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I am sitting at the gate in LaGuardia waiting for my flight home to Kansas. I have just finished taking a look at and operating New Holland’s newest Boomer concept (in New York City’s Central Park), the Boomer 8N, which is due in dealer showrooms early next year … look for them in March. The Boomer 8N takes its styling cues from, and traces its roots to, the venerable Ford 8N. This new 8N compact tractor boasts 50 horsepower at the engine, distinctive, timeless styling, an innovative continuously variable transmission, and capabilities one would expect from a 50-horsepower tractor. Look for more information at New Holland’s Boomer 8N website in January or February.

My first impression of the tractor was all wow. The styling, while modern, takes attractive cues from the 8N of old. Rather than just adding a slightly modified hood sheet to an existing Boomer tractor, the design team at New Holland, in collaboration with their colleagues at Fiat, created a flat-topped hood with retro-style grill that screams Ford 8N. The tractor’s LED teardrop-shaped headlights have been sculpted into channels carved into the grill and hood sides. The padded seat … fully adjustable and ergonomic … is reminiscent of the original pan-style seat. The Boomer 8N’s gauge cluster is analog with just the right touch of vintage. There is also an electronic information screen that will eventually provide all kinds of speed and system information. The tractor’s color scheme included a red frame and belly with light gray grill, hood and fenders. It looks just right, even with its heavy-duty front drive axle, which is standard. The machine features New Holland’s robust hydraulic system, an electric PTO engagement switch and plenty of chassis to mount loaders, backhoes and lots of three-point attachments.

The New Holland 8N features a naturally aspirated, indirect-injected four-cylinder diesel engine, 2,800-pound-capacity three-point hitch, and electronically modulated CVT transmission that’s controlled by a single pedal. Push on the pedal and various sensors detect torque and load characteristics, which in turn adjust the transmission’s “gear” ratio and engine rpm. Forward and reverse are controlled with a shuttle lever that controls a pair of clutch packs and allow seamless, clutchless shifting from forward to reverse and back again.

I found the New Holland Boomer 8N to be easy to drive, functionally well thought out, and incredibly well styled. The machine is a breeze to start, and operating it is as easy as selecting a range (limits the drive pedal’s speed range electronically) with a switch, and pressing the go pedal. If there ever was a tractor as easy to drive as a car, this is it. Onboard diagnostics make troubleshooting a breeze, although trouble is not anticipated in this well-designed package.

“We’re excited to introduce landowners to the New Holland Boomer 8N, a modern compact tractor that acknowledges its heritage,” says Doran Herritt, compact marketing manager at New Holland. “Since 1917, New Holland has provided its customers with machines that are dependable, versatile and easy to operate. With superior quality and distinctive style, the redesigned 8N is the perfect addition to the Boomer line.”

The company has not yet set the Boomer 8N’s MSRP, but its goal is to make it competitive. New Holland Senior Director of Brand Marketing David Greenberg made it clear that the company plans to build as many of these tractors as the market wants. It is surely not a limited-edition collector machine. It is true to its roots as a workhorse, a real modern-day classic.

Pictures to come!

Ruralpolitans and other folks who have a few acres to look after have an entirely new array of tractors to choose from, thanks to John Deere’s commitment to bringing big tractor function to part-time producers and hobby farmers. These so-called utility tractors come out of the company’s agricultural division with engines ranging from 45 to 105 horsepower. The new lineup includes the 5D, 5E, 5E Limited and 5M Series; all designed to perform virtually any task, with any implement, within any budget.

“This is the most complete line of utility tractors we’ve ever offered,” says Rex Edmunds, division marketing manager. “We’ve designed these tractors to meet the requirements of many different customers with many different applications, and we’re providing a wide array of options to bring the optimal configuration and horsepower to their operations.”

I had the chance to look over all these machines and put them through their paces earlier this year. I am tickled to report that Deere and Company has hit the nail on the head with this lineup. I am still a big fan of the compact tractor, but there are times when you need a bit more bulk and some additional ponies to get the work done safely and efficiently. If your budget allows, and you have lots of loader work in mind for your tractor, I would definitely recommend Deere’s proprietary shuttle transmission called the PowerReverser™. It makes forward-reverse shifting a matter of fingertip control.

