In this equipment roundup, DTN/Progressive Farmer looks at high diesel costs hitting returns; March equipment sales down; reports that Cat buys Monarch technology; Fieldwork Robotics readying an autonomous picker; new equipment from KIOTI and Loftness; and Kubota offering $50,000 grants.

DIESEL COSTS UP 50%

If you began the year with your bulk tanks topped off with $3-per-gallon diesel, expect the refill to be $1.50 more for that same gallon, said Drew Kientzy, a University of Missouri Extension senior research analyst, in a university release.

"For a fuel-intensive operating style that includes two passes with tillage tools, planting, two spray applications, harvesting, and trucking corn yielding 180 bushels-per-acre, roughly 7.5 gallons of fuel are used per acre," Kientzy said. "The per acre impact of the recent fuel price changes is $11.25 per acre higher than projections made in the fall, bringing total fuel costs from $21.75 to $33 per acre today."

The 2026 MU Extension Missouri Corn Budget estimated a machinery operating cost of $82.99 per acre, based on off-road diesel price estimates in November 2025 of $2.90 per gallon. When adjusted for the market action over the past five months, machine operating costs rise to $94.24 per acre.

The 2026 Missouri corn budget estimates fuel makes up 18% of total machinery costs and 5% of total production costs at today's diesel price. "If a farm had all inputs except fuel locked in on Jan. 1, net returns to land decline from $120 per acre to $108 based on recent changes in fuel cost alone," Kientzy said.

For more information about the Missouri crop and livestock budgets, visit https://muext.us/….

TRACTOR, COMBINE SALES DOWN

U.S. sales of agricultural tractors and combines declined last month compared to March last year, reported the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

The report shows sales of agriculture tractors were down 9.1% while combine sales dropped 25.3% compared to March 2025. AEM's report shows a similar trend in Canadian sales. According to the sales data, Canadian sales of agricultural tractors fell 16.3% while combine sales dipped 60.6% compared to the year before.

"These numbers reflect the overall softness in the ag economy," said Curt Blades, senior vice president of industry sectors and product leadership, in an AEM news release. "Despite these declines in sales in 2026, the commitment to modernizing equipment and adopting innovative technologies remains strong, positioning the industry for long-term growth."

FIELDWORK ROBOTICS ANNOUNCES NEW FUNDING ROUNDS

Fieldwork Robotics is announcing nearly $4.1 million in new funding, including nearly $3 million from an investment round led by Elbow Beach (climate-focused investment firm). The investment will enable Fieldwork to accelerate farm adoption of its autonomous soft fruit harvesting technology and transition from the technology validation stage to commercial trials, the technology builder said.

Berry growers worldwide are facing rising labor costs, a shortage of available fruit pickers, and supply chain pressures that are driving up harvesting wages. Fieldwork's autonomous harvesting robots help to address these issues by reducing reliance on seasonal labor and boosting productivity.

This investment enables Fieldwork to manufacture its new production robots, with trials allowing growers to evaluate logistics, operational requirements and infrastructure needs. Subject to these trials, Fieldwork expects multi-robot fleets to be operating on farms in 2027.

"We are excited to demonstrate how our autonomous raspberry harvesting robots can boost productivity, protect grower margins and deliver sustainable harvesting solutions," said David Fulton, CEO of Fieldwork Robotics.

LOFTNESS REVEALS NEW SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS

Loftness Specialized Equipment has introduced stone crusher and tree saw attachments for skid steer loaders.

The Kwik Fall tree saw features a large cutting disc with replaceable carbide teeth to quickly cut through cedar and other invasive trees up to 14 inches in diameter. An integrated deflector protects the cab and guides falling material toward the ground.

The Loftness Stone Ax crushes stones up to six inches and has a four-inch working depth for cleaning up farmland or improving back roads. Compatible with skid steers from 80 to 135 hydraulic horsepower, it includes a large 200cc radial piston motor and specialized rotor design to help produce fine crush sizes.

The Stone Ax and Kwik Fall are both available to order starting May 1, 2026.

For more information: www.loftness.com.

KIOTI EXPANDS CS30 SERIES WITH NEW ROPS MODELS

KIOTI Tractor has expanded its CS30 Series of sub-compact tractors with the addition of two new ROPS models: the CS2230 and CS2530.

The ROPS tractors expand the CS30 Series lineup with reliable, open-platform versatility. The tractors feature a hydrostatic transmission, a rear differential lock, four-wheel drive, and wet disc brakes, plus an illuminated digital instrument panel giving operators information about vehicle status, warnings and KIOTI Connect TMS alerts.

The CS2530 delivers 24.5 horsepower and 51.63 lb.-ft. of torque, while the CS2230 provides 21 horsepower and 46.47 lb.-ft of torque. A Category 1 three-point hitch features 700 lb. of lift capacity.

For more information: KIOTI.com.

REPORT: CATERPILLAR BUYS MONARCH TECH

Bloomberg is reporting that Caterpillar has purchased the battery and autonomous technologies developed by now-defunct Monarch Tractor. Caterpillar has not confirmed the reported deal.

While in operation, Monarch accumulated a reported $200 million in investments over eight years to develop an operator-optional, battery-powered tractor with a large computing capacity. The tractor could even generate power for remote electrical supplies. But the California-based company was unable to secure a viable outlet for commercial rate production.

As reports of the Caterpillar purchase made the media rounds last week, Monarch released the following statement (slightly edited here by DTN), while not confirming the buyer of its technologies.

"Seven years ago, we set out to push agriculture forward by building one of the first smart, electric, software-defined tractors. From by-wire systems to exportable power, V2G capability, and a camera-first autonomy stack, we had a clear mission: improve food sustainability and small farmer economics with a new global tractor architecture.

"We're proud of what we built. The team pushed the technology forward and showed what's possible when you rethink the farm tractor from the ground up. We are now seeing similar architectures emerge from major OEMs.

"Building and scaling a new tractor platform in agriculture came with unforeseen challenges. We had to make difficult decisions, including a shift away from manufacturing to a technology licensing model which validated that the core (electric vehicle and autonomous vehicle) technology could operate across tractors, augers, utility vehicles, and construction equipment.

"We recognize that this transition caused disruption to customers and partners, and we understand the impact it has had. We appreciate the customers and partners who've continued to support us through the transition.

"We are also happy to share that Monarch's core technology, including our software-defined vehicle platform, perception stack, and electrification systems, has been acquired by a large global equipment manufacturer. It means the technology will continue to move forward."

KUBOTA'S HOMETOWN PROUD

Continuing its commitment to strengthening hometowns where Kubota customers and dealers live and work, Kubota Tractor Corporation is accepting applications for its Kubota Hometown Proud grant program.

Nonprofits can apply through May 7, 2026, for a chance to receive a grant valued at $50,000 ($25,000 cash and a $25,000 Kubota equipment voucher).

Ten grant recipients, one from each of Kubota's 10 operating districts across the country, will be awarded this year.

Past grant winner examples include renovating fairgrounds, rodeo arena, and barns; expanding ag education centers; and opening farm incubator programs.

For more information on the Kubota Hometown Proud grant program go to: https://www.kubotausa.com/…

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

Follow him on social platform X @DMillerPF

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