It says the S series harvesters are the most productive harvesting machines the company has ever designed and built. For model year 2014, new features will be offered to optimise performance and provide more comfort and control for the operator.
“We continuously look at our harvesting line-up, gain feedback from our customers, and test new features to bring more productivity to our machines and headers,” says Steve Wright, marketing manager, John Deere Ltd.
“For the first time ever, John Deere will be offering 26 inch (66cm) and 36 inch (91cm) tracks to Australian and New Zealand producers for better floatation with reduced compaction and fuel use in challenging field conditions.”
Because of a large footprint, the tracks allow reduced ground pressure and the ability to harvest in a variety of conditions. They are designed with a high-idler configuration for enhanced performance and easy changeability between tracks and tyres.
“When harvesting in tough conditions, operators will be able to get in the fields earlier and harvest longer with the new track options,” says Wright.
“The tracks can be ordered as a factory-installed option or ordered separately for our model year 2014 S series machines.”
Other enhancements to the S series line-up include a new interactive combine adjustment (ICA) in base equipment which automates harvester settings while harvesting on-the-go. This simplifies overall operator adjustment and brings more consistency and accuracy when harvesting in varying field conditions.
“We also added a new heated and ventilated leather seat with lumbar support,” says Wright. “A leather wrapped steering wheel and leather instructor seat completes the new comfort package. Our large cab, increased visibility, improved heating and cooling systems, and integrated AutoTrac provides a comfortable and productive operator environment.”
Other enhancements include the new engine speed management system which will reduce overall cost of operation with increased fuel efficiency, especially at transport speeds. There is a new dual adjust chaffer to provide an additional adjustment for improved grain tank cleanliness and an 8-wing feed accelerator to improve material flow in tough harvest conditions for customers with the variable stream rotor.
The S series will also be available to Australian and New Zealand producers with a choice of a US EPA Tier 2 or a US EPA Final Tier 4 engine.
“We recognise the needs of Australian and New Zealand producers vary from those in the United States and Europe”, says Wright. “This is why we offer Australian and New Zealand producers choice when it comes to our latest release of machines.
“Be it Final Tier 4 or more economically priced Tier 2 engine, we strongly believe in tailoring our harvesting solutions to meet needs.”
