John Deere is expanding the top end of its 4-Series sprayers in North America with the launch of its biggest sprayer yet – the 6,057-litre capacity and 436hp R4060.
Capacity aside, one of the main talking points is the new hydrostatic all-wheel-drive powertrain, which is also standard on 2020 versions of the updated 4,542-litre R4045.
Called CommandDrive, the intelligent powertrain uses a single hydrostatic pump to power all four variable-displacement wheel motors. If one or more wheels lose traction, the system adjusts to slow the slipping wheels and directs more flow to the other wheels with traction in order to power the sprayer over the terrain.
In addition, CommandDrive works in tandem with the engine and sprayer system to automatically increase engine speed when more power is needed. With the auto mode setting, operators can maintain selected ground speed and application rate at a lower engine speed, while the auto idle setting reduces engine rpm to 900 when the machine is stopped.
Available with 36.6m (120ft) or 40.2m (132ft) carbon fibre spray booms, North American customers can order the new R4060 and updated R4045 sprayer from next month.
The largest self-propelled John Deere sprayer available in Europe is the 5000-litre capacity and 235hp R4050i.
