News & Events

John Deere has announced that it has reached agreement with MacDon Industries Ltd of Winnipeg in Canada to better serve John Deere self-propelled windrower customers, globally.

“This agreement allows us to expand the John Deere hay and forage product portfolio to better serve our dairy, livestock, commercial hay and small grains customers,” said William F Norton, vice-president, global hay & forage platform. “After an in-depth evaluation of the global commercial hay and small grains industries, we determined that specific MacDon self-propelled windrower products would enable us to expand our overall product line-up.”

As part of the agreement, MacDon will manufacture select models of John Deere-branded self-propelled windrowers, including draper and auger headers, and pull-type auger mower-conditioners. John Deere will continue to manufacture select windrower models.

According to Derek P Boudreau, global director baling & mowing, the entire windrower product line-up will be supported by John Deere dealers in the respective markets.

“This agreement is a very logical step in a relationship that goes back over 30 years,” said Allan MacDonald, president & CEO of MacDon. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with John Deere in bringing some of the best windrowing products available to these market sectors.”

More details about the availability of products evolving from this agreement will be announced later this summer.

A total of 28 young service technicians recently graduated from the John Deere Ag Tech and Turf Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes, run by national training provider Babcock.

Among the group of third year students, Bruce Cockburn of Scottish dealer W M Dodds Ltd at Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, was named apprentice of the year and presented with a crystal plaque, an additional certificate and vouchers for workshop tools worth £300.

“Agriculture is changing, and the technology and sophistication of farm machinery has advanced leaps and bounds over the past few years and will continue to do so,” says W M Dodds managing director Jimmy Laing. “We feel it is imperative to choose the right people and train them to a very high standard, which in turn will help us to provide an excellent back-up service for our customers in the future.

“From the very first day of his apprenticeship, Bruce has worked extremely hard on his practical and college tasks, resulting in this award. John Deere demands a high standard of customer aftercare, and it’s with people like Bruce that we intend to meet their aspirations over the next decade.”

The graduating group of young technicians, almost a third of the total of 101 apprentices now undergoing training with John Deere and Babcock, received their certificates during a specially arranged visit to Deere & Company’s Mannheim facilities, including the tractor factory, in December.

The trip also included a tour of the cab manufacturing facility and European Parts Distribution Centre at Bruchsal, and a graduation dinner with John Deere management. The presentations were made at the John Deere Forum in Mannheim by John Deere’s European regional customer support manager Robert Wick and regional training delivery manager Peter Leech, John Deere Limited training manager Chris Wiltshire and Babcock programme manager John Chambers.

The apprentices can go on to complete their education for a fourth year to gain the John Deere Diploma and register at LTA2 level in the industry’s Landbased Technician Accreditation scheme, while starting their adult training within the John Deere University.

Now in its 20th year, Ag Tech was the first such scheme to be introduced in the UK and won a National Training Award at the end of 1997, the only one ever made to an agricultural machinery apprenticeship programme. Since the first programme started in 1992, more than 500 apprentices have graduated through all three John Deere schemes (Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf Tech) and are now working in the company’s nationwide dealer network.

In addition to the new 9R Series tractor, which made it's UK debut at LAMMA 2012, John Deere is showing a 6210R tractor equipped with the newly designed 24-speed DirectDrive transmission, and a new XUV 550 petrol engined Gator utility vehicle (see separate release), for the first time at a UK farming show.

With the DirectDrive transmission, John Deere has introduced a completely new technology to the agricultural machinery industry and a further option to the new 6R Series tractor range for 2012. This double clutch technology is already established in the prestige car industry, and will be available on a tractor for the first time.

DirectDrive has been designed to serve the needs of larger arable farms and contractors. It combines the handling comfort of an infinitely variable shift transmission (IVT) with the power efficiency of a mechanical transmission, and has been designed for specific tasks and load conditions which require continuous power, such as ploughing and towing, pto work and road transport.

Key customer benefits of this new transmission are enhanced power efficiency and improved fuel efficiency, resulting in savings of up to 10g/kWh compared to an IVT transmission. Additionally, just like in Formula 1 racing cars, electromagnetic actuators enable fast changes between speeds and ranges under varying temperature conditions, to make this transmission even more productive.

The operator can choose between a manual mode to take command of forward and reverse speed changes via the control lever, and an automatic mode. In this mode, the three range DirectDrive transmission enables fast changes between eight speeds under full load, and also provides fully automatic changes between the A, B and C ranges.

