Machine of the Day The John Deere 9000i series

Designed specifically for European conditions, the new 9000i Series combines replace the equivalent 9000 Series models, while the existing 1450 and 1550 CWS conventional straw walker combines – which feature a new easy to read cornerpost display and chopper engaging mechanism – remain in the range. All WTS & CTS models available with optional HillMaster II slope levelling.

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Power comes from fuel efficient, electronically controlled 6.8, 8.1 or (on the STS) 12.5 litre PowerTech engines, which offer up to 8.5 per cent more horsepower than on previous models. Designed by John Deere specifically for use in the company’s combines, these engines provide a power boost of up to 14 per cent at 200rpm below rated speed, when needed to maintain output in tough harvesting conditions. In addition, there’s an extra 17hp available when the unloading auger is engaged, on models from the 9560i WTS through to the 9780i CTS. The new 30kph ground drive transmission also provides plenty of extra torque and traction for harvesting on slopes or travelling on hilly roads. Based on engine horsepower and grain tank capacity, the 9580i and 9680i WTS models are the largest five- and six-walker combines on the market. ‘Intelligent’ options include the satellite based GreenStar AutoTrac assisted steering system, as pioneered on John Deere tractors. This is a fully integrated system that utilises three common components – the GreenStar display, mobile processor and StarFire position receiver – which can be used on other John Deere self-propelled machines. The display’s menu driven commands allow information to be programed and viewed quickly and easily in the cab. AutoTrac, which is accurate to within 10cm, lets the operator drive in a straight line without using the steering wheel, except at headlands and around obstacles in the field. This reduces operator stress and fatigue during long working days, and ensures the full cutting width is used consistently on every pass, thus improving overall combine performance. It is also particularly useful when harvesting in the dark or in very dusty conditions. The new HarvestSmart automatic feedrate control system has been specifically designed to further reduce stress on the operator and maximise combine productivity. By monitoring a combination of crop load in the threshing cylinder or rotor, grain loss and engine rpm, this optional system continually and automatically adjusts the combine’s ground speed for maximum harvesting capacity or minimum grain loss, while compensating for variations in the crop that are not readily visible to the operator. It can therefore maintain a more consistent crop load in the separator over longer periods and varying conditions, reduce overall losses and deliver a higher quality grain sample, while also contributing to greater fuel efficiency. When HarvestSmart is combined with AutoTrac and the established, optional HeaderTrak lateral tilt system – which can be programmed to automatically maintain a preset stubble height and header ground pressure for different crops and conditions – the operator is free to monitor the combine’s overall performance, and has complete control over the speed and quality of the harvest. Another option is the new remote observation system, which consists of two cameras mounted on the unloading auger and the rear hood, and a colour monitor mounted on a cornerpost in the cab. This makes unloading on the move easier and more comfortable for the operator, as there is no need to turn round to see where the auger is located. The rear hood camera allows the operator to see the spread of material from the straw chopper and chaff spreader, so that adjustments can be made more simply and accurately; it also allows accurate reversing towards the platform trailer when attaching it to the new, optional, semi-automatic rear hitch of the combine, which features a self-locking pin. A new high precision moisture sensor is now located in the grain tank. This has a faster fill and cycle time to provide more accurate moisture readings, so that the operator can decide whether or not to continue harvesting within seconds of starting a new field. Further improvements to the CTS and STS models include a new rear discharge beater on the 9780i, which is designed to provide a more positive and even material flow for chopping or windrowing, even with green straw and high moisture crops. The 9880i now features a new ‘Hi-Performance’ rotor for handling higher crop volumes with improved separation, resulting in enhanced grain and straw quality. In addition, this flagship model boasts a new grain unloading system with 50 per cent higher capacity than before. This allows the 11,000 litre grain tank to be emptied in just 90 seconds, via a longer, larger diameter unloading auger that also folds for transport. As on the previous range, there is a choice of 600R Series cutting platforms from 4.3m to 9.1m (14 to 30ft) for all combine models. Single lever latching of the electro-hydraulic multi-coupler and attachment pins enables the platform to be connected quickly and easily. Inside the climate controlled cab, all the controls are logically arranged, easy to understand and close at hand. Standard cornerpost monitors show combine performance at a glance, and the CommandARM armrest console with master control lever provides fingertip control of the main combine functions. In combination with SlopeMaster, which maintains level land capacity on slopes up to seven per cent, the optional Hillmaster II levelling system offers full harvesting performance on slopes up to 22 per cent. This also leads to better traction and stability, as the combine body is kept level and weight is distributed more evenly.