Diesel remains the technology of choice for tractors and agricultural machines

February 11, 2020 (TULARE, CA) - As the 2020 World Ag Expo kicks off, the latest in farm tractors and machines and equipment will take center stage as the tools that help farmers feed the world today, with new innovations and integration of these machines into advanced farming systems that will help ensure feeding the world tomorrow.

Farm tractors, combines, irrigation pumps and other equipment are the workhorses in an industry vital to our global economy and quality of life. Diesel engines play a key role in the agricultural sector, powering over 75 percent of all large agricultural machines and equipment, transporting 90 percent of agricultural products and pumping one-fifth of irrigation water in the United States.

"The World Ag Expo never ceases to amaze with the innovation that brings new ideas, equipment and systems to making every aspect of farming more productive, while also minimizing impacts on the land. Nowhere is this more evident than in the workhorse of the agricultural industry, the diesel engine," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, a not-for-profit educational organization representing diesel engine and equipment makers.

"Advanced diesel technology for today's farm tractors and machines is a far cry from that of decades ago. Consider that for an average row crop tractor, it would take as many as 25 of today's (2020MY) models to equal the same emissions as just a single tractor that was made in 2000.

"Whether 1,000 commercial acres of grain or a 20-acre hobby farm, farmers need reliable, durable and efficient machines and equipment with adequate power, performance and reliability. This combination of features, along with continuous improvement, is why diesel remains the technology of choice for large and small farms alike.

"We congratulate DTF Member John Deere and its new 8RX Tractor for being recognized as a winner in the World Ag Expo Top-10 New Products," Schaeffer said. The 8RX is an all new four-track machine form on a fixed frame that delivers unmatched floatation, traction and ride quality, all powered by Deere's advanced technology efficient and clean diesel engines in 230 to 410 hp configurations.

For tomorrow's farms, increased efficiency and productivity will be in high demand. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2050 a global population of nearly 10 billion will demand 56 percent more food than is consumed today. Innovations in farming and food production, as well as increased systems efficiency, are part of the solution. Like in other sectors, an emphasis on data, connectivity and automation, enables smart farming systems and biotechnologies.

Advancements in diesel powertrains enable farm equipment to be more productive and achieve greater yields, using less fuel, with near-zero emissions that provide clean air and sustainability benefits to agricultural communities. Beyond that, all diesel-powered tractors - both new and existing - can utilize blends of high-quality advanced renewable biofuels, for a more sustainable and lower-carbon fuel solution. There is no better place to recognize these advancements than here in California, the breadbasket that feeds the world. Leaders in agricultural engine and equipment technology include:

• AGCO
• Caterpillar
• CNH
• Cummins
• Deere
• Yanmar
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About the Diesel Technology Forum
The Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology. Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more information visit http://www.dieselforum.org.