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News
- 2010-08-27
John Deere at the Dairy Event - 2010-08-27
John Deere well positioned for the future - 2010-08-27
Balfour Beatty invests in new fleet of tractors - 2010-08-27
John Deere innovations at work - 2010-08-19
John Deere AMS marks 10 years of precision farming success - 2010-08-19
Gator gets new olive livery - 2010-08-19
New era for John Deere apprentice training - 2010-08-19
John Deere Harvester Works builds 500,000th self-propelled combine - 2010-08-19
John Deere officially opens ETIC in Germany - 2010-06-18
John Deere Harvester Works builds 500,000th self-propelled combine - 2010-06-16
New appointments at John Deere - 2010-06-07
John Deere dealers complete brake test training - 2010-06-07
John Deere expands parts operations in Europe - 2010-04-27
Mannheim factory celebrates 50 years of green & yellow - 2010-04-27
Top dressing tractor - 2010-04-27
New John Deere machines at ScotGrass - 2010-04-06
RTK goes mobile, and further - 2010-04-06
John Deere joins CESAR security scheme - 2010-04-06
Auto-section control for more implements - 2010-04-06
Dates announced for Guild’s 2010 training award - 2010-02-05
New PowerGard 2010 - 2010-02-05
Top service from John Deere technicians - 2010-01-28
John Deere sprayer developments for 2010 - 2009-12-03
John Deere Intelligent Solutions - 2009-12-03
UK farmers win free combining in Ennobe fungicide competition - 2009-12-03
New John Deere utility tractors offer more choice - 2009-12-03
John Deere reaps 1 Gold & 5 Silver medals at Agritechnica 2009 - 2009-12-03
Bord na Móna buys John Deere tractors from TFM - 2009-12-03
John Deere 6030 Series tractors updated for 2010 - 2009-12-03
Certainty in uncertain times: - 2009-12-03
John Deere’s golden draw - 2009-07-23
- 2009-06-19
DEERE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTS SAMUEL R ALLEN PRESIDENT, COO & BOARD MEMBER - 2009-06-19
RICHARD JOHNSON RECEIVES TOP ENGINEERS AWARD - 2009-01-20
John Deere & The Worshipful Company of Farmers promote British Farming at the Lord Mayor’s Show - 2008-06-19
Combine Demos - 2008-05-15
Help us to help you! - 2007-12-17
Christmas Toy Fairs - 2007-04-18
Hire Tractors - 2007-03-20
Thank You!!
2010
August
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THE DAIRY EVENT & LIVESTOCK SHOW 2010, NEC, SEPTEMBER 7 & 8 New John Deere forager saves fuel John Deere is showing its new top of the range 7950 self-propelled forage harvester for the first time at the 2010 Dairy Event & Livestock Show, as well as new models from the 5M Series tractor range, which are also making their show debut, and the 2010 round baler range. John Deere’s 7050i Series foragers with HarvestLab dry matter sensing and AutoLOC (Automatic Length Of Cut) allow fast, accurate and automatic adjustment of chop length, which increases fuel efficiency as well as delivering optimum silage quality. All models can also be equipped with an engine/speed management system which, when linked to the Pro Drive transmission, provides additional fuel savings. A choice of three modes enables the operator to simply tune the SPFH, at the press of a button, for maximum harvesting efficiency. According to independent tests by DLG and profi in Germany, this system can result in fuel savings of up to 14.7 litres/ha – with the result that the grass crop can be harvested using as little as 0.7 litres of fuel/tonne, which is over 30 per cent less than other machines tested. Taking crop readings 17 times per second, HarvestLab has also been independently verified by DLG to provide +/-2 per cent accuracy. Using the forager’s AutoLOC transmission linked to the HarvestLab system, the operator can set dry matter and chop length information on the in-cab GreenStar 2600 touch screen display prior to work, according to end user requirements. As the forage dry matter within a field varies due to differences in soil, seed varieties and other external factors such as trees on the headlands, AutoLOC automatically adjusts the chop length in 1mm increments based on the preset values, to produce the optimum feed quality from the harvested crop. Mixer-feeder machinery demonstrations John Deere is once again sponsoring the main mixer/feeder wagon machinery demonstration area at the event (adjacent to the John Deere stand, near the event entrance), which this year includes models from JF-Stoll, Keenan, King Feeders UK (for the first time), Shelbourne Reynolds and Harry West, plus the Lely Juno automatic feed pusher. The working demonstrations are designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to compare models from different manufacturers, working under the same conditions. Win a Gator Visitors to the Dairy Event & Livestock Show can enter a prize draw to win a John Deere Gator XUV 850D utility vehicle, worth £11,000, by completing a form printed on the event entry ticket. All completed entries posted in one of the Gator-based competition boxes around the show will be included in the draw, which will take place on October 12. The award-winning 24hp XUV Gator is specifically designed for off-road and rough-terrain use, and features a true four-wheel drive traction system, a dual range continuously variable transmission, all-round independent suspension and a maximum payload capacity of 635kg. |
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John Deere’s management sees the business well positioned for the future, announced the company at the opening of its new European Technology and Innovation Centre (ETIC) in Kaiserslautern, Germany in June 2010. A promising long-term outlook for the agricultural market, a commitment to innovative technology and a series of significant investments should help John Deere benefit from the recovering economy, it said. “Besides world population growth, improved diets and the demand for renewable energies, the need for additional infrastructure in key regions such as Russia, the CIS, Latin America and Asia are strong drivers for our industry,” said Chris Wigger, vice-president marketing and sales for Region 2 (Europe, the CIS, Northern Africa, Near and Middle East). “As arable land gradually expands in these regions, more commodities are produced and have to be brought to market.” For John Deere, one of the great opportunities to meet future challenges lies in the development of innovative technology. Despite the weak economy, in 2009 the company invested almost US $1 billion in research and development; that is approximately US $4.5 million every working day, or more than 4 per cent of its machinery sales revenues. One of the company’s major recent investments has been the new ETIC in Kaiserslautern, which officially opened a week ago and complements similar facilities in the United States and India. Currently, 90 engineers, computer experts and technicians at ETIC spearhead the development of advanced technologies and intelligent solutions for precision farming and other applications. “This new environment will help John Deere to make a quantum leap as the company adapts its precision farming products to the standards of the Galileo and GLONASS satellite systems, and further expands the levels of automation between man and machine and between machine and implement,” said Professor Dr Peter Pickel, ETIC’s deputy director. Under the economically challenging conditions of 2009, John Deere also embarked on a US $125 million investment programme in Russia. Within just nine months of the official announcement, the company established a complete assembly factory in Domodedovo near Moscow. This now produces large horsepower tractors, two lines of high-performance combines and selected construction and forestry products. The same location accommodates John Deere’s new EurAsia Parts Distribution Centre, which supplies dealers and customers throughout the CIS region with parts, merchandise and accessories. Other investments in the region include the expansion of the company’s parts distribution network. Approximately US $60 million are currently being invested in the expansion of John Deere’s European Parts Distribution Centre (EPDC) in Bruchsal and a new Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) near Stockholm in Sweden. In addition, John Deere continuously invests in the enhancement of its product range and dealer and distributor network, to further improve the company’s worldwide infrastructure, product support and financing solutions. “All these investments are designed to supply our customers with the best possible products tailored to their individual needs, be they small part-time farmers, medium-sized arable or livestock farmers, large arable farmers or contractors,” added Chris Wigger. |
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Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, one of the UK’s leading utility solutions providers, has invested more than £1.3m in 33 brand new John Deere 5M and 6030 Series tractors, all equipped with front loaders. The machines have been purchased to support ongoing overhead line projects and increase operational capacity. The company uses tractors extensively whilst installing and renovating overhead electricity lines. The new tractors will be equipped for one of two key roles; as either winch or tow machines. The winch tractors will each be fitted with a 2000kg winch to enable them to raise and lower insulators and other equipment to teams working on towers. Tow tractors are used to move equipment around sites as well as towing tensioners – machinery used to raise and tighten the main power cables – to and from site. In a change from the traditional green and yellow of John Deere tractors, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions’ machines have all been finished in the companies’ distinguishing blue, giving them a unique and smart presence at sites around the country. Rob Sonnex, Mechanical Plant Manager for Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, said: “We always buy the best when it comes to our plant and vehicles, and this investment is no exception. John Deere has an excellent reputation for quality and safety, whilst the technical support and dealership back up offered by the company and its dealer, Agricultural Industrial Services, made our choice clear. The new tractors will increase our capacity for overhead line work and therefore give significant benefits to our clients, especially on projects where time is a factor. “When it came to purchasing our new tractors, we needed machines which would stand up to the stresses and strains our important work puts on them. We take safety extremely seriously in all of our work, so this was also an important factor when choosing a manufacturer.” John Deere’s agricultural marketing manager Chris Meacock said: “John Deere and AIS are delighted to have won this important contract to supply our tractors to one of the country’s major utility businesses. It underlines our continuing efforts to provide market leading technology solutions to a wide range of customers.” The investment in the tractors comes only a few months after Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions invested in a fleet of 700 Mercedes Sprinter vans to improve safety for its entire workforce. |