Depending on the actual load, the Efficiency Manager function optimises the tractor’s efficiency by automatically matching the appropriate speed and engine rpm. As a result, the new DirectDrive transmission offers a cost-effective alternative to existing IVTs.

Compared to the mechanical/hydraulic power split of an IVT, the DirectDrive transmission exclusively builds on a fully mechanical power flow. This results in a power efficiency improvement of approximately four per cent, without compromising operator comfort and productivity.

The straightforward transmission design also provides a choice of driving strategies to match all tasks, including transport work at a maximum speed of 50kph with a significantly reduced engine rpm (in Eco mode). The new John Deere DirectDrive transmission will be optionally available on all six-cylinder 6R Series tractors from 140 to 210hp, from late 2012.

Designed as versatile workhorses for contractors and medium sized to large arable farms, John Deere’s newly styled 7R Series tractors feature more power, manoeuvrability and operator comfort than their 7030 Series predecessors. There are five models in the range, developing a maximum of 230 to 310hp with Intelligent Power Management (IPM), according to 97/68EC ratings.
For added security, 7R Series tractors are fitted as standard with CESAR Datatag and immobiliser systems, with a unique transponder based key. In addition, new models will be supplied with complimentary JDLink Ultimate telematics plus Service ADVISOR remote monitoring and diagnostics systems for the first year.
Having optimised the performance of its field-proven and operator-friendly high-pressure common rail (HPCR) PowerTech Plus engine technology, which consistently achieves leading fuel efficiency results in independent tests, John Deere has maintained the single fluid, diesel-only approach on these latest models to conform to Stage IIIB emission standards.
The 9-litre PowerTech PVX engine on the three larger models – 7230R, 7260R and 7280R – features a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and exhaust filters, which include a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The two smaller models – 7200R and 7215R – are powered by 6.8-litre PowerTech PSX engine using series turbochargers, which combine a low-pressure fixed geometry and a high-pressure variable geometry turbocharger. With IPM, both engines deliver an additional 30hp for transport and non-stationary pto applications.
The electronically controlled viscous fan cooling system automatically adjusts fan speed to match load changes. To maximise efficiency of the cooling system, air is pushed into the engine compartment instead of being pulled in. This helps to minimise dirt intake and keeps the radiator clean, as well as increasing fuel efficiency by 3 to 6 per cent, depending on the application.
There is a choice of four transmissions, including PowerQuad Plus with speed matching and AutoQuad Plus with FieldCruise and EcoShift functions. The newly designed CommandQuad transmission includes an Efficiency Manager, which makes sure that the gear and throttle work hand in hand to optimise fuel efficiency, with automatic range shifting on the road.
There is a choice between a fully automatic mode, with gear and engine rpm selection depending on load, and a manual dial-up mode for targeted speed applications, which includes five ranges with four power speeds per range. In addition to the convenient CommandArm control, this transmission features 42kph Eco and 50kph options and a left hand reverser for easy direction changes. For maximum fuel efficiency, the AutoPowr continuously variable transmission has been completely redesigned, with all new hardware and control software.
The 7R Series tractors feature the same newly designed CommandView II cab as the 8R Series machines. New levels of comfort are provided by the spacious interior, the armrest controlled and roof-integrated air conditioning system, all-round visibility both day and night from an increased glass surface area and 360-degree lighting pattern, which delivers a 74 per cent increase in available luminescence, and more storage space than ever before.
For maximum operator comfort, these new tractors are optionally available with either ActiveSeat suspension to compensate for up to 90 per cent of the tractor’s vertical movements, or HCS Plus hydraulic cab suspension. This is a semi-active dampening system that anticipates loads and braking to maintain the overall balance of the cab, while still providing the driver with an accurate feel for the tractor and ground surface.
The new right-hand CommandArm console with its integrated CommandCenter display puts all the key tractor functions within easy reach. The 7in CommandCenter display is ISOBUS compatible and includes Access Manager as standard, while the optional touchscreen version also includes video capability. Both standard and touchscreen versions accommodate key applications such as the CAN-bus controlled SCVs and intelligent Total Equipment Control (iTEC), which allows the operator to automate multiple functions simultaneously.
In addition, important GreenStar precision farming applications can now be operated via the display, including AutoTrac and SprayerPro. The CommandArm console also incorporates the settings for cruise control, iTEC, transmission and pto settings, hitch functions, air conditioning and radio controls, mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD) engagement and the light controls. Tractors equipped with PowerQuad Plus or AutoQuad Plus transmissions feature an alternative right-hand control console. The optional GreenStar 2630 display enables the use of AutoTrac and Guidance Pro modules, and provides ISOBUS capability, documentation, video functionality, Access Manager and a stand-by mode.
The newly designed structural chassis of 7R Series tractors takes advantage of the high power density to cope easily with demanding load and draft applications. For putting maximum power onto the ground, the tractors are equipped with TLS Plus triple link suspension, in combination with MFWD. TLS Plus features self-levelling and automatic adjustment of axle sensitivity.
Also optionally available for these new tractors is John Deere’s exclusive ActiveCommand Steering system, which reduces steering effort in order to minimise operator fatigue and improve driving comfort and control. This fully electronic steering control system automatically adjusts the road wheel angle based on the lateral acceleration of the tractor.
This improves control when cornering at transport speeds, as well as the tractor’s ability to hold a straight line. Furthermore, the system’s Variable Ratio Steering module reduces lock-to-lock turning in the field, for quicker headland turns. Compared to a conventional steering system, ActiveCommand Steering produces a 75 per cent reduction in typical hand movement.
New large capacity pumps deliver increased oil flow and lift capacity from the closed-centre, pressure and flow compensated hydraulic system, which can operate a maximum of eight SCVs, up to six at the rear and up to three at the front of the tractor. Maximum lift capacity of the rear hitch is 9562kg on the 7200R, 7215R and 7230R and 10,788kg on the 7260R and 7280R, while the fully integrated front hitch (with pto) has a lift capacity of up to 5200kg. The tractors also feature a new pick-up hitch.
John Deere 7R Series tractors have a slightly longer wheelbase than previous models, and the top two models can be fitted with larger Group 49 tyres with a maximum diameter of 215cm. There is also the option of a flanged or rack & pinion rear axle for extra versatility, and the shorter overall length of the tractors has improved turning radius by 18 per cent.

