Machinery giant John Deere will reveal details of an updated version of its PowrSpray R4040i 4,000L-capacity self-propelled sprayer, as well as its latest FarmSight technology, at this week’s Cereals 2017 event in the UK.
The new R4040i machine uses the same drivetrain and spray systems as the larger R4050i PowrSpray 5,000L model to provide “greater accuracy, improved efficiency and more operator comfort” than previous sprayers, according to the company.
John Deere has highlighted its new QuadControl transmission, pointing out its stepless speed control and fully-variable wheel motors as advantages, as well as its cruise control function.
Other key features of the new R4040i include its dual-circuit design with two solution pumps, each for a specific function, a 1,200L/min filling pump and automatic filling shut-off, all of which is standard.
The Active Pause function allows the solution tank to stop filling while still providing clean water under high pressure for rinsing out chemical containers, according to John Deere. It claims this will avoid the typical “race against the filling solution tank”.
There is a standard 750L/min spraying pump, though this can be upgraded to a 1,000L/min pump. Instead of conventional pump regulators, the pump reacts to changes in spraying speed or application rate by direct control of the pump speed. The combined pressure and flow-based rate control of the old R4040i model has been retained.
The updated PowrSpray is fitted with “high-tensile” steel booms – from 24m to 36m wide. The standard 36m carbon fibre boom that is fitted to the larger R4050i model is also available as an option. Automatic control of tank agitation, along with fully automated multi-cycle rinsing and dilution functions, are standard features of the new model.
John Deere says that pricing and ordering for the new R4040i PowrSpray self-propelled sprayer will be available from July, while full production will begin at the John Deere Horst factory in the Netherlands in November.
FarmSight
John Deere is also set to exhibit its latest FarmSight ‘precision farming’ technology at the new ‘Fields of the Future’ area at Cereals 2017.
Declaring that the future of farming lies in connectivity, particularly “making the most of machine, field and agronomist data in the decision-making process”, the company says it has designed its website, MyJohnDeere.com to make maximum use of such information.
John Deere says that it has identified three vital areas in which to use the data to maximise profits for the farmer – to bring about higher performance, increased up-time and reduced operating costs.
Citing a survey the company undertook in the Netherlands in 2015 with a group of 243 contractors, John Deere claims that investment in a connectivity package provided average savings of 56% in administration costs, over 30% faster work processes and earlier invoicing, and a 33% lower risk of errors.
The operations centre in MyJohnDeere.com is used as a “central online location for farmers and contractors to connect to their machines and their fields, and also allows for product support”.
Image source: Shane Casey
A number of ‘connection’ systems are used in the set-up, such as AutoTrac and iTEC Pro – which enables automatic guidance and fully hands-free steering – and Tractor Implement Automation – which allows implement connection.
Through the JDLink telematics system, remote display access (RDA), wireless data transfer (WDT) and mobile data transfer (MDT) can be used to link all makes of machines and ISOBUS implements to the customer’s personalised operations centre through MyJohnDeere.com.
Image source: Shane Casey
Also, with the approval of the customer, John Deere dealers can remotely connect to machines to access diagnostic codes, update software and perform trouble-shooting.
John Deere will be present at stand 116 as well as the Fields of the Future section at Cereals 2017, which will take place in Lincolnshire, England, this week on June 14 and 15.
