John Deere says updates to its upcoming model-year 2021 4-series self-propelled sprayers will reduce costs, provide better traction and boost operator comfort.
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| Key changes to the 2021 John Deere 4-Series Self-Propelled Sprayers include roll out of the CommandDrive all-wheel drive system to more models, and additional enhancements to the optical carbon fibre boom |
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The 2021 R4038 and R4030 self-propelled sprayer models will now incorporate John Deere’s CommandDrive all-wheel-drive system, as well as enhancements to the optional carbon fibre boom to the entire range.
While already available on R4045 and R4060 sprayers, the addition of John Deere’s all-wheel-drive system now allows operators of the R4038 and R4030 models to cover tricky terrain like hills, soft ground and wet surfaces more easily.
For example, if one or more wheels lose traction, the sprayers’ system adjusts to slow the slipping wheel and directs more flow to the other wheels with traction, propelling the machine over the terrain.
It does this thanks to its powertrain which uses a single hydrostatic pump that powers all four variable-displacement motors.
John Deere production and precision ag tactical segment manager Marko Koelln says the updates would further boost producers’ ability to apply the right product at the right rate and the right time.
“Reducing input costs and maximising productivity is critical to efficiency and profitability, and producers having greater control over the way they run their businesses,” Koelln says.
“Through these changes, John Deere is not only providing optimised operator comfort but also helping to ensure we’re working with our customers to integrate features that have a direct impact on their bottom line.”
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| Updates are focused on reducing input costs and maximising productivity for growers |
John Deere’s CommandDrive also works in tandem with the engine and sprayer system to automatically increase RPMs when more power is needed and to maintain proper spraying.
Maintaining selected ground speed and application rate at lower engine RPMs is made easy thanks to the Auto Mode setting, which also automatically reduces the engine’s RPM to 900 when the machine is stopped. John Deere claims this reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent.
“The addition of flotation tyres can help to further reduce compaction to help farmers get in the paddock sooner and spray later while hitting tight application windows that can make a marked difference to yields,” Koelln adds.
Other options include ExactApply, John Deere’s “industry-exclusive” nozzle that minimizes overlap by controlling product application with individual nozzles, as well as AutoTrac Vision and RowSense options that offer a higher degree of accuracy for in-row crop applications using a camera or paddles.
Mr Koelln believes a further standout feature of the 4-Series update is the upgraded carbon fibre boom option.
“These upgrades include new T6 and T7 rope design, an additional breakaway bumper for more stability, new breakaway strap wear plate and new breakaway solenoid design to improve fold functionality,” he says.
Orders for the new machines can be placed with John Deere dealers for delivery in late 2020 or early 2021.