2023 top 5: Most read articles in general

This week, coming up to the end of 2023 and the first week of 2024, we look back at the content we have shared over the year. In the coming days, you will find the top 5 listings of the best-read articles on field robots, drones and autonomy.

Listed below are the 5 best-read articles in general in 2023.

1. Diesel and electric at US Farm Progress Show

The Farm Progress Show, North America’s largest agricultural machinery show, usually has fun surprises. This time too, striking things like new ‘heavy guys’ with thick diesel engines next to modest zero-emission tractors. Furthermore, a manufacturer who drove a machine on the highway for 36 hours in order to be on time at the fair. On site to experience the American atmosphere and catch up on the latest developments in Decatur, Illinois.

Diesel and electric at US Farm Progress Show

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^{Shown in full at the Farm Progress Show in Illinois (USA): the Big Bud 700, the powerhouse for the independent farmer. The manufacturer from Havre, Montana is back on the market after 35 years with a tractor in the style we know it from the 1980s. – Photo: Mark Pasveer}

2. Why do wide tires cause deeper soil compaction? Science explains

The less pressure per square centimeter, the less compaction. This argues for wider tires. But it is also a fact that a broader tire also pushes its ground pressure deeper into the soil. This is why.

Why do wide tires cause deeper soil compaction? Science explains

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^{The type of tire surface that exerts pressure on the ground doesn’t matter to the soil. – Photo: Koos Groenewold}

3. Indian Tafe presents tractors powered by hydrogen and electricity

The Indian tractor manufacturer Tafe displays two innovations at Agritechnica: an electric tractor and a hydrogen-powered tractor. The latter is only a concept, but the battery-powered tractor will be for sale in 2024.

Indian Tafe presents tractors powered by hydrogen and electricity

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^{Two notable tractors from the Indian tractor manufacturer Tafe: on the left is a tractor that runs on hydrogen and on the right an electric tractor. – Photo: Mark Pasveer.}

4. New fully electric tractor from Case IH: Farmall 75C Electric

Machine manufacturer Case IH recently presented its all-new electric tractor Farmall 75C Electric at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. CNHi partner New Holland brings the same model as T4 Electric.

New fully electric tractor from Case IH: Farmall 75C Electric

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^{Machine manufacturer Case IH is showing its all-new Farmall 75C Electric electric tractor at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. – Photo: Mark Pasveer}

5. Green and white Chinese Lovol tractors now with CVT at Agritechnica

At the Agritechnica trade fair, just like in 2017 and 2019, there are again green and white tractors from China. The name Arbos is no longer on the hood, but now it’s Lovol. The highlight is the new Lovol tractor P2740: over 200 hp with its own CVT (continuously variable transmission). Remarkably, there is a 480 hp variant in the works.

Green and white Chinese Lovol tractors now with CVT at Agritechnica

^{The new flagship model from Lovol is the P7240, with 240 hp and a continuously variable transmission. It is expected that by the end of 2024, the homologation will be complete, making the Lovol tractor available in Europe. – Photo: Mark Pasveer.}