This John Deere combine harvester simulator (pictured) was designed for dealers or large fleet owners and contractors to be able to train operators in a cost-efficient way.
It was awarded a silver medal at Agritechnica in Germany. It features real cab controls, a “real-world” operator environment, and simulated field conditions on HD-TVs (High-Definition Televisions).
The simulator reportedly costs in the region of £26,000. That’s a considerable amount, bearing in mind that some tillage farmers here in Ireland mightn’t even spend that much on an older, second-hand combine harvester.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lpu32Y48fQ
The simulator mimics the operation of a new S-Series combine. The S-Series is John Deere’s flagship combine line-up; it includes models such as the S670, S680, S685 and S690.
The range-topping S690 is powered by a 13.5L engine; grain tank capacity is 14,100L. It boasts a single large threshing rotor, which is 3.124m long; its diameter measures 0.762m.
In other recent John Deere news, a Co. Down tractor driver won the European Drivers’ Championship 2017 in an event that was jointly-organised by the company – in conjunction with Michelin. The event took place last month.
Samuel Graham took first place ahead of competition from drivers across 13 different countries in Europe.
The championship took place at the Michelin Technical Innovation Centre Test Circuit, Ladoux, France, where farmers and contractors were put to the test behind the wheel of a John Deere 6250R tractor. It was kitted out with Michelin’s latest generation RoadBib tyres, which will not be launched on the market until next year.
In order to take part, Graham registered online and had to win hundreds of votes to guarantee a place in the international final. Having accomplished this, he was treated to a two-day visit to Ladoux. According to Michelin, it is one of the world’s largest vehicle test centres, featuring 20 test tracks with a combined length of 45km.
