year/model was $21,000.

Auction to Watch This Week

Sullivan Auctioneers and Big Iron Auctions is having a “No Reserve Dealer Inventory Reduction” online auction for Sinclair Tractor featuring a huge collection of machines from the dealer’s Iowa stores. Check out the video preview from auctioneer Dan Sullivan above.

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No, John Deere is Not Freezing Production or Stepping Away From its U.S. Factories

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:48:45 GMT

An online report last week claimed John Deere is shutting down ALL manufacturing in response to the ongoing tariff situation in the U.S.

But we looked into it, and we’re here to tell you: don’t take the bait — or, as the kids say, feed the trolls — because it’s simply not true.

An article authored by Kieran Schalkwyk and titled “John Deere Freezes U.S. Manufacturing in Unprecedented Shutdown” appeared on MSN.com and was aggregated by Google News feeds last week, claiming the manufacturer is “making a radical move that some might think is ‘un-American.’”

John Deere shared the following LinkedIn post Friday afternoon. You can also visit Deere.com for more information on the company’s U.S. manufacturing presence.

The MSN.com post has since been taken down and brings up an error page:

MSN.com screenshot

(MSN.com)

It’s somewhat bewildering timing for this particular misinformation ploy.

John Deere recently put out a blog post outlining its commitment to U.S. manufacturing. The statement says John Deere will invest $20 billion into its U.S. footprint over the next decade, which includes major expansion projects in Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Today, the company has 60 manufacturing facilities in more than 16 U.S. states and employs over 30,000 American workers.

What is true is over the past 18 months, the company has been forced to lay off some employees , and it strategically slowed manufacturing at some production facilities in Iowa in response to depressed farmer demand for new tractors and combines.

Of course, John Deere is not alone navigating a treacherous global farm economy. Machinery rivals AGCO and CNH also made the tough choice to layoff factory workers over the past 12 months. CNH even completely shutdown its overseas machinery imports during the first few days of the tariff policy rollout, although that pause was only temporary.

In February, we updated our popular “Who Makes What Where” feature showing where major farm equipment is manufactured around the world.

Our analysis of John Deere’s global factory network shows that of the 60 John Deere machines relevant to U.S. farmers, 50 of them (83%) are manufactured here in North America. Of all the major farm equipment manufacturers we polled, John Deere has the largest U.S.-based manufacturing footprint other than Canadian-based Buhler Industries, which is 100% North America based.

So, it feels safe to say we can put this rumor to bed once and for all: No, John Deere is not shutting down its factories. Myth Busted. Shutdown the rumor mill.

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Discover Equipment Trends: From Tractors to Hay Tool Innovation

Thu, 01 May 2025 17:00:58 GMT

As May arrives, bringing warmer weather throughout much of the country, two segments in the used equipment auction world are also heating up: lower horsepower utility tractors and unique antique tractors.

Machinery Pete says the utility tractor class (125 hp to 175 hp with a loader) has been fairly strong for the past two years now, and noted a recent sale that shows higher price upside coming into play for those machines.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

A John Deere 6115M MFWD tractor (962 hours) with a H310 loader with grapple sold for a record $107,500 at an auction last week in Plano, Texas.

Another transaction that caught the eye of Pete and host Casey Seymour took place Tuesday evening at an Almond Vintage Power auction near Nicomas, Ill.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

A 1911 Imperial 4070 tractor in beautiful condition sold for $955,500. Only three tractors in that year/model are known to exist.

“It’s a very extreme example, but it shows there’s no shortage of money in the market right now, whether it’s the right piece of land or a crazy collector’s item like that,” Pete says.

Seymour, who has over 20 years of experience in the used equipment space, then spent some time with Pete unpacking some of the best practices they’ve picked up over the years for visual marketing up-for-auction equipment.

“The more information you can put out there, the better opportunity you have to spark somebody’s interest,” Seymour says. “And it’s a way to set yourself apart, whether you’re an auction company or a dealership or even selling it privately, to show you’ve got nothing to hide.”

Hay Tool Technology Evolves
Kaylene Ballesteros, go-to market manager – hay and forage products, John Deere, talked about the company’s approach to technology and automation in hay equipment.

She says adding automation to hay tools is no different than the evolution from horses pulling steel plows to diesel tractors working the ground. The idea is the technology has to make hay producers lives easier and also bounce some ROI back into their operations.

