Global “Big Three” Compete in Smart Agriculture: John Deere, CNH, Claas Lead Tech Revolution
1. Agritechnica Spotlight: Electrification and Automation Dominate Innovations
The 2025 Agritechnica exhibition (November 9–15, Hanover) will debut a “Seven Days, Seven Themes” format, highlighting digital farming innovations, with over 2,700 exhibitors including 200+ Chinese firms like Weichai Lovol and Zoomlion Ag.
Recent breakthroughs include:
CNH/New Holland: Won dual Silver Medals for Corn Header Automation (AI-driven adjustments to boost efficiency and reduce grain loss) and ForageCam (real-time kernel processing analysis for silage quality)
.John Deere: Acquired GUSS Automation, expanding autonomous orchard/vineyard sprayer capabilities (260k acres serviced).
Its 830-horsepower 9RX 830 tractor remains the industry’s highest-horsepower model.
Claas: Showcased modular XERION 4500 tractors and AI weeders.
AGCO’s Fendt brand now integrates OutRun autonomous kits as factory options.
2. DataConnect: Breaking Down Machinery Data Silos
John Deere, Claas, CNH (Case IH/New Holland), and software firm 365FarmNet launched DataConnect, the first cross-brand cloud platform enabling real-time data sharing (machine location, fuel levels, field status) across mixed fleets. Users access unified data via preferred portals like John Deere Operations Center or Case IH’s AFS Connect.
Impact: Analogous to ISOBUS for hardware, DataConnect standardizes data interfaces, accelerating smart farm integration. The platform now covers Europe and North America, with Asia-Pacific expansion planned for 2026.
3. Asia-Pacific Expansion: Localization and Market Shifts
China: At the Xinjiang Agricultural Machinery Expo, John Deere’s 8R 410 tractor demonstrated <2.5 cm autonomous-cluster precision in Heilongjiang. CNH promoted PUMA 2404/MAGNUM 3404 tractors for Xinjiang cotton farms, while Claas partnered with Liaoning Province to deploy JAGUAR 860 forage harvesters (98% stalk-crushing efficiency).
Southeast Asia: Chinese firm Wotvo dominated Thailand’s inaugural农机展 (July 2025), tailoring rice/sugarcane harvesters to smallholder needs. Thailand’s reliance on imported >60-hp tractors creates openings for affordable Chinese brands.
The 2026 Vietnam Expo will target Southeast Asia’s third-largest农机market.
Corporate Moves: Kubota acquired U.S. implement maker Great Plains, expanding its global footprint.
Mahindra partnered with Mitsubishi Agriculture to produce 5,000 rice transplanters annually in India, targeting China and Southeast Asia.
4. Global Market Outlook: Asia Drives Growth, Electrification Advances
Per the 2025–2030 Multifunctional Tractor Report:
The global market will reach 63.2billionby2030∗∗,withAsia−Pacificaccountingfor429 billion by 2027, prioritizing hillside/hybrid models.
Electrification: 23% of European tractors will be electric by 2028, while Chinese hybrid production grows 12% annually.
Autonomy: GNSS-guided systems will rise from 18% (2025) to 35% (2030) penetration, cutting fuel use by 12%.
5. Conclusion: From Iron to Data
John Deere, CNH, and Claas are transitioning from “equipment makers” to “farm data service providers,” competing on ecosystem integration. DataConnect’s cross-brand synergy signals a new phase for smart farming. Asia’s market growth and policy shifts—like Thailand’s used-machinery tariff exemptions—will reshape global strategies.
Joachim Oldenburg (Claas VP) captured this shift: “In the next decade, a machine’s value will shift from steel shareto data share”.
Post time: 09-25-2025
