Receiving one of SIMA’s Gold Medals for innovation, Michelin launched its EvoBib 2-in-1 tire, which adjusts pressure for road and field conditions with a unique tread pattern. At psi of 17 or less in the field, tread contact increases to reduce soil compaction, while increasing traction. At higher tire pressures of 29 psi or more, only the central band of the tire contacts the road, reducing vibration. “It’s a totally new concept which can save more than 500 gallons of fuel per year and increase field traction by 30%, which can save 20 horsepower,” says Emanuel Ladent, president of Michelin's agricultural division, who added that the tire is expected to be launched commercially by the end of 2017.

One of two SIMA Gold Medal recipients, Trelleborg launched its VIP (variable inflation pressure) tire system, capable of automatically increasing and reducing pressure based on load weight. The system, initially tested in Fendt combines, features a compressor and enclosed sensing control unit in the axle that adjusts tire inflation to reduce compaction by about 10% and increase crop yield by about 5%, according to Lorenzo Ciferri, marketing director for Trelleborg. The system is still in the prototype stage and being field-tested on wheat, Ciferri says.

Väderstad debuts its Tempo L precision planter, available in 12 or 16 rows and capable of planting speeds of up to 12 mph. The planter has a 1,300 gallon granulated fertilizer tank and row units feature versatile 100-liter tanks for seeding a variety of crops including corn, cotton or sugarbeets. The system can be controlled by a tablet in the tractor cab, run through the company’s E-Services control center. The system allows for wireless control of seeding population, depth control and down pressure. “Also new on this model is the hydraulic weight transfer that can add and take off pressure,” says Philip Westman, sales manager for Eastern Europe, who added that the planter would be introduced to the Canadian market in spring 2017.

Tim Steunkel, marketing manager with TeeJet Technologies introduces the company's Turbo TeeJet induction nozzles, which are EPA approved for application of XtendiMax (Monsanto) and Engenia (BASF) on Dicamba tolerant crops. "The product allows for very coarse or ultracoarse droplets, which are often recommended for Dicamba applications, and offers drift control for both vapor and particle drift," Stuenkel says.

Saga Robotics and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, introduced Thorvald, a modular ag robot. The vehicle weighs about 440 pounds and has 8 motors — 4 for steering and 4 for propulsion. It is adaptable for tillage work and has been primarily tested for use in strawberry tunnels using UV lights to kill mildew on plants. “One of the unique features is that it can be modified for a lot of different working environments, kind of like Legos, and can be narrowed to fit into smaller spaces or expanded for more substantial field tasks,” says Lars Grimstad, PhD student at MBU.

Check out the latest grain handling and storage products from some of the industry's leading suppliers.

Philip Burnham with CDS John Blue Company shows off the next generation centrifugal pumps offered by CDS John Blue at the 2017 National Farm Machinery Show.

Darrell Peterson previews the May Wes Quick Disconnect 2 system for headers and tractors in addition to a range of combine and harvest replacement parts.

Paul Ryan, with RFM Ag out of Australia, introduces their Spring Coil Closing Wheel System, available through Poly Tech Industries in North America.

Jerry Graham with Graham Electrical Planter Systems discusses the new wireless electric drive system for planters.