Years ago, John Deere launched its baler automation technology, and it recently built onto that ecosystem with Weave Automation. The feature automates “the art of weaving back and forth over the row really carefully” to make sure you get a perfectly square shoulder bale every time.

“Now, the hitch of the baler does the weaving for you, based off bale size and threshold settings it will make sure that bale is a square shoulder bale,” Ballesteros adds. “So, they can sit in that cab with a little less to worry about or go to their kid’s basketball game and put somebody else in the seat. It takes the stress out of that situation, too.”

Is Demand for Used Combines and Utility Vehicles On the Rise?
Aaron Fintel, used equipment specialist, 21^st Century Equipment, says 2025 is still the year of the last-minute equipment purchase. He had a farmer call him just a few days ago, on the cusp of full bore planting season, looking for a used planter. Fintel is also predicting higher demand coming into play on used combines and utility tractors in the 100 hp to 175 hp segment.

“It’s almost like everybody heard how cheap they were and said ‘Well, I suppose we should probably look into one,’” he says of buying behavior in the used utility tractor segment.

Another insight Fintel shares is the current tariff situation and uncertainty in the economy is stifling buying activity among livestock producers. Cattle ranchers, unlike their corn and soy raising counterparts, are riding a wave of strong prices for beef and other proteins.

Watch full episodes of the Moving Iron Podcast and Machinery Pete TV for FREE on our new streaming platform, Farm Journal NOW.

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Veterinarian Shares Safety Warning After Surviving Near-Fatal Cattle Chute Injuries

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:11:00 GMT

What began as a routine visit to a producer’s farm to work cattle turned into near-fatal accident for veterinarian Eric Knock of Miller, S.D. Knock shares his story through tellingthestoryproject.org/eric to help remind others to remain diligent of safety precautions while working with livestock on farms and ranches.

“Most people aren’t tall enough to get hung up like I did,” says 6-foot-8-inch tall Knock. “I’ve since heard of a young North Dakota man who stood on a bucket to get a better angle to treat the cattle and came in contact with the chute as the head gate was released. I’m taller than many people, so that was an element of this incident.”

As Knock leaned in while the chute was released to allow an animal to exit, his head was caught in a pinch point on the chute causing several skull fractures, and injuries to his right eye and eardrum, which later required reconstructive surgery.

“Doctors used words like ‘extensive’ and ‘many.’ None of the fractures were displaced,” Knock says. “If that had happened, the outcome could have been much more serious.”

Even though his physical injuries have healed, Knock has taken lessons learned to keep safety precautions top of mind.

“Everyone at our clinics has always worked with safety in mind,” Knock says. “However, we are all now more vigilant and mindful of the safety risks in our work environment.”

He says he take more time to assess the environment he’s working in before starting a treatment or process.

“I’m more aware of where everyone is while we’re working,” he says. “I pay close attention to pinch points on equipment, so I recognize the hazards to myself and fellow workers. We all know there are dangers when we work around large animals and equipment. This incident has intensified our understanding of what can happen.”

The incident took place in September 2022, and is one of 15 such incidents shared through Telling the Story Project.

The project is a collaboration between three agricultural safety and health centers funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) — the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, and the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety – as well as the National Farm Medicine Center, according to a release .

UC Davis offers these safety reminders when working cattle in a squeeze chute.

Prior to use, always inspect the livestock squeeze chute for defects or leaks and to assure they are securely attached at connection points.
Examine and test levers, latches, and moveable chute parts to assure they are not damaged and are functioning properly.
Tighten loose bolts and nuts. Check hydraulic hoses and fittings where applicable. Lubricate all fittings on established maintenance schedule.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry in the vicinity of moving parts on the livestock squeeze chute. Wear pants, boots and tie back long hair or wear under a cap or hard hat.
Keep the livestock squeeze chute work area clean and free of trip hazards. Clean up chute and surrounding area as soon as cattle work is finished.
Avoid startling or spooking livestock during handling operations.
Be alert and aware of potential sudden changes in conditions when handling livestock.
Always utilize good animal husbandry practices when handling livestock.
Ensure side access panels are fully engaged (closed)
Keep feet, arms, hands, and fingers clear of gates and other moving squeeze chute parts.
Inspect chute for sharp edges and ensure stable footing as the animals exit the chute.

“Everyone has hazards in their daily life, like driving down the road,” Knock says. “We need to be mindful of those risks and do what we can to avoid getting hurt. And slow down. Rushing through a job increases the potential for injury and accident.”

