Spring 2011 Volume 1

A Quarterly Publication by
MacAllister Machinery

Kernels of Information
Welcome to “The Grain Bin: Kernels of Informa-
tion,” MacAllister Machinery‟s NEW quarterly newslet-
ter. As Indiana‟s fastest growing full-line agricultural
equipment dealer, we are committed to supplying the
highest quality equipment and customer service. One
way we intend to do so is through “The Grain Bin,” as
with each issue we aim to inform, introduce, and entertain. Every issue will include a health and
safety column and a „Did You Know? Fun Facts About MacAllister Machinery‟ column, along with in-
formation on various current events, company happenings, and agriculture industry news. “The
Grain Bin” is also your source for learning about new equipment and new technologies in farming.
In addition, we strive to entertain through regular columns such as „Creative Uses for Everyday
Items‟ and „Farmer‟s Future Forecast,‟ and seasonally-relevant topics.
As our vision states, we believe our customers should be more profitable by doing business
with us than with our competitors. We have several Ag Focus Facilities throughout the state pre-
pared to meet your agriculture business demands with our ag
equipment specialists and legendary Caterpillar dealer parts and
service systems. Please come in to one of our Ag Focus Facilities,
call your local ag sales representative, or visit our website at
www.MacAllister.com/ag to learn more about how we can
provide you with excellent products and world-class product
support.

Spring 2011 1 Volume 1

 New Vertical Tillage System
Vertical tillage creates a vertical soil profile with consistent soil moisture and a more even soil
temperature. It also creates a soil surface that resists wind and water erosion. However, not all ver-
tical tillage systems are created equal; only one aims higher, where the sky is the only limit for all-
new technology and unique, innovative features: the Sunflower® 6630.
MacAllister Machinery is proud to offer AGCO‟s new vertical tillage system, the Sunflower
6630; which allows planting up to ten days earlier, as it cuts through tough residue and exposes
cold, wet soils to the sun. It was specifically designed to create an ideal field surface by mixing plant
residues with the upper layers of the soil profile, thus allowing the soil to absorb sunlight and evenly
warm the top two to three inches of soil. The Sunflower 6630 accomplishes this through the use of
its patent-pending SoilRazorTM VT disc blades from Ingersoll Tillage Group. Not only do these blades
mix residues with the perfect amount of soil, thus creating the ideal crop bed, but they also remain
sharp. As the blades wear down, the “V25” groove shifts, allowing the valley of the blade to become
the hill and the hill to become the valley. This innovative feature allows the blade to maintain its
sharp edge long after the competitors‟ vertical tillage coulters have become dull.
In addition, the Sunflower 6630 has a heavy mainframe with many maintenance-free compo-
nents, ensuring a dependable machine for years to come. Metal-to-metal contact in the machine‟s
lift system has been eliminated by the use of maintenance-free UHMW plastic bearings, which re-
quire no lubrication. By eliminating the metal-to-metal friction, discs stay in alignment and provide a
level field. It is also equipped with heavily-braced wing frames that withstand horizontal stress and
rotational torque during operation, a welded tongue that provides rigidity and strength, and a single
-lip hitch that sustains adverse
conditions.
The Sunflower 6630
Vertical Tillage System has a
low horsepower requirement,
yet can operate thirty percent
faster than conventional disc
harrows; thus increasing the
return on investment in both
time and dollars as growers
cover more acres using less
fuel. It is available in five mod-
els ranging from 21 feet wide
to 32 feet wide. Contact
MacAllister Machinery to learn
more about
the all-new
Sunflower Above: The Sunflower® 6630 creates the ideal field surface
6630. by mixing plant residues with the upper layers of the soil
profile. It also allows planting up to ten days earlier.
Left: The patent-pending SoilRazorTM VT disc blades
stay sharp long after the competitors‟ vertical tillage
coulters have become dull.

