increase font size
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.
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.
John Deere has announced new automation and efficiency updates on its 2026 model combine harvesters that provide more capabilities and boost productivity by up to 20%.
Twelve months after its release, the all-new John Deere S7 combine harvester has been put through its paces across a range of grain-growing regions, so producers can see first-hand its potential productivity and efficiency benefits.
Designed to allow customers to adopt technology and reduce costs, John Deere’s Precision Essentials Programme, offers those customers the option to either buy all their precision agriculture (PA) technology upfront, or select only the hardware and software that will be most valuable to their business.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the 2025 Fieldays has been one of more positive he has attended.
A fundraiser dinner held in conjunction with Fieldays raised over $300,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
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.
An agribusiness, helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sector, has picked up a top innovation award at Fieldays.
The Fieldays Innovation Award winners have been announced with Auckland’s Ruminant Biotech taking out the Prototype Award.
Following twelve years of litigation, a conclusion could be in sight of Waikato’s controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1).