Monarch's MK-V Dairy Tractor Rolls Out Autonomous Feed Pushing

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:28:36 GMT

Monarch Tractor announces its first-in-class, fully-autonomous Autodrive feature is now commercially available on its MK-V driver-optional dairy tractor (EV or diesel) , according to a press release from the startup.

“Autonomous feed pushing offers value to dairy farmers by improving efficiency and increasing milk production,” says Praveen Penmetsa, CEO and co-founder of Monarch Tractor. “It allows the dairy farmers to focus on what matters most – the health and well-being of their animals.”

Autonomous feed pushing helps dairy farmers manage through labor shortages, and the ability to monitor feed pushing remotely while tending to other critical tasks ensures cows can be consistently fed every hour.

Additionally, the “smart tractor” is armed with Monarch’s Wingspan Ag Intelligence and WingspanAI technology stack , which tracks performance data while 360-degree cameras record video footage for real-time and historical insights. The MK-V Dairy is also a mobile power bank with 12v, 110v, and 220v plugs.

Monarch is hosting an in-person Autodrive demonstration at a working dairy on February 12, at 3 p.m. in Tulare, California, during World Ag Expo. Monarch reps and engineers will be on hand to talk to attendees and give them the opportunity to engage with the tractor. Reservations for the demonstration can be made here.

If you can’t make it to California next week, Monarch says dairy farmers can reach out and set up a demonstration at their farm.

Less Work, Better Bales: John Deere Intros Weave Automation

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:49:48 GMT

John Deere has launched weave automation for select round balers, according to a press release issued by the company.

Deere says this new feature helps streamline the baling process. The operator simply places the windrow between the front tires of the tractor and lets the baler do the work.

Today, round balers have gate and speed automation, which automates stopping the tractor when the bale is full sized - wrapping and ejecting the bale. The addition of weave automation allows less reliance on the operator skill to make a uniformed bale.

“Weave automation allows the baler to align with the tractor’s movements to effectively cover windrows of varying shapes and sizes,” said Kaylene Ballesteros, John Deere go-to-market manager for hay & forage equipment.

A New Process
The weaving hitch system allows a +38-degree swing from left to right, allowing for enhanced feed system and bale feeding capabilities. Not only does the automation streamline operation, it also enhances feed quality by minimizing contamination of debris introduced by driving over windrows.

Deere also says the added maneuverability of the baler allows the machine to position bales in a way that reduces the risk of rolling on uneven terrain or hillsides, increasing operator safety, productivity and efficiency.

To learn more about the John Deere Round Baler weave automation, stop by John Deere Booth 2025 at NCBA’s CattleCon, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit deere.com.

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Machinery Pete: Hot-Ticket Iron

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:44:17 GMT

While the market for late-model, used equipment for row-crop operations has softened this year, that’s not necessarily the case for hay and forage equipment and midsize loader tractors.

Take round balers for example. At an Aug. 1, 2024, farm auction in Solen, N.D., a 2022 New Holland Roll-Belt 560 Specialty Crop Plus round baler (1,810-bale count) sold for $53,975. That was a new record auction price by a whopping $10,465.

That record price lasted one day.

On Aug. 2, at a farm auction in Hospers, Iowa, a one-owner 2021 New Holland Roll-Belt 560 Specialty Crop Plus (102-bale count) sold for $56,000.

A March 9 consignment auction in Stamford, N.Y., produced the highest auction price ever on a Massey Ferguson round baler. A 4160V model with 698 bales sold for $59,000.

Modern hay rakes aren’t your grandfather’s hay rakes. A 2014 Claas Liner 4000 49' rake sold for $50,000 at a

Feb. 1 farm auction in Mount Vernon, Wash. Eight weeks later during a March 28 online auction in Copeland, Kan., a 2020 Rowse Ultimate V-rake, 27-wheel size went for $49,500.

Loader Tractor Records

Even more pronounced the past 18 months have been the solid auction prices on mid-horsepower loader tractors. The July 27 auction we filmed for our “Machinery Pete” TV show in Paris, Mo., by Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate was the largest auction I’ve seen in my 35 years. They sold equipment for more than 12 hours.

Somewhere in one of the many long rows of equipment that day was a 2008 John Deere 7430 Premium tractor with 1,354 hours and a John Deere 741 loader that sold for $160,000. That’s a new record auction price by $3,550, which was set three years prior.

