John Deere has announced three major updates to it S-Series combine harvesters.
Changes include significant improvements to performance, ride quality and grain harvesting efficiency thanks to a new suspension track system, flex draper header and harvest-specific enhancements to the MyOperations mobile app.
For 2019 S-Series combines, customers have the factory-installed option of a new suspension track system in 60.96, 76.2 or 91.4cm (24-, 30- or 36-inch) belt widths.
This redesigned John Deere track system incorporates changes to the track belts, integrated final drive, suspension cylinder and tandem bogie wheels that work together to improve floatation, ride quality, transport speed and durability.
“Combines with these tracks will be able to get into paddocks sooner and harvest longer, especially under less-than-ideal conditions, with less impact on the soil,” John Deere harvest solutions product marketing manager Matt Badding says.
John Deere says its new track system features a unique tread design with wider and taller tread bars that are angled to improve traction, balance and ride quality while extending tread life.
Combines equipped with the new track system will see faster transport speeds, now topping at 40km/h.
John Deere is also launching its latest 700FD HydraFlex draper. This symmetrically designed draper has a dual V-guide belt and a thicker corrugated front edge for improved crop flow and longer belt life.
Dual position 40.6 and 45.7cm (16- and 18-inch) centre-feed drums make for better versatility and improved processing of bushy crops like canola, while the 45.7 cm (18-inch) Top Crop auger makes for smooth feeding and fewer slugs under tough conditions.
“To improve ground sensing on uneven terrain and to automatically adjust header position accordingly, we’ve added a fourth sensor to the Automatic Header Height Control option on our (10.67, 12.19 and 13.71m (35-, 40- and 45-foot) models,” Badding explains.
“The new 700FD HydraFlex Draper has been built to deliver improved crop-handling versatility, longer wear life and to feed and capture more grain,” he adds.
The MyOperations app is now offering Remote View to help customers more easily monitor combine operations as well as adjusting settings from remote locations.
The new applications build on existing machine technologies, like Combine Advisor and Remote Display Access. This allows owners and managers the ability to remotely monitor combine performance as well as being able to adjust concave clearance, rotor, fan speed and chaffer and sieve-clearance settings as needed.
“This latest mobile app for combines gives customers immediate visual access to machine information from a single combine or an entire fleet to improve overall harvesting operations,” Badding says. “From their mobile device, customers can make changes to different settings as crop and harvesting conditions change throughout the day, then the operator simply accepts the changes on the in-cab display.”
Badding believes the app is a great way for managers to monitor less-experienced combine operators to ensure the combine is set and functioning properly.
“These updates are fully integrated and compatible with John Deere S700 Series combines, and continue to make them the most intelligent, efficient and productive grain-harvesting machines for our customers,” Badding adds.