John Deere is introducing new combines and headers with their most advanced technology for model year 2018 production. This includes four new
S700 Combine models (S760, S770, S780 and S790) that tout improvements in "smart" technology, allowing the combine to make needed adjustments automatically, on the go, along with improved comfort and better data. The 700C/FC Series Corn Heads and 700D Drapers will also allow for more efficient grain harvesting.
The new S700 are the follow-up to the S600 Combines, which were introduced in 2012.
The most noticeable physical difference in the S700 Combines compared to previous models is in the cab. The cab presents a new state-of-the-art CommandCenter, providing a familiar user experience across Deere’s larger tractor and self-propelled sprayer lines.
Performance features of the CommandCenter include a Gen 4 interface and monitor with 4600 processer; CommandArm and multi-function control lever with greater ergonomic design and customizable buttons; premium activation with AutoTrac, RowSense and HarvestDoc; and Extended Monitor and mobile device features.
Like the
4640 Display recently introduced, the Gen 4 CommandCenter 4600 display has simpler navigation and more intuitive operation.
The new cabs feature either leather or cloth seats that swivel 7.5 degrees left and 15 degrees right for improved visibility, enhanced seat ventilation for greater comfort, improved seat cushion with optional leather seat, and additional grain tank mirrors for improved visibility of the grain tank.
"These new S700 Combines are a culmination of enhancements to our previous model that optimize and automate harvesting operations for coarse and small grains. We've enhanced the overall intelligence of these combines by automating more adjustments and calibration tasks, and improved the lifetime durability and productivity of front-end equipment to create a high performance harvesting solution unlike any other on the market today."
- Kevin Ripple, John Deere Marketing Manager for Harvest
The S700 Combines feature a new "Combine Advisor" package to help maximize performance. Combine Advisor incorporates seven technologies to help operators set, optimize and automate the combine for efficient harvesting performance based on their crop and field conditions. Auto Maintain is a function within Combine Advisor that is supported with ActiveVision cameras. According to Ripple, "These cameras give the operator a view into the tailings and clean grain elevators via the display, and analyze the information to maintain optimal threshing performance based on operator set targets."
Another addition to the S700 Combines is Active Yield technology, which auto calibrates the mass flow sensor, thus saving the need for manual calibrations and ensures the best data is collected.
New corn head & platform, too
To compliment the S700 Combines, John Deere has added new 700C/FC (folding corn head) Series Corn Heads with the RowMax row unit. The RowMax row unit provides up to a 50% increase in the life of the row unit gathering chains and features solid-alloy bushings to reduce pin and bushing wear.
"We've also increased the life of the stalk rolls by up to 25 percent by utilizing a harder material and adding a new wear coating on the front and trailing edges of the blades for increased performance. As a result, we've decreased the cost of operation by reducing how frequently wear parts need to be replaced. Producers will experience a savings of up to $20,000 over five years compared to previous models."
- Brittney Guidarelli, Product Manager for front end equipment
The 700C/FC Series Corn Heads are available in 6- to 18- row models, in 20-, 22- and 30-inch (50.8-, 55.9-, and 63.5 cm) row widths. The StalkMaster stalk-chopping option is available on all models. Folding corn heads are available on 8- and 12-row units, which allow operators to spend more time harvesting and less time and hassle disconnecting, trailering and reconnecting heads when moving from field to field.
Several enhancements are available for corn growers harvesting high moisture corn, including an auger floor insert to ease crop handling and a lower auger height to minimize crop damage.
For small grains, Deere is introducing the 700D Rigid Draper, which provides a 20% increase in capacity in tough harvesting conditions over the previous model. The 700D features a top crop auger that’s 50% larger in diameter (now 18 inches) with heavy-duty drives, high-performance gauge wheels, and a new center section seal kit that reduces center section grain losses by up to 45% in canola.