increase font size
John Deere’s new 8300 series cuts fuel use by 15% when harvesting grass.
John Deere is to add three new models to its 8000 series self-propelled forage harvesters which currently ranges from 380hp to 625hp.
The new 8300 produces 483hp from its Tier 2, 13.5L engine, and the 8700 and 8800 models 755hp and 832hp respectively, from their Tier2, non-EGR, 19.0L units.
Engineers have matched engines to outputs, achieving fuel reductions of up to 6% in maize and 15% in grass.
At the business end, the choice of new 9 series grass pick-ups from 3.0-4.5m is complemented by row-independent headers from 8-12 rows, supplied by in-house manufacturer Kemper.
The headers have automatic speed matching to length of cut, and the feed roller widths are tailored to ensure a well compressed layer of crop is presented to the DuraDrum cutterhead.
Dependent on the model’s power, cutterhead width varies between 686mm and 856mm and can be specified with 40, 48, 56 or 64 knives depending on the crop being harvested.
Other improvements to the series for the new harvest season include wider feeder housings for the larger-engine machines, and improvements to the chute assembly which include faster rotational speed.
An improved drive system for greater durability and the option of the ‘active fill system’ that loads all corners of trucks or trailers, freeing the operator to concentrate on the feed going into the front of the machine.
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.
A Chinese business leader says Chinese investors are unfairly viewed as potential security risks in New Zealand.
In the first of two articles focusing on electrification in New Zealand, Leo Argent talks with Mike Casey, operator of the 100% electric-operated Electric Cherries orchard and founder of advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa.
A Foundation for Arable Research initiative which took a closer look at the efficiency of a key piece of machinery for arable farmers - their combine harvesters - has been recognised at the Primary Industry NZ Awards.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reiterated New Zealand’s ‘China And’ policy, adding that it wasn’t about choosing one market over another but creating more options for exporters.
A long running trade dispute between New Zealand and Canada over dairy access has been resolved.
New Zealand Police is urging rural property owners to remain vigilant and ensure their property is secure.
OPINION: Years of floods and low food prices have driven a dairy farm in England's northeast to stop milking its…
OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content…
