John Deere launches Harvest Profit in NZ & Australia
Recently released in Australia and New Zealand by John Deere, a unique new software platform offers near real time profitability monitoring across crops and individual paddocks.
John Deere's latest 5R series tractors offer a choice of four units in the all-important 90-125hp sector.
The 5090R, 5100R, 5115R and 5125R tractors are equipped with Stage IIIB compliant, 4.5L John Deere PWX engines, delivering 90, 100, 115 and 125 hp respectively. They offer an extra 10hp for transport tasks via their transport power management (TPM) system.
The manufacturer says the engines deliver up to 8% power bulge to respond to tough conditions, while a torque rise of up to 38% enables lugging as the engine drops below rated speed.
Transmissions start with the entry-level 16F 16R CommandQuad Manual with four ranges and four powershiftable gears in each range. Then follows the 16F 16R CommandQuad, then the 32F 16R Command8 transmission. The latter has eight powershiftable gears and an ECO mode that enables a top speed of 40km/h at only 1759rpm.
All three transmissions have a fully automatic clutch, individual start-up gears and an electric park. Auto shifting is standard on the Command8 and optional on the 16F 16R CommandQuad.
With the AutoClutch function, the operator does not use a traditional clutch to stop or control tractor take-off, although a clutch pedal is there for operators to use if they prefer it.
AutoClutch enables easy stopping, starting and take-off modulation using only the brake pedal. It enables the operator to stop without clutching but it does not overload the engine. It also enables ‘inching’ (‘creeping’) in forward or reverse on a level surface or an incline. And it enables acceleration back to normal speed when releasing the brake.
Optional mechanical cab suspension system is available for more comfort.
An air suspended Grammer seat is fitted, as found on the 6R Series. It has up to 15° of swivel, lumbar adjustment and optional heating.
Other new features include variable-ratio steering, and buyers may order tractors as AutoTrac Ready, allowing the future use of the latest guidance and steering technologies as they evolve.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
Rural retailer Farmlands has reported a return to profitability, something the co-operative says shows clear progress in the second year of its five-year strategy.
According to a new report, the Safer Rides initiative, which offered farmers heavily discounted crush protection devices (CPDs) for quad bikes, has made a significant impact in raising awareness and action around farm vehicle safety.
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