John Deere has unveiled a host of combine updates for the 2019 season, including a change in its track offering for bigger T-series walker and S-series rotary machines.
Gone are the firm’s own Hungarian-built units, to be replaced by a set manufactured by Canadian specialist Soucy. These are apparently made specifically for Deere machines and feature a new five-pivot-point design that allows them to better follow ground contours.
They also offer a 30% larger footprint than the old model and the thicker rubber is reckoned to last about 50% longer. Buyers get the option of 24in- or 30in-wide units in the UK and there’s an ultra-wide 36in version for countries that aren’t limited by road widths.
To help give the operator a smooth ride, hydraulic suspension is fitted as standard and there’s the option of 30km/hr or 40km/hr transport speeds.
Prices have actually come down a little, with the new 24in version coming in at £56,858, compared with £56,934 for the old model. The wider 30in units have a list price of £61,342.
Other noteworthy harvester changes include a new sectional concave for W and T-series walker machines. These give the option of three interchangeable inserts to improve performance in different crop types.
The T-series has also had a couple of cleaning shoe mods to help the crop distribute across it more evenly, as well as a 10% larger separation area and more aggressive rear beater.
At the smaller end of the maker’s line-up, the Sampo-built W330 and W440 models have been treated to a bigger cab, new colour touch screen and auto combine adjustment settings. Unloading auger speeds have been increased, too, and the W330 now has the option of a lateral-tilt header.
