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April
2009 – Clarification regarding LAFORGE front hitch systems
for CHALLENGER MT 700B and MT 700C Track tractor
LAFORGE issued information in October 2008 regarding the launching
of the HDIT front hitch system for CHALLENGER MT 700B and MT700C
Track tractors.
While the design has been implemented following all of AGCO’s
guide lines for optimizing the installation and performance, the
wording in our news releases stating "approved without restriction
by AGCO" requires a clarification.

The design does ensure that the tractor will reach maximum tractive
capacity, when pushing an implement, before exceeding the design
strength of the frame.
However due to the size of the front overhang, it is important that
the front hitch is not loaded to full lift capacity without verifying
the total tractor weight distribution and dynamic stability.
Considering that it is not possible to control that this process
is implemented properly, AGCO Corporation does not support nor endorse
this product.
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March
2009 - LAFORGE at SIMA 2009
The 73rd SIMA, The International Agri-Business Show in Paris, France,
was held from February 22 to 26 at the Parc des Expositions de Paris
Nord Villepinte.
LAFORGE presented a full range of products, including the latest
innovations:
-The FrontPower® line of front PTO with ISO direction of rotation
and electro-hydraulic controlled wet clutch.
- 2-Stage FLEXIMASS® ballasting system for use with 2-point
mounted equipment
- DynaContour® Ultima the stand-alone automatic control systems
for front hitches.
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January
2009 - HDI front hitch on CASE-IH PUMA compatible with LAFORGE automatic
hitch controls and front PTO
Specially designed for heavy-duty applications,
the LAFORGE HDI front hitch system is now available for CASE-IH
PUMA tractors. The 13 200 LBS lift capacity is impressive, but more
importantly the HDI has a design that allows for the use of dozer
blades and primary tillage tools.

The HDI front hitch can be equipped with LAFORGE’s
exclusive automatic controls:
- automatic position and traction control a patented
system that keeps an implement at a set depth, or height, and reacts
to varying traction conditions in the field
- DynaContour® Ultima the award winning option
that adds active field contour following to position and traction
control.
The HDI is also compatible with LAFORGE’s
industry leading front PTO systems with electro-hydraulic, modulated,
multi-discs wet clutches:
- FrontPower the
most powerful and long-lasting after-market front PTO system on
the market It is designed with correct ISO direction of rotation
(6 splines / 540 rpm, or 21 splines / 1000 rpm) for use with mowers,
shredders, and snow blowers throughout the world.
- LAFORGE counter-ISO rotating PTO (6 splines/1000
rpm) is available in selected markets.
The picture above shows a CASE-IH PUMA 210 tractor equipped with
HDI front hitch and automatic position and traction control.
LAFORGE continuously develops accessories for front
hitch systems with the purpose of simplifying the task of the operator
and to ensure quality work while maximizing the performance of the
front-and-rear tractor combination.
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October
2008 - LAFORGE Front Hitch System for CHALLENGER MT 700B LAFORGE
is expanding its line of front hitch systems for track tractors
with the HDIT model for CHALLENGER MT 700B series tractors. The
HDIT is a Cat.3 system with 6000 Kg (13 200 LBS) lift capacity.
It has been developed in collaboration
with CHALLENGER engineers in Jackson, MN, and is approved by AGCO
without restrictions. The design of the reinforcing frame for this
hitch makes it suitable for even the most demanding front applications,
while protecting the integrity of the tractor design.
In addition to strength and durability
aspects, the goal has been to integrate the system with the tractor,
preserve access for service and maintenance as well as maintaining
visibility from the cab.
The ease of operation and productivity of the CHALLENGER
700B can be further enhanced with LAFORGE’s industry leading
and patented, optional Automatic Control Systems for the HDIT front
htich:
- Basic Electronic Position & Traction Control
- DynaContour® Ultima for unequaled performance with front-and-rear
implement combinations.
This system is especially valuable for track tractors because it
compensates for pitch changes of the vehicle.