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One of the primary roles of the newly established European Technology and Innovation Centre (ETIC) in Kaiserslautern is the development of advanced technologies and software and their integration into agricultural machinery, for precision farming applications and the automation of routine machinery operations. At this month’s official ETIC opening, John Deere demonstrated two of its Agritechnica silver award winning systems (tractor-implement automation and extended sprayer solutions), which are already commercially available. In addition, the company presented two advanced guidance solutions for passive and active implement steering, which are designed to bring the highest precision to tillage, seeding and planting operations. Tractor-implement automation Tractor-implement automation enables two-way data exchange between the tractor and more complex implements via an extended ISOBUS system. During operation, the system allows the implement to take command of certain pre-assigned tractor functions to make the operator’s life easier. In the field demonstration, a John Deere 864 round baler tells the tractor when bale formation is nearly complete. It then slows down and stops the tractor, starts the netwrapping process and finally releases the bale automatically before the next cycle begins. Automatic control of tractor functions such as forward speed, hydraulics and pto operation is enabled by the open ISOBUS design, which can also be applied to other makes of equipment. One such application, developed by the Austrian implement manufacturer Pöttinger for a forage wagon, was also awarded a silver medal at Agritechnica in 2009. During operation, the forage wagon slows down or accelerates the tractor depending on the density and shape of the grass swath, which is recorded by a sensor mounted on the front of the tractor. This determines the intake rate of the forage wagon’s pick-up, and results in increased productivity and reduced operator fatigue. Extended i-Solutions for sprayers John Deere has extended its intelligent, innovative and integrated solutions for trailed sprayers by introducing additional technologies that increase productivity, minimise operator error, reduce costs and protect the environment throughout all stages of the spraying process, from filling to spraying and diluting chemical residues. A number of challenging farming conditions continue to face larger arable farms and co-ops, including the correct timing of spray applications, changing weather conditions, higher spraying speeds, reduced application rates and increasing environmental restrictions, all of which affect their overall economic prospects. John Deere’s extended i-Solutions are designed to give customers the confidence that their spraying operation will result in the best possible crop care and health. Extended i-Solutions consist of a new tank fill calculator, the Sprayer Pro automatic boom master and section control system, and the Auto Dilute continuous spray dilution system. With these features, John Deere offers a completely new and fully integrated system to fill the sprayer more accurately with chemicals and water, to spray more accurately and to dilute chemical residues in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible. Based on the actual application rate and the remaining area that needs to be sprayed, the new tank fill calculator works out the amount of chemical and water required per individual fill or partial refill for the entire spray application, and can print off the details for the operator. Using a GPS signal, Sprayer Pro automatically controls the spray boom master valve and individual section valves at the headland and on irregular shaped fields. It switches them on and off more accurately than any operator is able to do manually. Auto Dilute manages the controlled dilution of residual liquid in the sprayer after an application. Depending on the chemicals used previously and the next crop to be sprayed, the operator can choose a preset menu programme to initiate the most efficient dilution and rinsing process. Advanced solutions for implement steering In the satellite guidance market, John Deere already offers a wide range of steering systems to meet all customer needs. Two advanced guidance solutions are now available that go beyond the level of automatic tractor steering, to provide passive and active implement guidance. These are designed to enable implements to operate in a straight line even on difficult, hilly terrain, and to meet the very high demands of speciality crop farmers. The John Deere iGuide system for passive implement steering automatically keeps trailed implements on track, and therefore helps to avoid gaps and overlaps. iGuide works with a highly accurate positioning signal (within +/-2cm) provided by a second StarFire RTK satellite receiver mounted on the implement itself. The tractor is then able to compensate fully for implement drift on slopes as well as in curves. Work quality is dramatically improved and tramline or row spacing is significantly more accurate, with further benefits when using the rows or tramlines for subsequent fertiliser and crop protection applications. The iGuide system can be fitted to all trailed implements when working with John Deere AutoTrac tractors equipped with a GreenStar 2 display and a StarFire RTK signal. |
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At the opening of John Deere’s new European Technology and Innovation Centre (ETIC) in Kaiserslautern, Germany, in June 2010, Dr Thomas Engel, general manager of John Deere Agricultural Management Solutions (AMS) in Europe, took the opportunity to look back upon his division’s achievements. Having started in 2001 with the first generation GreenStar display and StarFire satellite receiver, along with John Deere’s yield mapping and parallel tracking system, AMS has gained an increasing share of the precision farming market over the past 10 years and is now considered to be one of the market leading system suppliers in Europe. Explaining the success of the company’s precision farming technologies, Dr Engel highlighted two key factors: “John Deere is the only agricultural equipment manufacturer that develops and manufactures its own high-tech components in-house, such as the StarFire receivers, controllers and GreenStar displays for guidance systems. We can therefore offer fully integrated guidance and telematics solutions, with access to all other machine components. “This level of integration helps us to achieve a high degree of automation, not only in guidance applications but also for increasing machine performance and efficiency. Another John Deere exclusive is our own StarFire correction network, which provides our satellite receiver customers with a choice of accuracy levels, depending on their needs.” AMS Europe was officially established in summer 2000. At that time, just 15 employees started to develop satellite-based guidance systems as well as telematics applications. Subsequently, the AMS product range has been enhanced and diversified to meet changing customer requirements in the key areas of productivity, documentation and farm business management. For example, in 2002 John Deere introduced the AutoTrac fully automated guidance system, which has since become a best seller. “Today, all large John Deere tractors and combines in Europe and the CIS are sold AutoTrac-ready, so they can be easily equipped with complete guidance systems to optimise their performance,” said Dr Engel. To date, John Deere has sold more than 100,000 StarFire receivers worldwide and a similar number of AutoTrac systems, with a significant percentage of these sales in Europe. Another fully integrated innovation has been the HarvestLab system for self-propelled forage harvesters, which analyses and documents the crop’s dry matter content and automatically adjusts the length of cut. Future sensors could also be used to measure such ingredients as protein and fibre. High-end precision farming “Now that guidance systems and basic documentation are becoming more commonplace, we are widening our focus,” Dr Engel added. “We are now concentrating on the next level of RTK-based precision farming applications that can deliver even higher levels of accuracy and operator comfort.” The latest generation of AMS guidance systems includes iTEC Pro (intelligent Total Equipment Control), for fully automated headland management, as well as iGuide and iSteer solutions for passive and active implement steering. “With iGuide, we can compensate for implement drift on slopes or hilly terrain,” said Dr Engel. “Using iSteer, the implement takes active control to keep itself on the right track, which is extremely beneficial for speciality and row crop farmers.” Moreover, AMS helps farmers to exploit the benefits of documentation, such as lower input costs, optimum yields, reduced environmental impact and increased productivity. Using GreenStar documentation, customers are able to carry out map-based variable rate applications – the basis of site-specific farming. And with the JDLink wireless communication system, John Deere has also developed telematic solutions for fleet management, remote machine diagnostics and maintenance. The future is open to all When it comes to the development of new AMS solutions, compatibility and versatility become increasingly important. “Depending on the required level of integration, John Deere systems are also available for use with other makes of equipment,” said Dr Engel. ”Our first product of this kind was the AutoTrac Universal steering kit introduced in 2006, which brought the benefits of our established AutoTrac system to a customer’s complete machinery fleet. This was followed in 2008 by the GreenStar Lightbar, our entry-level manual guidance solution.” But this open approach does not just mean being able to transfer a guidance system from one machine to another. Since 2001, AMS Europe has also been committed to the ISOBUS standard. “ISOBUS standardises data communication between tractor, implement and farm management systems,” said Dr Engel. “We are actively engaged in the implementation and further development of the ISOBUS standard, so that we can support our customers in the future all year round, across all their field and business operations – no matter what kind of implement they use. “An important step on this road to an open future is our automatic section control system for sprayers, seeders, planters and spreaders. The new Application Pro Universal modules work with John Deere ISOBUS implements that support section control functionality, as well as with specified third-party implements. This option is unique within the precision farming market.” And what is beyond ISOBUS? Dr Engel concluded: “With the integration of other global navigation satellite systems such as Galileo and the Russian GLONASS into our StarFire receiver network, as well as many other opportunities for further automation and electrification, there remains much more to do for our 80 AMS staff members and the several hundred AMS experts in John Deere’s sales branches and dealers across Europe – our best years are yet to come.” |
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John Deere has introduced a new version of its popular XUV 850D high performance 4x4 utility vehicle, in olive and black livery. This model is aimed at customers who prefer an alternative to the usual bright green and yellow colour scheme, including shooting and countryside estates and farms, outdoor adventure centres and wildlife parks. This olive and black Gator is fitted as standard with aggressive tread, off-road style tyres, but otherwise is the same specification as the existing XUV model, complete with a steel tipping cargo box. It is available with all the same attachments and options, including road homologation, and the standard four post ROPS frame can also be upgraded to a deluxe full glass cab if required. The XUV Gator is specifically designed for off-road and rough-terrain performance, and is based on a hydroformed steel frame for increased durability. It also offers a true four-wheel drive traction system – activated by a simple dash-mounted electronic rocker switch, this on-demand system incorporates lockable front and rear differentials to maintain excellent traction in the toughest ground conditions. The XUV Gator’s 24hp (850cc) liquid-cooled, three-cylinder Yanmar diesel engine is the most powerful and quickest accelerating in its class, with the fastest top speed at 30mph in high range. Advanced clutching ensures smooth power delivery and engine braking assistance from the dual range, continuously variable transmission. All round independent suspension offers improved handling, operator comfort and ride quality, with 175mm (7in) of suspension travel and 270mm (nearly 11in) of ground clearance. This enables the XUV Gator to follow rough and bumpy terrain with ease while keeping all four wheels firmly on the ground, whether the vehicle is fully loaded or unladen. Maximum payload capacity is 635kg and towing capacity is 590kg on level terrain. Additional operator friendly features include a glove box and storage compartment, cup holder, 12V power outlet and integrated 50mm (2in) rear hitch. Base UK list price of the new John Deere olive and black XUV 850D utility vehicle, which is available in limited numbers this summer before full production starts in November, is £11,033 plus VAT. |
