increase font size
A key enhancement for the new 7R Tractor series, used for hay and forage work, is the addition of LSB (large square baler) Ride Control.
John Deere has announced updates and additions to its lineup of 7R and 8R tractors for the 2021 model year.
The 7R Series will see the addition of the 7R 350, with a 350hp (257kW)-rated engine, which is a 20 hp increase over the current flagship, and a base weight of approximately 11,200kg.
This means the 7R 350 delivers the best power to weight ratio of any John Deere tractor on offer.
Standard equipment includes Triple Link Suspension and Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™) with the option of CommandPRO™ controls for precise speed control and easy implement hook-ups.
Another key enhancement for 7R Tractors, used for hay and forage work, is the addition of LSB Ride Control. This integrated system controls the vibrations typically created by the high inertial forces created by large square balers (LSB) that often result in poor ride quality and increased driver fatigue.
Working with a system on the large square baler, LSB Ride Control modulates the tractor’s IVT to compensate for the rocking motion of the baler plunger.
LSB Ride Control is available as a factory-installed option for MY21 on 7R Tractors equipped with an IVT and is compatible with John Deere L331 or L341 Large Square Balers.
From 2021, John Deere will make ActiveCommand Steering™ 2 (ACS 2) available as a factory-installed option on 7R and 8R Tractors.
This replaces the original ActiveCommand Steering system, adding features and capabilities to further improve the driving experience of the tractor in the paddock or on the road.
ACS 2 reduces steering effort for the operator and improves line holding during transport, offering operators the ability to adjust steering sensitivity and steering wheel resistance.
The arrival of new F8 and F9 designations for its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters, signals a swag of upgrades from John Deere, highlighted by topping the 1000hp mark for the first time.
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.
Fonterra has unveiled the first refrigerated electric truck to deliver dairy products across Auckland.
Research and healthcare initiatives, leadership and dedication to the sector have been recognised in the 2025 Horticulture Industry Awards.
Virtual fencing and pasture management company Halter says its NZ operations has delivered a profit of $2.8 million after exclusion of notional items.
Manuka honey trader Comvita slumped to a $104 million net loss last financial year, reflecting prolonged market disruption, oversupply and pricing volatility.
The Government has struck a deal with New Zealand's poultry industry, agreeing how they will jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including any possible outbreak of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
