John Deere is moving digital technology firmly into the everyday tractor driving experience with what were once bolt-on additions now becoming fully embedded into the tractors’ controls.
The latest John Deere 5M tractors are now not only available with new transmissions, but the company’s self-steering feature, AutoTrac, is integrated into the dashboard rather than displayed on a separate screen.
These mid-sized tractors are said to be versatile machines in the field, around the farmyard and on the road.
The company is adding to that functionality with the introduction of the tech feature that is of most interest to smaller farmers – tractor guidance.
The installed guidance system helps the driver stay on track in straight-line field jobs. An upgrade to more sophisticated guidance functions, with a G5 Universal Display, is possible at any time.
135hp now on tap
John Deere is also acknowledging the demand for larger horsepower tractors by adding the 5M 130 to the range, broadening the power spread of the series with a maximum output of up to 135hp.
There are two transmission options, the PowrQuad Plus and Powr8 which provide farmers with greater flexibility for a wide range of tasks.
These transmissions allow operators to experience continuous pulling power with smoother gear shifts within the selected range; a button on the lever eliminates the need for manual clutching when shifting between ranges.
In addition to enabling an easier gearshift, the EcoShift feature on the 5M tractor reduces RPM to save fuel while delivering sufficient power to accomplish transport tasks efficiently at up to 40km/h.
John Deere predicts maintenance tasks
The tractors have a compact 4.1m turning radius, granting it good manoeuvrability and making it well-suited for tasks such as yard work and animal feeding in confined spaces.
The low bonnet and the large roof window offer operators good visibility, especially for front loader tasks.