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From the start of the new academic year in September 2010, John Deere’s award winning Ag Tech, Turf Tech and Parts Tech apprentice technician training programmes will be managed in partnership with VT Group, the UK’s largest work-based training provider of government funded and commercial learning programmes. VT Group provides apprentice training and key services to many other leading businesses and organisations, including the BBC, BMW, EDF Energy, The Royal Navy and Volkswagen Group. The training programmes will be based at a new, purpose built training facility in Ruddington, near Nottingham, not far from the John Deere Training Centre at Langar. “VT Group is an independent training organisation which has dedicated resources and vast experience in apprenticeship training for many different, highly technical industries,” says John Deere Limited’s training manager Neil Macer. “This new partnership will enable us to establish exciting and innovative programmes aimed at recruiting and retaining the best possible apprentices for our dealer network. “With technology making continual advances, the imminent launch of new industry qualifications and the requirement for ever higher standards, we believe that these new programmes offer the most suitable career development path to all our current and future apprentices.” Apprentices attending each of the new Ag, Turf and Parts Tech training programmes will work on up to date John Deere equipment, using company approved training material, while also following the national curriculum in order to achieve current and new national qualifications. Workplace assessors will also work with the sponsoring dealers to develop and record individual skills. Technicians graduating through the current programmes achieve the BAGMA/City & Guilds of London Institute 4025 Agricultural/Groundcare Service Engineers NVQ Level 2 & 3 Certificates or the City & Guilds of London Institute 4009 Vehicle Parts Operations NVQ Level 2 Certificate. Ag and Turf Tech graduates also achieve the City & Guilds 394/2 Technical Certificate at Level 2 & 3. Successful completion of a fourth year qualifies technicians for the John Deere Diploma and prepares them to reach LTA2 level in the industry’s Landbased Technician Accreditation scheme. Ag Tech was the first such scheme to be introduced in the UK, in partnership with Brooksby Melton College, and won a National Training Award at the end of 1997, the only one ever made to an agricultural machinery apprenticeship programme. Since the first programme started in 1992, 311 apprentices altogether have graduated through all three schemes. In addition, 13 Ag Tech graduates have received a City & Guilds Medal for Excellence award since 1996, a unique achievement in the engineering sector. City & Guilds, the UK’s leading awarding body for work related qualifications, awards well over a million certificates to learners each year on over 500 subjects, with only around 1 in 10,000 people receiving a Medal for Excellence, the highest recognition available. |
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East Moline, IL facility achieves nearly 100 years of manufacturing excellence while helping farmers feed the world. John Deere Harvester Works (JDHW) recently rolled the half millionth self-propelled combine, a 9870 STS model, off the assembly line at the East Moline, Illinois manufacturing facility in the US. The factory first began producing binders in 1910 and broke ground on JDHW in 1912. The plant initially manufactured horse-drawn grain binders, mowers, rakes and corn binders. In 1927, John Deere introduced its first combine, uniting harvesting and threshing in one operation. Twenty years later, John Deere manufactured the company's first self-propelled combine. "In the first 20 years the harvesting capacity of John Deere self-propelled combines doubled, and then again between 1980 and 2000," said Katie Dierker, JDHW division marketing manager. "Within the past 10 years, we've seen productivity nearly double again. This means farmers can get more done in less time, and more adeptly meet the world's growing food demands." JDHW exports to over 35 countries and currently manufactures four models in its 70 Series range, as well as a complete line of front-end equipment and the S690 model sold in Europe. Approximately 2400 employees are employed at the factory, which includes the John Deere Product Development Centre in Silvis, Illinois. In addition to East Moline, John Deere produces combines in Zweibrücken (Germany), Horizontina (Brazil) and Jiamusi (China), and has recently started to produce combine harvesters in Domodedovo (Russia). |
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John Deere has officially opened its new European Technology and Innovation Centre (ETIC) in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The new facility will serve as a primary resource for intelligent solutions and advanced technologies aimed at customers throughout Europe, CIS, Northern Africa, Near and Middle East, and other markets using state-of-the-art John Deere technology. “Since John Deere invests approximately four per cent of its equipment sales revenue into research and development, it is only natural for us to allocate a good portion of our R&D expenditure to one of Europe’s most demanding markets,” said agricultural & turf division president Mark von Pentz at the ETIC opening. The ETIC currently accommodates around 90 engineers, computer experts, technicians and administrative personnel. Their main focus will be on the development of intelligent solutions, the integration of electronics into tractors and harvesting equipment, and on related technologies that help to automate machine operation, reduce operator fatigue and increase machine productivity in the field. Staff numbers will gradually increase over the next few years to around 200 employees. “From John Deere’s perspective, Kaiserslautern is an ideal place to establish such a facility, as we can fully exploit a number of highly qualified resources,” said ETIC deputy director Professor Dr Pickel. “Apart from the technical university of Kaiserslautern, we maintain close partnerships with two nearby Fraunhofer Society institutes, the Institute for Experimental Software Engineering (IESE) and the Institute of Techno- and Business Mathematics (ITWM). John Deere has also recently become a shareholder in the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), which will be of great value to our future developments.” The 10,000m² ETIC site includes an office building, laboratories and workshops, and features a modern, architecturally appealing design. The facility has also been designed to meet the stringent standards of the German Society for Sustainable Building (DGNB), and is equipped with an innovative sun protection system, sun-sensor controlled interior lighting, a geothermal heating and cooling system and a photovoltaic energy system. Compared to traditional oil-based heating and electrical supply systems, the geothermal and photovoltaic systems will help to reduce annual CO2 emission levels by over 142 tonnes. |
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June
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East Moline, IL facility achieves nearly 100 years of manufacturing excellence while helping farmers feed the world. John Deere Harvester Works (JDHW) recently rolled the half millionth self-propelled combine, a 9870 STS model, off the assembly line at the East Moline, Illinois manufacturing facility in the US. The factory first began producing binders in 1910 and broke ground on JDHW in 1912. The plant initially manufactured horse-drawn grain binders, mowers, rakes and corn binders. In 1927, John Deere introduced its first combine, uniting harvesting and threshing in one operation. Twenty years later, John Deere manufactured the company's first self-propelled combine. "In the first 20 years the harvesting capacity of John Deere self-propelled combines doubled, and then again between 1980 and 2000," said Katie Dierker, JDHW division marketing manager. "Within the past 10 years, we've seen productivity nearly double again. This means farmers can get more done in less time, and more adeptly meet the world's growing food demands." JDHW exports to over 35 countries and currently manufactures four models in its 70 Series range, as well as a complete line of front-end equipment and the S690 model sold in Europe. Approximately 2400 employees are employed at the factory, which includes the John Deere Product Development Centre in Silvis, Illinois. In addition to East Moline, John Deere produces combines in Zweibrücken (Germany), Horizontina (Brazil) and Jiamusi (China), and has recently started to produce combine harvesters in Domodedovo (Russia). |
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Peter Leech has recently been appointed regional training manager for John Deere’s agriculture & turf division in region 2 (Europe, CIS, North Africa, Near & Middle East). He has been replaced as customer support manager for the UK and Ireland by Stuart Minter. In addition, Chris Wiltshire is John Deere Limited’s new green crop product manager for self-propelled forage harvesters, balers and mower-conditioners. He replaces Richard Halsall, who has moved to John Deere Zweibrücken in Germany as self-propelled forage harvester division manager for region 2. In his new role, working from Langar, Peter Leech will be responsible for the region’s training delivery operations, including the sales branch training centres, covering the key areas of parts, sales, service and dealer development training. During his 38 years with John Deere, Peter has been responsible for the development of the company’s award-winning apprentice technician training programmes (Ag, Parts and Turf Tech), and the industry wide LTA technician accreditation scheme. He has also been chairman of the AEA (Agricultural Engineers Association) training & education committee, and is just beginning a two-year term as president of IAgrE (Institution of Agricultural Engineers). Stuart Minter joined John Deere Limited in 1979 as a service trainee and technical instructor at the UK training centre. He was subsequently area service manager and then territory manager for southern England before becoming division service manager for the UK and Ireland in 1986. Stuart was responsible for developing John Deere’s national dealer service standards, and more recently has been closely involved with the industry wide ‘Look Behind You’ campaign to promote safe tractor and trailer braking. He has also been chairman of the AEA service managers committee. Chris Wiltshire joined the company in 2000 as an agricultural demonstration instructor and became an ag demonstrator/marketing specialist the following year. Chris then moved to a marketing position in Zweibrücken at the end of 2002, and returned to the UK in 2004 as territory manager for northern England and the Scottish Borders. |
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John Deere has recently completed an extensive programme of dealer training in the UK and Ireland, as part of the current industry wide ‘Look Behind You’ campaign to promote safe tractor and trailer braking. Over 160 dealer technicians and service managers have undergone in-depth training on the use of industry approved Brake-safe™ test kits, designed to check that the braking systems on trailers and the towing tractor are working safely and efficiently. The majority of the company’s agricultural dealers have now invested in the kits, covering over 80 dealer locations in total across the UK and Ireland. “This initiative is part of the continuing investment by John Deere and our dealer network, to ensure that customers’ machines comply with legislation and to help contribute to higher levels of road safety,” says John Deere’s division service manager Stuart Minter. “Over many years there has been a growing trend towards the use of larger, heavier trailers and higher horsepower, faster tractors to pull them. The industry is now taking a common approach to solve the problems caused by these issues, and promote the safe braking of tractor and trailer combinations on the road.” The ‘Look Behind You’ campaign was initiated in 2009 by all the main tractor manufacturers, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the HSE, in association with the AEA and with the support of trailer manufacturers. All tractor manufacturers test to the same agreed standard, utilising the same procedures and equipment, and while some have outsourced their brake test training to BAGMA, others including John Deere have chosen to deliver the training through their own in-house resources. Using the new test kit, overall tractor, trailer or combination brake efficiency can be quantifiably measured, and dealers will be able to demonstrate to customers where potential deficiencies in brake systems may exist. The service will therefore allow farmers and contractors for the first time to satisfy themselves either of their combination’s safe braking capabilities, or the need to maintain or upgrade their braking system as required. “This is definitely a very welcome initiative,” says David Roberts, service manager at John Deere dealer Mona Tractor Company in Ruthin, Clwyd. “Braking efficiency and safety has been a big issue for several years now, particularly as the size and speed of tractors has increased, along with the size of the loads being towed. It doesn’t take a big increase in speed to adversely affect braking capacity – we must raise awareness of the need for extra braking capacity to cope. Once customers see how the brake testing kit works, when it proves how bad some trailer brakes can be, I’m sure they will be happy to pay the small charge for this service, to save a small fortune in repairs later.” |
