John Deere made three announcements for new products this week offering a new  high-tech control system for tractors; new draper platforms for the windrower line; and tractors for orchard and vineyard use.

First up is the 500D Series Draper platforms, calling them the “perfect match” for the W235 and W260 Self-Propelled Windrowers. The three models in the draper line up – the 525D at 25-feet; 530D at 30 feet; and the 536D at 36 feet – provide improved operational control, constant header speed and top level cutting performance in challenging conditions.

Jeremy Unruh, product line marketing manager for John Deere, notes: “Customers that want either a dedicated draper/windrower platform or both a draper and a rotary platform that’s easily integrated with a single traction unit now have a solution.”

John Deere claims, using the new draper platform and the rotary head on a single machine can allow up to a 35% savings for a producer over owning two machines and two heads. (Photo: John Deere)

The 500D is interchangeable with rotary heads on both the W235 and W260 models. That allows a user to operate with the 500D for small gtrains, and a 994, 995 or 500R Rotary Platform for hay. This can save a producer up to 35% compared to the cost of two machines with two heads, Unruh says.

The new Draper Platforms come with a variety of features that boost machine performance in small grain harvesting and improved operator convenience. Rotary heads can be removed and one of three different 500D Series Drapers can be placed on the traction unit in 30 minutes or less. Producers can also cut more acres per day compared to the W150/435D combination thanks to an additional foot of cutting width, higher horsepower with Constant Header Speed and integrated AutoTrac, which can reduce overlap up to 90 percent compared to manual operation.

Generation 4 CommandCenter

Next up is Generation 4 CommandCenter Premium Activation which combines the three most commonly used applications from the GreenStar 3 2630 display – AutoTrac, Documentation and Section Control – along with vehicle functionality, through the on-board 4600 CommandCenter integrated display.

Premium Activation is available for 6R, 7R, 8R and 9R Series Tractors. Jarred Karnei, tactical marketing manager at John Deere, comments in the announcement: “This latest update to our precision ag solutions capitalizes on the positive feedback we’ve received on the redesign of the CommandCenter. The 4600 CommandCenter gives customers the ability to capture more accurate data while making it easier to manage, document and transfer that data. Ultimately, this allows them to make more informed input decisions that directly enhance the operation of machines and improve the yield, productivity and profitability of their operations.”

The new service integrates a number of different applications, including Section Control, offering customers potential input savings by minimizing skips and overlap. John Deere quotes an Auburn University study noting that customers can save up to 20% or more on inputs for planting and fertilizing with Section Control.

Another popular application offered with the Premium Activation is AutoTrac machine guidance, which includes new software updates that help improve production. For example, operators are now able to shift AB curves radially at any point in the curve, offering more flexibility to customers with waterways, terraces and other obstacles in the field.

The offering also includes Wireless Data Transfer, which uses JDLink connect to enable wireless information flow from the machine to the John Deere Operations Center. Adds Karnei: “All of these new features in the 4600 CommandCenter help make operators more efficient while increasing their productivity and data management capabilities.”

Tractor line for specialty operations

The new John Deere 5G Series tractors have a narrow configuration and expand the company’s specialty tractor portfolio for vineyard and orchard producers. They also meet Final Tier 4 engine emission requirements. The machines have two chassis widths – narrow (5GN) and vineyard (5GV).

Orchard and vineyard operations have a new option for a narrow line of versatile machines with the horsepower, and hydraulic power, needed for these specialty applications. (Photo: John Deere)

There are three 5GN narrow frame models – the 5075GN at 75 hp; 5090GN at 90 hp; and the 5100GN at 100 hp. For the vineyard series there is the 5075GV at 75 hp and the 5090GV at 90 hp.

The machines have a tighter turning radius than the 5EN predecessor. The 5GN reduces operator effort, time and fuel consumption during headland turns. Fuel tank capacity is greater too, with an optional 7.5 gallon fuel tank on the 5GN. The cab of the 5GN also has a wider cab for a roomier work environment.

The 5G Series Tractors maintain strong engine performance in the field, plus the 90 and 100 horsepower models can be equipped with optional Intelligent Power Management for an additional power boost. Economy PTO also comes standard in all 5G Series models, which reduces engine RPM by 15%, helping reduce input cost for operators.

Learn more about all three new products by visiting johndeere.com/ag.