When it comes to pre-DEF, pre Tier IV tractors, I have many examples of high prices in the 100 hp to 174 hp range. On the red side, a 1990 Case IH 7110 2WD with 2,562 hours sold for $72,000 at an Aug. 22 farm retirement auction in Rock Valley, Iowa, by Zomer Company Realty & Auction. That was $11,000 more than the prior record for that model.

Four days later, at a farm retirement auction in Wayne, Neb., by Creamer Auction Company, a 1995 Case IH 7220 front-wheel assist with 2,844 hours and one owner sold for $79,500. That’s the second-highest price for the past eight and a half years.

A trio of green time machines sold for big bucks when the gavel fell at an April 29 retirement auction for R&M Motors in Berlin, Wis., by Wilkinson Auction & Realty.

The tractor in the middle of the photo at right is a 1992 John Deere 4055 with 22 actual hours. Prior to that day, a 1989 2WD model with 215 hours that sold at a Dec. 19, 2016, farm auction in St. Edward, Neb., held the record at $93,000. What did the John Deere 4055 with 22 hours sell for earlier this year? $275,000. Yes, you read that right.

Next to it in line that day was a 2002 John Deere 7510 with 13 actual hours. I saw this exact same tractor sell at auction in Kentucky almost 10 years ago to the day for $100,000. At the Berlin auction, the tractor went for $192,000.

The third green tractor that sold was a 1992 John Deere 4455 with 2,260 hours. It brought $160,000, which is $62,150 more than the prior record.

I expect strong prices on good used loader tractors for the rest of 2024.

Vermeer Details Alliance With UK Spreader Firm Bunning

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:48:52 GMT

Vermeer announces an alliance with G.T. Bunning & Sons Ltd, a UK-based manure spreader manufacturing firm.

The partnership integrates Bunning spreaders into Vermeer’s hay, forage and livestock equipment lineup.

“This alliance is a natural extension of our commitment to keeping farmers and ranchers productive and efficient,” said Shane Rourke, managing director, Vermeer Forage Solutions. “By combining Vermeer forage expertise and our dealer network with Bunning’s 40-year legacy in spreader technology, we’re positioned to offer equipment that truly meets producer needs.”

Photo of the Bunning family (second, third, and fourth from left) with Jason Andringa (far right) and Mindi Vanden Bosch (far left).

(Photo courtesy of Vermeer)

Bunning brings valuable experience to the partnership, Vermeer says, and both companies share a vision for meeting farmer and rancher needs through innovation and have parallel histories of quality, innovation and customer-focused solutions.

“This collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to supporting agricultural operations of all sizes with innovative solutions that can help improve productivity and streamline operations,” said Chris Druce, sales director, Bunning.

The initial product line will feature spreaders from 300 ft to 1,400 ft (8.5 m3 to 40 m3).

Read the full release over at AgNewsWire.

Machinery Pete: Livestock Demand Pushes Loader Tractors Up, Late Model Glut Marches On

Tue, 14 May 2024 19:12:37 GMT

Machinery Pete – Greg Peterson – selected a pair of used John Deere tractors this week as his Pete’s Pick of the Week during his Monday morning appearance with host Chip Flory on AgriTalk Radio.

Peterson highlighted a 1988 two-wheel drive John Deere 4450 tractor with a loader (4,028 original hours) that was auctioned off in Calumet, Oklahoma, at a consignment sale helmed by Elite Auction Company. It went for an even $70,000, which Machinery Pete says is the highest price he’s witnessed this year on a used 4450 tractor. That same model’s average auction price over the last 24 years comes in at just over $36,000 – so this sale achieved nearly double the average sale price.

His second Pick of the Week also came from The Badger State: a 1989 John Deere 4455 two-wheel drive loader tractor with 1,238 original hours that went for $71,000. That sale occured last Friday in Oxford, Wisconsin, at a farm auction led by Gavin Brothers Auctioneers.

Machinery Pete says these types of tractors are being targeted by livestock producers.

“The livestock sector has been really strong, obviously,” Peterson says. “So good used equipment in that realm has held up stronger than the big grain side.”

Late Model Used Softening

While the older four- and two-wheel drive tractor market continues charting up and to the right, Peterson is noticing late model, large horsepower tractor prices “recalibrating pretty aggressively softer.”

