John Deere Secures Record 20-Harvester Deal
The old saying is ‘go big or go home’, which appears to be something that German contracting business Kohl Harvest of Saxony-Anhalt in Bavaria has done with a record order for John Deere.
John Deere has updated its lineup of 7R series tractors for 2020, with a choice of seven models from 210 to 330 horsepower.
The 210, 230, 250,270, 290, 310 and 330 models offer corresponding horsepowers.
All-new cabin design, said to be the largest ever, gives the buyer an extra 5cm of headroom and a 24% wider entry path. Customers can choose from three specification packages – Select, Premium and Ultimate.
The Ultimate cab includes a new leather seat with electronic adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage features, smartphone integration with a 16.5 cm (6.5 in.) touchscreen display and multi-speaker system.
Also in the Ultimate spec are a leather wrapped steering wheel, footrests and carpeted floor.
In addition, Select, Premium and Ultimate visibility packages are offered.
For more efficient night operation, Ultimate visibility has 22 work LED and eight convenience LED lights, to give operators 360 degrees of lighting coverage. The package also has electrically heated telescopic mirrors, wipers and sunshades on the front, right side and rear, and integrated rear cameras.
A key change is the the replacement of the previous hydro-pneumatic cab suspension system with a mechanical system designed to work with the suspended seat and triple link front axle suspension for a smooth, comfortable ride.
All 7R tractor models for 2020 are fully integrated, capable and supported in their technology.
“John Deere made several precision ag technology updates that make it easy for customers to remotely monitor and manage tractor and field operations and to enable more timely transfer of prescriptions and data,” said Tammy Lee, marketing manager, production agriculture for John Deere.
Each new 7R tractor comes standard equipped with an integrated Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter display, StarFire 6000 integrated receiver and AutoTrac activation.
“Additional premium or automation activations are available so customers can upgrade and choose the level of accuracy they prefer. The StarFire 6000 integrated receiver requires no calibration of the Terrain Compensation Module (TCM), is more accurate and less vulnerable to theft.”
The e23 PowerShift transmission is fitted as standard, offering three modes of operation to automate gear selection and RPMs to maintain the desired ground speed based on load. Alternatively, customers can choose the optional Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT).
Generally, improving dependability and simplifying routine servicing was a priority of John Deere for the new 7R tractors.
“We’ve improved hydraulic and electrical routings, relocated and improved access for other components, simplified systems and improved onboard diagnostics,” Lee said.
“In addition, the number of hydraulic connections has been reduced, decreasing the number of potential leak points, with new decals under the hood panel providing more service and maintenance information.”
Ordering and pricing information for the 2020 models will be available in December, with shipments expected to begin in May.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.
Xero, the global small business platform, today released its first ever small business productivity measurement backed by data from Xero Small Business Insights (XSBI).
Money invested to protect native bush, wetlands and other special habitats on farms is paying huge dividends.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.

OPINION: Central Hawke's Bay farmer Mark Warren recently told the Hawke's Bay Times it's time for a conversation about allowing…
OPINION: A nation that relies as heavily as NZ does on functional global shipping lanes will have to do its…