increase font size
The wraps are off the new John Deere 9000 series SP harvesters.
Snippets during the last few months about the new John Deere 9000 series SP harvesters no doubt originate in the ‘mothership’ and are disseminated by social media.
Now the wraps are off, with official photographs and confirmed specifications; twin, chromed exhaust stacks and a J.Lo back end hint at where they’re headed.
The new 9000 series will have four models -- the 9600, 9700, 9800 and flagship 9900. The smallest unit has Deere’s own 13.5L, 6-cylinder PowerTech engine, while the three larger units are equipped with a 24L, V12 engine supplied by Liebherr.
Maximum power outputs are 625, 770, 870 and 970hp, respectively, in machines the manufacturer describes as ‘wide-bodied’ with fuel capacities of 1100 to 1500L.
Rural News understands that several existing 8000 series machines will remain in the product offering. It is expected the 8600 will become the flagship of that series, with the same 13.5L/625hp engine as the entry level 9600 machine.
John Deere says the new series will provide “10% more productivity while consuming 10% less fuel” than existing top-of-the-range machines. It also gives a similar number of 10% higher kernel processing scores for machines equipped with corn crackers.
The range has undergone several changes, including an 850mm crop channel that feeds a 670mm diameter drum that carries 40, 48, 56 or 64 chopping knives. Add to this an improved mainframe to deal with higher loadings, a reinforced driveline in the same vein and optimised component speeds: all are said to increase efficiency and form the basis of JD’s new HarvestMotion concept.
The kernel processor/corn cracker for the range merits attention; it has the optional XStream KP unit developed with US specialist Scherer.
It has a roller diameter of 250mm and a roller speed differential of 50% to create a ‘scrubbing’ effect; it is said to achieve the higher kernel processing score authenticated by independent test institutes.
Processor rollers are fitted in a saw-tooth profile on the Premium KP unit, with either saw-tooth or a new X-cut design in the XStream unit; this has a spiral-cut groove across the roll surfaces. Interestingly, the XStream KP is fitted with in-built temperature sensors to keep the operator informed of bearing temperatures.
The 9000 series is available with JD’s AMS precision farming systems that include the HarvestLab 3000NIRsensor to measure crop yields, moisture and other constituents; AutoTrac steering; RowSense guidance and ActiveFill Control to fill trucks or trailers.
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.
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.
A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…
