DAVENPORT, Iowa (DTN) -- John Deere on Friday, Oct. 28, introduced to the media a new series of strip-till equipment, new TruSet technology and new updates for its 7R series tractors.
The new strip-till series includes a pair of integral models and three drawn models to match dry fertilizer or anhydrous applications. The new tillage implements give farmers the ability to combine nutrient application and tillage into a single pass, along with an ability to oversee soil health, reduce erosion and conserve soil moisture. Row cleaner adjustments can be made from the cab as field conditions vary.
"We (are looking) to provide solutions to growers, whether they be conventional tillage or strip-till or no-till,&t; John Deere Product Manager Steve Sporrer told DTN/Progressive Farmer, standing near an ST16 drawn model running field operations at a testing field in Iowa. "(Deere believes) this is a good option for (growers) wanting to be more sustainable and growers who are looking to be more efficient in their operation."
Five factory-produced strip-till models, Deere says, will be in the field for fall 2023 (orders taken in February 2023, manufacturing beginning summer 2023).
The five models include ST12 and ST16 Integral versions and ST12, ST16 and ST18 drawn models. All models feature a variety of shanks, coulters and row-spacings to accommodate farm-specific soil conditions and fertilizer application needs.
The drawn models are available in 12, 16 or 18 rows. Twin tanks carry up to 10 tons of dry fertilizer, with scales to monitor quantity remaining. The ST12 and ST16 are available on 30-inch spacing, and the ST18 is available on 20- or 22-inch spacing.
Integral models are available in 12 or 16 rows. These ST12s and ST16s are available on 30-inch spacing.
TRUSET ACTIVE
John Deere is introducing on Monday TruSet Active tillage technology, bringing farmers automated depth control for tillage work.
Deere first introduced TruSet technology in 2014. For example, on a 2660VT vertical tillage tool, TruSet gives operators in the cab the ability to adjust wing downforce, the hydraulic stabilizer wheels, working depth, rolling basket down pressure and gang angle adjustments.
Now, TruSet Active utilizes an ultrasonic sensor to actively check working depth. It automatically keeps the tool operating at the target depth set by the operator or tillage prescription. Adjustments are not made with every bump in a field but are made gradually as field conditions change.
Deere has been using this same sensor on other machines for a number of years.
"TruSet Active has a height sensor right here on the mainframe that reads actual working depth," Ryan Jardon, marketing manager for John Deere, told DTN/Progressive Farmer. "It can sense, 'OK, I'm getting a little muddled up, I need to adjust my depth so that I'm still working at that desired depth.' Alternatively, if we get a little bit of tire sink and we need to shallow it up a little bit, it knows that, and it'll make those changes over a short period of time."
Jardon says TruSet Active requires a calibration, and then it is hands-off for the operation. Farmers also can use TruSet Active to document their work, creating a tillage documentation map.
Beginning with model year 2024, John Deere will include TruSet Active as base equipment from the factory on tools, including 2230 Field Cultivators, 2330 Mulch Finishers, 2660VT Vertical Tillage tools and 2630 Series Disks. Orders will be taken beginning in February 2023.
7R SERIES TRACTOR
Deere is also announcing on Monday updates and new options for its 7R Series tractors. Here are some:
-- Steering Capacity. All-new 7Rs have increased steering capacity with 50% larger hydraulic components in the steering system, giving tractors with larger front tires or heavy front implements an improved ability to maneuver in tight quarters and at low speeds.
-- Reactive Steering. Deere says its customers who use tractors for transport purposes such as hauling manure or forage want their tractor to drive more like their trucks. Deere's optional Reactive Steering makes it easier for operators to drive in a straight line with less effort. This is the first time this option is being offered on John Deere Tractors. Reactive Steering assists in returning the tractor's steering wheel to neutral (center/straight ahead).
-- Active Command Steering 2. Reduces the amount of steering input required in field applications.
-- Central Tire Inflation. John Deere has partnered with PTG, a manufacturer of tire inflation systems, to offer a central tire inflation system for select 7R tractors.
For information on these three products, visit www.JohnDeere.com.
Dan Miller can be reached at [email protected]
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