John Deere has installed two new Titan FuelMaster 5000-litre tanks at its Langar, Nottingham headquarters. These have replaced existing 20,000-litre single-skinned steel tanks, which had become fouled and heavily corroded over time with sludge and sediment.

The installations were specified by The Oil Tank Company Ltd, who are Titan accredited suppliers and installers based in Rutland; the company offers a full maintenance service for both commercial and domestic installations.

Both the new plastic FuelMaster tanks are bunded (a tank within a tank), and they have dual 10-micron particle and water filters fitted as standard. The fuel from one tank is being used for on-site demonstrations of the latest John Deere tractors and other self-propelled machines, while the second tank, along with another new installation, a Titan EcoSafe 5000 bunded tank, stores oil for the company’s warehouse heating system.

The switch to the FuelMaster range has been driven by the industry’s shift from red diesel to ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD), which is better suited to power the modern tractor engine. Plastic tanks do not react with the diesel components, thus preventing the build-up of sludge and residue, and the finer filters with water traps protect the demonstration fleet’s fuel systems.

“With the change to ULSD and the likelihood of a bio-oil content within the new fuel, we had to make sure that our fuel hygiene was top of the class,” said John Deere’s division customer support manager Bob Holt.

“Our previous steel tanks were decades old, and there was no point in running the risk of contaminating the fuel systems of our demonstration machinery fleet. We are simply employing best practice, and would encourage our customers to take a long, hard look at not only their fuel storage facilities but also the quality of the fuel that they are purchasing.”

The Oil Tank Company has been dealing with Titan for the last 10 years – a testament, according to the company’s founder and managing director, Simon Ellis, to both the quality of the product and the customer service they offer.

He said: “Titan has long been the market leader in fuel storage; their products and service are second to none. For example, the FuelMaster range comes fully set up ready to be installed, and only requires connecting to an electrical supply. We then maintain the systems after installation, typically going in after 12 to 18 months to check the filters and pipeworks.”

The FuelMaster tanks were installed with new bases and firewalls, and the installation is fully compliant with the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001.

John Deere’s HarvestLab sensor for self-propelled forage harvesters will, from next season, be able to analyse a range of crop constituents including sugars, starch, protein and crude fibre content, quickly and accurately while on the move.
 
