In Italy, the registrations of combine harvesters in the first quarter of last year, according to FederUnacoma, amounted to 60 out of a total of 407 seasonal registrations, from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. This year, in the same three months, registrations were only 26, showing a decline of over 56 percent, the highest drop among all types of agricultural machinery recorded in the same period.
John Deere combines: conventional machines are all new
It is an extremely difficult time for large harvesters, which John Deere has responded to by completely renewing its conventional product line, machines with secondary separation through straw walkers.
At the beginning of June, the company introduced eight new machines labeled “T6” and “T5” based on the number of straw walkers, with power ranging from a minimum of 305 horsepower to a maximum of 466. These performances are provided by six-cylinder engines: the entry-level model “T5 400” uses the “PowerTech PSS” series, while the other machines are powered by “JdX9” series units. Engine displacements range from 6.8 liters in the base model to 9 liters in the others, all complying with Stage V emissions standards. The “JdX9” engines also feature intelligent power management, designed to reduce fuel consumption by automatically lowering engine speed during road transfers, especially in urban areas. Additionally, the continuous two-range “ProDrive” transmissions and smart farming solutions enabled by the “John Deere Precision Ag” technology aim for the same goal, featuring the integrated “StarFire 7500” receiver and the “G5Plus CommandCenter” display, a nearly 13-inch touchscreen monitor that allows the operator to control multiple functions by splitting the screen into different sections. Among these are precision agriculture features like “AutoPath” and “Machine Sync,” the latter allowing the driver to control the speed, direction, and position of a support tractor, ensuring precise and loss-free unloading, even while moving.
Real-time quality assessments
The machines also include “Grain Sensing” technology to measure real-time moisture levels and the protein and starch content of the crop. All data is uploaded in real-time to both cloud storage and company PCs via the “JdLink” system, allowing technicians and agronomists to optimize work, even remotely intervening on individual machines if necessary.
Comfort and convenience
One of the strengths of the new machines is the high level of comfort provided by the operator cabins, derived from those installed on the top-of-the-line “X9” series harvesters, offering over 3.5 cubic meters of space—among the largest in the industry.
Electronically controlled seats
The machines can be equipped with “ActiveSeat II” seats, pneumatically suspended and electronically controlled, capable of dampening up to 90 percent of vertical movements. Standard equipment includes the “CommandPro” joystick, allowing control of all major functions with one hand. The cabin is also isolated from the outside environment by electronically sealed, dust-proof doors and protected by a ventilation system that pressurizes the cabin to prevent dust infiltration.
Luxury sedan-level infotainment
Noteworthy features include ten 12-volt charging points, USB ports, an infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a robust array of LED projectors allowing full-time operation if necessary. The ability to display up to four cameras on the onboard monitor ensures visibility even in typically blind spots.
Never out of service
To ensure maximum operational uptime for its customers, John Deere guarantees a 24-hour parts delivery rate for 98 percent of current orders. If a timely repair is not possible, the local dealer is required to provide a replacement combine of similar size to avoid disruptions during harvest operations. This shows great attention to post-sale service, as well as productivity, as demonstrated by the new “T6” and “T5” models, featuring a feeding throat as wide as the collection channel, eliminating any bottleneck that might restrict the flow of crop toward the 660 mm-diameter threshing drum, equipped with ten bars, operating at variable speeds from 470 to 950 rpm, and paired with a concave with a wrap angle of 124 degrees.
The machines also boast the largest separation area in the sector thanks to their multi-cylinder technology, which also helps preserve straw integrity when needed. The cleaning area is one of the largest in the sector, up to 5.5 square meters, with the ability to compensate for side slopes of up to 7 percent, or even 14 percent, and up to 22 percent with the “HillMaster” technology. Hopper capacities range from 11,500 to 13,500 liters, unloading speeds reach up to 150 liters per second, and the adjustable discharge tube deflectors allow precise control of the unloading process regardless of the type of trailer used. Additionally, for operations on soft ground, front tracks are available, without affecting the ability to travel at 40 kilometers per hour on the road.
Title: John Deere “T6” and “T5” combines: conventional machines with a digital twist
Translation with ChatGPT
