John Deere has announced a number of combine updates for the 2020 season, with a focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation.

The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, called HarvestSmart, has been integrated with the Interactive Combine Adjustment system (ICA2). If ICA2 cannot achieve the desired grain sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or if it exceeds the set loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system and the combine’s forward speed.

At the same time, engine load is maintained at the desired level for maximum harvest efficiency.

To prove the combine’s automation and smooth grain handling features, John Deere will guarantee S700 Series customers a broken grain content of less than 1% in wheat for the 2020 harvest. If the proportion is higher, John Deere says the customer will receive compensation for these losses, equivalent to the price/t of lost grain.

To avoid side winds affecting distribution residues, the new S700 Series will automatically adjust the angle of spread. Using GPS, the new AutoSwap system detects the combine’s direction of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast pattern once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite direction.

The counter knife can now be remotely adjusted from the cab, where the operator can assess chop quality from the reversing camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat.

The introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield sensor removes the need for manual yield calibrations while increasing accuracy.