What is going to be the next "Big Thing"

[foggy1111]

I realize tht Yamaha allready made one some years back.....BUT an ATV or UTV with a three point hitch and a PTO on the back could be a big winner....if promoted properly.

The small-time operator with mowing and light food plot needs would go for an ATV / UTV with some basic tractor features. I cant understand that this has not already happened in a big way.....especially a PTO powered mower on ATV's.

Somebody is missing a market.....IMO. :confused2:

 

[IslandTractor]

Agriculture is going hi tech so I agree that satellite based information systems etc will come along for the big boys.

For those with all purpose CUTs however, like most folks on TBN, I'd guess we are going to find ways to make these portable diesel powerplants we currently call tractors more useful. How about a PTO powered air compressor, welder, generator combination product for example. Helps clear out the garage and provides more power for each of those implements than typical 110V or even 220V household electrics can.

I suspect quick attach systems and remote hydraulics will be standard on every CUT so we'll all have grapples, topping lifts and other tools besides a bucket. More hydraulic powered around the home/ranch tools that run off rear remotes too.

 

[Snapper Head]

Hydraulic PTO power. No shaft, no coupling. Just hoses. It's been tried in various forms on 4 wheeled vehicles and motorcycles, but never quite made the breakthrough. It would sure be nice to simply pop two fitting into the hydraulic couplers when changing powered implements, rather than go 3 rounds with the PTO driveline.


Big Al

 

[IslandTractor]

Hydraulic PTO power. No shaft, no coupling. Just hoses. It's been tried in various forms on 4 wheeled vehicles and motorcycles, but never quite made the breakthrough.

It sure made the breakthrough with skidsteers though. I guess the problem is that hydraulic motors are so much more expensive than equivalent gearboxes. Ever price a hydraulic powered front mower for a skidsteer compared to equivalent bush hog? About twice as expensive.

 

[Haoleguy]

I agree with the front 3ph and hydraulic pto. Came across a western company on the web ... Home :: Edwards Equipment Company ...that currently sells front 3phs for many current utility tractors. I also think that the hydraulic pressure ratings will increase on utility tractors that will bring in more implements that only skidsteers and excavators can currently use.

 

[mmurphy]

Carbon will slowly gain on metal fabrication.
Possibly Hydrogen, and or methane hydrates for fuel source.

 

[Grandad4]

I'd like to see load sensing monitors for the FEL and 3pt attachments plus real time tilt/pitch/COG data. Already used in high end heavy equipment but the basic technology could be adapted for smaller equipment... definite safety and performance improvement vs. the ol' seat of the pants pucker factor.

 

[Qapla]

Moving to hydro implements would sure be nice ...
but, to make it really great ...

a quick-connect system that not only allows the implement to be mounted on the 3PH, but the hydro connections also connected and disconnected without having to leave the seat.

Perhaps some sort of Skid Steer mounting system for rear and front mounted equipment.

Even better would be attachments that could be front and/or rear mount with the same connection system - only one mower or tiller or whatever needed for either end of the machine. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Ford tractor]

I'm gonna second the diesel electric theory. Already making a huge resurgence in the commercial marine industry and now starting to creep into the construction equipment as well (Cat dozer). Actually, all the large LeTourneau mining trucks and loaders have been diesel electric for years, haven't they? There are so many more electronics in the tractors now, and the electric over hydraulic controls are fantastic. I believe John Deere has at the very least a prototype diesel electric tractor. Diesel engine only puts out the power it needs for any given task and no more. Electrically driven hydraulic pumps for drive motors, electrically driven pumps for hydraulic remotes, and an electric pto. Super efficient, compact, and pretty reliable stuff. Electric motors allow for precise and instantaneous control. In some ways I believe it is easier to build a machine this way also.

Give it another 10 years and I guarantee it will be more prevalent - if for no other reason, than it will cut down on emissions by allowing tractors to be operated on less horsepower for the majority of their tasks, only taking advantage of their full rated diesel engine power when a full electrical demand is absolutely called for.

Guys, don't be confused - the tractor doesn't run on batteries - it still has the diesel engine which runs ALL THE TIME. It just drives a generator instead of a gearbox which then distributes the power to the different electric motors. For instance, each drive wheel would have it's own motor (no drive shafts or gearboxes) and would only get the power that is called for. Think - truly independent 4 wheel drive! Much less wheel slippage as power can be split between the other non slipping wheels. You'll be able to run your pto slower without affecting ground speed/wheel power or hydraulic flow - everything is independent.

Thoughts?

Yeah!

That's what I was trying to say, but you did it far better.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

We'll lease our land to Farmville. There will be automated equipment run by paying city slickers sitting at their computers.