fbpx
Print this page
Friday, 23 April 2021 10:55

Connected support helps keep contractor working

Written by  Mark Daniel
John Ranford says the peace of mind that his machinery fleet is working to full capacity is what drew him to John Deere's Connected Support system. John Ranford says the peace of mind that his machinery fleet is working to full capacity is what drew him to John Deere's Connected Support system.

With a diverse customer base scattered throughout North Canterbury, the reliability of the equipment used by farming contractor Rotherham Machinery Group (RMG) underpins the success of the business.

RMG services 20 farms in the region, which means manager, John Ranford, always needs the peace of mind that his machinery fleet is working to full capacity. This is what drew him to the John Deere Connected Support system.

"There are a lot of moving parts to this business, so it's essential each of the elements are operating smoothly," he explains.

Connected Support is a suite of digital tools linking farmers and contractors with their dealership, allowing technicians to monitor machinery performance and remotely provide vital back-up support. In RMG's case, Drummond and Etheridge, Rolleston, can deliver integrated support to RMG's John Deere 750A six-metre direct drill, a 6155M and three John Deere 7R 210s.

"Given we are based about an hour-and-a-half away from our local dealer, it's much more efficient for them to be able to see how the machine is running remotely and take action straight away," Ranford says.

Based near Culverden, the season comes to a peak for RMG in spring when there is the overlap between drilling for specialist seeds for winter crops, and silage and baling are in full swing. Throughout the rest of the year, its services include fertilising, spraying, land clearing and development, mowing, mulching and ploughing.

JD's Service ADVISOR Remote allows technicians to analyse machine information instantly from any location, rather than a mechanic needing to visit a farm to diagnose a problem.

It also enables them to bring the correct parts or specialist tools if there is a need for a visit.

For Ranford, one of the best indicators that the business is performing well is when the yard is empty. He is also comforted by the knowledge that unexpected issues can be avoided with John Deere Expert Alerts.

This is a Connected Support tool that notifies dealers of any potential machine issues that can occur before it becomes symptomatic, maximising uptime.

The dealer can also actively monitor machine Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to determine the best resolution to keep his machines at optimal capacity. On one occasion, the RMG team received a call when they were discing on a steep slope, advising them to check the engine oil level in the tractor.

Ranford says John Deere Autotrac has proven invaluable, by ensuring consistency, no matter who is behind the wheel, with the high precision assisted steering system meaning operators can focus more on the task at hand, and the implements on the ground.

The mobile app also means Ranford can stay informed of the whereabouts of his machine operators, alongside the locations of the machines. The latter assists with regular maintenance tasks, with technicians able to see any machines nearby that require maintenance or upgrades.

More like this

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up – including three new high-horsepower four-track models.

Killing weed seeds in a single pass

John Deere's X-Series Combine Harvesters can now be complemented by the advanced weed control capability of Redekop’s Seed Control Unit (SCU) which destroys harvestable weed seeds in a single pass.

Killing weed seeds in a single pass

John Deere's X-Series Combine Harvesters can now be complemented by the advanced weed control capability of Redekop’s Seed Control Unit (SCU) which destroys harvestable weed seeds in a single pass.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.