News & Events

John Deere has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Bank of Ireland to support retail financing solutions for its agricultural and turf equipment in the Republic of Ireland.
 
Effective from 1st August 2011, this non-branded agreement will be administered by the agricultural and commercial finance company Bank of Ireland Finance (BIF).
 
John Deere believes this is an extremely positive step, not only in supporting its business partners but also as a commitment to its growing agricultural and turf customer base in the Republic of Ireland.
 
The agreement enables John Deere dealers to offer customers a full range of flexible machinery financing options.

John Deere’s Setting Directions – Turf product launch sees the addition of two new zero-turn mowers to the company’s range of riding lawn equipment, which includes the existing Z425 model. The Z225 is an entry level machine, while the Z645 has been designed to meet the requirements of semi-professional users.
 
Both these new John Deere zero-turn mowers represent state of the art mowing productivity and operator convenience, and are backed by the world class John Deere dealer network.
 
The homeowner solution: Z225
The Z225 is a new entry level zero-turn machine for fast, efficient and comfortable mowing. Equipped with a twin-cylinder engine developing 14.6kW at 3150rpm, it provides plenty of power and torque, whether you are discharging grass clippings to the side or using the optional collection system or mulching kit. The electronic ignition allows easy starting, while premium power and fuel economy are provided by the V-twin overhead valves and cast iron cylinder liners, which ensure a long engine life.
 
The Z225 can travel at speeds of up to 11.3kph and benefits from efficient, adjustable twin lever controls, which are very easy to use and feature shock absorbers for more comfortable operation. The large 33cm (13in) diameter front caster wheels and 18x8.5-8 rear drive tyres provide solid traction and a smoother ride.
 
A newly designed operator station on the Z225 features excellent visibility. In particular, the edge of the cutting deck can be easily seen when trimming up against obstacles. In addition, all the controls are colour coded for simple identification and operation.
For optimum safety, the operator must sit in the seat, engage the park brake and ensure both control levers are in the outward position before the engine can be started. The engine will also stall if the operator leaves the seat without the control levers in this position, and the park brake engaged.
The deep design of the 107cm (42in) mower deck helps to lift the grass for a clean and even cut. The mower’s high level of performance can be maintained by using the deck’s wash port, which allows a hosepipe to be connected directly to the deck for automatic cleaning.
The semi-professional solution: Z645
John Deere’s larger semi-professional zero-turn mower, the Z645, is equipped with a V-twin engine developing 15.4kW at 3350rpm. This provides high torque levels for all applications, with low vibration and noise levels. The Z645 is more robustly designed than the smaller Z225 and Z425 models and features an increased specification, including a heavy-duty pump and wheel motor transmission for extra reliability and long life.
The Z645 is equipped with a durable 122cm (48in) high-capacity mower deck, which is designed to handle larger volumes of grass and stand up to the most challenging mowing conditions. In addition, a foot pedal system makes it easy to lift and lower the deck, which is particularly useful when faced with obstacles such as kerbs and paths, for example.
The operator station features a deluxe high back seat, which can be easily adjusted in position for different operators. The control panel is conveniently located and provides easy access to the ignition switch, deck engagement and engine/choke controls, which also include the engine rpm speed control.

Designed and built by John Deere, the new 1026R sub-compact tractor provides best in class power, performance and versatility, while offering a number of standard features more commonly found on larger machines.
 
This is a completely new model from John Deere, and is aimed at both residential and commercial customers who need to do more than just cut grass. A wide range of attachments and implements, which can be changed quickly, easily and safely, make the 1026R suitable for councils, municipalities, private contractors, landscapers, large property owners and smallholders.
 
The 1026R has a 26hp three-cylinder diesel engine (23.8hp rated at ECE R24), and a two-range hydrostatic transmission with Twin Touch pedals for ease of use and precise operation. Both four-wheel drive and power steering are standard, giving excellent manoeuvrability in all conditions. The tractor also has a wider track width of 1.2m for increased stability.
 
Additional comfort and simple operation are provided by the flat-floor, easy to access platform, standard cruise control and tiltable steering column, and a deluxe suspended seat. A high specification lighting package, a 12V outlet and a foldable Roll-Gard ROPS are also standard equipment.
 
The new 1026R can carry dozens of attachments and implements, including a quick attach front loader with a lift capacity of 380kg to full height, a mid-mounted AutoConnect side discharge rotary mower deck, rear mounted attachments on the standard Category I three-point linkage, and front mounted attachments such as a snow blade or rotary brush using the John Deere Quick Hitch system.
 
