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.
The products are the John Deere 960 variable chamber-Goweil baler-wrapper combination and the new 7R series tractor with E23 automated powershift transmission.
Launched three seasons ago, the baler is popular in New Zealand largely because of this country’s role in its development, Ormrod says. It was developed partly in Australia, but the company paid close attention to New Zealand conditions and concerns.
“They made an effort to talk to us about the changes needed. They have listened to us over the last couple of years and we now have a good machine tested in New Zealand conditions.”
He says the variable chamber allows operators to set whether they make a bale with a soft or hard core, while also allowing them to make a range of different types of bale from different forage types.
“The baler can make such a great bale out of everything from straw to damp silage.”
We have used the Goweil G5040 wrapper due to its reputation and our existing business relationship with Webbline, the importer of Goweil wrappers.
With hydraulic brakes and load-sensing hydraulics the wrapper has a notable bale transfer system. It gives trouble-free bale transfer on varied terrain. Its plastic pre-tensioner system can save up to a dollar per bale on plastic costs, Ormrod says. “We’ve got a number of Northland contractors looking seriously at it.”
Ormrod says the new 7R series tractors with the E23 automated powershift transmission will be popular with operators who spend a lot of time doing drawbar work.
“Guys who are pulling discs or silage wagons should get a lot of value out of this.”
The E23 system is a fully automatic transmission with 23F and 11R. The maker’s Efficiency Manager allows the operator to pre-set working speeds and the transmission keeps the engine at optimal rpm to save fuel.
With three operator modes and 14 gears between 2.5 and 16km/h the transmission the tractor will be suited to a number of tasks, Ormrod says.
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