With so many maintenance issues, heavy lifting and general hard work that come with owning a farm, it is nice to know there are ways to save time and energy. Every year new pieces of farm equipment are made that help farm owners breathe a sigh of relief. Read on to find out what new items you will want to add to your wish list to help out with the chores.

 John Deere 3000 and 4000 Twenty Series Compact and Cab Utility Tractors

John Deere’s new 3000 Twenty Series compact utility tractors (27-44 hp), and 3000 Twenty/4000 Twenty Series cab utility tractors (32.5-66 hp) put power and effortless control at your fingertips. TNV-series diesel injection engines and eHydro transmissions provide plenty of power and torque to handle tough jobs. Dual hydraulic pumps in front and rear give you total functionality.

All 3000/4000 Twenty Series tractors offer AutoConnect™Deck and the patent-pending iMatch™ AutoHitch™, allowing you to effortlessly connect deck mowers and attach rear-mounted PTO implements without leaving your seat. The new cab tractors offer sealed, pressurized cabins with allergen filters and climate controls. All models offer adjustable seating, tilt power steering, clear controls, built-in diagnostics, and a full line of accessories and implements (www.johndeere.com).

 The Ramrod Taskmaster WB 1500 TX Mini-Skid Steer

The Ramrod Taskmaster WB 1500 TX mini-skid steer is one tough machine! “The purpose of the Ramrod Taskmaster is to get in and out of tight spaces, with the ability to run 60-plus different attachments or implements, including buckets, manure forks, rotary brooms, post hole augers, rototillers, trench diggers and snow blowers,” explains Ross Christie, of Leon’s Manufacturing, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada.

“Our new TX model is 30.6” wide – ideal for working in stable aisles – and can lift up to 1,500 pounds. Because you are not surrounded by a cage, you have an unobstructed view around you – you are right on top of the attachments or implements you are using. It allows a lot of the jobs to be done by one person. Ramrod gives you a choice of tires or tracks on most models, and a choice of tire or track tread as well.” The Taskmaster comes with a three-year warranty (www.ramrodequipment.com).

Kubota RTV 1140CPX

Vroom! Vroom! Kubota’s RTV 1140CPX is their newest utility vehicle, and is transformable, meaning the operator can choose between extra carrying space, and additional passenger capacity (from two to four passengers), with a quick and easy transformation system. Ideal for large farms, this heavy-duty, four-wheel drive RTV is powered by a three-cycle diesel engine. It features best-in-class 18.4 cubic foot cargo space, four-wheel wet disc brakes, hydraulic power steering, and a hydraulic lift bed.

The Kubota RTV 500 is Kubota’s first gas-powered utility vehicle that fits into the bed of a full-sized pickup truck. Perfect for anything from recreation to routine work around the farm, it features a two-cylinder Kubota gas engine, electronic fuel injection, Variable Hydro Transmission, and 4WD/2WD selector, providing outstanding traction and power. Frame-integrated Roll Over Protective Structure, ergonomic controls, a lower operator platform and maximum speed of 25 mph allows any operator to ride in comfort and style (www.kubota.com).

The Rotary Spreader Home Assembly Kit

The Stablers, Inc. introduces their new, economic, 12-cubic-foot Rotary SMART Spreader home assembly kit! “The SMART Spreader was designed by me, and built by my husband,” explains Linda Stabler. “The only two moving parts are the barrel and the tires. Only the hinge on the lid needs to be oiled. There are no belts or gears to break, no blades flying around, and no flying rocks or manure being thrown around. The manure falls straight out of the bottom in a shredded, even layer that breaks down in the soil faster and dramatically reduces fly breeding. You don’t need to own a tractor. This is the only spreader where the weight is balanced on the four-wheel frame so there is no weight on the hitch. You can use an ATV, a lawn tractor or a golf cart. It rolls easily regardless of its size. It is safe and easy to handle for 10 year olds to 80 year olds, and is a good spreader for women to handle.” Available in 12 to 77 cubic foot sizes, all Rotary Spreaders are built on the Stablers’ farm in Waterloo, Indiana (www.thestablers.com).

