John Deere is showing the horticultural industry just why they need the brand’s latest technology advances to increase income for growers
Hort Connections is the most supported event for the horticulture sector to be held from the 3 to 5 June at the Melbourne Convention Centre VIC and it’s where attendees will also see the most technologically advanced pieces of equipment from market leader John Deere.
From the world-leading semi-autonomous spraying unit from the joint venture between John Deere and GUSS Automation to the precision agriculture technology embedded in the latest release 5ML tractor, visitors to the premier event on Australia’s horticultural calendar will get the chance to immerse themselves in industry-leading innovations.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Production Systems Manager, Stephanie Gersekowski explains, “I am looking forward to connecting with growers at the event to demonstrate the benefits that the newest members of the John Deere stable could deliver.
“We’ve listened to growers and made a concerted push to bring some of the most advanced features of our large agriculture equipment to the horticulture sector.
“It’s about helping to reduce input costs, save time in the field, enhance sustainability and unlock efficiency gains.
“We will have a specialist team on site throughout Hort Connections, along with our latest GUSS unit, a Smart Apply system and a 5ML tractor, to enable us to not just talk about the benefits of this technology, but show them,” Stephanie Gersekowski adds.
GUSS on show
John Deere is bringing back one of the stars of Hort Connections 2023 – the futuristic Global Unmanned Spraying System (GUSS) – now powered by a John Deere engine.
GUSS is a semi-autonomous sprayer that eliminates human error and saves on operator downtime by using a combination of GPS, LiDAR, sensors and software to safely and efficiently navigate through orchards.
A single operator can monitor up to eight GUSS sprayers, which precisely control application rates and sprayer speeds across entire fields and in variable terrain.
5ML tractor is here
Technology not traditionally available in smaller frame tractors is now included in the latest release 5ML, such as integrated AutoTrac™ within the dash display, reducing operator fatigue and improving in-field efficiency.
The 5ML brings unprecedented power to John Deere’s orchard tractor offering, with 77kW, 88kW and 97kW (105, 120 and 130hp) models available. With two front-axle configurations for working widths from 155cm up to 180cm, the 5ML carries premium features at a size suited to exacting applications.
The 5ML comes equipped with programmable LED lighting, a front hitch to ensure operators can use heavier implements such as almond harvesters, and a front-pto for added versatility.
There is also the choice of an easy-to-use PowerQuad™ PLUS or Powr8™ transmission. While a Limb Lifter kit can be added for the first time to gently move away low-hanging branches, reducing the potential for damage to the tree or tractor.
Smart way to spray
The Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System™ provides horticulture producers an add-on kit for tow-behind air-blast sprayers to take spraying to a new level of efficiency, reducing chemical and water use, on average, by 50%.
“Smart Apply uses LiDAR sensors to deliver precision spraying to our HVC customers,” Stephanie Gersekowski continues.
“The system effectively senses where the crop is to engage the nozzles just when it needs to so it’s not spraying where there is no crop in the canopy.”
Growers can use John Deere Operations Center™ to view as-applied maps to support requirements around traceability and documentation while the Smart Apply app shows plant-by-plant applications.
“Growers can really get an understanding of their exact application of spray chemical to the exact plant and that really starts to deliver some further insights into optimal plant health as well as production on a plant-by-plant basis,” Stephanie Gersekowski concluded.
Hort Connections 2024 will run from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 June at the Melbourne Convention Centre. Register and buy your tickets in advance here. See the 2024 program here.