The durable 3.5 or 4.5mm thick mower deck is available with cutting widths of 1.37 or 1.52m (54 or 60in) respectively, and is very easy to attach. Using John Deere’s exclusive AutoConnect technology, the operator simply drives over the top of the deck for automatic attachment to the tractor. The mower’s height of cut can also be adjusted easily from the tractor seat thanks to a conveniently located knob, and the deck can be raised and lowered using an independent system controlled by the standard front loader joystick.
 
The tractor’s three-point linkage with position control has a maximum lift capacity of 525kg at the link ends, or 309kg at 61cm (24in) behind the link arms. A Category 0 front hitch is also available, designed specifically for the European market, with ample lift capacity for large front-mounted implements.
 
An optional comfort cab features large doors, a spacious environment for the operator, a deluxe cloth seat and integrated work lights, offering excellent visibility at night. Overall height of the tractor with the cab fitted is under 2m (78in), which is useful for access to low buildings and when operating close to trees and other obstacles.

John Deere already manufactures the largest range of utility vehicles in the industry, and the new XUV 550 and XUV 550 S4 Gators extend the range even further.
 
These completely new 4x4 Gators, in green and yellow livery, will be available in both two and four-passenger versions – a first for John Deere –from spring 2012. They are smaller, lighter in weight and even more nimble than existing models, and are the perfect crossover vehicles for work and recreation.
 
To accommodate up to four people in comfort, the XUV 550 S4 model features a stretched chassis that adds a roomy rear bench seat to the two standard front bucket seats. With the flip of a lever, the rear seat can be converted in seconds to a cargo rack to provide additional carrying capacity for bulkier items. There is also plenty of storage space on both models, provided by a large sealed glove box and a sealed area under the bonnet.
 
A powerful 12.1kW (nominal power at 3600rpm) V-twin OHV air-cooled petrol engine provides brisk acceleration to a top speed of 45kph (28mph). The standard specification also includes a fully sealed and enclosed CVT transmission, all-round hydraulic disc brakes and a best in class ground clearance of 262mm (10.3in), with underbody skid protection optionally available.
 
Fully independent all wheel suspension provides 229mm (9in) of wheel travel at the front and 203mm (8in) at the rear. This gives a smooth, comfortable
ride and superior traction both on and off the road, with or without loads. An integrated winch with recovery loops is available as an option, for use in more demanding terrain.
 
The durable composite cargo box carries up to 181kg, and can be lifted from both sides. The removable tailgate features truck-style latching for easy operation with one hand, and there are multiple integrated tie-down points on the inside and outside of the cargo box for securing loads safely. Using the standard heavy-duty 51mm (2in) rear receiver hitch, the vehicles can also tow up to 500kg.
 
A wide range of attachments and options will be available for the new XUV 550 Gators, including half poly or glass windshields and a poly roof, which can be built into a fully enclosed cab if required. Further options will include a front brush guard and rear bumper, additional front lights, a rear screen and a rail system for the cargo box.

John Deere’s new X305R rear-discharge lawn tractor with collection system replaces the previous X300R model, and features a range of enhancements which make it even more versatile and productive.
 
The X305R has a powerful two-cylinder Kawasaki engine developing 12.2kW at 3100 rpm, which has been specifically manufactured for John Deere. This engine provides sufficient power to handle difficult working conditions while also providing a high level of fuel efficiency.
 
The TurboStar mowing system on the X305R lawn tractor offers excellent grass collection properties. Its enhanced fan features larger diameter, reinforced 8mm blades, and the fan is directly mounted on top of the mower deck for improved material flow into the collection hopper.
 
A low lift blade is used to feed the fan more efficiently, which improves material collection even further, and the mower stops automatically as soon as the hopper is full. This means the hopper’s capacity can be fully utilised, and blockages are avoided.

THE DAIRY EVENT & LIVESTOCK SHOW 2011, NEC, SEPTEMBER 6 & 7
 
John Deere’s new 6R Series tractor makes its UK show debut at this year’s Dairy Event & Livestock Show in September, alongside a new 7R Series tractor and 900 Series round baler with Fast Release System.
 
The newly styled 6R Series models offer more power, performance and operator comfort, and feature improved suspension and cab visibility, more powerful hydraulics and increased lift capacities. For added security, 6R tractors will also be fitted as standard with CESAR Datatag and immobiliser systems, with a unique transponder based key.
 