About LAFORGE :
LAFORGE – the expert in tractor-implement
interaction, has been developing the most complete range of front
hitches, front PTO, and automatic controls for almost 30 years,
as a competitive and reliable response to market demands. Headquarters
are located in Guignicourt, France.
LAFORGE SYSTEMS, INC, established 1991 in
Concord, CA is responsible for sales, service, and marketing in
North America through a network of several hundred local tractor
dealers.
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Minneapolis,
MN June 2007
FLEXIMASS the revolutionary ballasting system for tractors has been
selected as an AE50 winner for 2007. The
award sponsored by ASABE’s Resource magazine recognizes
the top 50 innovative new products introduced in 2006. Please
click here for a brochure.

FLEXIMASS is the latest innovation by LAFORGE aimed at improved
tractor efficiency and the 5th time a LAFORGE product has been awarded
the prestigious AE50 award. This is a testimonial to the commitment
by LAFORGE to find solutions for our customer’s ever evolving
challenges around the globe. FLEXIMASS was also recognized by the
SIMA show in Paris earlier in 2007.
FLEXIMASS is a ballasting system for three-point-linkage-equipped
agricultural tractors. This quick and easy system for adapting the
ballast level of a tractor to the task at hand has the potential
for significant fuel and labor savings. Agricultural tractors use
tires or tracks to transfer power to the surface traveled on. The
amount of weight needed on the tire or track to transfer power is
dependent on soil type (pavement type), moisture content, soil firmness,
etc., but in general, adding weight increases the power-transfer
capability. Adding solid weights is a common solution and preferred
over liquid in tires — “suitcase weights” on the
front and bolt-on cast-iron rings for the rear wheels. Both systems
are arduous and time consuming. FLEXIMASS provides a solution for
adding up to 3,000 kg (6,600 lb) of ballast by using a front and/or
rear three-point linkage.
In addition to being a quick way of adding or removing weight, it
also allows the flexibility of what type of weight to use because
the method of attachment is a standardized 3-point frame: European
mono-block weights, standard tractor suitcase weights, 3-point tank,
or any 3-point attachment.
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Tulare
California, February 2007
The World Ag Expo (www.worldagexpo.com)
with over 100,000 visitors from more than 60 countries is marketed
as the largest annual farm equipment show in the world. It was the
40th year celebration this year. The significance of the show to
the nation as a whole could among other things be seen in the fact
that a very possible future United States President was headlining
the opening ceremony: Rudy Giuliani.
Laforge equipment was of course on display, just like it has been
since 1989. We currently have our own booth inside Pavilion “C”
rather than a large outside booth. This format has been found to
be more conducive to information exchange with potential customers.
In this setting a customer can explain what he is trying to achieve
and we can together explore solutions by using pictures, spec sheets,
and examples. Laforge doesn’t really so much sell equipment
as we offer mechanization solutions.
Having said this, it was definitely possible to find Laforge equipment
on display at large outside booths:

CASE-IH had an MX 275 on display with the new HDI system by LAFORGE.
The revolutionary system, with a pending patent, allows for this
tractor to be equipped with a 3-point dozer blade with full crop
clearance. Great news for silage producers for example. The system
is of course also capable of primary tillage and all other front
applications as you would expect from LAFORGE. Optional automatic
electro-hydraulic controls are available as well.