Propane-Fueled F150, F250 and F350 Ford Trucks

Saving money on your energy bill is always a plus! “Propane is the number one alternative energy fuel in the world,” says Mark Leitman, Director of Agriculture Programs for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “The majority of our propane supply comes from natural gas mains in the United States and Canada and is sold in markets where portability can be realized. One of the exciting new applications has been the development of the propane-fueled F150, F250, and F350 Ford pickup trucks, engineered by Roush Performance. The F150 emits 19 percent less carbon emissions than gas or diesel trucks. All three will soon be retailed and maintained by Ford dealerships throughout the country. Another product, developed by Ohio Propane Gas Association, is the John Deere propane-fueled utility vehicle, demonstrating gas to propane conversion, allowing you to use a cleaner fuel-burning vehicle both indoors and out.

“To demonstrate the performance and efficiency of propane-fueled equipment, we have introduced the Propane Farm Equipment Efficiency Demonstration Program (FEED), providing incentives for farmers and rural individuals to try propane equipment in their daily operations. We offer $2,500 to offset the cost of a propane lawn mower or stationary irrigation engine. The stationary irrigation engine may also be used in a program that is not purely for irrigation use, such as pumping water up or watering arenas. There is also an incentive for purchasing a tankless hot water heater. Smaller in size than tank heaters, its operation eliminates the need for standing hot water, reducing costs without reducing efficiency.” Some restrictions apply. A list of eligible products may be found at www.agpropane.com/demonstration.

The Kifco Water Reel

O.A. Newton introduces the Kifco Water Reel for watering outside pastures and indoor/outdoor arenas. “The Kifco Water Reel waters with complete uniformity,” explains O.A. Newton vice president, Bill Warner. “It uses correct application rates, and waters with no compacting. It is completely automatic and shuts itself off when it is finished. It is movable from pasture to pasture, or arena to arena, and is inexpensively priced and very low maintenance. Made right here in the USA, it has a one year warranty on the machine and a five year warranty on the hose. Parts are readily available and a service contract is available. Servicing can be done at our Bridgeville, Delaware, office or at our office in Bergen, New York.” The company also carries a wide range of Hutchinson grain augers in all sizes to meet your needs (www.oanewtonirrigation.com, www.oanewton.com).

The 7’ Mini Arena Groomer

Parma Company’s new 7’ Mini Arena Groomer Harrow® gives your arena’s surface that fine finished touch! “The 7’ model is an extension of the 6’ model,” says general manager Roger Blaylock. “It retains the mini-profile but is wide enough to cover a wider wheel-base and cover the tractor marks of the newer compact tractors. It is more economical than the 8’ model, without losing coverage. The ‘S’ tines recondition the soil without getting into the base. The leveling bar pulls the footing forward to fill in the low spots and level the high spots, and the rear roller reconditions the footing. It is economically and competitively priced.” All Parma Company equipment has been manufactured on the company grounds in Parma, Idaho, since 1907 (www.parmacompany.com).

Porta-flex Safety Round Pen

Round pen safety is always a concern. One round pen innovation now experiencing resurgence in popularity is the Porta-flex Safety Round Pen, designed by Steve Harris, of Cottonwood, Arizona.

“The Porta-flex Safety Round Pen is a dynamic tension structure that works on the principle of a trampoline. Made of textilene, it is anchored by stakes driven into the ground. Each 30’ panel has posts at 10’ intervals with two ropes on each post that attach to the stakes. You lay it out, hook the panels together and stand it up. It holds any horses, wild or domestic, and is number one in safety and portability. Most folks use them in a permanent place,” he explains.

“This round pen is used for working wild, unbroken or problem horses, with no injuries. It is completely safe. The panels are 6’5” high so horses rarely attempt to go over it. Each panel weighs 38 pounds so it is light to handle. Once you take it down, it fits into the back of a pickup truck. It is designed by a working horseman, for working horse people.” Handcrafted in the U.S., it carries a five year limited warranty (www.cowboyschool.com).

Solid Bottom and Covered Round Pens

Priefert’s Solid Bottom HD Round Pen leaves the rail-style panels open, but has solid paneling covering the bottom of each panel, preventing the horse from catching its feet beneath the railing. Carousel Buildings, Castlebrook Barns, Cover All and Merry Go Round Pens build covered round pens supported on either steel truss systems or post and beam structuring, with metal or scrim roofs, and no center posts. These safe, permanent structures can be enclosed, and are designed to beautifully compliment any equine facility.