Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
The latest range will include 5075M, 5095M, 5105M, 5120M and 5130M models, equipped with a range of specifications tailored to the local market. Key upgrades will include the addition of a new 130-horsepower tractor and the use of the JD FT4 PowerTech engines throughout the range.
At the engine level, the PowrQuad PLUS and Powr8 transmissions are available as an option on the 5095M, 5105M, 5120M cab versions and included as standard on the new 130-horsepower 5130M.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand production system manager, Stephanie Gersekowski says PowrQuad PLUS and Powr8 transmissions make it easy for operators to find the right speed with clutchless, pushbutton shifting between gears, allowing them to focus on their work.
“In addition, these additional transmission options would not only make the tractors easier to use, but also more efficient,” she says.
At the business end of the tractor, rear hitch-lift capacity on 5M Tractors equipped with PowrQuad PLUS and Powr8 transmissions has also been increased to 3,565 kg, compared to the previous 2,699kg available on Powr Reverser models, allowing the tractors to handle larger implements.
The enhanced horsepower of the 5M line-up should also provide flexibility for operators to use an extended range of 1,000 rpm implements such as mower-conditioners, while models with the PowrReverser, PowrQuad PLUS and Powr8 provide a 1,000 rpm PTO speed in addition to the 540 and 540E options.
On the operational front, the company suggests that alongside the increased horsepower, the 5M Series will be the smartest tractor on the market in its category, with a built-in display on the dash integrated with AutoTrac guidance.
“AutoTrac provides operators with straightline guidance to help reduce implement overlap and cutdown passes through the field, to save on fuel and decrease fatigue,” Ms Gersekowski said. “No other utility tractor on the market offers this level of integrated guidance on a mid-spec utility tractor, meaning the 5M provides unmatched productivity potential.”
The entry-level guidance system is a costeffective solution that can be easily upgraded later by plugging in a premium display for mapping and prescription-based applications. The redefined MY23 5M Tractors are available to order from late 2022.
Battery-Powered Tractor For Oz
The first battery-powered tractor from John Deere will arrive in Australian farms by 2026.
The announcement, made at the recent Hort. Connections event in Brisbane, is described as a “monumental shift” in the company’s production.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand production system manager Steph Gersekowski says that in less than four years, horticulture farmers will be able to leverage this intelligent and efficient equipment across their farms, creating what can genuinely be described as a significant step-change for high-value crop production.
Deere acquired majority ownership of high-density and high-durability battery manufacturer Kreisel Electric earlier this year, a move that has no doubt helped accelerate Deere’s “electrification journey”.
It is understood that a battery electric utility tractor will soon commence trials on Australian farms, while John Deere will also bring electric batteries and chargers to market to facilitate the new technology.