He points to an equipment dealer with shops in Illinois and Missouri that recently held a sale with a staggering 523 used late model, high horsepower John Deere tractors on the lot.

A 2023 Model 8RX 410 with only 431 operating hours, still under factory warranty, brought $426,000 at auction, which Pete notes is the second lowest price on a used 8RX 410. Nine months ago at an auction in Michigan a 2022 8RX 410 went for $520,642.

Another example was a 2023 8R 310 tractor with 468 operating hours that sold for $289,000 – the lowest price Pete has recorded on that model this year. A similar model in January sold for $350K at auction.

“It’s focused on the late models – the one, two, three-year-old ones – that’s where we’re seeing the biggest (price) drops,” Peterson says. “Farmers are under pressure, and there’s more of them sitting on the used lot today than 18 months ago.”

Too many used equipment auctions to track? Follow Machinery Pete on Facebook for the latest used equipment auction news.

Have a used tractor you’re looking to sell? List it with MachineryPete.com, the most trusted name in farm equipment, and reach thousands of potential buyers.

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John Deere Introduces 326 P-Tier Compact Wheel Loader

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:39:03 GMT

John Deere announces the release of its new 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader. The 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader offers 16-plus feet of reach from its telescopic lift arm while still being compact enough to work in barns or other tight spaces.

“Operators will enjoy it for the cab visibility, the boom controls and the exclusive Articulation Plus steering system,” said Luke Gribble, John Deere go-to-market manager. “Put it all together, and the 326 P-Tier is a real multitool for the farm or ranch.”

To help guard against overloading, The Load Torque Indicator System gives visual and audible alarms if stability limits are exceeded during lifting, lowering or extension of the lift arm. In addition, a separate indicator warns of potential overload of the tilt cylinder.

“Features like these help make the 326 P-Tier an operator-friendly wheel loader for farmers and ranchers,” Gribble said. “And it is perfect for less-experienced operators.”

Inside the cab, operators will find a comfortable, easy-to-navigate environment. A 9-inch touchscreen display puts key information within easy view, and it shows key data such as warnings, status and machine-positioning information.

Conveniently placed electro-hydraulic controls offer Auto Return-to-Dig, and Auto Lift and Lower functions, and help to reduce cycle times. Optional boom-mounted lights and standard overhead window allow for a clear view to the end of the telescoping arm.

The new compact wheel loader also features a 23-mph top speed to help move quickly between jobs. And for tight turning in barns and other cramped spaces, its Articulation Plus steering system offers a full 30 degrees of articulation plus 10 additional degrees of rear-wheel steering.

To learn more about the new 326 P-Tier telescopic compact wheel loader, visit JohnDeere.com or contact your local John Deere dealer.

Livestock Producers Weigh In: ATVs, UTVs Or Both?

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 05:57:21 GMT

Horses remain critical and indispensable on ranches across the U.S., but many cowboys also now consider their ATV or UTV essential equipment.

One rancher told Drovers he uses an “ATV for moving cattle, a UTV for everything else.”

A Drovers online poll found that among owners of ATVs and UTVs, 49% said they own both, and comments suggest the investment is justified. “We have both an ATV and a UTV, but the UTV is used 95% of the time, best tool I have. Would hate to operate without it,” one rancher wrote. Another said: “I think the ATV is better for rounding up cattle, but the UTV is better for feeding and about everything else.”

The smaller ATVs are usually less expensive, which explains why a majority of our poll respondents (53%) said they own more than one. At least a third of those respondents said they own two ATVs.

The more versatile UTVs come with a higher price tag, but one-third of respondents (33%) told us they own two or more. An overwhelming 77% of respondents said their next purchase will be a UTV.

While both ATVs and UTVs are handy right off the showroom floor, farmers and ranchers are adding their own customized attachments.

“I use a battery-operated seed sower bolted inside the bed of my UTV,” wrote one farmer. “I also use the UTV to roll out barbed wire.” Another told us, “I added LED lights for checking cattle at night.”

Some Drovers readers shared their preference between ATVs and UTVs.

“An ATV shortens the time it takes to check cows and calves as well as irrigating,” one said. Another uses an ATV “for everything from checking cows and fences to spraying weeds and pulling a fencing trailer when working on fences.”

A UTV user said its handy for “feeding, building fence, checking on cows, spraying small pastures to everything in between.”

Read more of Drovers coverage of ATVs and UTVs here:

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