Torque Talk - up to the challenge

The page, called "More Tools", provides information and links to solutions from other companies that are using the John Deere open data platform.

This arrangement allows farmers to access the tools they need from many top software providers while still keeping their data housed in a single location for simplicity and convenience.

"This new page represents a significant step forward for our John Deere precision Ag data solutions," the company's software segment manager Kevin Krieg said.

"Growers will now have the ability to not only use our premium Ag data management solution with the John Deere Operations Centre, but they will be able to customise their own 'data toolbox'."

An example of this collaboration is the work being done with a satellite imagery company which will use field boundaries located within the farmer's Operations Centre to locate and organise imagery files.

This is easier and more efficient because the grower doesn't have to recreate his entire field setup in multiple systems and the field information can move automatically and securely within the data platform.

"The option to pick and choose the solutions that make sense for an operation with practically no extra effort needed to transfer data between them is key for simplicity and usability," Mr Krieg said. "This setup keeps the farmers in control of their data when they collaborate with trusted partners to put that data to work enhancing their performance and profitability."

Also, to get the most out of the Operations Centre and associated mobile apps and software, John Deere offers JDLink Connect, which seamlessly connects the machine to the Operations Centre and takes the burden of data collection and transmission off the grower.

In addition to agronomic data, it collects machine data to give the full picture of what is happening on the farm. Of course, JDLink also connects those machines directly to the dealer for services and support.

Companies that are interested in using the John Deere API can find more about how to connect at developer.deere.com

Up to the challenge

AGCO Corporation has made a big move in the North American market with the release of its Challenger 1000 Series tractor.

According to the company, the new model combines the power of a small-frame, articulated four-wheel drive with the flexibility and speed of a lighter-weight, fixed-frame row crop machine.

AGCO is offering four models ranging from 295kW (396hp) to 386kW (517hp) with a weight range of 14,153kg to 23,000kg.

Models are powered with high-capacity six-cylinder, 12.4 litre MAN engines with VTG turbochargers, which adjust to optimise airflow for optimum power boost over a wider rpm range.

The result, says AGCO, delivers an impressive 2399Nm of torque at a lower engine speed of 1100 rpm. This high torque, low speed approach allows the Challenger 1000 Series tractors to run in the maximum torque range while delivering low fuel consumption.

Models also boast the AccuDrive powertrain which combines the Challenger Accu-VT continuously variable transmission with variable four-wheel drive.

Maximum road speed of 50km/h is reached at a fuel-saving 1200 rpm.

By now your suspicions would have been aroused.

Yes, we're talking about the 1000 Vario tractor which AGCO has introduced as a Fendt and a Challenger.

The choice, in North America at least, is yours.

Header school

HEADER schools are on in earnest throughout the Wheatbelt as machinery dealers take their customers through the do's and don'ts of operating a header to gain maximum performance during harvest.

And that was the case at Afgri Equipment's Carnamah branch last week where newly appointed service manager Clint Harding debuted.

Clint took over from Fin Brown who has now moved into sales and relished the opportunity to display John Deere S680 headers and talk with customers.

"It's our first school in our new branch which was officially opened in February this year," he said. "The school has been organised mainly for new owners but it's also a refresher for owners and drivers to check out new technology features.

"And it gives us an opportunity to continue to build relationships with our customers."

No doubt about it Clint. It's still a people game.

Boekeman Medal

WHILE Patrick Dangerfield picked up the Brownlow Medal this week, the big news in recent weeks has focused on the Boekeman Medal, won by Dane Crognale, Wongan Ballidu Football Club.

The Boekeman Medal was instigated about 20 years ago with former Boekeman Machinery dealer principal Bill Boekeman keen to promote the game.

He has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Mortlock Football League for many years and is in fact a life member, after playing league football with Subiaco Football Club.

Bill's dad Royce also was club president at Subiaco.

Keep digging and the facts rise to the surface.