The 2019 spraying season may just be moving into full swing, but John Deere is already looking ahead to 2020. The company has introduced the R4060, a larger-capacity sprayer to add to its 4 Series lineup for 2020. In addition, Deere is updating the R4045 sprayer with a new feature beginning with 2020 models.

Here’s a closer look:

R4060 sprayer. This sprayer will feature the largest tank capacity offered by Deere when it becomes available as part of the 2020 lineup, sources say. It’s an extension of the 4 Series products, added to the top end of the line.

Customers indicate they want more tank capacity, and this sprayer answers that call. The R4060 will be offered with 120-foot or 132-foot booms, made of carbon fiber. Spokespeople say with the increased 1,600-gallon tank capacity, the new sprayer can cover 33% more acres between fill-ups compared to the previous largest model in the lineup, the R4045 sprayer. That sprayer, with 1,200 gallons of total spray volume capacity, stays in the lineup.

The R4060 will come standard with CommandDrive, a new powertrain. It will also be standard on the R4045 model for 2020.

R4045 sprayer. The biggest change for the existing R4045 sprayer with a 1,200-gallon spray tank will be CommandDrive, a new hydrostatic, all-wheel-drive powertrain.

Deere spokespeople say the new powertrain is designed to transfer more power to the ground while offering improved traction at the same time. Testing indicates increased fuel efficiency compared to existing powertrains. CommandDrive also produces a quieter ride for the operator.

Both the updated R4045 and new R4060 are positioned for large operations or for ag service providers, so they can cover more acres quickly and efficiently, Deere spokespeople note. Both models are equipped with features that will allow them to handle hilly terrain in areas with sloping fields and still make applications efficiently and accurately.

The CommandDrive system is what engineers call an “intelligent powertrain.” It uses a single hydrostatic pump to power all four variable-displacement wheel motors on the sprayer. If one or more wheels lose traction, the system senses the need to adjust and slow the slipping wheel while directing more flow to the other wheels at the same time. As a result, the other wheels gain traction to help power the sprayer over the terrain. It should be an advantage on hilly terrain and soft soil conditions.

Both the new R4060 sprayer and the updated R4045 sprayer feature a multifunction hydro-handle with six customizable control buttons, spokespeople say. This allows operators to select and easily control the most common operating functions. The Headland Management System is included to enable the operator to make headland turns more easily. Certain functions, such as AutoTrac, BoomTrac Pro, and stopping and starting spraying, will occur automatically.

An expanded Ag Intelligence package is standard on all 2020 model year John Deere sprayers. It includes JDLink with five years of connected service. The 2020 sprayers will be available for ordering beginning this June.

Source: John Deere, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.