New machines a hit at Gordyville

GIFFORD – The giant Fendt combine from AGCO was a big hit at this year’s Midwest Ag Expo at Gordyville.

The clean sheet design is something never seen before and weak areas have been engineered out. The machine has impressive threshing, separating and cleaning capacity.

“It’s something that has been in testing here for six or seven years and finally seen in public here for the first time in east central Illinois,” explained Ben Kuhns, store manager for Kuhns Equipment in Gibson City.

This beast of a machine has an unloading capacity of six bushels per second with a 500-bushel grain tank.

“This whole combine is engineered to run that 1850 (RPM) high idle all day instead of like a 2150 or 2200 of competitor’s machines,” Kuhns adds.

Kuhns Equipment also showcased a couple of the 1,000 series Fendt tractors, which are becoming popular for their torque and pulling ability.

Jenner Precision of Fairbury was another company displaying products at Midwest Ag Expo, such as stalk devastators, twisted spike closing wheels, closing systems and row cleaners. A number of 360 Yield Center and Ag Leader items were also highlighted. Jenner’s Bryan Fehr hopes planter maintenance is at the top of everyone’s mind.

“Make sure your gauge wheels are tight and your closing system is good,” Fehr noted.

Fehr suggests digging more than once out in the field once you start planting this spring to make sure the seed trench is closed. They have noticed quite a bit of interest in closing wheels following the recent Precision Planting Winter Conference held in Tremont.

“We want to make sure we are helping the guys – not just selling them products.”

The annual Midwest Ag Expo held near Gifford showcases the latest in tractors, combines, ag technology, seed, livestock, precision farming and lawn and garden equipment. The show is hosted by the Midwest-Southeastern Equipment Dealers Association.