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John Deere is taking another quantum leap to enhance its parts distribution network in Europe. With an investment of more than US $60 million, the company plans to expand its European Parts Distribution Centre (EPDC) at Bruchsal in Germany and to establish a new Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) near Stockholm in Sweden. “The continual expansion of John Deere product lines throughout Europe requires the parallel expansion of our parts infrastructure,” says Fritz Rheindorf, director parts distribution for Europe, CIS, Northern Africa, Near & Middle East. “With our intent to provide excellent parts service to our customers and dealers, and in light of rapidly increasing logistical costs and environmental considerations, we are enhancing the services of our EPDC in Bruchsal, and have decided to establish a regional parts distribution centre in Northern Europe.” More than US $30 million will be invested in a new 16,700m² facility at Bruchsal. This new centre will create extra space for receiving, packaging and cross-docking parts at EPDC and will enable more efficient distribution of orders to John Deere dealers throughout Europe, and to other parts centres worldwide. The new John Deere regional distribution centre near Stockholm will be opened in late 2011, and will also incorporate the John Deere Forestry parts and retail sales office, which is currently located in Maersta (Sweden). The 18,700m² RDC will serve dealers and customers in the Scandinavian and Baltic markets. This operation will complement the newly established EurAsian parts distribution centre in Domodedovo near Moscow, which has recently started its first shipments to John Deere dealers and customers in the CIS. |
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April
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John Deere’s Mannheim tractor factory celebrates a memorable anniversary in April 2010: the roll-out of the first green and yellow John Deere Lanz tractors from the assembly lines, 50 years ago this month. The new John Deere Lanz 28hp 300 and 36hp 500 tractor models not only ended the era of the technically outdated Lanz Bulldog, but also marked the start of a completely new approach to the requirements of European customers… and of a manufacturing success story. Since April 1960, the John Deere Werke Mannheim (JDWM) factory has assembled over 1,335 million machines, including several thousand wheel and crawler loaders up to 1983. Starting at just over 5000 units per annum in the early 1960s, and driven by a high demand for mechanisation in agriculture, production at Mannheim rapidly increased to a peak of 41,000 units in 1977. Following structural changes in European and worldwide agricultural markets, tractor production at Mannheim then decreased in the 1980s and the early 1990s, to bottom out at 21,200 units in 1993. Thanks to innovative product design, the opening up of central and eastern European markets and increased overall demand worldwide, Mannheim’s production subsequently recovered to reach an all-time high of 45,700 tractors in 2008. Having started a new era in the 1960s with just the two 300 and 500 tractor models, with few features, JDWM today offers 29 basic models from 70 to over 200hp, with a wide range of transmission options, specifications and accessories. These tractors are marketed in more than 80 countries worldwide, with approximately 50 per cent of production sold in Western Europe. Accounting for two-thirds of German tractor production in total, the Mannheim factory has been Germany’s largest manufacturer and exporter of agricultural tractors since 1972, and represents John Deere’s largest asset outside North America. Within just 10 tractor generations, John Deere’s market share in Western Europe has grown 10 times to reach almost 19 per cent, with market leading positions in Germany, the UK, France, Spain and 10 other European countries. One of the main contributors to the success of Mannheim tractors has been the modular steel frame design introduced on the 6000 Series models in 1992. This enabled customers to ‘custom design’ their tractors, and provided a new level of flexibility in the manufacturing process. Today, the Mannheim factory’s flagship model is the 200hp 7530E Premium, a hybrid tractor which produces up to 20kW of electrical power, with a generator to supply components such as the cooling fan and the air brake and air conditioning compressors. This not only contributes to fuel savings of up to 13 per cent, but also provides the user with two electrical sockets of 230 and 400V for external tools. The 7530E Premium concept was awarded a gold medal at Agritechnica 2007, and has received numerous other international awards for its progressive design. |
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Irish contractor Conor O’Neill of Waterville in Co Kerry bought the first new John Deere 5R Series utility tractor from dealer Seamus Weldon of Killarney in 2009, and it made an immediate impact on his fledgling business. Conor set up Rubber Pitches Ireland in 2008 after several years’ research into pitch management systems throughout Europe, and uses his 100hp 5100R tractor to top dress sports pitches with a special material made by Crumb Rubber Ireland in County Louth. Made from recycled tyres, the rubber pellets are used instead of sand to help relieve compaction and improve drainage and root density on natural grass playing surfaces throughout Ireland. The material has been the subject of a report by the Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI) in the UK, and has been shown to improve problem areas on sports pitches and enhance their overall performance. Treating one pitch uses the equivalent of around 6000 to 8000 tyres; the system is already established in Europe and the US, but is still relatively new to Ireland. “I wanted to expand the operation of my landscaping company, and this developed from our existing top dressing business,” says Conor O’Neill. “It’s an effective use of a waste product, with obvious environmental benefits. Rubber has advantages over sand, which will aerate the soil but can be abrasive at the crown of the grass, whereas the rubber material will do the same aeration job, but can also cushion the grass against impact and wear.” In work, the John Deere 5100R tractor carries an Acuspread top dresser and a Wiedenmann Terra Spike XP8 high-performance aerator. “I specified the tractor with a front linkage, which is ideal as I can carry both implements to the work-site at the same time and do both jobs with one machine,” says Conor. “The tractor carries about 7 tonnes with ease when the spreader is full, and it’s very well put together. There’s lots of space in the cab, which is very quiet, all the controls are at your fingertips, and it has great visibility. “The landscaping business has used John Deere mowers and other machines for many years, so we already had a good relationship with Michael Weldon from the dealership,” he adds. “When I wanted to replace my previous make of tractor, I did look at other manufacturers, and some machines were certainly cheaper, but I was sold on John Deere’s technology and reliability. The dealer service is just fantastic, parts are available on demand and if anything does go wrong, they’re here quickly to sort it out. I’m very happy with the tractor and the back-up I get from Weldons.” |
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John Deere’s new top-of-the-range 7950i self-propelled forage harvester and Premium round balers will be demonstrated at ScotGrass 2010, for the first time at a UK show. The balers will include an 864 Premium variable chamber model equipped with tractor-implement automation, which received a DLG silver medal award at Agritechnica 2009. The tractor-implement automation system enables two-way ISOBUS data exchange between the tractor and more complex implements. During operation, the system allows the implement to take command of certain pre-assigned tractor functions to make the driver’s life easier. On a round baler, for example, it will tell the tractor when bale formation is nearly complete and make it slow down to release the bale. 7950i self-propelled forage harvester Increased power and capacity is offered by the new 812hp 7950 self-propelled forage harvester, a true contractor’s machine that features an intelligent engine/speed management system on the ‘i’ specification model. This technology helps operators to maximise their performance both in the field and on the road. A new condition monitoring system (CMS) is optionally available for the 7950i, which also won a DLG silver medal at Agritechnica. This system continuously monitors the bearing vibrations of key components such as the compaction rollers, drum, kernel processor and accelerator fan. Should the component bearings begin to change their vibration frequency due to a malfunction, the driver or fleet owner is alerted via a signal in the forager cab or remotely via JDLink. The 7950i forager can be equipped with a choice of three different headers for increased versatility. These include a newly designed heavy-duty 600C pick-up for grass harvesting; a new 12-row Kemper Champion 390 Plus header with a working width of 9m, which can harvest both maize and wholecrop; and a CRL coppice header for harvesting short-rotation coppice for biofuels. John Deere’s exclusive AutoLOC feature provides maximum silage quality and consistency by combining an automatic length of cut transmission (IVLOC) and HarvestLab dry matter sensing. HarvestLab measures crop moisture with a near-infrared sensor and helps to optimise the length of cut depending on dry matter content. In combination with this system, the exclusive HarvestDoc documentation software allows complete traceability of the grass or maize harvest. Whatever crop the contractor is working in, this software keeps track of all yield and dry matter content data at all times, until the harvested material or feed is used. Round balers for 2010 Designed for farmers and contractors looking for higher density bales and increased versatility, John Deere’s round baler range has been completely updated and renumbered for the 2010 season. There are now eight basic variable and fixed chamber models altogether, with a range of pick-up and feeding systems, extra options and new features, including an improved knife design for increased quality of cut and productivity. Depending on model and specification, there is a choice of three pick-up types for different baling conditions. The HiFlow pick-up is available in widths of 2 and 2.2m, for high baling capacity especially in dry crops. The 2 or 2.2m RotoFlow pick-up features a large diameter, high rpm rotor for increased performance and a new drop-floor unplugging system, which prevents blockages caused by the build-up of crop material; and the 2 or 2.2m MaxiCut pick-up offers either 14 or 25 precutter knives for greater flexibility. Machines being demonstrated at ScotGrass include the 623 and 644 Premium fixed chamber balers, the 864 Premium variable chamber baler and the 744 Premium wrapping baler, which is based on the 644 fixed chamber model. |
