John Deere is expanding its range of combine harvesters for 2019.

In addition to the all-new W330 and W440 compact machines, the W- and T-Series are being updated with higher performance features, and completely new tracks are being introduced.

The next generation of John Deere track systems offers 20 per cent more comfort, a 30 per cent larger footprint and 50 per cent more uptime. Manufactured by Soucy, the new rubber tracks are available for all S-Series combines plus the T560, T660 and T670 models.

On average the footprint is now 30 per cent larger compared to existing systems on the market. Due to a significantly longer track belt design, the 24in (609mm) track option for the S700 and T-Series combines has the same footprint as competitive 30in (762mm) versions, while transport width remains below 3.5m and is only 3.29m on the five-walker T-Series model.

Top speed is up to 40kph on all models, while ride comfort has been improved by an undercarriage with five pivot points.

Increased uptime is achieved by using four instead of three steel cord layers on the new tracks, while the track profile has also been improved, with the lugs now deeper and angled at 55 degrees. With the combine running at a test speed of 40kph for seven hours a day over 20 days, the result was 50 per cent more durability than the previous design.

The tracks can be replaced by wheels if required for field work or to enable easier resale of the combine. Another feature is the triangular design with positive drive – in tough conditions the tracks lift up at the front and pull themselves out of the soil instead of digging deeper into it.

The new Interactive Combine Adjustment (ICA2) system makes it easier for S700 Series operators to consistently achieve maximum performance from the combine. After optimising machine settings such as grain quality, losses and cleanliness of the sample, ICA2 maintains the pre-selected levels while harvesting conditions are changing.

In order to make the initial combine optimisation even easier than before, John Deere is introducing the all new MyOperationsCentre app, which enables farmers and contractors to view and change combine settings remotely from their mobile phone, tablet or PC. The operator can then confirm the adjustments on the in-cab display.

John Deere’s W- and T-Series machines are well known for their performance in the straw walker combine sector. With new and easy-to-replace sections in front of the threshing concave, operators are now able to adjust to changing harvesting conditions and increase overall performance.

It takes only 15 minutes to change the universal concave for wet conditions to the small grain concave for dry conditions or the round bar concave for large grains such as maize. This can produce an increase in output of up to 12 per cent, for example by changing to a small grain concave in tough conditions to enable more aggressive threshing.

All T-Series models are now equipped with a new separator grate. The rear cast iron fingers have been replaced by new patented steel separation segments to increase output. Alongside this feature, the distance between the rear beater drum and the grate below has been reduced, which allows more aggressive separation. Independent institutes have measured a productivity increase of up to 10 per cent with the new separator grate.

Operators will also benefit from a new 360 degree LED light option, which provides a better view when working during the night and in low visibility conditions.

Designed for smaller and medium sized farms, the second generation W330 and W440 combines are now available. For increased operator comfort, overall cab volume has been increased by 15 per cent to 3.3m3 and now offers a similar working environment to that of John Deere’s larger combine models.

The new 8:3 touchscreen display is unique in this industry segment. In addition, automatic combine adjustment (ACA) lets the operator select the next crop to be harvested, and the combine then automatically adjusts the drum and cleaning system by varying the drum and fan speeds, concave clearance etc.

To speed up emptying of the grain tank, the unloading rate has been increased from 55 to 75 litres/sec on the W330 PTC (pre-threshing cylinder) model. On the W440 the rate has been increased from 55 to 100 litres/sec by implementing the unloading system from the W440 PTC.

Following the increasing demand for draper headers in Europe, John Deere is now offering the 700FD Series Flex Draper header. New seals reduce rapeseed losses by up to 45 per cent, and uptime has also been improved by introducing corrugated edges on both sides of the belt, which delivers better belt alignment and guidance.