Innovative Iron Awards: Kioti and Case IH Revamp Their Tractors for the Ultimate in Utility
Most brands already make amazing machines. In fact, there’s so much parity of quality in the American off-highway equipment marketplace that differentiators are often hard to find in machine categories. That’s what makes our Innovative Iron Award winners so special. In the last 12 months, these manufacturers have changed the marketplace and even broken the mold in highly competitive markets that are already filled with excellence. Global manufacturers from Kubota and Caterpillar to JLG and JCB have released products — machines, engines, OEM tech and even apps — that have set new standards for power, versatility, efficiency and design. Our editors have traveled across the country to meet these manufacturers, operate their new products and give detailed reports both in print and online. With this article, we do a final salute to those companies that have changed the equipment market over the last year with their unique, interesting and innovative products.
Kioti
The Kioti DK10SE Series takes performance and power to the next level with a whopping eight new models. Each unit comes standard with a Daedong common rail diesel engine (40 to 58 hp) that offers increased fuel efficiency and low noise levels. All models feature heavy-duty hydrostatic drives. The three-range transmission — offering Hi/Mid/Low settings — with twin pedal operation makes the operator’s job easy. Factory-installed cabs with air conditioning and heat can be found on several models, and adding to the functionality of the DK10SE Series is the external three-point control lever that allows operators to easily raise and lower the lift arms. For more info, visit kioti.com.
Case IH
Budget-minded buyers have a great new option in 2018 and beyond. The release of Case IH Farmall utility A Series — models 55A, 65A and 75A — provides the performance producers need without breaking the bank. These new models help fill out the Case IH entry-level Farmall lineup with cab and non-cab options. A spacious, climate-controlled cab includes a mechanical contoured seat and tilt steering wheel that adjust to create a personalized fit for each operator. With Case IH FPT engines, the tractors feature a simple, straightforward eight forward, eight reverse easy-to-operate mechanical transmission. Also available is an optional 12 forward, 12 reverse power shuttle, delivering simplicity and efficiency. For more info, visit caseih.com.
