New Products
Stocking rate app
GrazingCalc is a new smartphone app developed by personnel at Texas A&M University’s Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Ecosystem Science and management units of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Being overstocked can lead to overgrazing and result in decreased forage production, erosion problems and degraded wildlife habitat.
The new app is applicable anywhere because it is based on actual forage production as measured by the rancher. A video within the app demonstrates how to obtain the forage production of the land. The app allows ranchers to manipulate the number of types of animals, grazing months and remaining available forage.
Funding for the development of the app was provided through a Renewable Resources Extension Act grant from the Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources.
GrazingCalc is now available for iPhone and other Apple devices at the iTunes Store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/stocking-rate-calculator-for/id814140174?mt=8.
Smartphone protection
OtterBox has announced it will soon offer a wide range of cases for the Samsung® Galaxy S5 smartphone. The OtterBox Preserver Series™ is rated IP68, which indicates the case has been certified waterproof to 6.6 feet (ft.) for 30 minutes, and to block all dust intrusion, transforming the water-resistant S5 into a waterproof camera and the perfect beach companion. It also provides drop protection up to 6.6 ft., a built-in screen protector and an overall guard against the wear and tear that impacts every smartphone over time.
The OtterBox Defender Series®, Commuter Series®, Commuter Series® Wallet and Symmetry Series™ cases, all designed to suit any lifestyle and add drop, shock and scratch protection, will also be available for the new smartphone.
The Defender Series provides a rugged, multi-layer design and a built-in screen protector. The Commuter Series brings sleek, pocket-friendly protection and the Commuter Series Wallet has room for three cards and a bill to ensure the essentials are always at hand. The Symmetry Series fuses protection and style in an all-new OtterBox line.
For more information visit www.otterbox.com.
Telescopic handlers and a UTV
JCB has added a number of new machines to its lineup. It has introduced the 560-80 Agri Plus Loadall, a heavy-weight telescopic handler; the Telemaster TM220, a compact telescopic loader; and the JCB Workmax 800D, a 4 ✕ 4 utility vehicle (UTV), to the North American market.
The 560-80 has a lift capacity of 12,000 pounds (lb.) and caters to large farms and larger dairy and livestock operations that want the benefits of a telescopic and loading performance equivalent to a wheel loader. Improvements also include an ‘auto bucket rattle’ function that will automatically shake the bucket or fork to discharge sticky materials or progressively discharge feed into a mixer wagon.
The TM 220 has a 2.5-liter JCB diesel by Kohler 2504 TCR liquid-cooled engine, a 4,400-lb. maximum lift capacity and a maximum lift height of 14 ft. 4 in. When fully extended, maximum lift capacity is 2,250 lb. The new single-lever joystick, in addition to controlling the loader, also has transmission range control and a handy forward and reverse switch. A new instrument display in the cab ensures the operator can easily monitor machine performance.
The 800D side-by-side UTV is available as a diesel-powered model and weighs in at 1,565 lb. with a maximum bed capacity of 880 lb. The unit comes with a Tier 4 784cc
Yanmar diesel engine coupled with a two-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) with Kevlar belt. In order to achieve an optimum 50-50 weight distribution front to rear when fully loaded, both the engine and CVT are positioned further forward than is the case on most competitive UTVs.
For more information contact Pam Veiock at pam.veiock@jcb.com.
Auto-darkening welding helmet
Tweco® WeldSkill auto-darkening welding helmet
Victor Technologies has introduced the Tweco® WeldSkill auto-darkening welding helmet that features four sensors for enhanced performance at an affordable price. The new helmet can be used in both weld mode and grind mode and will darken when tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding even at 5 amps. The helmet has a large viewing area of 3.86 inches (in.) ✕ 1.69 in., weighs 16 ounces (oz.) and uses solar power to eliminate the need to change batteries.
When switching from light to dark, the new helmet darkens in 33 microseconds, one of the fastest reaction times available. When switching from dark to light, users can select from three switching speeds: short (0.25 seconds to 0.35 seconds); medium (0.35 seconds to 0.50 seconds); and long (0.50 seconds to 0.80 seconds). Operators in high amperage applications prefer a longer transition time, giving the red-hot weld puddle a chance to cool.
The new helmet passes every one of the 49 tests required under ANSI Z87.1-2010 standards, including the ability to retain its auto-darkening performance even after high impact by a steel ball. The company placed the sensitivity and delay knobs on the outside of the helmet shell so operators can make adjustments while welding. When setting the helmet down, a recessed lens design prevents the faceplate from touching the table, protecting it from scratches.
Backed by a two-year warranty, the new helmet comes in three popular styles: Patriot Eagle, Skull & Fire and Yellow Dragon.
For more information visit www.victortechnologies.com.
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