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John Deere’s AMS (Agricultural Management Solutions) division has announced two new ways of supplying farm vehicles with highly accurate GPS correction signals for precision farming applications – a mobile RTK system with an industry exclusive ‘fall-back’ feature, and a unique method of extending the signal reliably from an RTK base station. Using the StarFire RTK (real time kinematic) system, it is possible to achieve a repeatable accuracy of only +/- 2cm. This is recommended for customers who require the very highest levels of accuracy for crop establishment, treatment and harvesting applications, such as potato growers or those wishing to carry out controlled traffic farming (CTF). As an alternative to the existing base station system, the new StarFire Mobile RTK option instead uses a modem connected to the vehicle-mounted StarFire iTC receiver to provide a correction signal via the Vodafone mobile phone network and a central internet-based server. The central server automatically calculates the optimum error correction for the vehicle’s location, maintaining +/- 2cm repeatable accuracy regardless of the vehicle’s position. In this way, StarFire Mobile RTK eliminates the build-up of inaccuracy at distance, which is inherent in all base station RTK systems. The correction signal is provided by Axio-Net, a member of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) group. Other benefits, over and above those offered by fixed base station systems, include wider coverage without the need to maintain a ‘line of sight’ contact with the base station. RTK accuracy and repeatability can then be employed more practically by those working over wide geographical areas (for example contractors), without the need to change receiver settings. Signal loss caused by hills, trees or buildings, which strongly affect the performance of base station RTK systems, is not a significant factor in StarFire Mobile RTK operation. Signal acquisition is extremely fast, from one to three minutes, and the modem can be quickly moved from machine to machine along with the GreenStar display and StarFire iTC receiver. StarFire Mobile RTK also includes a ‘fall-back’ to satellite-based SF2 correction (+/- 10cm) in areas where mobile phone coverage is poor. With this industry exclusive feature, StarFire Mobile RTK allows work to continue in situations where users of other types of GPS correction system would be forced to stop. StarFire Mobile RTK works with any of John Deere’s GreenStar 2 in-cab displays, and offers an ideal upgrade for existing users of SF1 or SF2 correction signals who are looking to increase the accuracy of their operations. Initially the Axio-Net correction signal is available across most of central and eastern England, and it is recommended that the Vodafone coverage for a particular area is checked before ordering a system. New multiple repeater for StarFire RTK John Deere’s new StarFire RTK multiple repeater is designed to extend and improve the range and effectiveness of an RTK base station network. This industry exclusive breakthrough makes it possible to use several radio repeaters per base station without the signal interference issues encountered by other systems, in which only one repeater can be used. It does this by using different frequencies for receiving and retransmitting the GPS correction signal. With this exclusive John Deere technology, up to nine repeaters can be linked together with a single RTK base station. This greatly reduces the cost of covering a wide area with the RTK signal, and multiple repeaters do not need to be licensed like the higher powered base stations. It also provides the extra flexibility needed to get the correction signal around almost any obstacle, and makes the system easier to set up for shared base station networks. |
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To help counter the increasing problem of tractor and machinery theft, John Deere has announced that all its Mannheim-built tractors will be fitted with the official CESAR Scheme Datatag security system as standard, starting later this year. This will cover all 5M and 5R Series, 6030 Standard and Premium Series, 7430 and 7530 models. John Deere dealers will also be trained to install Datatag on other product lines in due course, where it is not available ex-factory. Datatag ID Limited, which operates the CESAR (Construction & Agricultural Equipment Security and Registration) scheme, is the European market leader in security identity systems for a range of manufacturing sectors, including ATVs, motorcycles and scooters, horseboxes and trailers, and construction and plant equipment. CESAR already has wide support in the agricultural and construction markets, including the backing of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), as well as the police, the Home Office and the British Machinery Insurers Association (BMIA). The AEA announced its support for the scheme and the Datatag security system last year, in association with the CEA. On installation of the Datatag system, unique tamperproof CESAR registration plates are prominently fitted to the tractor to deter theft or vandalism, along with additional state of the art ID technology, including miniature transponders, Datadots and a unique forensic DNA solution. John Deere dealers will keep individual records of Datatagged machines, and details of any stolen CESAR-registered machines can be circulated by Datatag worldwide to 187 countries via Europol and Interpol from its secure 24/7 accredited database and call centre, which is supported by the Home Office and police. Leading insurance companies, including NFU Mutual, have already indicated that discounts are available for Datatagged equipment, with further reductions for machines fitted with additional tracking and immobiliser systems. Individual door keys are already available for John Deere tractors, as well as anti-vandal kits to lock the bonnet, side shield, fuel tank, transmission oil reservoir and hydraulic oil reservoir, which are sold through the JDParts system. |
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Increased accuracy and lower costs can be achieved by using automatic section control on the growing number of ISOBUS-ready sprayers, fertiliser spreaders and seed drills, using the new Application Pro Universal system from John Deere. John Deere’s AMS (Agricultural Management Solutions) division has introduced optional Sprayer Pro, Seeder Pro and Spreader Pro modules on the latest GreenStar 2 precision farming software packages, for use with the GreenStar 2600 in-cab display. These allow third party machines to be switched automatically on and off of according to their GPS position, in the same way as John Deere’s established Sprayer Pro system on its trailed and self-propelled sprayers. The Sprayer Pro package includes automatic boom section control and an automatic master on/off control at the headland. Sprayer Pro takes over control of the boom sections and automatically switches them on and off when entering an area that has already been sprayed or is located outside the set field boundaries. Initially, only Kverneland ISOBUS implements are being supported by the new Application Pro Universal system. However, other brands of ISOBUS machine will be tested and added to the approved compatibility list in due course, to provide the same auto-section control benefits. A complete list of currently compatible ISOBUS equipment can be found on John Deere’s Stellar Support website (www.stellarsupport.com). Research has shown that average cost savings in crop inputs of between £2.60 and £5.20/ha can be easily achieved using this type of control system, with greater savings possible depending on the product being applied and the type of application – and the greater the level of positioning accuracy, the greater the savings. Chief benefits include the avoidance of over- and underdosing, to create the best possible growing conditions for the crop and help maximise yields. Lodging can be reduced, as well as crop damage or disease problems arising from the application of incorrect chemical dose rates at the headlands. With the introduction of these Application Pro Universal modules, two new features have been added to existing GreenStar Sprayer Pro systems for use with the GreenStar Display 2600. Headland Control allows inputs to be applied to the main part of the field first and afterwards to the headlands. When spraying for example, the machine no longer has to travel through previously treated areas – so any chemical deposit on the machine, which is one potential source of environmental pollution, is reduced. In addition, when planting or drilling, overlaps can be minimised automatically without the need for any manual measurement or control. The second new feature allows up to 25 pieces of information about each crop input to be stored, so all the relevant product information can now be shown on the display at the point of application. Without GreenStar Sprayer Pro or one of the new modules, only the product name, type, measurement units and application rate can be shown. This is particularly important for tasks such as chemical spraying. Harvest interval, the latest application date, buffer zone conditions and active ingredient details can all be at the fingertips of the operator in the field. If Farmade software is also being used, this data may be transferred from the farm office PC to the field as part of the work plan or prescription. |
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The Guild of Agricultural Journalists and John Deere Limited have announced the dates of this year’s week long training course for potential agricultural and horticultural journalists - Sunday to Friday July 4 to 9, 2010. Now in its 18th year, the course is designed to support one of the principal aims of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists - that of promoting schemes for the provision of suitable entrants into agricultural and horticultural journalism. Many of today’s journalists and PR executives working in the land-based industries received an early boost to their careers from winning a place on previous John Deere Training Award courses - they include last year’s winner Janine Heath, who is now working as a video journalist at Harper Adams University College, and 2007 winner Charlotte Johnston, who is working as a junior editor at website specialists 5M Publishing. The John Deere Training Award is aimed at students keen to work in the agricultural and horticultural media, and at journalists or public relations staff who have less than 12 months’ practical work experience. There are 10 places available on the course, which is in two parts. The first two full days, at John Deere’s headquarters in Langar, Nottingham, involve a crash course in journalism by experienced training consultant David Mascord, including practical exercises that cover the main media sectors. The final three days see each of the selected course members given practical work experience at one of a range of specialist magazines, newspapers or PR consultancies across the UK. At the end of the course, each person has to write a news story for judging by an experienced panel. The winner receives a £250 cheque and the handsome John Deere trophy, with an informal presentation taking place for the first time this year at the Guild’s Harvest Lunch in October. Those interested in attending the course, who must be studying or resident in Great Britain, have until Friday May 21, 2010 to return a completed application form, which is also available with further details from the course organiser Steve Mitchell of ASM Public Relations, tel: +44 (0)24 7630 8912, mobile: +44 (0)7717 213182 or e-mail: steve@asmpr.co.uk The course is completely free of charge, although successful applicants will be expected to cover their own out of pocket expenses. For further details please contact Steve Mitchell. |
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February
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John Deere has updated its PowerGard tractor maintenance and protection programmes for 2010 and beyond. The new PowerGard Maintenance, PowerGard Protection and PowerGard Protection Plus coverage options enable dealers to carry out a complete tractor maintenance programme to a fixed budget, depending on the plan chosen by the farmer. “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 farmer’s cash flow, on top of disrupting the day’s work. “Increasingly, customers are demanding a maintenance plan to help them fix their costs, budget more accurately and allow them to focus on their main business. The new PowerGard programmes are specially designed to control these costs, remove the worry and allow farmers to choose the best plan to suit their individual needs. “This is much more than a simple extended warranty programme; this is a complete maintenance and protection plan that allows the farmer to budget for the full operating costs of his tractor.” The first level is PowerGard Maintenance – the dealer calculates the normal routine tractor servicing costs and sets up an individually tailored contract with the customer to carry out all the necessary maintenance. All the farmer has to do is call the dealer when the tractor's operating hours reach the specified service intervals. 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. PowerGard Maintenance also forms the basis of the two more comprehensive protection programmes, which provide up to four years additional protection following the normal 12 month product and 24 month engine warranties. Subject to acceptance by John Deere Credit, it is possible to fund these two protection programmes within a finance package; payments will vary depending on the tractor model, length of the plan and payment option chosen. PowerGard Protection covers all powertrain components (except tyres and tracks), in addition to the basic maintenance plan, that are not caused by negligence, misuse, abuse or accidental damage – these can and should be covered by a separate accident insurance policy. Protection Plus provides even more comprehensive cover of all key machine components. The farmer can choose the number of years and hours he wishes the plan to run for, up to a maximum of five years or 5000 hours, whichever comes first. Full details of covered items are available from John Deere dealers. “By budgeting for preventive care in this way, and having the tractor fully maintained by the dealer, the farmer 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.” |