NEW HOLLAND displayed a TM 190 tractor with SuperSteer
front axle and a LAFORGE MDI 4 front hitch. There is definitely
an opportunity for NEW HOLLAND to promote the SuperSteer concept
to growers that use cultivators and tillage equipment on the front.
The axle mounted hitch gives you an unequalled control of your front
implement.
It was apparent at the LAFORGE booth that Conservation Tillage
is taking hold in California. Individual growers as well as custom
operators and chemical companies are working on strip-till and minimum-pass
equipment. Front 3-point technology can be an essential part of
this if you are factoring in tractor ballasting, fuel consumption,
and compaction.
LAFORGE was also for the first time showing the FLEXIMASS
ballasting system at the World Ag Expo. The system enables
you to quickly add and remove over 6,500 LBS incrementally to the
rear of a tractor, and/or to the front if it has a front 3-point
system. Some customers who pack silage with row crop tractors were
very interested, but the main type of customer to benefit is the
one who uses the same tractor for both (rear) 3-point mounted equipment
and pull-type tillage equipment
Anybody in North America seriously involved in the production of
food and fiber (and bio-fuel) should visit the World Ag Expo
once every few years. Virtually all commercial suppliers of equipment
are represented with their most knowledgeable staff. The most recent
equipment and information are on display. LAFORGE salutes the 40th
anniversary and are looking forward to many more.
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Pocatello,
Idaho, January 2007
Eastern Idaho Ag Expo has become a show that caters to
growers of most of the crops grown in the state. Because of the
concurrent Potato Conference, there is still a lot of potato equipment
on display though.
Because of the Potato Conference, you get visitors from a much
wider area than the size of the show would normally attract. In
addition to visitors from the North West of the US and Western Canada,
we greeted many in our booth from as far away as Maine and the Canadian
Maritimes.
LAFORGE had a small booth with table top displays of front hitch
applications in different crops. The DVD screen showing applications
from around the world ranging from front mounted rippers to hay
mowing always draws a crowd.
Like in so many other parts of the country, the triple-gang mower
is in the process of taking hold in Idaho. A couple of units have
been sold in 2006 and several interested growers inquired at this
show. The most common configuration what has become known as “butterfly”
with one 8’ – 10’ mower up front and one on each
side on the rear of the tractor. This requires a front hitch and
a front PTO. Growers are justifiable worried about support and parts
availability for these systems. All the major tractor brands use
outside suppliers for their systems. Even when they are “factory”
installed. LAFORGE was given the opportunity to point out at the
show that we are the only supplier with a corporate presence
in North America and a US warehouse.
Eastern Idaho Ag Expo is a relatively small show. But
because of the diversified agriculture in the area, the visitors
have an unusual high interest in front hitch technology. Combining
passes, timeliness, and labor costs are their main motivations for
upgrading tractors with front hitch systems.
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Laforge is introducing HDI front 3-point hitch exclusively
designed for Case-IH MX 215, 245, 275, 305 “Next Generation”
tractors.
CONCORD , CA January 2007 - Saving
fuel and labor by using front 3-point technology to combine passes
has been common practice in Europe for many years. It’s now
also becoming popular in North America – on North American
built tractors.
LAFORGE’s HDI (Heavy Duty
Integrated) line of hitches has been expanded to
include the CASE-IH MX 215, 245, 275, and 305 “Next Generation”
tractors. The fully integrated Cat.3N front 3-point system has been
redesigned specifically for these tractor models. An innovative
reinforcing mid-frame (patent pending) eliminates the need for any
structural member underneath the front axle. This gives the front
hitch equipped tractor full ground clearance regardless if it is
equipped with a suspended MFD front axle or a standard
MFD.

It is also the solution for farmers who have found
that common dozer brands with a belly-frame under the front axle
severely limit the ground clearance. By mounting a dozer blade on
the LAFORGE HDI hitch instead, you have full clearance and a terrific
lift height for the steepest approach angle whether you are pushing
dirt, snow or working a silage pit.
HDI Specifications at a Glance
Lift Capacity: 6,000 kg (13,200 LBS)
Lift Range: 700 mm (27.6 inch)
Lower Links: Single piece welded box design for ultimate
rigidity and durability.
Hydraulics Standard: Double-acting with full down pressure.
Hydraulics Optional: Electronic Position & Traction Control,
Hitch Dampening
Quick Attach System: “Hook-and-Ball” on the lower
links is standard for enhanced safety and compactness.
Laforge HDI Availability
Laforge HDI hitches for CASE-IH tractors are available
through the CASE-IH dealers in North America. Warranty, parts, and
service are administrated through the local dealers and they are
supported by Laforge’s US based staff and warehouse.
Founded in 1991, Laforge Systems, Inc. is a subsidiary
of Laforge SARL in Europe. The parent company has more than 25 years
of experience in front hitch technology and has a multitude of patents
and engineering awards in this field.
For More Information
Laforge Systems, Inc., 4425-C Treat Blvd.#230,
Concord, CA 94521
Lars Paulsson Ph. 925-827-2010, e-mail;
lars@fronthitch.com
On the Web ; www.fronthitch.com
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