John Deere is launching upgrades to its 4-Series self-propelled sprayers to further improve efficiency and traction while providing a quieter ride.
Now available to order, changes to the model year 2021 line-up include the roll out of John Deere's CommandDrive all-wheel drive system to the R4038 and R4030 models and enhancements to the optional carbon fibre boom across the entire range.
John Deere production and precision ag tactical segment manager, Marko Koelln, said the updates would boost producers' ability to apply the right product at the right rate and at the right time.
"CommandDrive helps cover ground more easily, allowing operators to travel over hills, wet spots and soft ground," Mr Koelln said.
"It is an intelligent powertrain that 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 wheel and directs more flow to the other wheels with traction to power the sprayer over the terrain."
CommandDrive also worked in tandem with the engine and entire sprayer system to automatically increase RPMs when more power was needed and to maintain proper spraying.
"The Auto Mode setting allows operators to maintain selected ground speed and application rate at lower engine RPMs and automatically reduces the engine's RPM to 900 when the machine is stopped, thereby reducing fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent.
"The addition of flotation tyres can help to further reduce compaction to help farmers get in the paddock sooner and spray later, while hitting tight application windows that can make a marked difference to yields," Mr Koelln said.
Another option was ExactApply which brought precision farming technology and cost control to the forefront with an industry-exclusive nozzle that minimised overlap by controlling product application with individual nozzles rather than the whole section.
AutoTrac Vision and RowSense options offered a higher degree of accuracy for in-row crop applications using a camera or paddles.
Mr Koelln said a further feature of the 4-Series update was enhancement of the high-performing carbon fibre boom option.
"These upgrades include new T6 and T7 rope design, an additional breakaway bumper for more stability, new breakaway strap wear plate and new breakaway solenoid design to improve fold functionality," he said.
Orders can be placed with John Deere dealers for delivery in late 2020 or early 2021.
Key changes to the 2021 John Deere 4-Series Self-Propelled Sprayers include roll out of the CommandDrive all-wheel drive system to more models, and additional enhancements to the optical carbon fibre boom.
Updates are focused on reducing input costs and maximising productivity for growers.
