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IN THE first makeover of its 7R series tractors since their launch in 2011, John Deere is rolling out five new 7R models from 154-213kW power for 2014.
The new 7R tractors boast up to 14kW more power and more torque than previous models.
In line with the company’s dual-power strategy for the Australian and New Zealand marketplace, new 7210R and 7230R models will be available with a US EPA Tier 2 John Deere PowerTech engine, while new 7250R, 7270R and 7290R models will be available with a US EPA Final Tier 4 John Deere PowerTech PSS engine.
The PowerTech PSS engine uses John Deere’s efficient selective catalytic reduction system and utilises a high-pressure common rail fuel system and series turbochargers to improve total fluid efficiency while effectively reducing emissions.
The 7R series tractors’ fuel capacities range from 475-589 L, depending on model and transmission option. Tractors equipped with a PowerTech PSS engine have a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) storage capacity of 25.7L.
Transmission options on the new 7R tractors include CommandQuad Eco, available on the 7210R and 7230R models, and the new e23 power shift transmission with ‘efficiency manager’, standard on all five 7R models.
The e23 PST has 23 equally spaced forward gears and 11 reverse gears that enable the efficiency advantages of a steplessly variable-speed transmission with the smoothness and simplicity of a power shift. The ‘efficiency manager’ feature optimises fluid economy during field operations and transport. The John Deere steplessly variable transmission is also available for all 7R models.
Jarrod McGinnis, division marketing manager for John Deere, says the new engine and the transmission options help the 7R Series tractors offer greater productivity and value to customers. “These new machines are more fluid efficient and offer increased power for exceptional engine, hydraulic and PTO performance that many customers want in a row-crop tractor.”
In addition, the new 7R tractors have many features in common with their larger new 8R cousins, including the redesigned CommandArm, with improved ergonomics and more intuitive control of major tractor functions such as throttle, AutoTrac resume button, transmission speed and direction, SCVs, PTO and hitch.
Depending on the model, the CommandArm comes with a 17.7 cm 4100 CommandCenter display or a 25.4 cm 4600 CommandCenter display. Both are AutoTrac capable and feature an easier-to-use operator interface. The CommandCenter puts machine operation information and control at the fingertips of the operator.
“With factory-installed John Deere FarmSight components and other integrated technologies, the 7R tractors deliver a premium operator experience along with superior performance in the field,” says McGinnis.
“The remote machine information systems provide off-site dealer diagnostic capabilities and help reduce downtime and operational costs.”
While tractors combines and machinery for agriculture and construction is still its key business, John Deere appears to be taking opportunities in the hightech sector via acquisition, with the recent purchase of Sentera, a Minnesota-based company that specialises in equipment for capturing and interpreting aerial images.
John Deere have recently announced upgrades to its round baler offerings, with all models of this latest generation equipped with advanced ISOBUS capabilities, allowing them to be fully integrated into the John Deere Operations Center.
With agriculture in New Zealand coming out of the doldrums over the last few months and the recent announcement of a 20% tax write-off for capital purchases, it likely that farmers will be spending on tractors.
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