Exceptional power and capacity for new John Deere S-Series Combines
Production agriculture is changing at a rapid pace, with larger grain farming operations, higher-yielding crops and wider use of integrated technologies. John Deere continues to lead the way with innovative harvesting solutions with the introduction of its new S-Series Combines and expanded lineup of wider 600 Series corn heads and new flexible draper platforms.
Available for the 2012 harvest season, the S-Series Combines include five models: S550, S660, S670, S680 and S690, which is an all-new Class 9 machine. The S-Series Combines are ideal for producers and agricultural service providers who demand a combine that provides exceptional harvest power, grain-handling performance and field productivity. The following chart includes S-Series Combine horsepower levels at rated speed:
Model / Power LevelAt rated speed
S550 / 271 hp (202 kW)
S660 / 320 hp (239 kW)
S670 / 373 hp (278 kW)
S680 / 473 hp (353kW)
S690 / 543 hp (405kW)
"The S-Series achieves this efficiency by harnessing technology, as well as matching the capacity of the combine with that of John Deere's new header equipment,” says Roger Maes, marketing manager, John Deere Harvester Works. “This series features cleaner-burning, fuel efficient engines while increasing overall combine capacity to provide a powerful harvesting package.”
To bring even more productivity to the S-Series Combines, the cleaning system has been redesigned with a newly engineered cleaning shoe which delivers 33 percent increased capacity. The Variable Stream rotor is a new option that improves straw quality in rice and high-yielding small grains with tough, dense straw.
A new Premium Residue Management system provides more uniform material distribution; windrow straw for a baling application while spreading chaff; and a wind compensation feature added to the PowerCast™ tailboard. The 400-bushel grain tank (standard on S680 and S690) is the largest factory-available tank in the industry and can unload 3.8 bushels per second. The Active Tailings System (also standard on S680 and S690) increases threshing and separating capacity by 8 to 10 percent for improved grain and straw quality. It also has an updated Harvest Doc™ yield and moisture monitoring system.
“Our new S-Series will improve threshing in tough crop conditions, such as high-yielding corn, soybeans and small grains,” Maes says. “Grain producers and custom harvesters will love the improved productivity, durability, ease of operation and integration of new technology.”
The cab of the new S-Series Combines has been completely redesigned from the ground up for maximum comfort and visibility. The larger cab environment, with 30 percent more interior space, provides industry-leading visibility. An integrated armrest display features touch-screen capability and AMS precision technology functionality. Changing gears is simple with electric push-button shift and ProDrive™ transmissions.
“Long harvest days are more comfortable with premium noise isolation; heated air-suspension seat and special training seat with foldable back rest and working service,” emphasizes Maes. “We have redesigned our industry-leading combines to deliver more power and performance while enhancing the comfort, control, and visibility in a larger cab environment.”
New corn heads and flex-draper platforms
And to help make the new S-Series Combines even more productive in the field, John Deere is introducing the new 600 Series Corn Heads, including the company’s first 16- and 18-row heads, which are ideally matched for use with the new combines.
“Customers have expressed their desire for larger corn heads,” says Josh Herting, product manager, John Deere Harvester Works. “Our broad 600 Series line, including 16- and 18-row corn heads, will allow them to match capacity with their larger combines.”
The series offers five models with various row spacings:
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Model Rows Row Spacings
606C 6 30-, 36-, 38-inch
608C 8 30-, 36-, 38-inch
612C 12 20-, 22-, 30-, 36-, 38-inch
616C 16 30-inch
618C 18 20-, 22-inch
The 600 Series StalkMaster™ heads have row-unit chopping disconnects that allow the chopping feature to be disengaged on-the-go, as well as improved header height control, which senses farther forward and on outer rows.
“Our larger and redesigned heads will allow producers more header control while increasing harvest speed and efficiency,” Herting adds.
For customers wanting a flexible-draper platform, John Deere is introducing the new 600FD HydraFlex™ Draper, which is available in 35- and 40-foot models.
Flexible draper technology allows more productivity and faster ground speeds when harvesting soybeans. Operators will be able to harvest more acres in less time and optimally match combine performance and capacity.
“The proven HydraFlex technology, coupled with a low-profile cut height, will give producers the ‘ground-shaved’ results they desire in soybeans,” Herting says. “Producers will be able to optimize combine capacity on larger machines while cutting at faster ground speeds.”
For more information on these and the entire lineup of John Deere combines, corn heads and platforms for harvesting grain, see your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com.