Technology

Q4 2025 will witness the arrival of new PowerStar Series tractors. (Image source: CNH)

New Holland’s PowerStar Series tractors have always been synonymous with power, utility and comfort, with the next generation being no exception

This tractor series offers powerful utility along with sleek new styling outside, greater comfort inside and a wide array of productivity-enhancing features across all four PowerStar models—the 90, 100, 110 and 120. 

Adding power

Power is important for a utility tractor and, as the name implies, the PowerStar Series delivers. Underneath the new hood is a powerful, fuel-efficient FPT Industrial 3.6 l four-cylinder engine featured in all four models. This lineup complies with Stage V emissions standards, which reduces particulate matter by 40% compared to Tier 4B. Along with a 13 l DEF tank, these tractors utilise Compact HI-eSCR 2 technology, resulting in higher torque, an increase of up to five horsepower and greater efficiency. For maximum visibility and compact dimensions, which are critical during loader work, the Compact HI-eSCR 2 is neatly concealed under the tractor’s hood while a new U-shaped exhaust also has been incorporated. Combining this feature with a larger fuel tank and long 600-hour service intervals that maximize uptime, operators will find powerful operational advantages.

Greater utility 

While a 12x12 transmission with a column-mounted electronic power shuttle is available on the three largest models namely 100, 110 and 120), operators can gain an advantage in their day with the proven 24x24 Dual Command transmission available as an option on all four models. The Dual Command transmission features the same electronic power shuttle but provides a Hi-Lo speed in each of the four gears. For added convenience, the PowerClutch button that’s placed on the back of the handle lets operators shift the gearshift lever without having to use the clutch pedal. On 12x12 and 24x24 Dual Command transmission models, a new feature, Dynamic Start-Stop or 'brake-to-clutch,' is included to help reduce operator fatigue during jobs that require frequent stops, like round baling. When activated, operators will simply need to press the brake pedal to stop the tractor and then release it to start driving again.

Enhancing productivity

Another set of novel options designed specifically for the PowerStar Series are all-new, factory-installed LU Series front loaders. These loaders offer more lifting capacity, greater lifting height, faster cycle times, improved visibility, easier coupling and refined control. Among a number of interesting developments, a new joystick is also available on Dual Command models that is aimed at lifting productivity. This joystick provides control of more than just the loader, housing buttons to shuttle, shift between Hi and Lo and toggle between preset engine speeds. By enabling the ability to simultaneously lift and shuttle with the same hand during repetitive motions, operators can boost their efficiency.

Refined VisionView cab 

Along with a new air suspension seat, a new digital instrument cluster provides greater insight into operating parameters and settings. Directly overhead a new super-high visibility panel offers outstanding visibility when the loader is raised to full height, like when stacking bales. For unsurpassed ride smoothness, Comfort Ride cab suspension can be added to Dual Command models for a 25% reduction in shock loads that can reach the operator.

Q4 2025 will witness the arrival of new PowerStar Series tractors. A 12x12 PowerStar 120 is currently on display at the 2025 World Ag Expo Feb taking place from 11-13 February at the New Holland booth in Tulare, California. A 24x24 Dual Command PowerStar 120 is also on display at the 2025 National Farm Machinery Show from 12-15 February in Louisville, Kentucky. 

BKT has analysed the main trends that will shape the future of agricultural tires, matching the expectations of leading tractor and farm machinery manufacturers. (Image source: BKT)

BKT, as a leading Off-Highway tire manufacturer is pursuing its goal of bringing to life high-performance tires that meet stringent application standards and sustainability criteria

Traditional farming techniques are being overtaken by more efficient and productive operations, partly thanks to the arrival of Agriculture 4.0 applications. These include precision farming, IoT sensors, crop monitoring drones, as well as an entire series of devices and technologies that allow for 360-degree process optimisation. A new scenario where sustainability is at the center of this transformation process. BKT has analysed the main trends that, according to the company, will shape the future of agricultural tires, matching the expectations of leading tractor and farm machinery manufacturers. 

Sustainability and environmentally sustainable materials 

There is a growing industry focus on biodegradable or recycled materials, making sustainability a priority for original equipment. As a response to this trend, tire manufacturers will increase their focus on the use of materials such as natural rubber or recycled compounds to reduce the environmental footprint. Also, the tire design will be conceived with due regard for improved fuel efficiency and thus to lower emissions.

Smart tires and IoT integration 

Next-generation tires will gradually integrate IoT sensors for real-time communication of pressure, wear, and performance data, also preventing maintenance interventions for reduced downtime. Moreover, the sensors will be able to provide relevant information on soil conditions, temperature, and load in view of optimising overall performance and farming yields.

Endurance and durability 

Increasing operational complexity requires ever stronger and more durable solutions. That is why compounds, tread design, and sidewalls will be optimised for an enhanced product life-cycle and increased product suitability for both traditional and modern practices.