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The first six John Deere service technicians in the UK to achieve LTA4 Master Technician accreditation were presented with their certificates and registration cards on the John Deere stand at the LAMMA 2010 show at Newark in January. Introduced as the top tier of the industry’s Landbased Technician Accreditation (LTA) scheme, the Master Technician designation recognises individuals as having a proven and professionally assessed track record as the very best technicians, with the highest level of diagnostic skills and specialist product knowledge. The six John Deere service technicians are (five of the six are pictured at LAMMA, as listed left to right): Robert Watson – RBM Agricultural, Market Weighton, Yorkshire Andrew Walker – RBM Agricultural, Retford, Nottinghamshire Robert Griffiths – Agricultural Machinery (Nantwich), Cheshire Dan Massey – J E Buckle Engineers, Cromer, Hertfordshire Tom Cooper – Ben Burgess, Norwich, Norfolk Kevin Drage – J E Buckle Engineers, Cromer, Hertfordshire “By employing an LTA accredited technician, or choosing a dealer with LTA registered technicians, customers can be secure in the knowledge that their equipment is being serviced by the best in the industry,” says Christopher Whetnall, chief executive of IAgrE. “With the ever increasing complexity and sophistication of agricultural machinery, it is vital to know that your equipment will be maintained by highly skilled professionals.” To achieve the full Master Technician qualification after being accredited at LTA3 level, individuals have to undergo additional training and assessment of their abilities in advanced diagnostic testing and product knowledge, as well as their customer and technical mentoring skills. Technicians who reach LTA3 status are already registered with the Engineering Council as an engineering technician (EngTech), with the ability to display the technician’s full qualifications on service vehicles. Currently John Deere’s agricultural and turf dealers in the UK and Ireland have over 900 staff registered with the LTA scheme, including 454 at LTA2 level, 25 at LTA3 and six at LTA4. “The LTA scheme is designed to raise the profile of dealership technicians and underline their value to the industry,” says John Deere’s manager, customer support Peter Leech. “By reaching the Master Technician level, these six John Deere dealer technicians have proved that they are at the top of their profession, and expertly qualified to provide the highest possible level of after-sales support to customers.” |
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January
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John Deere’s technology leadership in the sprayer business has once again been recognised, with the award of a DLG silver medal at the Agritechnica 2009 show in Hannover, Germany. It was given to the extension of iSolutions from the 5430i self-propelled sprayer to 700i and 800i Series trailed sprayers. This includes the integration of a new tank fill calculator, which will be tested in the UK this summer, as well as the advanced SprayerPro automatic boom section control system, and the unique AutoDilute rinsing system for handling the appropriate dilution of residual liquid in the sprayer. The award judges praised John Deere’s iSolutions for reducing the potential for operator error and environmental pollution, as well as providing faster and more precise tank filling, rinsing and spraying. Other new developments on John Deere sprayers for 2010 include the availability of BoomTrac automatic boom height and tilt control on 700i Series trailed sprayers for the first time. First introduced on the 800 Series range in 2005, BoomTrac is designed to increase spray accuracy, operator comfort and productivity. In addition, a new 36/24/18m boom will be available to add extra versatility to the 5430i self-propelled sprayer. This boom is designed for contractors or farmers who need to adjust spraying width to different row spacing or tramline widths. Also available for the 5430i in 2010 is a new optional ‘hill climber’ drive-train, which comprises larger rear wheel motors and lower geared rear final drives. This option enables the sprayer to scale slopes up to a market leading 29 degrees. |
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2009
December
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New GreenStar 1800 Display The latest member of the John Deere display family is the all-new GreenStar 1800. It has been designed as the optimum solution for customers using guidance applications on John Deere or non-Deere equipment, especially when teamed with the AutoTrac Universal 200 steering kit. Its comprehensive guidance possibilities include Parallel Tracking, AutoTrac and AutoTrac Universal. It will also support Sprayer Pro automatic section control for John Deere sprayers and ISOBUS implement control (Virtual Terminal) functionality. Thus, the GreenStar 1800 serves the needs of a wide range of customers, especially mixed farms (for slurry spraying and tillage) and medium to large arable farms (for tillage, seeding and harvesting applications). In addition, it is suitable for farms growing speciality crops or for situations requiring repeatability, for example vegetable cropping or controlled traffic farming (CTF). The GreenStar 1800 has been tested and certified as ISOBUS compatible, and can operate with all three John Deere accuracy levels (SF1, SF2 and RTK), using the TÜV-certified StarFire iTC DGPS position receiver. The display features a modern 16:9 colour screen, push button controls and USB ports. It can also be used on all vehicles with a 12V power supply. With this new introduction, John Deere offers a range of four displays: The GreenStar Lightbar is the ideal entry level guidance system for smaller livestock and arable farms The established Original GreenStar Display focuses on providing an affordable guidance and documentation package for mixed and medium sized arable farms. The GreenStar 1800 now offers mixed and larger arable farms the benefit of an optimum guidance and ISOBUS control solution, especially for multi-brand fleets The top of the range GreenStar 2600 continues to be the premium solution for customers looking for a complete technology package including a full range of guidance opportunities, state of the art documentation, ISOBUS compliance and performance monitoring, all controlled via a large, easy to use, colour touch screen control. |
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Lincolnshire farmers Joseph and Robert Pask and Morayshire farmer Robert Murray won a free day of wheat harvesting courtesy of a John Deere combine harvester at their respective farms earlier this year. The lucky trio entered the Agrovista Ennobe fungicide competition at the 2009 Cereals Event and found out that they had won in August. “We asked entrants to answer questions linked to Ennobe, which is an exciting new cereal fungicide launched by BASF earlier this year,” explains Nick Rainsley, Agrovista’s marketing manager. The combining was undertaken by a member of John Deere’s demonstration team using a John Deere C670i HillMaster combine equipped with a 7.6m (25ft) 625R cutting platform and a 10,000 litre capacity grain tank. “This combine is equipped with an industry leading ProDrive automatic shift transmission,” explains John Deere’s combine product manager Mark Smith. “The machine is compact but high performance, because it utilises AutoTrac for automated steering and HarvestSmart for automatic forward speed adjustment; these technologies keep the machine at 100 per cent capacity all day long, and also help to keep operator stress to a minimum.” |
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Suitable for a wide range of commercial, amenity and horticultural applications, John Deere’s new 5M and 5G utility tractors from 70 to 100hp complement the top of the range 5R Series tractors introduced last year, and will be available from the end of 2009. John Deere 5M Series tractors The all-new 5M Series from 70 to 100hp (5070M, 5080M, 5090M and 5100M) are compact, general purpose tractors offering excellent visibility and operator comfort. They feature a bright cab interior, a newly designed dashboard, ergonomic controls and multiple seat and lighting options, and can be equipped with matching John Deere front loaders for a variety of materials handling applications. Power comes from a 4.5 litre Tier III John Deere PowerTech M diesel engine, equipped with a mechanical fuel injection system, turbocharger, an air-to-air charge air cooler and a slideable air conditioning condenser for easier servicing. Apart from reduced emission levels and good fuel economy, these powerful and reliable mid-specification engines provide a two per cent power bulge and a 28 per cent torque rise to match even the toughest tasks. Depending on individual requirements, there is a choice of three transmission options, including a high specification 32/16 Power Reverser Plus 40kph transmission, which features clutchless shifting of two HiLo gears under full load – the reverser lever is mounted on the adjustable steering column and moves with it, so that this always provides the most comfortable driving position. Further options include a 16/16 Power Reverser 30 or 40kph transmission, and a basic 16/16 Sync Reverser 30kph transmission, with the reverser lever mounted on the dashboard – simply depress the foot clutch and shift direction with the lever. The open centre hydraulic system features a tandem pump with a total flow of 74 litres/min (optional 94 litres/min) for quick cycle times, and a choice of either two or three SCVs depending on implement needs and applications. Maximum lift capacity is 3.6 tonnes, and there is a choice of electronic or mechanical three-point hitch controls. As a brand new feature on John Deere tractors, the 5M range will be available with a 540/540E/ground drive PTO to power trailer wheels on hills. A 540/540E PTO and a shiftable 540/540E/1000 PTO are also available. John Deere 5G Series tractors Powered by the same engine as the 5M Series, the new 5G Series tractors will replace the current 5015 Series tractor range and will consist of nine models from 80 to 100hp: the 5080G, GF and GV; the 5090G, GH, GF and GV; and the 5100GF and GV. In addition to the Standard models, which can be fitted with turf tyres for amenity work, these include high ground clearance, fruit/orchard and vineyard models with machine widths of less than 1.5m down to a little over 1m. Options include a cost efficient 12/12 30kph transmission, a 24/24 40kph version with mechanical or electro-hydraulic HiLo gears, and a 24/12 40kph Power Reverser unit. All these tractors are equipped with an open centre hydraulic system and a 47 litre/min tandem pump (or an optional 60 litre/min) for quick implement reaction. On the 5GF and 5GV models, an optional third pump will provide up to 80 litres/min. Lift capacity of the 5G Standard tractors is up to 2.6 tonnes, or 2.4 tonnes on the 5GH, 5GF and 5GV versions. Depending on application, the tractors are either available with three SCVs (5G and 5GH) or four plus four mid-mounted SCVs (5GF and 5GV models). PTO options include 540/540E/ground drive and 540/1000/ground drive versions. The new cab layout features left and right hand consoles with common controls logically placed for ease of use. The roof lining and air conditioner have been redesigned to provide greater headroom and forward visibility, and the cab is now sealed and pressurised for greater comfort and efficiency of the heating and cooling system. Open operator stations with two- or four-post ROPS are also available. |
