With climate change impacting farm yields, ever-increasing input costs, policies and other overhead expenses, agriculture is crawling with challenges. Which is why, amidst uncertain economic times, farmers have been forced to find creative cost and time-saving strategies to reduce farm expenses and cut down on crop losses. That is exactly why John Deere has given birth to its new X9 Series Combine Harvester.
Currently the largest grain handling combine harvester on the African continent, this beautiful beast was specifically designed for high yields and high moisture crops under challenging conditions. And if it’s a quicker turnaround you need, this machine allows its operator to move quickly and harvest at a fast pace.
And with its ultimate cab design to ensure operator comfort, you are likely to want stay longer behind the wheel.
What’s the fuss?
You might want to know what makes the X9 Combine Harvester different. Well, this machine provides ultra-efficient crop feeding with up to 25% less grain loss, while the hinged frame allows for unmatched ground following.
The X9 also has high-capacity feeding, which amounts to a 1 720mm wide feeder house for high throughput, resulting in 23% wider and 45% more volume than a narrow body.
A new 1 720mm wide dual separator is featured on the X9 with a dedicated feeding, threshing and separating area, complementing even-feeding and excellent rock rejection. The 4m² effective threshing area also results in higher threshing performance.
Furthermore, the X9 has a residue system of up to 15.24m spread, low energy knife design, auto swap for optimum wind compensation and remote knife bank adjustment. Overall it has a 20kW power savings on the residue management system.
According to John Deere, farmer tests done on high-yielding maize in South Africa indicated only a 0.3% grain loss. Impressive, right?
Comfort is key
When it comes to comfort, the X9 does not hold back. It provides operators with the ultimate in harvesting comfort. It has a large 3.7m² cab with up to 20% less noise level in the cab.
The cab has excellent all-around visibility with an ergonomic design, featuring the new exclusive active seat and electromechanical suspension. Comfort is further enhanced with perforated leather seats with heating, ventilation, two-zone massage, inflatable side cushions, extendable seat cushions, electric controls and 16 degree seat swivel to both sides, LED lighting and Apple CarPlay digital radio.
I mean come on, what more do you want?
The customised machine control setup is optimised for less fatigue and includes a generation four command centre and seven programmable buttons on the joystick for ease of use and comfort.
What else does the X9 offer?
Customers can expect up to 30% more performance on slopes up to 10 degrees and reduced tailings up to 50% in descending terrain of 10 degrees with active terrain adjustments.
Customer feedback and experience is that the combine and engine perform excellently at low revolutions of only 1 900 rpm – resulting in further fuel savings.
Travel quicker, harvest faster
There is a lot to enjoy from working with the X9 Combine Harvester. Below are a few more benefits that will help you get the job done:
- The PowerTech 13.6L engine with up to 515kW results in 20% less fuel consumption and 30% more torque than the 13.5L engine.
- The ProDrive XL transmission gives 30% more torque throughout the entire speed range.
- The 30% larger footprint lowers ground pressure with less compaction, less tillage costs and higher crop yields.
- Lower cost of operation due to a 50% slower wear rate with zero maintenance.
- The comfort has increased by 20%, and to enjoy a smoother ride at 40 km/hr.
When it comes to the front end equipment, the hinged drapers and folding corn headers can be used with the X9 and would depend on the type of crop being harvested.
The X9 country tour
Initially launched at Nampo 2022 for the first time, the John Deere X9 Series Combine Harvester has created a lot of hype around the incredible operational capacity and performance of the all-new class 11 Combine to arrive on South African shores.
The X9 Combine Harvester is currently on tour around the country. It was already seen in Vrede in the Free State on 07 June, 14 June in Newcastle in Kwazulu-Natal, and 24 June in Middelburg in Mpumalanga. Now it is making its way to Douglas in the Northern Cape in July, after which it will continue to North West and Western Cape.
On the tour dates, farmers are given the lowdown of the X9 and get an opportunity to test drive it.
Keep an eye on John Deere’s social pages to find out where the X9 will be next.
ALSO READ: Winter: Perfect time to plant these veggies
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