The no-frills 5D and 5E Series range in horsepower from 45 to 75 and offer durability at economical prices. The 5D Series is only offered with a two-wheel-drive (2WD) axle compared to the 5E, which offers 2WD or mechanical-front-wheel-drive (MFWD) configurations. These open station tractors feature synchronized transmissions designed for smooth shifting and easy-to-reach, color-coded controls for simple operation. These tractors provide an economical solution that’s just right for many folks.

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“The more powerful 5E Limited Series Tractors range in horsepower from 83 to 101 engine hp. These units have more deluxe features including a cab, PowerReverser™ transmission, wet traction clutch, and MFWD axle – all in base equipment,” Edmunds says. “We’ve packaged the 5E Limited Series to offer select performance and comfort-enhancing features at a very low price.”

The 5M Series Tractors range in horsepower from 65 to 105. These higher-end machines feature new transmissions, increased lift capacities, more stability for larger implements, and a new operator environment for increased comfort and productivity. 

“For customers who demand premium performance and comfort, the 5M Series, which ranges in engine horsepower from 65 to 105, is designed to be the benchmark for quality and durability in the utility tractor marketplace. These tractors offer a vast array of options and horsepower levels, with exceptional hydraulic capacities to handle any utility-tractor implement. These tractors will definitely bring more productivity to the farm or jobsite, which makes them ideal for customers who spend many hours in a tractor and depend on their tractor to help make their living,” Edmunds says. “With more weight, a wet clutch design and enhanced serviceability, these tractors provide dependable service for the tough jobs they’re built to handle.”

As you might expect, all 5 Series Tractors can be matched to an array of implements offered by John Deere, Frontier Equipment and other makers. Enhanced hydraulic systems, standard three-point hitches and PTO are all part of the package. Spend some time with your local John Deere agricultural product dealer to find out how a 5 Series utility tractor can become a top hand at your place.

Building on the brand’s 47-year history of innovation and quality, Cub Cadet has taken the lawn tractor to the next level with its redesigned 1000 series. The Series 1000 lawn tractors include eight models with deck sizes ranging from 42 to 54 inches. These machines will be available at independent dealers, The Home Depot and Tractor Supply Co. in February 2009 with suggested retail prices ranging from $1,499 to $2,599 depending on engine and mowing deck width.

So what makes these new 1000 series tractors so special? According to the folks at Cub Cadet, all models in this lineup will be constructed around a 9-gauge steel frame, which is the thickest in the industry, and cast-iron front axles. The company feels so good about the quality of these machines that they are backed by a five-year limited warranty.

Cub Cadet engineers chose 19- to 25-horsepower Kohler power plants for their durability and exceptional performance. Kohler engines powered the very first Cub Cadets back in 1961 and have been available throughout the life of the brand. These new Series 1000 tractors also have a remarkably tight 12-inch turning radius, which makes them almost as versatile as a zero-turning-radius machine. I took out a piece of fence with a ZTR at a product demo day, so I really appreciate a tighter turning radius in a more conventional lawn tractor.

Cub Cadet’s innovative cutting system leaves no grass uncut, even in the tallest, thickest stand. All components in the cutting system – from deck to blades, from dome design to discharge chute – work together to ensure an unsurpassed quality of cut. Added strength and rigidity keep the high-lift blades from deflecting and flexing under heavy loads, severe conditions or high speeds. This deck creates a powerful vacuum and smooth, continuous airflow, the result of which is that every blade of grass is lifted and cut. Clippings are evenly propelled and distributed through an extra-wide discharge chute, disappearing into the lawn. No unsightly clumps, streaks or uncut grass are left behind.

I haven’t had my hands on one of these machines yet, but I can’t wait to demo one. I probably won’t trade any of my 20-something vintage Cub Cadets for a new one just yet, but it gets more tempting every year.