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John Deere’s new ActiveCommand Steering concept, which has been designed for future 8R Series tractors, will receive one of five prestigious DLG gold medals at Agritechnica, the world’s leading agricultural equipment trade fair being held in Hannover, Germany, from November 10 to 14. This will be the third consecutive time since 2005 that a John Deere innovation has received the gold medal award. ActiveCommand Steering is an entirely new tractor steering concept which follows the fly-by-wire principle, and does not require the traditional design of steering column. Instead, a gyroscope combines with sensors on the smaller steering wheel and a set of electro-hydraulic actuators, so that both the manual force and the number of steering wheel turns required when driving will automatically adjust to the tractor’s actual speed. The tractor driver benefits from the reduced effort required during field, front loader and transport operations, as well as from a more stable ride at high road speeds (up to 50kph). Ergonomics and safety are also improved. In addition to the gold medal, five DLG silver medals will be awarded to a number of innovative John Deere solutions for tractors, harvesting equipment and crop care solutions. One of these is tractor-implement automation, a system which enables two-way ISOBUS data exchange between the tractor and more complex implements. During operation, the system allows the implement to take command of certain pre-assigned tractor parameters to make the driver’s life easier. For example, a round baler (such as the 864 model pictured) can tell the tractor when bale formation is nearly complete, and will then make the tractor slow down to release the bale. Similarly, a John Deere tractor/Pottinger forage wagon combination is also being awarded a silver medal. A swath scanner mounted at the front of the tractor causes it to slow down or accelerate depending on the density of the swath, which determines the intake rate of the forage wagon’s pick-up. The extension of iSolutions from self-propelled sprayers to 700i and 800i Series trailed sprayers will also be awarded with a silver medal. This includes the integration of a tank fill calculator, an advanced SprayerPro boom control package and an AutoDilute function to handle the appropriate dilution of residual liquid in the sprayer. A fourth silver medal will be awarded to the EasyGuide Centre Link, a new system that facilitates hydraulic coupling of the upper link on heavy-duty three-point hitches. Instead of requiring costly triangular support frames, this new linkage system utilises heavy-duty springs that keep the upper link in the correct position. Furthermore, the upper link’s movements can be controlled from the cab with a simple wire cable. The fifth DLG silver medal for John Deere will be awarded to the company’s newly designed Condition Monitoring System (CMS), which will be optionally available on the new 7950i self-propelled forage harvester. This system continuously monitors the bearing vibrations of key components such as compaction rollers, the drum, the kernel processor and the accelerator fan. Should these component bearings begin to change their vibration frequency due to malfunction, the driver or fleet owner is alerted via a signal in the cab or remotely via JDLink. |
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Templetuohy Farm Machinery and John Deere have secured a major five year fleet deal with Bord na Móna for the sale of 245 tractors, after an extensive tender process this summer. The five year deal will see 133 machines being delivered in 2010 and the remaining 112 over the following four years to 2014. A total of 189 6830 Standard 140hp tractors and 56 new 5070M 70hp tractors will be supplied by TFM, all on dual wheels, for use in the Bord’s peat harvesting operations. This is both the dealer’s and John Deere’s biggest ever deal with Bord Na Móna, which has been hiring a number of John Deere tractors for the past five years. “The Bord usually keeps its tractors for a long time, so when the decision was made to buy rather than hire, the Bord’s group procurement manager Declan McDonnell was particularly looking for reliable and durable machines,” says TFM’s dealer principal Jimmy Butler. “From previous experience, the Bord appreciated the performance and reliability of John Deere tractors, and knew that they had a proven ability to work in the harsh peat bog environment. We are delighted to have won the contract, and look forward to working closely with the Bord to deliver and service their new tractors over the next five years.” |
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John Deere’s 6030 Series Mannheim tractor range, including the 7430 and 7530 models, is being updated for 2010 to provide increased performance and reduced fuel consumption. The changes mostly involve horsepower changes to both Premium and Standard cab machines, and the 6530 model is being replaced by the new 6534 tractor from February 2010. Most of the tractors will receive rated increases of up to 5hp, while Premium models will deliver a similar increase in output when boosted by the engine’s Intelligent Power Management (IPM) system. Fuel consumption will also be reduced by an average of 2 to 3 per cent on Premium tractors and up to 4 per cent on Standard models, as the result of software and engine design changes. Available in both Premium and Standard versions, John Deere’s new 6534 tractor marries a four-cylinder engine to a six-cylinder chassis for more power and improved fuel economy. This model replaces the 120hp six-cylinder 6530 tractor, and is rated at 125hp (97/68 EC), rising to 145hp with Intelligent Power Management (IPM), which generates extra engine power for non-stationary PTO and transport applications. The 6534 tractor retains all the other main specifications of the 6530 model, including a large 250-litre fuel tank and a lift capacity of 6748kg. The design provides excellent power density and a better power to weight ratio, with the long 2.65m wheelbase allowing a maximum permissible weight of 9500kg. The 6534 can also be matched with high capacity front loaders from the John Deere 3 Series range, lifting more than 2 tonnes to over 4m. This new tractor also retains John Deere’s proven full frame concept, modular transmission and lifelong components such as the Perma Clutch II. A 24/24 PowrQuad Plus 40kph transmission is standard, while AutoQuad Plus or AutoPowr 40 or 50kph transmissions are optionally available. The Tier III high pressure common rail (HPCR) PowerTech Plus diesel engine on the Premium model is equipped with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for better fuel efficiency and engine responsiveness. The Standard engine has the same HPCR fuel injection system, but without VGT, EGR and IPM. This engine delivers 20 per cent constant power and a five per cent power bulge when required. The cab is rated at 70.6dBA, the quietest on the market, and features optional hydraulic cab suspension (HCS). For an easier reach from the steering wheel, the left hand reverser is integrated into the dashboard. To provide the driver with a perfect view of the instrument panel from any position, the whole dashboard can be moved telescopically. The CommandCenter on the right hand control console is a combination of information centre and set-up monitor in one large, full colour display. For frequently used functions such as the settings for the hitch, engine, transmission, headland management system and SCVs, there are shortcut keys on the control panel giving quick and direct access for changing the settings. Those functions which are used less often are featured in a single menu page, which can be accessed by pressing a menu button and using the rotating dial. Extra settings can be engaged using programmable hotkeys on top of the CommandCenter, which can also display relevant tractor data. |
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| In these tough and uncertain economic times when farmers and contractors are making long-term purchasing decisions, they are not simply looking for tailor-made financing options and the lowest possible interest rates. More than ever they are reminded how important it is to only put their trust in a financing partner they can rely on to support them in the long-term – someone who understands their business and speaks their language. As a financing partner of agricultural and turf customers, John Deere Credit builds on the company’s 172 year history and a long heritage of supporting its customers through financially challenging times. Hence, at the beginning of the recent financial crisis, John Deere Credit immediately took action to ensure continued credit availability for its customers at attractive interest rates. “Over the last six months our customer approval rates have remained unchanged”, says Andreas Peppel, recently appointed European sales & marketing director at John Deere Credit. He goes on to explain: “This level of credit availability reflects John Deere’s mutual relationship with its customers, which is what really makes us stand out in these difficult times. “As a manufacturer owned finance company, we are primarily here to help customers purchase our products, rather than simply sell them finance. And this is actually more important in the bad times than in the good times. “Take for example a recent finance offer on combine harvesters. In addition to a very attractive interest rate, the customer enjoys cash flow matched repayments. This gives arable farmers a much needed increase in flexibility to time their crop sales better in these uncertain market conditions. This is just one example of how seriously we take the partnership with our customers.” John Deere Credit has always worked in close cooperation with local John Deere dealers to support customers through extraordinary events, such as the movement restrictions caused by foot and mouth disease. In such circumstances, where customers have run into temporary liquidity issues due to events outside their control, John Deere Credit has sought to provide support by allowing amendments to finance repayment terms. Today dairy farmers are facing historic challenges within their industry. John Deere Credit is listening and seeking ways to help them through these difficult times, providing them with the continued financial support they need in the short term as they adapt their businesses for sustainable future growth and profitability. |
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Twelve die-cast model collectors in the UK are now the lucky owners of a special limited edition gold model from John Deere, following the company’s 5430i self-propelled sprayer draw. A total of 312 names were entered for the draw by the mid-November deadline, and the 12 successful applicants will collect their models, costing £150 including VAT, from the following John Deere dealers: AIS, Sudbury, Derbyshire Agricultural Machinery, Nantwich, Cheshire Ben Burgess & Co, Norwich, Norfolk Cornwall Farmers, Callington, Cornwall DKR Agricultural Services, Biggar, Lanarkshire Everitt & Marshall, Hexham, Northumberland Farol Ltd, Milton Common, Oxfordshire (2) RBM Agricultural, Louth, Lincolnshire RBM Agricultural, Market Weighton, Yorkshire Rea Valley Tractors, Pontesbury, Shropshire Sharmans Agricultural, Pytchley, Northamptonshire The sprayer is based on a Britains 1:32 scale model of the 5430i, but is finished in gold and presented in a special collectors’ box. It was commissioned by John Deere Fabriek Horst, the company’s factory in the Netherlands where the real-life sprayer is manufactured. Only 100 models have been produced worldwide and just 12 were made available for sale in the UK and Ireland. Those interested in buying one of the models were originally invited to complete and post an application form to John Deere’s UK headquarters. The draw was made on Friday 13 November, 2009. The latest John Deere Collection catalogue features a wide range of collectible die-cast models, including a number of new releases for 2010. These include a 1:32 scale model of a 1470E forestry harvester from Siku, costing £36.27 plus VAT, which would make an unusual addition to anyone’s collection. Orders can be placed with local John Deere dealers, or via the Online Shop. |
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July
