Tractor manufacturers showcased advanced technologies and increased power at this year’s Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days, with autonomous systems, intelligent lighting and upgraded transmissions leading the innovations.
John Deere’s autonomy precision upgrade kit represents a major step in bringing self-driving capability to existing 8R, 9R and 9RX tractors through 16 roof-mounted cameras and integration with current precision farming tools. This allows farmers to extend working hours and redirect labor during critical seasons.
Case IH’s new Steiger 785 Quadtrac is their most powerful tractor yet at 785 hp. The company also revived the classic Super M nameplate for 2026 while completely redesigning the Farmall A and C Series tractors with improved ergonomics and technology integration.
New Holland’s transmission improvements include Dual Command and Electro Command options to its PowerStar Series. The Electro Command eliminates clutch use with eight-gear electronic shifting, while the Workmaster Plus Series gained brake-to-clutch functionality for easier operation.
Fendt’s 1000 Vario Gen 4 introduced intelligent lighting that automatically adjusts brightness based on surroundings, preventing operator blindness while delivering up to 120,000 lumens. Maximum horsepower increased to 550.
Massey Ferguson’s 5M Series utility tractors offer integrated MF Guide systems that can boost efficiency in hay operations. The brake-to-neutral transmission simplifies round baling by eliminating clutch use during frequent stops.
Kubota’s MX 4900 provides an affordable entry point into utility tractors at 49 hp, while manufacturers across the board emphasized operator comfort, precision agriculture integration, and improved hydraulic systems to meet modern farming demands.
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