The latest innovations from John Deere were introduced recently to the media at the company’s Harvester Works facility in Moline, Illinois.

The biggest innovation coming in 2018 takes aim at automating the harvest process. Randy Sergesketter, Senior VP of Deere’s global crop harvesting division, said, “Today, we’re delivering the highest quality, most distinctive combine in John Deere’s history.”

The new S700 series combine takes the proven field performance of the S600 and incorporates the latest in automated harvesting technology – to make it easier on the operator by allowing the combine to make needed adjustments automatically, on the go.

“We’ve enhanced the overall intelligence of these combines by automating more adjustments and calibration tasks, and improved the lifetime durability and productivity of front-end equipment to create a high performance harvesting solution unlike any other on the market today,” says Kevin Ripple, marketing manager for harvest at John Deere.

Added sensors, cameras and more

John Deere’s smartest combine achieves this automation with the new Combine Advisor package. Seven technologies come together  to help operators set, optimize and automate the combine for the most effective harvesting performance based on their crop and field conditions – handling corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and canola.

Auto Maintain, a function within Combine Advisor, uses ActiveVision cameras to view into the tailings and clean grain elevators via the display. “It analyzes the information to maintain optimal threshing performance based on operator set targets,” Ripple explains.

Another addition to the S700 series combines is Active Yield technology that automatically calibrates the mass flow sensor. Manual calibration is no longer needed, which saves time and ensures the best yield data is collected.

“Our internal tests have shown a savings of $5 to $15 per acre with the use of Combine Advisor alone,” says Sergesketter. “As farmers consider the savings, we’re confident that Combine Advisor will help improve customers’ bottom line. And, it is now automated so every operator on the farm can perform like a seasoned combine expert,” he adds.

Cab and control improvements

The cab on the four S700 series combine models (S760, S770, S780 and S790) shows the biggest physical difference that customers will recognize compared to previous models. It starts with a new CommandCenter that emphasizes customization and operator comfort, giving a common user experience across Deere’s larger tractor and self-propelled sprayer lines.

The CommandCenter features a Gen 4 interface and monitor with 4600 processer; CommandArm and multi-function control lever with greater ergonomic design and customizable buttons; premium activation with AutoTrac, RowSense and HarvestDoc; and Extended Monitor and mobile device features.

Set up and start up is quicker and easier, thanks to more intuitive harvest run and setup screens.

Farmers will also notice an improved seat, either leather or cloth, that swivel 7.5 degrees left and 15 degrees right for improved visibility. Enhanced seat ventilation and improved cushion has been added for greater comfort, along with an optional leather seat. Added mirrors will improve visibility of the grain tank, too.

New corn head and platform

Upfront, John Deere introduces the 700C/FC (folding corn head) Series corn heads with the RowMax row unit. The RowMax design delivers up to a 50 percent increase in the life of gathering chains, which feature solid-alloy bushings that reduce pin and bushing wear.

“The stalk roll life has increased by up to 25 percent by utilizing a harder material and adding a new wear coating on the front and trailing edges of the blades for increased performance,” says Brittney Guidarelli, product manager for front end equipment. “As a result, we’ve decreased the cost of operation by reducing how frequently wear parts need to be replaced. Producers will experience a savings of up to $20,000 over five years compared to previous models.”

The 700C heads are available in 6- to 18- row models, in 20-, 22- and 30-inch row widths The StalkMaster stalk-chopping option is available on all models. Folding corn heads are available on 8- and 12-row units, which allow operators to spend more time harvesting and less time and hassle disconnecting, trailering and reconnecting heads when moving from field to field.

For high-moisture corn growers, several enhancements are available to better handle this demanding crop. The corn head include an auger floor insert to ease crop handling and a lower auger height to minimize crop damage.

For small grains, Deere introduces the 700D Rigid Draper head, which provides a 20 percent increase in capacity in tough harvesting conditions over the previous model. The 700D features a top crop auger that’s 50 percent larger in diameter (now 18 inches) with heavy-duty drives, high-performance gauge wheels, and a new center section seal kit that reduces center section grain losses by up to 45 percent in canola.

For more information on the new S700 Combines, 700C/FC Corn Heads, 700D Rigid Draper and other harvesting solutions from John Deere, see your local John Deere dealer or visit JohnDeere.com.