In Kinze News
John Deere V. Kinze Part Five: Perseverance Pays Off
Forty years ago, Kinze Manufacturing was just a small farm equipment startup near Williamsburg, Iowa. After developing several innovative products, the company was starting to attract the attention of farmers looking for ways to improve their farming efficiency. However, Kinze was also drawing the attention of the industry-giant, John Deere.The following is the final installment of a five-part series describing Jon Kinzenbaw’s early battles with John Deere - both in the field and in the courtroom. What started out as suit over row unit availability, eventually ended in a ruling that forever changed Kinzenbaw’s young company - and the ag equipment industry as a whole!This excerpt is from the book "Fifty Years of Disruptive Innovation" and is told in Jon’s...
Be Your Own Expert: the Brush Meter Breakdown
As planter technology continues to change, it’s important to know the in’s and out’s of your machinery so you can prevent problems before they arise. Plus, a little self-education makes you your own advocate for optimal yield numbers. With this thought in mind we want you to know the inner workings of one of the most important parts of your planter: the brush meter. A brush meter has four main parts:The Seed Disc – This is the only moving part in the meter. It provides singulation and loads the seeds on the disc. The average life expectancy is 100 to 200 acres per row. When the disc starts to wear out the population on that row or the entire planter will...
In Kinze News
John Deere V. Kinze Part Four: So You Think You Have a Patent
Forty years ago, Kinze Manufacturing was just a small farm equipment startup near Williamsburg, Iowa. After developing several innovative products, the company was starting to attract the attention of farmers looking for ways to improve their farming efficiency. However, Kinze was also drawing the attention of the industry-giant, John Deere. The following is the fourth installment of a five-part series describing Jon Kinzenbaw’s early battles with John Deere - both in the field and in the courtroom. What started out as suit over row unit availability, eventually ended in a ruling that forever changed Kinzenbaw’s young company - and the ag equipment industry as a whole! This excerpt is from the book "Fifty Years of Disruptive Innovation" and is told...
No-till Planter Tips for Spring Planting
Rugged terrain, heavy crop residue and soil compaction are challenges for all farmers using no-till planting methods. Yet, more and more farmers are moving to no-till practices, lured by higher yield potential. If done right, no-till planting can control soil erosion, reduce fuel and labor costs by eliminating extra trips across the field, and improve soil moisture and fertility. But successful no-till planting depends on making sure your planter is set up correctly. To start, it’s important your planter is in top condition so it can withstand the rigors of planting in previous crop residue. Essentially the first three steps of conventional cultivation are bypassed when practicing no-till, but you won’t gain any advantage if the equipment isn’t working properly....
In Kinze News
John Deere V. Kinze Part Three: the Battle Lines Are Drawn
Forty years ago, Kinze Manufacturing was just a small farm equipment startup near Williamsburg, Iowa. After developing several innovative products, the company was starting to attract the attention of farmers looking for ways to improve their farming efficiency. However, Kinze was also drawing the attention of the industry-giant, John Deere. The following is the third installment of a five-part series describing Jon Kinzenbaw’s early battles with John Deere - both in the field and in the courtroom. What started out as suit over row unit availability, eventually ended in a ruling that forever changed Kinzenbaw’s young company - and the ag equipment industry as a whole! This excerpt is from the book "Fifty Years of Disruptive Innovation" and is told...
In Kinze News
Proudly Made in Iowa
Made in Iowa. We take pride in saying these words when talking about our grain carts and row crop planters that are built at our manufacturing headquarters in Williamsburg, Iowa. We champion our Midwest roots to anyone who will listen. Not just because of the pride factor, but also because building farm equipment in Iowa translates to several benefits to local farmers. 1. Faster response to demandOur dealers will be able to get you the exact grain cart or planter that you want quickly. While it might take months for other companies to restock the in-demand items of the season, we are prepared to fill orders in a timely manner. 2. Customizable solutions to customers’ needsSearching for something specific? Just look to...
In Kinze News
John Deere V. Kinze Part Two: a Chance Worth Taking
Forty years ago, Kinze Manufacturing was just a small farm equipment startup near Williamsburg, Iowa. After developing several innovative products, the company was starting to attract the attention of farmers looking for ways to improve their farming efficiency. However, Kinze was also drawing the attention of the industry-giant, John Deere. The following is the second installment of a five-part series describing Jon Kinzenbaw’s early battles with John Deere - both in the field and in the courtroom. What started out as suit over row unit availability, eventually ended in a ruling that forever changed Kinzenbaw’s young company - and the ag equipment industry as a whole! This excerpt is from the book "Fifty Years of Disruptive Innovation" and is told...
In Kinze News
John Deere V. Kinze Part One: the Meeting of Two Fools
Forty years ago, Kinze Manufacturing was just a small farm equipment startup near Williamsburg, Iowa. After developing several innovative products, the company was starting to attract the attention of farmers looking for ways to improve their farming efficiency. However, Kinze was also drawing the attention of the industry-giant, John Deere. The following is the first installment of a five-part series describing Jon Kinzenbaw’s early battles with John Deere - both in the field and in the courtroom. What started out as suit over row unit availability, eventually ended in a ruling that forever changed Kinzenbaw’s young company - and the ag equipment industry as a whole! This excerpt is from the book "Fifty Years of Disruptive Innovation" and is told...
Before You Grow: the Ultimate Spring Planting Checklist
Getting ready for planting season can, at times, be a little overwhelming, but in order to kickoff a great season a little preparation goes a long way. With that in mind, Kinze has created a simple checklist to help guarantee all of your equipment is in working order before entering the field. Give your planter a thorough inspection for loose hardware. Pay special attention to:The parallel arm boltsTransport and field wheel boltsCenter post bearing casting bolts (for lift and pivot machines)Hitch boltsEnsure the safety chain is properly installedMake sure safety lights work and SMV sign is attached, clean and visibleCheck over row units and attachments:Disc opener blade measurements (If diameter 14 1/2" or less, replace)No-till coulter adjustments and diameter (If...
In Kinze News
For the Love of Machinery: the 2016 National Farm Machinery Show
Love was in the air last week in Louisville. Not because of Valentine’s Day, but because of all the heavy iron on display at the National Farm Machinery Show, hosted on February 10-13. The Kinze Manufacturing booth was the place to be, as scores of farmers looking to update their planters with new features and technology stopped by to discuss our latest product offerings. Visitors consistently expressed a desire to find ways to improve efficiency and yields on tighter budgets as the farming economy continues to recover from its downswing. The crowd was excited about the upcoming dealer-installed hydraulic drive kit for the 4900 Planter. Kinze is offering the kit for 16 row and 24 row 4900 Planters this spring. Another...