John Deere Names 2026 Technician of the Year Finalists
John Deere has announced the finalists for its 2026 Technician of the Year Awards, with 30 regional finalists being named in five award categories.
These are said to be a leap forward in precision technology and acceleration towards an autonomous future. The updates include the StarFire™ 7000 integrated GPS receiver and G5Plus CommandCenter™ Display, which will be factory- installed across the entire product range. In addition to including the new receiver and display as base equipment, optional automation features like automated headland turns allow farmers to reach a level of operation on the doorstep of autonomy.
John Deere productions system manager Ben Kelly says the updates offer farmers immediate and powerful precision ag capabilities, while providing the foundation for autonomous capabilities in the future.
“Improving signal stability and reliability has also been a major focus in the development of these new tractors and will provide farmers with the highest level of guidance and accuracy ever offered by John Deere.”
The new SF7000 Receiver uses a new signal level, SF-RTK, to provide growers with +/- 2.5 cm accuracy direct from satellite with five years repeatability. This offers almost an equivalent to traditional Radio RTK accuracy, without the inconvenience of managing base stations on farm. It also presents a pull-in time of eight minutes, which is a significant upgrade compared with the SF3-signalenabled StarFire 6000 receiver’s +/- 3 cm accuracy and 20 minutes pull-in time.
The company notes that due to tectonic plate movement and proximity to a tectonic plate boundary, SF-RTK may not be repeatable in New Zealand.
The all-new G5Plus CommandCenter Display (and optional G5Plus Extended Monitor) features increased processing power and faster file transfer times compared to previous displays. G5Plus, 12.8-inch touchscreen, also offers a 35% larger viewing area alongside 1080p high-definition video resolution.
In addition, Auto- Trac™ guidance and Section Control are now included in base equipment across the line up of 7,8 and 9 Series tractors. Users also have the option to include the new G5 Advanced package to take advantage of John Deere automation applications, including Auto- Trac Turn Automation, AutoPath™, AutoTrac Implement Guidance, Machine Sync, and In-Field Data Sharing.
Connectivity between the tractors and implements is also addressed with a factory-installed implement ethernet connection, enabling future high-bandwidth communication between tractors and implements.
Meanwhile, operator comfort and ease-ofuse has been addressed to increase visibility and safety with the new righthand corner post display added inside the cab of MY24 7 to 9 series tractors.
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The all-new G5Plus CommandCenter Display (and optional G5Plus Extended Monitor) features increased processing power and faster file transfer times. |
A factory-installed rear-window tint is also available for Command- View™4 cabs, to help keep operators comfortable while providing better visibility to display screens on bright days.
Other upgrades include an extra 20hp for all 9RT Two-Track tractors, with a choice 9RT 490, 540 or 590 models.
Wider track-spacing options, specifically for vegetable growers, are also available on the 8RX Four-track models, including 132, 136, 144 or 152-inch-wide track spacings.
The wider spacings are compatible with 16.5, 18, 24 and 30-inch track widths and John Deere ExactRate™ fertiliser tanks.