Three large frame models are initially available from November this year, the 6170R, 6190R and 6210R. They are equipped with a new Stage IIIB 6.8-litre six-cylinder PowerTech PVX diesel-only engine rated from 170 to 210hp, or a maximum of 200 to 240hp with Intelligent Power Management (according to 97/68EC). This makes the top of the range 6210R the biggest tractor ever built at Mannheim, and the first model to be produced by the factory with over 200 rated hp.
 
An optional front pto and an integrated front hitch with a lift capacity of 4000kg are also available ex-factory for the first time on 6R Series tractors, while maximum lift capacity of the rear hitch is 9550kg on the 6210R. The front hitch is fully compatible with the new John Deere H Series front loaders, which have been developed to provide maximum visibility and to match the new tyre size and tractor chassis dimensions.
 
Transmission options include the established AutoPowr continuously variable transmission, as well as AutoQuad Plus and PowerQuadPlus with SoftShift for smoother gear changes under load. The 40kph AutoQuad Plus EcoShift transmission can produce lower engine rpm at high transport speeds, to maximise operator comfort and reduce fuel consumption.
 
With the new AutoPowr drive pedal mode, operators can choose between three different settings depending on the application or their driving style. Once the desired engine rpm is set using the hand throttle, forward speed can be independently adjusted using the drive pedal.
 
A new 6210RE model with electric drive will also be available from spring 2012, in addition to an innovative transmission option that is due to be previewed at Agritechnica in Germany, in November.
 
Machinery demonstrations
 
John Deere is once again sponsoring the main machinery demonstration area at the event (adjacent to the John Deere stand no. MA451, near the event entrance), which this year features silage choppers/shredders and cubicle bedders from Garnett Farms Engineering, JF-Stoll, King Feeders, Kuhn Farm Machinery, Lucas G, RECO, Shelbourne Reynolds, Suton Machinery, Teagle Machinery and Woodchuck, all of which are being demonstrated on both days of the event.
 
These demonstrations are designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to compare models from different manufacturers, working under the same conditions. For further details, visit the event website at www.dairyevent.co.uk

John Deere’s PowerGard Maintenance and PowerGard Protection programmes are now available for new compact and utility tractors, including the 20 Series and 3036E compacts and 5 Series utility models. Combining both plans allows customers to budget for their machinery maintenance and repair costs.
 
“During busy times, it’s easy to fall behind with the maintenance procedures recommended in the tractor operator’s manual and service record book,” says John Deere Limited’s aftermarket sales manager James Morley. “This can lead to unexpected repairs that create unbudgeted expenses. These in turn cause problems with the operator’s cash flow, on top of disrupting work.
 
“Our commercial turf customers in the UK and Ireland can now benefit from a maintenance plan to help fix costs, budget more accurately and avoid unexpected outlays. These new PowerGard programmes are specially designed to control operating costs, remove the worry and allow compact and utility tractor users to choose the best plan to suit their individual needs.
 
“These are much more than simple extended warranty programmes; PowerGard is a complete maintenance and protection plan that allows the user to budget for the full operating costs of the tractor, while ensuring that it is properly maintained throughout its working life to provide years of reliable service.”
 
PowerGard Maintenance is an agreement between the dealership and the customer to do all the maintenance work on the machine according to the service schedule in the operator’s manual, and the dealership must perform at least one annual inspection. Customers can pay at each service, in regular instalments or for the entire contract in advance, with the cost of the plan including all parts, maintenance fluids and routine labour.
 
There are two levels of PowerGard Protection plan that cover the cost of machinery repairs for up to five years, and must be bought with a PowerGard Maintenance plan. The basic PowerGard Protection is for limited coverage of the powertrain and engine, while PowerGard Protection Plus provides more comprehensive coverage of all key machine components.
 
Full details of covered items are available from John Deere dealers. Subject to acceptance by John Deere Credit, it is possible to fund the PowerGard Protection programmes within a finance package; payments will vary depending on the tractor model, length of the plan and payment option chosen.
 
“By budgeting for preventive care in this way, and having the tractor fully maintained by the dealer, the operator can save on maintenance costs by locking into current parts and labour prices, as well as saving on his own time and labour,” says James Morley.
 
“He can also be secure in the knowledge that his tractor is being well cared for by a skilled, fully trained John Deere technician using state of the art tools, who is certified by the industry standard LTA programme. This in turn gives him reliability and performance advantages, and he will have a complete service record book, fully stamped by the dealer, which will add value to his tractor when it is traded in.”

