John Deere is expanding its range of combine harvesters and increasing a range of features of the current models.
The launch of the new W330 and W440 compact machines coincides with higher performance and completely new tracks for all the company’s S-Series combines as well as the T560, T660 and T670 units.
A John Deere spokesman said, “The next generation of John Deere track systems sets a new standard in the combine industry, offering 20% more comfort and 50% more uptime.
“On average the footprint is also now 30% 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.”
Need for speed
Top speed is up to 40km/h on all models, while ride comfort has been improved by an undercarriage with five pivot points. Measurements taken at the axles and the cab floor have confirmed a 20% more comfortable ride compared to a competitive make.
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°. In addition, track durability has been road tested using a front-mounted eight-row maize header.
With the combine running at a test speed of 40km/h for seven hours a day over 20 days, the result was 50% 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.
