New Products

compiled by Linda Robbins, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.

Trailer flooring options

Featherlite 2012 stock trailers will have an expanded selection of options aimed at maximizing the comfort and convenience for both owner and animal.

Emerging as a popular option for 2012 models is Rumber® flooring, which serves as a cushioning surface for livestock, giving them firmer footing and minimizing the risk of injury and stress on joints. It's also quieter for livestock when entering the trailer, will increase the value and life of the stock trailer due to its durability and is UV and water resistant, according to the release. The flooring is manufactured from 100% recycled tire rubber and plastics.

Another new flooring option is the company's Firm-mat, which completely seals the trailer's floor and provides a padded, slip-resistant surface that is impervious to liquids and eliminates the need for rubber mats. It's also easy to clean and quieter for livestock when loading. A textured industrial liner designed for livestock or a ½-inch (in.)-thick textured option, popular in horse trailers, is available.

Selected options are now offered on the company's "lite" priced Model 8117, previously not available with added options. Other options include tire and axle upgrades, additional height, plexiglass, halogen load lights, dome lights, single two-speed jack landing gear and various rear and center gate options.

Camera and rear motion sensors, aluminum wheels, back-lit feather and EZ connectors for the electrical system are other new options available for 2012.

For more information call 1-800-800-1230, visit a local dealer or visit www.fthr.com.

New feed ingredient definition

Mintrex® chelated trace minerals from Novus International Inc. now belong to a new feed ingredient category. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) accepted the new feed ingredient definition in July during its 2011 Ingredient Definitions Committee Meeting in Austin, Texas.

The Division of Animal Feeds within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine accepted the chelated trace minerals category earlier this year and recommended that AAFCO accept this definition for inclusion in its official publication.

In scientific terms, chelation means the trace minerals in the product are bound with a ligand. This creates a stable complex in the acidic pH of the upper gastrointestinal tract; reduces break-up or dissociation, of the mineral; helps reduce losses caused by antagonisms; and protects the mineral for efficient delivery and uptake in the small intestine.

The additive supplies the essential trace minerals copper, zinc and manganese. It can be added to feed for poultry; dairy and beef cattle; and hogs, as well as companion animal and equine diets, to provide for their mineral requirements and help animals perform to their full genetic potential. Because it is a highly bioavailable mineral source, the chelated additive is absorbed and used by the animal to a much greater degree than comparable inorganic trace mineral supplements. This enables producers to maintain feeding efficiency with fewer minerals fed and excreted.

For more information visit www.novusint.com.

Dual-auger-design grain carts

Kinze Manufacturing Inc. has introduced a new line of grain carts featuring an externally mounted, forward-angled corner auger. The dual-auger design provides maximum visibility and reach and the one-piece, horizontal auger moves grain quickly from back to front.

The vertical corner auger can pivot up to 10 degrees and features an adjustable spout to allow for precise grain unloading and full visibility from the tractor cab. Together, these augers move grain at a rate faster than 500 bushels (bu.) per minute and provide excellent clean-out inside the cart.

The new, larger carts will be available in 900-, 1,100-, 1,300- and 1,500-bu. capacities.

The new carts feature a wide variety of options for tires and tracks to reduce soil compaction. The 1100 and 1300 models feature giant 1100/45R46 compaction-reducing tires. The 900 model comes with 66✕25 tires. There is a dual 520/85R42 tire option available on the 1100 and 1300 models to further reduce soil compaction.

A 36-inch (in.)-wide tracked undercarriage is available on the 1100, 1300 and 1500 models. A new steerable tandem axle is available for the 1500 model featuring four 66✕43-25 tires for extreme load-carrying capability and maneuverability. The new corners on the carts are welded by large robots to ensure consistency and strength. All Kinze carts feature a durable powder coat finish.

Additional options include electronic scale packages for quick and easy weights, an electric roll tarp to cover and uncover loads quickly and a dual camera option to monitor both the rear of the cart and the unloading auger.

For more information visit www.kinze.com.

Automation row crop technology

Kinze Manufacturing has introduced its Autonomy Project, designed to reduce the need for skilled operators by taking the human element out of the tractor cab.

As a project two years in the making, the company performed extensive obstacle detection testing to ensure the accuracy and safety of the autonomous equipment. The technology was originally developed in a laboratory setting using computer simulation. Kinze engineers partnered with Jaybridge Robotics, a firm in Cambridge, Mass., to bring that technology from the lab to the field, and to test and refine the work.

Beginning in a laboratory environment and then in the field, the company's engineers simulated real-world scenarios to ensure the equipment would detect objects often encountered in the field, such as fence posts, stand pipes, farm animals and other vehicles.

Similar autonomous technology has been used since the 1990s in many other industries, including mining, construction and the military. Though there are some simple forms of autonomy used in rice production and orchard operations, the company says no other manufacturer associated with row crop production has offered truly autonomous technology like this.

The company demonstrated the technology for its dealers Aug. 2, and is developing plans for the commercial launch to market.

For more information visit www.kinze.com.

Wheeled hazardous area light tower

Larson Electronics' Magnalight has released a new series of wheeled light towers with tilting stands designed to make deployment safer and easier for single operators. Suitable for wet areas and carrying a Class 1, Division 2 rating, these towers can illuminate 25,000 square feet (sq. ft.) of work area.

The HAL-1X400MCE wheeled light tower is designed to allow a single operator to quickly and easily deploy and raise the unit with minimal effort. Constructed of non-sparkling aluminum finished in a powder coat, the base of the tower incorporates a slide and tilt design that allows the user to tilt the tower assembly back while extending the lamp fixture to the desired height.

The tower assembly can be lowered to 5 feet (ft.) and extended to a maximum of 8 ft. and is easily disassembled for transport.

The 39-in. by 35-in. base is equipped with non-static-producing tires and allows the entire tower to be easily moved from one location to another within the workspace. Included with the tower is 50 ft. of 14/3 SOOW yellow cord with an ECP 1523 Class 1 Division 1 explosion proof straight blade plug, designed to be used with explosion proof receptacles as well as common general use outlets, although an approved explosion-proof receptacle must be used to retain the plug's explosion-proof rating.

For more information call 1-800-369-6671 or visit www.magnalight.com.

Superhero auto-darkening welding helmet

As Captain America™ fans hit the box office this summer, they can get a taste of superhero action with a limited-edition Lincoln Electric Captain America Viking™ 2450 Series welding helmet. Captain America himself is featured on the latest auto-darkening helmet model in his authentic costume bearing an American flag motif and armed with his signature shield.

The helmets are solar powered and are also battery assisted with user-replaceable lithium batteries. Helmets in the 2450 series have a 2.4-in. viewing area height in a U.S. standard 5.25-in. ✕ 4.50-in.-sized lens cartridge with four arc sensors. The shade level is adjusted with an internal continuously variable 9-13 shade control.

Variable delay allows the user to adjust the time required to bring the helmet from a darkened view back to the light state, while variable sensitivity controls the cartridge's performance in varying environments.

The 2450 series helmets weigh in at 21 ounces (oz.) and include extra inside and outside cover lenses, a Lincoln Electric bandana and a sport-pak style helmet bag. The helmets are magnifying "cheater" lens and hat adapter capable.

For more information call 1-888-355-3213 or visit www.lincolnelectric.com to obtain bulletin MC11-48.

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