This month’s “Gizmos & Gadgets” includes a product to reduce the pain associated with castration and new tractor models.

Lidocaine-impregnated castration band

Solvet introduces Lidoband™, a lidocaine-impregnated elastrator developed to minimize the pain of castration and enhance animal welfare in calves up to 250 pounds (lb.) and lambs up to 50 lb.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels, preventing nerve impulses. It typically acts fast (within five-10 minutes), but is short-duration. It has been injected as a local anesthesia before banding.

Lidoband provides lasting lidocaine effects for the duration of the castration procedure, offering enhanced comfort to the animal during the process. Containing 80 milligrams (mg) of lidocaine and a skin permeation enhancer, the band allows the anesthetic to seep from the band into the tissue, delivering lidocaine into scrotal tissues in as little as two hours and lasting for up to 42 days.

Banding avoids surgery and administration of an injection, decreasing time and handling costs to the producer. Once applied, the bands cut off blood flow to the scrotum and testes, which fall away in three to six weeks. Improved comfort has potential economic benefits through increased average daily gain.

The bands are packaged in easy-to-use blister packs to avoid touching the band. For more information, including video for how to apply the bands, visit https://lidoband.com.

Designed with Work in Mind

The Farmall Utility M series tractor is the latest addition to the Farmall lineup. Its ActiveDrive 4 transmission brings new levels of power and performance in two models, the 110M and 120M.

Under the hood is a powerful FPT 3.4 L, four-cylinder engine with Tier 4 B/Final emissions, a turbo-intercooler and high torque values.

The ActiveDrive 4 semi-automatic transmission uses button-operated seamless gear shifting, maximizing comfort with smooth gear shifts. The tractor comes standard with 16 forward and 16 reverse gears. An creeper option is available with 32 forward and 32 reverse gears. The transmission covers a wide range of speeds, from under 0.2 mph to 25 mph.

Additional features include the electro-hydraulic power shuttle, power shuttle sensitivity settings, automatic 4WD and automatic differential.

Farmall M tractor models can be fitted with an optional waterproof transmission. Special guards mounted on the axle and transmission prevent water and mud from penetrating.

An electro-hydraulic power take-off (PTO) clutch, two PTO speed options, and automatic PTO (Auto PTO) function make the Farmall M tractor ready for work. Monitor the PTO speed on a digital indicator in real time during operation. Auto PTO lets you engage or disengage the PTO at a predetermined hydraulic arm/lever height.

A spacious cab with air conditioning, ergonomic control levers, air-suspension seat and sunroof make this a relaxing workspace. The air-suspension seat adjusts the suspension to suit your personal preference.

Electro-hydraulic components ensure efficiency when working with a variety of ag attachments. Features include electronic draft control, hydraulic lift capacity of 8,809 lb., six hydraulic outlets, fender-mounted hydraulic controls and hydraulic top link.

A standard electronic hitch control system makes it easy to control heavy ag attachments. Adjust settings in the electro-hydraulic system to meet all your needs, in all conditions.

For more information, visit https://caseih.com.

Fourth-generation M7 ag tractors

Kubota Tractor Corp. featured a new generation of the M7 Series at the 2023 Farm Progress Show. The M7-4 Series features horsepower segments ranging from 128 to 168 in engine hp, with three new models — the M7-134, M7-154 and M7-174. Customers can optimize the tractor for their specific needs with all models available in Deluxe, Premium and Premium KVT, offering benefits for any farm application.

“This new generation matches the performance that customers know to be true of Kubota and the existing M7, but uplevels the operator experience with adjustments to comfort and new features for productivity that fit a broad spectrum of ag applications, including hay operations, loader work, and small to midsized row crop farming,” says Morgan Ludwig, Kubota livestock tractor product manager.

The M7-4 Series models all feature a new LM2606 Front Loader that provides an increased lifting height of up to 167 inches (in.) and a lift capacity of 5,776 lb. at the bucket pivot pin. The loader control lever is conveniently located to enable quick, smooth and intuitive control of front loader operations. On Deluxe models, the new mechanical multifunction joystick simplifies front-loader operations with ergonomically designed shift buttons, eliminating the need to frequently switch grip between the joystick, steering wheel and shift lever.

All models in the M7-4 Series include new and enhanced features intentionally designed for productivity in a comfortable environment. Included in all models is the multispeed steering control with three settings to reduce fatigue by allowing the operator to set the parameters on the number of rotations of the steering wheel to achieve full turning radius.

Standard features on the Premium and KVT models, and optional on the Deluxe M7-4, are powerful LED lights that ensure excellent visibility and electric heated side mirrors to reduce fog and condensation on the mirror. Xpress Restart allows the operator to directly control the main clutch by simply pressing the brake pedal, and comes standard on Deluxe and Premium models.

Improved design of fuel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tanks allows the steps into the cabin to become integrated with the tanks, while letting the operator work longer between refueling stops. An automatic HVAC system ensures a temperature-right workspace, whether in summer or winter, which comes standard on the Premium and KVT models and is optional on the Deluxe model. Additionally, the choice of mechanical or air suspension and the standard air-ride equipped seat reduces discomfort and bumps along the way.

For more information or to find an authorized Kubota dealer, visit www.kubotausa.com.

New Holland features at Farm Progress Show

During the 2023 Farm Progress Show, New Holland debuted the new T4 Electric Power tractor and released Season 2024 updates and upgrades for their CR Series combine models and T9 Series with PLM Intelligence tractors. In addition, New Holland introduced the new IntelliView™ 12 Guidance Kit (an aftermarket kit installation designed to enhance or install fundamental precision and connectivity features on equipment) and demoed the latest in loader technology with a T6 Methane Power tractor equipped with Smart Loader technology.

The T4 Electric Power tractor is a game-changing tractor that ushers in a new era of modern agriculture as the first fully electric utility tractor with autonomous features. It is suitable for livestock, specialty crop and municipal operations. Equipped with an advanced lithium-ion battery, the T4 Electric Power tractor delivers consistent power and torque, ensuring seamless operation during loader work and field applications. It sets a new standard for its class and efficient farm practices while delivering upon New Holland’s unwavering commitment to helping customers build more sustainable operations for this generation and beyond.

Other new portfolio additions that were on display included:

• The IntelliView 12 guidance kit, a transformative aftermarket kit installation, is designed to enhance or install fundamental precision and connectivity features. This kit is tailored for New Holland customers seeking to elevate their existing machines’ performance with auto guidance, implement control and other precision capabilities.
• CR series combine harvester upgrades. 2024 CR series combine models are receiving a number of updates, including upgrades to New Holland signature styling, improvements to the technological capabilities of IntelliSense™ and IntelliCruise™ sensors and additions to the cab with new seat options and a second display offering. All CR series combine harvesters will come equipped with stone-trap door sensors, new tow hitches and standardized dynamic feed roll systems.
• T9 with PLM Intelligence tractor enhancements. New models for 2024 will feature updates that touch all facets of the T9 tractor, from horsepower and operator ergonomics to technological advances like dual IntelliView displays. All new T9 tractors will boast a FPT Cursor 13L engine to increase rated and peak power with single-stage and two-stage turbos.
• Addition of Smart Loader on the T6.180 Methane Power tractor: The Smart Loader will allow operators to have proper load weighing, full control of the position monitor with gauges showing implement height and angle reference, options between 30 implements in the display and auto reminders of when it’s time to conduct maintenance on the loader.

For more information, visit www.newholland.com.