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Journalism student Janine Heath, aged 22, is the 2009 winner of the annual Guild of Agricultural Journalists Training Award, sponsored by John Deere Limited. This year's runner-up is Joanne Gourlay, who has ambitions to become a full-time horticultural journalist. Janine Heath has recently completed an MA in Broadcast Journalism at Staffordshire University, and is planning to pass her NCTJ exams before the end of the year. Janine spent her work experience placement with Northants-based video company Breeze & Freeze Ltd, and has just been appointed to a new position as a video journalist at Harper Adams University College. Joanne Gourlay is a probationary member of the Garden Media Guild, and she spent her work experience placement with The Garden, the magazine of the Royal Horticultural Society. Janine received her winner’s cheque for £250, a framed certificate and the John Deere trophy from the Guild’s president Margaret, Countess of Mar at the Royal Show awards presentation evening on Thursday July 7. Joanne received a runner's-up framed certificate and a cheque for £50. The course took place as usual at John Deere Limited's UK headquarters, in April. This year’s award entrants were set the task of writing a news story on the subject of their choice, preferably based on work done during their work experience placement. The judges were specialist training consultant and main course lecturer David Mascord, and the Press & Journal’s agriculture editor (and the Guild’s immediate past chairman) Joe Watson. Janine’s winning article was on Staffordshire farmer & Limousin breeder Eddie Sims, and was the unanimous choice of the judges. A copy of the article can be found on the Guild of Agricultural Journalists website at www.gaj.org.uk This was the 17th John Deere Training Award, which started in 1991 (one year having been missed in 2001 due to the foot & mouth disease outbreak, and one in 2003 due to a shortage of candidates). Over this time there have been well over 500 applications for places on the course, which is based on two days of lectures on the basics of writing news and features and interviewing techniques, followed by three or more days of practical work experience with a range of farming and horticultural journals and communications businesses. This year's work experience hosts to the eight course members were Breeze & Freeze, Farm Contractor/AME, Farmers Guardian, Farmers Weekly Group, The Garden, Horticulture Week, Mistral Group and pitchcare. The award is designed to support the Guild in one of its principal aims - that of promoting schemes for the provision of suitable entrants into agricultural and horticultural journalism. Since it began, 17 course members have found employment as journalists on national farming and horticultural magazines (not including those already employed when they attended the course). Comments from this year’s course members included: “Many thanks to everyone who helped organise the course. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt so much, making some good friends along the way! My work experience placement was really interesting and gave me a good insight, including pointers for different writing techniques.” “I have just returned from a fantastic week away on work experience. It was amazing, they were brilliant to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it, eye-opening to say the least with stories breaking left, right and centre. I have enjoyed both Nottingham and the work placement immensely.” “I'm writing to say thank you for such an interesting and engaging course and for your and John Deere's hospitality. The tuition was excellent.” |
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June
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MOLINE, Illinois (June 1, 2009) — Deere & Company today announced that its board of directors has elected Samuel R Allen, 55, president, chief operating officer, and a member of the board of directors effective 1 June, and chief executive officer effective 1 August. Robert W Lane, 59, chairman and CEO, will serve as chairman of the board until Allen's expected succession as chairman. "The Deere Board has completed an 18-month systematic process to choose Deere's ninth chief executive officer in its 172-year history," Lane said. "The board recognises, as I do, that Sam is a superb, smart, ethical executive, a wise and uncommonly capable leader, and someone with the proven experience and ability to effectively lead John Deere in growing a great, sustainable, global business." A 34-year veteran of John Deere, Allen has been president of the Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division since 2005 and has been responsible for the global operations of the Deere Power Systems Group since 2003. Allen has served since 2001 as a senior officer of the company with early senior leadership responsibilities in human resources and industrial relations and the oversight of John Deere Credit's global operations. In addition, Allen has been responsible for Deere's intelligent mobile equipment technologies and for Deere's advanced technology and innovation since 2007. Previously in his career, he worked in positions of increasing responsibility in the Consumer Products Division, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division, Deere Power Systems Group, and the Worldwide Agricultural Division, including managing operations in Latin America, East Asia, and Australia. "I am honoured to have been selected by the board of directors to follow in the footsteps of previous chief executives who have led Deere with great distinction,” Allen said. “We have significant challenges but exciting global opportunities. I look forward to working with all of the uncommonly committed employees of John Deere to distinctively serve our global customers in ways that are highly rewarding to our shareholders." Other senior executive moves include: Michael J Mack, Jr, who has served as senior vice president and chief financial officer since 2006, to the position of president, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division; James M Field, who until recently served as president of the Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Division and before that as vice president and comptroller of Deere & Company, to the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer; and Jean Gilles, who has served as senior vice president of Deere Power Systems Group, to the senior officer position of senior vice president, Deere Power Systems Group, Deere Intelligent Mobile Equipment Technologies, and Advanced Technology and Innovation. John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE:DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe. |
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RICHARD JOHNSON, managing director of John Deere Limited in the UK & Ireland, has been presented with the Michael Dwyer Memorial Prize at the Landwards Conference held in May 2009 at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. The prize, part of the annual awards announced by the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), was in recognition of his continuing role establishing John Deere as one of the UK’s leading agricultural and groundscare suppliers. A single-company man, Richard was one of the first to benefit from a work placement scheme when he joined John Deere from Harper Adams agricultural college in 1987. Since then he has held prominent positions within the company, culminating in his appointment as managing director in 2006. Another experienced and longstanding member of the agricultural machinery industry who was honoured with an IAgrE Award for 2009 was Don Macmillan. Don was John Deere’s first UK dealer and has since written several best-selling books on the history of the brand. |
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January
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An impressive John Deere 7750 ProDrive 625hp forage harvester used to harvest grass, maize and other forage crops for use as livestock feed was seen parading through the streets of the City of London taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday November 8, with the message: “British Farmers, British Milk”. Each year one forager like this can harvest 60,000 tonnes of feed for 4000 cows that produce 49 million pints of milk. The 7750 weighs around 13 tonnes and is around 120 times more powerful than the average lawnmower. It is capable of harvesting the size of a football pitch in around two minutes. Entered by the Worshipful Company of Farmers, it took part in the three-mile long procession which wound through 1.7 miles of streets in London’s Square Mile as part of the ‘Modern Livery Companies’ exhibit. The Worshipful Company of Farmers, whose ‘Grant of Livery’ was approved in 1952, was formed with the aim of promoting a better understanding of the importance of food and farming in the City, and to stimulate the development of agricultural education and awareness of farming matters, both to the broader public and to people engaged in farming. Marching with the John Deere 7750 forage harvester was the recently installed Master of the Farmers’ Company, John Thorpe, supported by Senior Warden Jeremy Courtney and Junior Warden Follett Balch. Court Assistant Lindsay Hargreaves carried the Farmers’ banner, dressed in ‘working attire’, as shown on the Company’s coat-of-arms. “We got a tremendous response from the crowd,” reported Lindsay, “Despite the pouring rain we must have been one of the most photographed parts of the parade, with a huge cheer as we arrived at the grandstands and with children laughing and pointing at our cartoon cow. It was great fun, but we were also making a serious point about British food production and food security.” The City of London is described as the beating heart of the British economy; its institutions drive almost everything we do. As Master, John Thorpe commented: ”To have a farming display closely associated with the Lord Mayor of the City of London makes a strong statement about the importance of British-produced food to feeding the people of Britain, particularly appropriate in this challenging year for the City and for the economic wellbeing of the country. “While the parade itself has strong links with the ancient traditions of the City, this forage harvesting machine represents the very best of 21st century technology, placing British food production firmly on the world stage,” continued Mr Thorpe. By taking part in the parade, livery companies are declaring allegiance to the Crown, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, the City and all the people and institutions that rely on them. The Lord Mayor’s Show takes place every November, and is a parade of floats and displays involving more than 6000 people. This follows the Lord Mayor’s ceremonial carriage through the streets of the city, starting at the Guildhall, pausing at St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Courts of Justice, then returning via the Mansion House to the Guildhall. The office of Lord Mayor of the City of London dates from 1189, with the first Show taking place in 1215. The show was initiated under the Charter of King John, who decreed that the Lord Mayor of London should ‘swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown’ and also that he ‘should show himself to the people’. So each year, the new Lord Mayor proceeds through the City, followed by his supporters. Alderman Ian Luder was installed at the Guildhall as Lord Mayor on Friday November 7. On Saturday November 8 he ‘showed himself to the people’ and ‘swore an oath of allegiance to the Crown’. He is the 681st person to be Lord Mayor of the City of London. There are 107 Livery Companies in the City of London, with the earliest dating back to the 12th century. The 29 formed after 1926 are referred to as The ‘Modern Livery Companies’, The Worshipful Company of Farmers is listed number 80 in order of precedence. |
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2008
June
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Book early to avoid disappointment! Combines available across the Farol group. Contact your salesman for further info. |
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May
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To aid in our service for you, please feel free to contact us directly regarding any product you see on this website. All you have to do is click on the 'More Info' button you can find at the bottom of any product page and send us an email with a request. Tell us what you need and we'll either email you or call you right back! Help us to help you for a better service! |
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2007
December
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An excellent turn out to our recent Christmas Toy Fairs at our local showrooms. Thank you to all who attended. | |||
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April
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6430, 6630, 6930, 7830, 8530 Available for short or long term hire Contact David Gregory: 07850 325145
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March
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Thank you to everyone who attended our recent 30 Series launch. Over 700 of you came and saw the new 30 Series John Deere's in all their glory. The bar staff and hog roast people were kept busy and the band kept everyone entertained. Look out for our combine clinics coming soon. |
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