John Deere’s new top-of-the-range 845hp 8800i self-propelled forage harvester with HarvestLab constituent sensing, triple mower-conditioner (TMC) and 6M & 6R Series Stage IV tractors will be demonstrated at FTMTA Grass & Muck 2016 in May, alongside the established F440R fixed chamber round baler and C440R wrapping baler.
The 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvesters – recently given an international 2016 Red Dot Award for Product Design – utilise advanced technology to reduce crop losses and boost performance, including new Active Fill Control (AFC) for automated filling of trailers. The machines are designed to provide customers with up to 15 per cent more productivity, increased uptime, lower operating costs and faster, easier maintenance.
Other advanced features on these machines include a GreenStar 2630 with touchscreen display and all functions conveniently located in the CommandARM, Remote Display Access (RDA) and AutoTrac automatic steering with RowSense.
Each model in the range can also be equipped with HarvestLab, an advanced crop analysis and documentation system that uses constituent sensing to improve forage quality. In addition, the forager’s AutoLOC (automatic length of cut) feature allows the operator to pre-select the precise cutting length based on actual forage conditions.
Available headers include John Deere’s new 9 Series grass pick-ups. All John Deere headers are automatically speed matched to the selected length of cut. Additional operator friendly features include a DuraDrum cutterhead with reverse knife sharpening and a ProTouch function for increasing road or harvest speed during field changes.
The new John Deere TMC, which will be attached to a new 6215R Stage IV tractor at the event, consists of a front-mounted and two rear-mounted mower-conditioners. To achieve the maximum cutting width of 9.9m, an F350R 3.5m wide front mower-conditioner can be combined with the largest available R990R rear-mounted units. The combination of the smaller F310R front-mounted mower with either the R950R or R870R rear mowers reduces the cutting width to 9.5 or 8.7m respectively.
The mowers’ new frame design makes them easier to attach, gives the operator better visibility and improves the floating capability of the machines. By following ground contours more precisely, these new mower-conditioners provide more uptime by reducing the risk of damage on uneven ground. Furthermore, hydraulic overlapping of the mower units from 30 to 50cm ensures the best possible performance under all conditions.
The mower cutterbars are equipped with a lifelong lubrication system and feature a quick knife exchange (QKE) system, to provide optimum cutting quality and keep maintenance costs to a minimum. High conditioning quality and a smooth swath are produced by the newly designed preloaded tine impeller, which helps the crop to dry faster.
Also being demonstrated is a new 6R Series Stage IV tractor and R Series front loader combination. In addition to the new engines rated from 110 to 155hp, John Deere’s latest mid-size 6R Series tractors feature improved manoeuvrability, enhanced operator comfort and a wide range of transmission options. All these new models are equipped with John Deere’s intelligent power management system (IPM), which adds 20 to 30hp on the four-cylinder models and 40hp on the six-cylinder versions.
The tractors feature CommandARM controls and a Generation 4 CommandCentre touch screen monitor with swipe function display, while the redesigned TLS+ front axle suspension provides improved steering and driving on the road.
In addition, the new 6M Series range-topping 6195M tractor on display features the same choice of PowrQuad Plus, AutoQuad Plus/AutoQuad Plus Ecoshift or the all-new CommandQuad Plus/CommandQuad Plus with Ecoshift powershift transmissions as on the 6R Series.
This range of tractors is now available with a maintenance-free mechanical cab suspension which delivers smoother operation as well as reduced stress and vibration levels, and allows a 10 per cent higher operating speed even on rough terrain. The same enhanced TLS+ triple link front axle suspension system provides additional operator comfort and more traction under tough working conditions.
An electrical loader-ready joystick is also available for use with John Deere’s new R Series front loaders. The 6M and 6R Series tractors have been specifically designed to accommodate these versatile loaders, which feature new mounting frames and hood guards and are easy to attach and operate.
