What is going to be the next "Big Thing"

[dangerdoc]

As long as we are speculating,

and I am not making a total

"spectacle" of myself (insert A&* there)

as its still early I would think a mobile

hay cuber/bagging plant for bagging super

sacks of hay for all users being horse, cattle,

sheep, hay contractors, will be the winner take

all in the towed implement category which wil

reduce spoilage to almost zero.

I would love to see an affordable cuber. In addition to feeding the animals, I could feed the wood stove in the winter. It would reduce the mad scramble putting up wood for the next year.

 

[Capt Dan]

Next big thing will be easier attaching of implements for farmers and new compact tractor owners that aren't willing to muscle things on and off.

Not a new thing, I have thought this for years.

I would like to see attachments be more compatible with my quick hitch. Our farm stores around here only carry the more inexpensive models that you need to use the adapter on the top. Then you also need to use the bushing on bottom which they either don't carry in stock or sell individually for a lot of money. I bought a PTO extension so I thought I could go between brush mower and finish mower easier and it won't work on tractor (bottoms out before lock engages). A quick hitch is a great idea but it's just another thing I'm having to put on and off.

I would use tractors a lot more with quick attach implements, buckets/forks/snowplow, top n' tilt, front hydraulics. All things that are options or after market. Many are do-it-yourself.

It takes a lot of time finding the parts for making things. Sometimes more than assembly.

 

[Ford tractor]

Any insight into 3 point hitch implements that we will need and don't currently have available? Ken Sweet

How about an attachment that measures soil pH and other factors dynamically while in use that is tied into a computer / GPS that generates a detailed map of field conditions. This would be attached to a disc, plow or other soil contacting implement. Then tie that into a spreader / computer / gps that can spread the correct amount of fertilizer or lime based on the soil requirements? Maybe add in a seeder that can dynamically vary the amount of seed planted (row width / seed spacing) based on the soil's computed ability to support growth. Moister and richer portions of the field get more seed per square yard than drier or barren portions of the fields.

Just think'n out loud...

 

[jinman]

How about an attachment that measures soil pH and other factors dynamically while in use that is tied into a computer / GPS that generates a detailed map of field conditions. This would be attached to a disc, plow or other soil contacting implement. Then tie that into a spreader / computer / gps that can spread the correct amount of fertilizer or lime based on the soil requirements? Maybe add in a seeder that can dynamically vary the amount of seed planted (row width / seed spacing) based on the soil's computed ability to support growth. Moister and richer portions of the field get more seed per square yard than drier or barren portions of the fields.

Just think'n out loud...

Now that is some innovative thinking. Terrific idea! Active PH identification could be abbreviated APHID for a catchy title.:thumbsup:

 

[nebraskasparks]

Ken,

First...thanks for using TBN. Lots of good information that you offer along with your excellent knowledge in regard to equipment.

Last...I think the big thing going on is organic. No ifs ands or buts. I've been attending the MOSES organic conference off and on for some time and many small companies are hiring...while the rest of the world is laying people off.

Next new thing...more like back to the old way of doing things with small tractors, goats, sheep, bees and the like.
I think there is a need/market for innovative small machinery in planting/harvesting vegetable gardens....all the way down to better hand tools that I've seen the Japanese and Chinese farmers using that haven't made it over here yet. I'm having some made by a local shop at a very reasonable rate. ADM and large corporates want to make slaves of everyone and have succeeded. Just like Russia...the most productive plots will be those small allotments that still lie in the hands of the common citizen. Market size...there's a lot more little folks doing the farm market these days than the big farmers.

Hope that helps.

 

[nebraskasparks]

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?

Excellent insight! Fuel efficiency will be paramount no matter what size tractor is being used. I'm seeing the same thing on the ramps of various airports around the world for different types of equipment.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

2x on diesel/electric ruling in the future. The railroads started doing this over 5 years ago.

 

[PA hayseed]

Personally, I would love too see an industry standard in tractors.

I don't know why other industries have standards, but compacts are ruled by the individual makers.

Examples: Lift capcity - should all be measured the same exact way.
Quick attach - should mount on every tractor the same way
3 point hitches should all be the same.

I would love to see garden tiller that allowed you to adjust the times. I could then space the tiller to hit between the rows of plants. I start the garden off with the 6' tiller, then as the plants grow I am back to the old rear tine tiller.

I would also like to see a rock mover, not a grapple or the straps hanging from my bucket or pallet forks. Something that articulates from the seat, so I can pick up the rocks (too heavy to lift by yourself) to sit on walls. I know about clevis pins, but something like a fully articulating backhoe thumb/grapple on the front of my tractor. up down side to side and turning on its axis. I have seen something like this for robotics, but not a compact tractor.

 

[spruce Deere]

I would 2nd nebraskasparks thoughts.....more local, "organically" grown goods on a small scale. The farmers markets around here just keep growing and growing. I till a ever-expanding garden for an acquaintance that nearly is a half acre now and pernt' neer every plant that piece of dirt grew made money at the local farmers market, 'Bartered some fresh veggies for the till'n :licking: Next big thing I believe will be smaller farming or larger improved "gardening" implements. But I think it will be more of a fad than the "new wave". Some will keep on with the small scale farming or large scale "gardening", both requiring almost daily work, and some will just find it easier to shop at the local Farmers Market.

 

[hilld]

On the front mounted 3 point, don't they sort of already have that concept. Look at PowerTrac or even Bobcat style quick disconnects. I would think that the 3pt drive shaft would be replaced by hydraulic type of connections such as in bobcat mount style posthole diggers/augers, etc.