Specifically designed for European crops and conditions, John Deere’s new W and T-Series combine range for the 2012 harvest season features models from 260 to 431hp (maximum rating at ECE R120), providing new levels of grain harvesting productivity and operator comfort.
W and T-Series models feature the largest active separation areas in the industry, at up to 3.36m2, and the largest grain tank available on a straw-walker machine, at 11,000 litres.
Key features include a newly designed transmission and Premium cab; a wider range of cutting platforms up to 10.7m (35ft), including the versatile PremiumFlow header; an enhanced residue management system; and a wider range of flotation tyre options.
The newly consolidated John Deere range for 2012 will consist of the W540, W550, W650 and W660 conventional five and six straw-walker combines, and the restyled five- and six-walker T550, T560, T660 and T670 models, featuring the company’s established tangential tine separation technology.
All the combines are powered by Stage IIIB compliant 6.8- or 9.0-litre John Deere PowerTech PSX engines to meet emissions regulations. These high-pressure common rail (HPCR) engines are equipped with two in-series turbochargers for higher boost pressures, a four-valve cylinder head for enhanced airflow, electronic engine control and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.
John Deere’s diesel-only engine solution requires no urea, by combining a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce harmful emissions while maintaining high levels of fuel efficiency. These engines are designed to make it easier to harvest up to the limit of the combine’s capacity, especially when unloading while harvesting.
The proven ProDrive transmission is optionally available on the top three T-Series models. This features smooth, automatic shifting between two speed ranges, and has an electrically activated diff lock. It offers speed selection for normal harvesting conditions or for faster field work and road transport, and allows individual speed adjustment via the hydrostatic control lever.
The newly designed three-speed Push Button Shift Transmission (PBST) is standard on all T-Series combines, and allows the operator to select the required gear by simply pressing one of three buttons on the armrest console. As with ProDrive, this transmission applies the parking brake automatically once the hydro lever is pulled into the neutral position.
All four W-Series combines are equipped with a basic three-speed transmission as standard, with PBST optionally available. T-Series combines also feature improved serviceability, with easier access to the sides of the combine and the main drives.
The all-new Premium cab on the T-Series combines provides 30 per cent more space, lower noise levels and an almost uninterrupted view of the harvesting operation. The four-way adjustable air suspension seat is more comfortable and includes lumbar adjustment for greater back support, while the larger passenger seat can be easily converted into a field office with space for a laptop computer, if required.
The cab features the same basic, easy to use operational layout as John Deere’s new 8R Series tractors, with effortless control of the harvesting operation provided by the CommandTouch armrest console, GreenStar 3 CommandCenter display, digital corner post display and tiltable steering column. The optional GreenStar 2630 touch-screen display supports the full John Deere i-solutions package, including HarvestSmart automatic feedrate control, Harvest Monitor yield monitoring and AutoTrac automatic steering.
An optional video camera can be installed to monitor the rear of the combine, the grain tank and the unloading auger for all-round visibility and control from the single GreenStar 3 display. Additional cab features include an efficient air conditioning system, sunshades, a refrigerator and a premium radio package.
A new button on the master control lever enables activation of AutoTrac for increased field efficiency, while the corner post display includes a new power meter. This displays the percentage of power being used, which allows the operator to maximise the machine’s overall harvesting capacity when required.
The W and T-Series combines‘ residue management system features a fine-cut chopping system with even residue distribution behind the machine, for effective no-till or minimum-till cultivation. An optional two-speed chopper drive allows the operator to change quickly between the speed ranges when working in different crops. To keep an even spread pattern in cross winds or hilly conditions, electrically adjustable vanes on the chopper can direct the spread to the left or right of the combine.
The optional John Deere HillMaster self-levelling system is available on all models, and compensates for slopes of up to 15 per cent by levelling the entire combine body automatically on the move. Combined with the SlopeMaster sidehill kit, this provides full harvesting performance on slopes of up to 22 per cent. With HillMaster, John Deere offers the largest full body self-levelling straw walker combine in the industry.
John Deere’s web-based JDLink telematics solution will also be supplied free, as standard, with all new W and T-Series combine models for the first year of ownership. This system offers three specification levels, allowing it to be tailored to individual business needs. JDLink provides data on machine location, fuel consumption and harvest performance, as well as machine hour and location tracking, geofencing to protect a machine from misuse, and maintenance planning. This enables fleet owners and managers to determine, for example, if operators need more training.