Advanced manufacturing techniques 

On the production side, too, we will witness the advancement of cutting-edge techniques, such as 3D printing, which would greatly accelerate a tire’s time-to-market while increasing their customization, thus meeting the specific needs of individual operators in a targeted manner.

Customisation and adaptability 

It is quite likely that in the future we will experience increasing flexibility and modularity of tires, which would then be able to easily adjust tire features according to the season, type of application, and field conditions. Hybrid tires will also gain ground and be able to handle a wide range of agricultural tasks, leading to greater versatility.

Hence, the future of the tire industry, notably the premium tire industry, will therefore be increasingly influenced and determined by the ongoing advancement of technology and an increased focus on sustainability and crop protection. Future-oriented manufacturers like BKT, who make performance, durability, and the environment three main pillars of continuous improvement, will be emerging with a view to growth and their ability to meet the complex needs of modern manufacturers.

The ARA sprayer now supports over 20 crop algorithms, offering unmatched precision. (Image source: Ecorobotix)

Swiss Certified B Corporation and sustainable Agtech leader, Ecorobotix recently announced 10 new beta crop algorithms for its AI Plant-by-Plant software

These algorithms which are now available for testing by ARA users, help in enhancing the ARA ultra-high precision sprayer's capabilities, thereby broadening the range of supported crops and enabling more farmers to reduce plant protection products and advance sustainable practices. Ecorobotix's latest software update (5.01) can be used for a wide variety of crops including broccoli, cauliflower, cotton, soy, sweetcorn and dicot weeds in wheat among others. 

Clients with an ARA sprayer can access these crop algorithms free of charge for a limited time. While still under refinement, they allow users to contribute valuable feedback for improving agronomic performance. By using these beta features, farmers gain early access to innovative tools while supporting the evolution of our precision technology. These solutions have been optimised to deliver exceptional accuracy across diverse field conditions, reducing chemical use while maintaining effective crop care. The Carrot and Dock + Thistle (for Grasslands) algorithms, successfully beta-tested in 2024, are now available as paid features. 

The ARA sprayer now supports over 20 crop algorithms, offering unmatched precision for herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilisers, and bio stimulants. With up to 95% reduction in chemical use, the technology empowers farmers to achieve sustainable practices without compromising productivity. Flexible alternatives like the All-Green or Row algorithms are available for crops not yet covered.

Ecorobotix’s innovations are now accessible in 15 European countries including Canada, South America, the US and New Zealand, expanding sustainable farming solutions globally.

These awards recognise the most innovative designs in engineering products or systems for the food and agriculture industries. (Image source: New Holland)

New Holland Agriculture recently announced that it has been honored with three prestigious AE50 Awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)

These awards recognise the most innovative designs in engineering products or systems for the food and agriculture industries. New Holland's IntelliSense Bale Automation, CropSpeed Monitoring System, and UltraFeed Pickup have each been acknowledged for their groundbreaking contributions to agricultural technology.

IntelliSense Bale Automation: Revolutionising Baling Efficiency 

The IntelliSense Bale Automation system has set a new standard in the large square baler industry. This cutting-edge technology for New Holland’s BigBaler range offers the potential for greater productivity, bale quality, fuel efficiency and operator comfort by automating key baler and tractor functions. It integrates SmartSteer swath guidance and IntelliCruise II speed control, utilising LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology to provide precise navigation and real-time adjustments. Farmers have underlined the system's ability to automate feedrate and swath guidance, which significantly reduces operator fatigue and increases efficiency.

CropSpeed Monitoring System: Enhancing Crop Management

The CropSpeed Monitoring System featured on the FR Forage Cruiser self-propelled forage harvesters is the first system of its kind in the industry, and it’s based around a spout-mounted radar sensor that monitors the crop flow leaving the machine, detecting any change in its rate in relation to the forage harvester’s forward speed. Operators using the system have the potential to reduce blockage likelihood and make dense blockage far less likely to occur in the machine, with the cleanout and work resumption being far faster. This system also helps less-experienced operators operate with more confidence to ensure they can maximize the output of the FR Forage Cruiser with minimum operator training before getting in the seat.

UltraFeed Pickup: Maximising Forage Harvester Productivity

The UltraFeed Pickup head is designed to enhance the performance of New Holland's FR Forage Cruiser self-propelled forage harvesters. Presented in 3.0 m, 3.5 m and 4.0 m working widths, the UltraFeed Pickup efficiently handles larger windrows and improves crop flow through the harvester. Its robust belt-driven driveline and innovative auger design ensure increased capacity, uptime, and service life. The UltraFeed Pickup also features a large roller windguard and optional auto greasing system, further optimising productivity and reducing maintenance. The AE50 Awards will be presented at the Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference (AETC), which is scheduled to take place from 9-12 February 2025, in Louisville. This event will celebrate the most innovative designs in agricultural engineering, including New Holland's award-winning technologies.