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 company says its ‘fast release system’ (FRS) speeds up bale ejection by enabling the operator to unload the completed bale in no more than five seconds – 10 seconds faster than a conventional machine. It uses a ‘curtain’ instead of a traditional heavy rear door.
The JD 900 (960 and 990 models) is intended for contractors and large-scale livestock farmers. Bale output and density, and operator comfort, are addressed in the design.
A full-frame design relieves the entire bale chamber from external stress.
Flexible side panels replace the usual bale chamber side walls. During bale forming, the panels ensure the baler fills right up, and they open slightly as the bale is ejected, to prevent it from jamming in the chamber.
Both models can be ordered with either 2.2 m wide RotoFlow or MaxiCut 13, or 25-knife precutter pick-ups. They make bales of diameter 0.8-1.6 m and 0.8-1.85 m, respectively.
Five rows of tynes help pick-up. A new drop-floor unplugging system operates over the full width of the rotor.
Bale density is helped by an offset density arm that transmits optimal tension to two endless belts, each 573 mm wide. Three powered rollers in the chamber make starting the bale easier, especially in wet conditions.
Net wrapping is done at the front of the baler so the operator can keep watch. The net is pulled directly into the bale chamber, so plugging is avoided, whatever type of net (CoverEdge or XtraNet) or net length are used.
The machines are ISOBUS certified and can be equipped with the maker’s GreenStar 1800 display. This controls most key machine settings and functions, including bale density and size, soft core pressure and diameter, knife selection and operation of the drop-floor unplugging system.
Optionally available from 2012 will be JD’s ‘tractor implementation automation’ system which won a Sima 2011 gold medal. When operated with a tractor featuring ISOBUS, a continuously variable transmission and electronic SCVs, this automation cuts the harvest workload, JD says. Instead of the driver having to stop the tractor to open and close the rear of the baler, TIA manages everything via fingertip controls.
Tel. 0800 303 100
www.johndeere.com.au
