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The JD R4050i’s boom is said to be much lighter than steel or aluminium, but at least five times stronger than a steel equivalent.
In the northern hemisphere, John Deere has released details of its new R4050i self-propelled sprayer, with a new PowrSpray control system, a larger 5000L tank and an “ultra-lightweight but extremely strong” carbon-fibre boom.
It is powered by JD’s PowerTech PSS engine of 6.8L, developing 235hp at rated speed and climbing to 255hp at maximum output.
The unit is also equipped with the company’s GreenStar 3 touch screen display that supports FieldDoc spray documentation and has full ISOBUS compatibility.
Other standard equipment includes a multi-function control lever, electronic sprayer control -- aptly named Solution Command to oversee all functions – and a 50L PowrFill induction system.
The new PowrSpray system uses a dual circuit layout fed by two pumps, and a new waterproof keypad and digital display at the operator station aids control of the system.
The boom’s carbon-fibre technology stems from JD’s recent purchase of King Agro, a specialist manufacturer of carbon-fibre products.
On the R4050i, the boom is said to be much lighter than steel or aluminium, but at least five times stronger than a steel equivalent would be. It can flex in use, avoiding the stress that would typically show up as cracks in metal units.
It comes in 18 or 36m operating widths.
The manufacturer claims the carbon-fibre composition can withstand high dynamic loads when used for application at 20 - 30km/h.
LED boom lights extend its operation in low-light conditions or at night.
Rural News understands the machine will be available in NZ later in the year.
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.
Recent results from its 2024 financial year has seen global farm machinery player John Deere record a significant slump in the profits of its agricultural division over the last year, with a 64% drop in the last quarter of the year, compared to that of 2023.
Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting the most from each pass of the paddock.
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