Information provided by Sunflower, the seeding and tillage division of AGCO.

www.sunflowermfg.com

Spring 2011 2 Volume 1

 Transport Safely
Hauling your planter from one field to the next
can be dangerous for yourself and the drivers around
you since your travel speed is much less than the
automobiles on public roads. To stay safe this plant-
ing season, follow these guidelines advised by the
National Ag Safety Database (NASD). For more infor-
mation on agriculture safety, visit their website at
www.nasdonline.org.
Follow the instructions in the operator‟s manual
for proper transport.
Use flashing warning lights.
Equip your machinery with adequate lights and
reflectors. Also use a visible slow-moving vehicle
emblem.
Make your planter as narrow as possible during
transport.
When an integral hitch is used for a double
planter, the implement should be transported in
tandem.
Use transport links to relieve the hydraulic cylin-
der when equipment is transported over a mile.
If the planter must be transported several miles,
haul it by truck or trailer.
Above: Always make your planter as narrow as possi-
ble during transport. Also be sure your slow-moving
vehicle emblem is visible.
Spring 2011 3 Volume 1
Uses for
Everyday Items
Each issue will include creative
uses for everyday items. This column
will provide clever and creative solutions
using items already found in your home.
Have a creative use for an ordinary
item? Submit your idea and see it
featured in “The Grain Bin.” Submis-
sions can be emailed to Rick Crafton at
RickCrafton@MacAllister.com.
Spring Cleaning & Remodeling
Coffee Can Lid: Create a
splatter shield for high sur-
face paint jobs. Simply cut
a slit in the center of the
lid and slide your paint-
brush through it.
Baking Soda: Deodorize
your carpet. Sprinkle baking soda on
stale carpet, then vacuum a few hours
later.
Antacid Tablet: Remove bouquet resi-
due from a vase. Add a tablet to your
water-filled vase, let sit for several min-
utes, then swirl and rinse.
Penny For Your
Thoughts
“America is not anything if it consists of
each of us. It is something only if it
consists of all of us.”
Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the
United States
 Naked and Hungry
Naked and hungry: that‟s what the world would be without agriculture. It is because of this
that the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) developed National Agriculture Week and Nation Ag
Day to recognize and celebrate the contributions of American agriculture. National Agriculture Week
begins March 13 and runs through March 19, with National Ag Day on March 15, 2011. Each year
members of the agriculture industry including producers, government agencies, universities, and ag-
ricultural associations host events with one goal in mind: to educate millions of consumers about the
importance and contributions of American agriculture. Celebrate National Agriculture Week and Na-
tional Ag Day by learning more about American agriculture. The following information was provided
by the ACA. For more information, visit their website at www.agday.org.

Fun Facts About American Agriculture Profile of the American Farmer

 The top five agricultural commodities in the  Over 22 million people are employed in
United States are: cattle, dairy products, farm or farm-related jobs including produc-
broilers, corn, and soybeans. tion agriculture, farm inputs, processing
 Today‟s combines can and marketing, and whole-
harvest 4,000 bushels sale and retail sales.
of corn per hour.  According to the 2002
 Lettuce is a member of Census of Agriculture, fifty
the sunflower family. percent of farmers are 55
 Eggs age more in one years of age or older, which
day at room tempera- is up only three percent
ture than in one week from 1997. The average
in the refrigerator. age of the primary farm
 There are over 500 dif- operator is 55.3.
ferent types of ba-  Today, one farmer sup-
nanas. plies food for 144 people in
 Apples are a member of the U.S. and abroad, com-
the rose family. pared to 25.8 people in the 1960s.
 Pumpkins are ninety percent water.
 Honeybee workers must visit 2 million flow- Reasons to Celebrate Ag Day
ers to make one pound of honey.
 Americans need to understand how food,
 The average U.S. dairy cow produces 22.5 fiber, and renewable resource products are
quarts of milk each day.
produced.
 Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated fruits,
 Consumers should value the essential role
they have been grown for over 8,000 years.
of agriculture in maintaining a strong
 Fresh apples float be- economy.
cause twenty-five percent America’s Farmers Produce:  Every American needs to
of their volume is air.
 46% of the world‟s soybeans appreciate the role agricul-
 A combine can harvest
 41% of the world‟s corn ture plays in providing safe,
enough wheat to make
 20.5% of the world‟s cotton abundant, and affordable
seventy loaves of bread
 13% of the world‟s wheat products.
in nine seconds.  Agriculture is too impor-
 One bushel of corn will
tant of a topic to only be taught to the
sweeten more than 400 cans of pop.
small percentage of students considering
 One acre of soybeans can produce 82,368
careers in agriculture.
crayons.
Spring 2011 4 Volume 1
 Holidays & Events
Farmer’s

