The company remains tight-lipped about most of the technical details, but the X9 combine revealed at last November’s Agritechnica, is close to a market launch.

There is still no information on engine power, grain tank capacity/unloading rate, but the physical dimensions and weight of Deere’s first pure twin-rotor combine, which has been in development for 10 years, are said to be similar to those of the S790i.

Sitting above this model, the dual rotor in the X9 provides increased threshing and separation. Coupled to what is claimed as the industry’s largest cleaning shoe, performance wise the X9 is reckoned to be a big leap in capacity terms (100t/hr+ with losses of just 1.0%).

The X9 has new exterior styling, branding and lighting when compared to other Deere combines and operators keen on creature comforts will like the massaging option for an already cooled seat inside the cab, which we believe comes from the 8R tractors.

We can also confirm the matching 13.5m (45ft) flex draper header (a range of widths will be available), is based on a totally new centre hinged platform and a two-piece reel. Designed to follow all ground contours, the header is specially developed for European conditions and crops such as oilseed rape.

Available on rubber tracks and on a range of different tyre options, the track system (transport width under 3.5m) is similar to that already used on the S-Series combines, and the X9 will be offered with a range of different residue management systems to match the wider header widths, as well as a chaff collection system.

Already subjected to thousands of hours of field tests around the world, including Canada, North America, Denmark and the UK, it remains to be seen whether the Corona virus (Covid-19) could spoil the fun, but the X9 will officially be introduced this summer. A limited number of machines are expected to be available for demonstration during the 2020 harvest.

Finally, Deere says the X9 is an addition to its combine line-up and that the S700 Series is not going away. The X9 is specifically designed for large-scale farmers who need more harvesting capacity. For the majority of farmers, an S700 combine is still the best choice, is the message.