Producers can now take advantage of more time-saving options for seeding wheat, sorghum, and soybeans through the introduction of the 70-bushel single-tank Central Commodity System (CCS) no-till air drill with new working widths.The 1690CCS is available in 30-foot and 35-foot models, and the 1890 CCS offers producers 30-foot and 36-foot seeding options. For the 1690CCS and 1890CCS models, the 70-bushel single-compartment hopper is matched to the new smaller working widths, giving customers the ability to seed large acres while carrying all the seed on the air-drill mainframe.

The newest additions to Honda''s GC engines series are the 6-hp., horizontal-shaft GC190 (pictured) and 6.5-hp., vertical-shaft GCV190 models. These higher hp. engines are designed specifically for premium, high-volume, residential power equipment and are now available through Honda Engine distributors nationwide. Both shaft configurations also are supplied to other power equipment manufacturers on an original equipment basis. As with other overhead cam (OHC) engines in the GC series, a combination of the world''s first internal timing belt and uniblock construction creates a lighter and more compact package than any other model in the class, delivering an unparalleled power-to-weight ratio. Simple construction also minimizes the number of moving parts, making the engines reliable and easy to operate. The internal components have been strengthened through the use of a stronger piston pin, larger connecting rod, larger rod journal and redesigned oil control ring. The GC190 and GCV190 engines meet or exceed all 2006 CARB and EPA emission requirements. After successfully launching its vertical-shaft, liquid-cooled Aegis engines at EXPO 99, Kohler introduced horizontal-shaft counterparts at EXPO 2000. Kobler will produce 3 models rated at 17-, 20-, and 23-hp. with full production on the 23-hp. model starting in spring 2001. With the addition of Kohler Aegis in both vertical- and horizontal-shaft configurations, Kohler can now provide OEMs and end users with a full range of 4-stroke, twin-cylinder engines from 17 to 26 hp. Honda Engines has added two new higher horsepower models to its GC series of four-stroke gasoline engines. The 6 hp GC19O and the vertical shaft 6.5 hp GC Vi 90 engines are designed specifically for premium residential power equipment applications. The two new engines join Honda Engine''s 4 hp GC135/GCV135 and the 5 hp GC160/GCV160 engines in the product range.

Heat detection a hot topicSeveral producers cite heat detection systems as a top management change. Richard Schaefer, Evansville, Illinois, recently purchased Heat-Watch, autoheaternotworking a computerized heat detection system, to monitor his dairy herd. "It really saves me a lot of time, because I no longer have to visually catch the cows in heat," he says.James Reed, Esbon, Kansas, writes that the HeatWatch Estrus detection system and the Real McCoy Ultrasound scanner "have vastly improved my reproduction program."Keep ''em movin''Good animal husbandry isn''t possible without good products to handle and move livestock. Twenty-two brands of trailers are cited autoheaternotworking by producers in their product reviews, making this the category with the most number of brands mentioned. The top six are listed on page 34. New cattle-handling equipment can be a real time and labor saver, ranchers say.

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