February
14 Valentine‟s Day
Future 19 FFA Week Begins
21 Presidents‟ Day
Forecast
Spring officially starts March 20, 4 March Forth—Do Something Day
but just because the calendar says so, 8 International Women‟s Day
doesn‟t always mean Mother Nature 9 Ash Wednesday
gets the message. As with all Indiana 13 Daylight Saving Time Begins

March
weather we won‟t know what to ex- 13 National Agriculture Week Begins
pect until we are waiting at the bus 15 National Ag Day
stop soaked and stranded without an 17 St. Patrick‟s Day
umbrella or tiptoeing in our flip-flops 20 Spring Begins
through the snow. However, there
may be some hints to our future
weather in the pages of The Old
Farmer‟s Almanac. The Almanac has
been predicting the weather since Did You Know
1792, when Robert E.
Thomas devised a
Fun Facts About
secret formula for MacAllister Machinery
forecasting. Today‟s
forecasts are based MacAllister Machinery was founded
on three scientific in 1945 by E.W. MacAllister. He was asked
disciplines: solar sci- to be Caterpillar Tractor Company‟s exclu-
ence, climatology, sive dealer in sixty-eight Indiana counties.
and meteorology. Since then, MacAllister has been known for
The predictions are providing excellent products and world-
determined by com- class product support.
paring solar patterns
and historical weather conditions with
current solar activity. Coming Soon!
According to The Old Farmer‟s
To better serve you, we are moving
Almanac, Indiana will experience
our ag and bus businesses to the old auto
above average temperatures and aver-
auction facility located at the NW corner of
age precipitation in February. While
Post Road and US 52. This new location,
March will bring temperatures and pre-
which will be opening in mid-March, means
cipitation slightly below average.
greater ease of access
Northern and Central Indiana will face
and improved parts
below average temperatures and pre-
and service facilities.
cipitation; whereas Southern Indiana
Watch for the next is-
will have below average temperatures,
sue of “The Grain Bin,”
but above average precipitation in
as it will feature the
April.
grand opening.

Spring 2011 5 Volume 1

 Preparing Your Planter
Soon the snow will be melted and replaced by green grass and colorful blossoms, which can
only mean one thing: planting season has arrived. Before you head back into the fields, follow the
checklist below to ensure your machine is properly prepared for planting. Planters should be cleaned
prior to re-entering the fields, however preparing your planter for optimum seeding takes much
more than cleaning. That is why we have created a simple checklist. Take it with you when you
begin inspecting your machine. Proper preparation is vital, as planters that are working incorrectly
not only reduce yields, but also waste fertilizer, seed, and energy.

Planter Preparation Checklist Above

:8
Planter 500 Series Wh
ite
Check the sprocket teeth for wear.

Check that the drive trains are not rusted or stiff.

Check the shape and condition of the shaft bearings and

sprocket bearings. Make sure they are well lubricated.

Clean and inspect the chemical meters used for seed

treatments on the planter.

Check the opener blades to make sure they are not

worn.

Use your owner’s manual for calibration.

Follow all hourly service requirements and greasing

requirements.

In the field, dig to expose seeds in the row to be certain

the planter is operating correctly. Confirm desired seed
depth and seed-to-soil contact.

Visit MacAllister Machinery to learn what's new.

Above
:
White 8100 Series
Planter

Spring 2011 6 Volume 1

 Submissions
Submit your comments, questions, pictures, and ideas to Rick Crafton at our headquarters in
Indianapolis. We look forward to hearing from you! RickCrafton@MacAllister.com
Edited by Brittany Swackhamer

Spring 2011 7 Volume 1