Top 8 farm machinery news, features and advice of 2023

We are almost to the end of 2023, which means it is time to take a look back at what stories caught your attention this year.

There were plenty that happened in the year, both locally and overseas. Stock shortage issues eased, dealership yards are filling up again and manufacturers are once again busy launching new products to continue meeting the demands of the farming sector.

Here are some of the top content that got you clicking this year:

8. CLAAS supersized tractor named Tractor of the Year

When the XERION 12 was first announced this year, it created waves across the industry as it is touted as one of the largest production tractors on the market. So it was hardly surprising that it nabbed the prestigious Tractor of the Year award at the 2023 Agritechnica trade show in November.

The XERION 12 offers outputs up to 653hp, which CLAAS says makes it the most powerful tractor with continuously variable transmission in the world.

With four crawler tracks and a 50:50 weight distribution, the flagship XERION 12.650 has superior pulling power to do the most demanding jobs while minimising soil compaction.

And yes, the mighty tractors will be making their way to Australia! Landpower Australia, which distributes CLAAS in Australia, said a tentative ETA of 2025 is most likely.

7. How do I price my tractor or farm equipment for sale?

So many times farmers are trying to offload their equipment but do not know the right way to go about it, especially when it comes to pricing. Plenty of factors come into play, such as how old your machine is, how well it has been maintained and what extra options you have on your equipment.

List it too high, and all you’ll hear are crickets. Price it too low, and you’re not getting what you rightfully deserve for a machine that has hopefully served you well over the years.

We provide some tips for gauging the right price for your equipment and how to factor in things such as depreciation.

6. 10 tips on preparing your used tractor for sale

Flowing on from the previous content piece, there are so many things to look out for when you’re preparing to sell your beloved tractor.

Checking for wear and tear, keeping your servicing history handy, fixing whatever is fixable and talking to your local dealer for ideas are some good ways to start the process of offloading your equipment.

As long as you do your research and check off the boxes, your equipment will be off the market and in the next owner's hands in no time and hopefully, sold at a price you are happy with.

5. World’s largest two-wheel drive tractor to be displayed at Henty

What plenty of tractor fans may not know is that the world’s largest two-wheel drive tractor was actually made right here in Australia back in the 1980s.

Upton Engineering was way ahead of its time when it manufactured tractors up to 350hp between the 1960s and 1980s in the country town of Corowa in New South Wales.

Some of them are still in use today in several parts of the country. In September, a bunch of Upton tractors were gathered at the Henty Machinery Field Days for visitors to have a good squiz at.

This story in particular resonated with plenty of local farmers who fondly remembered the good old days when their own farm or a neighbouring operation ran one of these units back in the day.

4. New Big Bud tractor coming soon in 2023

Another monster tractor story on the list! Big Bud is also known as the largest tractor in the world, offering up to 1100hp, easily double the power of the largest commercial tractors on the market.

In 2023, the company who produced the original Big Bud, Big Equipment Co., returned to the drawing board and released the 2023 Big Bud 700 with all-Caterpillar components including engine, axle and transmission.

The output was much more subdued than its larger sibling at 640hp.

The reason for rebuilding the Big Bud with all Cat components was to provide farmers with a tractor with components that can be repaired by farmers, mechanics or dealerships without restrictions, Big Equipment said.

3. 6 tips from farmers to stay safe when working alone

In conjunction with WorkSafe Victoria, we created this advice piece to warn farmers of the dangers of working alone and what steps to take to mitigate risks when you have no choice but to work on your own.

Some of the tips are to set up a check-in system, use personal locator beacons and phone apps and have a clear emergency procedure for when incidents do happen.

Some real-life examples from Victorian farmers offer perspective on how well these tips worked for them, and how they can help you stay safe on your own farm.

2. 2023 Australian farming field days calendar

A good events calendar never fails to draw in the masses, especially one as comprehensive as ours.

Updated every year, we inform farmers and the rural community on the leading ag events happening around the country and even overseas, so they can find one nearest to them to check out the latest machine releases and even grab a few knick knacks and delicious produce to bring home with them.  

Look out for the 2024 events calendar coming soon!

1. 5 most popular track brands in 2022

A listicle like this never fails to get clicks from enthusiasts hoping to see their favourite on the list! Every so often, we compile a list of the most viewed tractor brands and models to see just what people are looking at and wanting to buy on our sites.

There weren’t a lot of surprises in there, with John Deere topping the list and other tried and true brands also sharing the top five.

Did your favourite make the cut?