A SUCCESSFUL line of demo days for AFGRI’s John Deere S700 series harvester left 2018 on a good note with strong interest for the upcoming season.
These models, which represent technology improvements on the popular S600 series, have a strong emphasis on precision and camera technology enabling the operator to visually set specifications.
AFGRI terrority sales manager Campbell Aiken said AFGRI had half a dozen demo headers operating last harvest.
“We had S770, S780 and S790 models in the field over harvest last year,” Campbell said.
“Demo’s started North of Geraldton in November and wrapped up around Esperance and the Great Southern last week .
“The new technology was a stand out and generated a large number of opportunities to quote new machines.”
In May 2018, John Deere announced several updates to its grain harvesting solutions for 2019 that will significantly improve the performance, ride quality and small grain harvesting efficiency of its S-Series combines.
These additions include a new suspension track system, flex draper header and harvest-specific enhancements to the MyOperations mobile app.
For model year 2019 S-Series Combines, customers have the factory-installed option of a new suspension track system in 60.96, 76.2 or 91.4 centimetres (24, 30 or 36-inch) belt widths.
The redesigned John Deere track system for these combines incorporates changes to the track belts, integrated final drive, suspension cylinder and tandem bogie wheels that work together to improve flotation, 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,” said John Deere Harvest Solutions product marketing manager Matt Badding.
The new track system features a unique tread design with wider and taller tread bars that are angled to improve traction, balance and ride comfort while extending tread life.
And unlike previous track systems, combines equipped with the new track systems can travel up to nearly 40 kilometres an hour, reducing transport time between paddocks.
To help customers more easily monitor combine operations and adjust settings from remote locations, Deere offers Remote View as part of the MyOperations mobile app.
These new applications build on existing machine technologies, like Combine Advisor and Remote Display Access, to allow owners or managers to remotely monitor combine performance and adjust concave clearance, rotor, fan speed and chaffer and sieve clearance settings as needed.
Other additions include cameras which provide pictures of the returns elevator, a live feed on the grain elevator and other views so the operator can see results during the harvest.
Sensors inside the grain box also consistently measure and weigh the grain yield, enabling the operator to achieve better control over grain quality.
The video technology was also a safety improvement because it negated the need for the operator to leave the cab to check the quality of the grain during the harvest.
The S700 series is the first to have a swivel seat with all the controls attached to the armrest, reducing stress on the driver from looking left and right throughout the operation.
There have also been minor software updates for 2019 to make the harvester more user friendly.
- More information: contact your local AFGRI dealer.