John Deere Rolls Out Smarter S700 Combines & Front-End Equipment

Building on the proven field performance of the S600 Combines introduced in 2012, the new S700 Combines incorporate the latest in automated harvesting technology. Many of these changes make it easier on the operator by allowing the combine to make needed adjustments automatically, on the go.

"These new S700 Combines are a culmination of enhancements to our previous model that optimize and automate harvesting operations for coarse and small grains," says Kevin Ripple, marketing manager for harvest at John Deere. "We've enhanced the overall intelligence of these combines by automating more adjustments and calibration tasks, and improved the lifetime durability and productivity of front-end equipment to create a high performance harvesting solution unlike any other on the market today."

To make it easier for operators to maximize the performance of their new S700 Combine, John Deere introduces the Combine Advisor™ package. Combine Advisor incorporates seven technologies to help operators set, optimize and automate the combine for the most effective harvesting performance based on their crop and field conditions.

Auto Maintain is a function within Combine Advisor that is supported with ActiveVision™ cameras. "These cameras give the operator a view into the tailings and clean grain elevators via the display, and analyze the information to maintain optimal threshing performance based on operator set targets," Ripple explains.

Another addition to the S700 Combines is Active Yield technology that automatically calibrates the mass flow sensor. This saves time by eliminating the need for manual calibrations and ensures the best data is collected.

The biggest physical difference customers will see in the S700 Combines compared to previous models is in the cab. This starts with a new state-of-the-art CommandCenter™, providing a common user experience across Deere’s larger tractor and self-propelled sprayer lines, that emphasizes customization and operator comfort.

Machine performance features of the CommandCenter include a Gen 4 interface and monitor with 4600 processer; CommandArm™ and multi-function control lever with greater ergonomic design and customizable buttons; premium activation with AutoTrac™, RowSense™ and HarvestDoc™; and Extended Monitor and mobile device features. In addition, operators will find set up and start up much quicker and easier, thanks to more intuitive harvest run and setup screens.

The new cabs feature either leather or cloth seats that swivel 7.5 degrees left and 15 degrees right for improved visibility; enhanced seat ventilation for greater comfort; improved seat cushion with optional leather seat; and additional grain tank mirrors for improved visibility of the grain tank.

New corn head & platform, too

Along with the S700 Combines, John Deere is introducing the 700C/FC (folding corn head) Series Corn Heads with the RowMax™ row unit. The RowMax row unit provides up to a 50 percent increase in the life of the row unit gathering chains and features solid-alloy bushings that reduce pin and bushing wear.

"We've also increased the life of the stalk rolls by up to 25 percent by utilizing a harder material and adding a new wear coating on the front and trailing edges of the blades for increased performance," says Brittney Guidarelli, product manager for front end equipment. "As a result, we've decreased the cost of operation by reducing how frequently wear parts need to be replaced. Producers will experience a savings of up to $20,000 over five years compared to previous models."

The 700C/FC Series Corn Heads are available in 6- to 18- row models, in 20-, 22- and 30-inch (50.8-, 55.9-, and 63.5 cm) row widths. The StalkMaster™ stalk-chopping option is available on all models. Folding corn heads are available on 8- and 12-row units, which allow operators to spend more time harvesting and less time and hassle disconnecting, trailering and reconnecting heads when moving from field to field.

For corn growers harvesting high moisture corn, there are several enhancements available specifically tailored to better handle this demanding crop. High moisture corn enhancements on the corn head include an auger floor insert to ease crop handling and a lower auger height to minimize crop damage.

For small grains, Deere introduces the 700D Rigid Draper, which provides a 20 percent increase in capacity in tough harvesting conditions over the previous model. The 700D features a top crop auger that’s 50 percent larger in diameter (now 18 inches) with heavy-duty drives, high-performance gauge wheels, and a new center section seal kit that reduces center section grain losses by up to 45 percent in canola.

"The new S700 Combines are ideal for producers who want to get the most out of their combine, regardless of operator experience or changing field conditions, with quick harvest setup and automatic on-the-go adjustments," says Cyndee Smiley Dolan, division marketing manager. "The technology, control and comfort features integrated into this new combine and heads make it the most effective and efficient grain harvesting solution available."

For more information on the new S700 Combines, 700C/FC Corn Heads, 700D Rigid Draper and other harvesting solutions from John Deere, see your local John Deere dealer or JohnDeere.com