John Deere has introduced four new smarter and more comfortable S700 combine harvesters, along with the 700C/FC Series corn heads and 700D drapers
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The 2018 model S700 grain harvesters build on the “proven field performance of the S600 combines introduced in 2012”, John Deere says.
The on-board automation on the new models is designed to make it easier on the operator by allowing the combine to make automatic adjustments on the go.
“These new S700 Combines are a culmination of enhancements to our previous model that optimise and automate harvesting operations for coarse and small grains,” John Deere harvest marketing manager Kevin Ripple says.
“We’ve enhanced the overall intelligence of these combines by automating more adjustments and calibration tasks, and improved the lifetime durability and productivity of front-end equipment.”
The new Combine Advisor package uses seven technologies to help operators set, optimise and automate the combine based on their crop and field conditions.
One of these, Auto Maintain, is linked to cameras to let the operator view the tailings and clean grain elevators via the display and analyse the information.
Another addition to the S700 combine is Active Yield technology that automatically calibrates the mass flow sensor and eliminates the need for manual calibration.
The cab has a new CommandCenter which is designed to give a common user experience across Deere’s larger tractors and self-propelled sprayers.
It’s packed with Deere’s trademarked tech:
“Machine performance features of the CommandCenter include a Gen 4 interface and monitor with 4600 processer; CommandArm and multi-function control lever with greater ergonomic design and customisable buttons; premium activation with AutoTrac, RowSense and HarvestDoc; and Extended Monitor and mobile device features,” the company says.
In terms of comfort, you get either leather or cloth seats that swivel 7.5 degrees left and 15 degrees right, decent seat ventilation, an improved seat cushion and additional mirrors so you can see the grain tank better.
John Deere 700C/FC corn head
Being released alongside the S700 combines is the 700C/FC folding corn head. This features a RowMax row unit that Deere says provides up to a 50 percent increase in the gathering chains’ lifespan, and features solid-alloy bushings that reduce pin and bushing wear.
“We’ve also increased the life of the stalk rolls by up to 25 percent by utilising a harder material and adding a new wear coating on the front and trailing edges of the blades for increased performance,” John Deere front end equipment product manager Brittney Guidarelli says. “As a result, we’ve decreased the cost of operation by reducing how frequently wear parts need to be replaced.”
The 700C Series Corn Heads are available in 6- to 18- row models, in 20-, 22- and 30-inch row widths. Folding corn heads are available on the 8- and 12-row units.
There are also several enhancements available for growers harvesting high moisture corn, including an auger floor insert to ease crop handling and a lower auger height to minimise crop damage.
John Deere 700D rigid draper
For small grains, the new 700D Rigid Draper provides a 20 percent increase in capacity in tough harvesting conditions over the previous model, according to John Deere.
The 700D features a top crop auger that’s 50 percent larger in diameter (now 457mm) with heavy-duty drives, high-performance gauge wheels, and a new centre section seal kit that the company says reduces centre section grain losses by up to 45 percent in canola.