Farmers and contractors looking to generate extra income can therefore benefit from this new advance in precision farming technology. The ability to now measure sugar levels in real time also provides the opportunity to manage the silage additive process more efficiently, using a range of commercially available automatic variable rate application systems.
 
This latest version of HarvestLab is the first commercial system of its kind on the market, and is based on near infrared (NIR) sensor technology manufactured by Zeiss Jena. Using the additional crop data, the HarvestLab sensor can help livestock farmers to optimise their herd’s performance from silage, more accurately balanced against the correct amounts of extra bought-in feeds when required.
 
Similarly, operators of bioenergy plants can more easily calculate the optimum amounts of biomass material to use for efficient energy production. John Deere’s 7050 Series i-specification self-propelled forage harvesters are ideally suited to harvesting maize and other energy crops for biomass, and can chop consistently to the necessary length for bioenergy plants, down to 4mm.
 
The forager’s integrated ‘intelligent’ technology package includes the HarvestLab sensor and AutoLOC. Using the machine’s infinitely variable transmission, this already provides automatic adjustment of the length of cut depending on the dry matter content of the crop being harvested. This is based on settings programmed in by the operator on the machine’s in-cab GreenStar 2630 touch screen display prior to work, according to end user requirements.
 
As the forage dry matter rate within a field varies due to differences in soil, seed varieties and other external factors such as trees on the headlands, AutoLOC automatically adjusts the chop length in 1mm increments based on the preset values, to produce the optimum feed quality from the harvested crop. HarvestDoc also records all the necessary crop and harvest data for the contractor’s invoicing process.
 
Mounted on the forager spout, the HarvestLab system has been independently verified by DLG to consistently deliver +/-2 points of accuracy.

John Deere has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Bank of Ireland to support retail financing solutions for its agricultural and turf equipment in the Republic of Ireland.
 
Effective from 1st August 2011, this non-branded agreement will be administered by the agricultural and commercial finance company Bank of Ireland Finance (BIF).
 
John Deere believes this is an extremely positive step, not only in supporting its business partners but also as a commitment to its growing agricultural and turf customer base in the Republic of Ireland.
 
The agreement enables John Deere dealers to offer customers a full range of flexible machinery financing options.

Designed and built by John Deere, the new 1026R sub-compact tractor provides best in class power, performance and versatility, while offering a number of standard features more commonly found on larger machines.
 
This is a completely new model from John Deere, and is aimed at both residential and commercial customers who need to do more than just cut grass. A wide range of attachments and implements, which can be changed quickly, easily and safely, make the 1026R suitable for councils, municipalities, private contractors, landscapers, large property owners and smallholders.
 
The 1026R has a 26hp three-cylinder diesel engine (23.8hp rated at ECE R24), and a two-range hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch pedals for ease of use and precise operation. Both four-wheel drive and power steering are standard, giving excellent manoeuvrability in all conditions. The tractor also has a wider track width of 1.2m for increased stability.
 
Additional comfort and simple operation are provided by the flat-floor, easy to access platform, standard cruise control and tiltable steering column, and a deluxe suspended seat. A high specification lighting package, a 12V outlet and a foldable Roll-Gard ROPS are also standard equipment.
 
The new 1026R can carry dozens of attachments and implements, including a quick attach front loader with a lift capacity of 380kg to full height, a mid-mounted AutoConnect side discharge rotary mower deck, rear mounted attachments on the standard Category I three-point linkage, and front mounted attachments such as a snow blade or rotary brush using the John Deere Quick Hitch system.
 
The durable 3.5 or 4.5mm thick mower deck is available with cutting widths of 1.37 or 1.52m (54 or 60in) respectively, and is very easy to attach. Using John Deere’s exclusive AutoConnect technology, the operator simply drives over the top of the deck for automatic attachment to the tractor. The mower’s height of cut can also be adjusted easily from the tractor seat thanks to a conveniently located knob, and the deck can be raised and lowered using an independent system controlled by the standard front loader joystick.
 
The tractor’s three-point linkage with position control has a maximum lift capacity of 525kg at the link ends, or 309kg at 61cm (24in) behind the link arms. A Category 0 front hitch is also available, designed specifically for the European market, with ample lift capacity for large front-mounted implements.
 
An optional comfort cab features large doors, a spacious environment for the operator, a deluxe cloth seat and integrated work lights, offering excellent visibility at night. Overall height of the tractor with the cab fitted is under 2m (78in), which is useful for access to low buildings and when operating close to trees and other obstacles.