Be quick to get your hands on a John Deere S7 Series combine harvester demo model to drive at a local dealer near you
Following the information launch of the John Deere S7 Series combine harvester in February; dealers now have machines in yards across the country for demonstrations.
In this video filmed near Toowoomba Queensland, John Deere Production System Specialists, Max Cusack walks growers through the upgraded function and automation designed to deliver more productivity and fuel efficiency.
As part of the acclaimed John Deere S Series combines, this progression of the series will now be known as John Deere S7 combines, one of the world’s most popular pieces of farm equipment since its inception in 2012.
Redesigned and optimised with current technologies to build on its performance in Australian and New Zealand conditions, these S Series updates will deliver productivity gains of up to 20%1, with 10% less fuel2 used.
In addition to visible styling changes to the cab, a re-designed grain loss sensing system will provide more accurate grain loss measurements, and as shown in the video, the automation functions can take operator performance to the next level.
The onboard grain carrying capacity for the S7 600 and 700 is 10,600-litres, while the S7 800 and 900 can hold 14,100 litres of harvested grain onboard.
John Deere S7 Series models
John Deere S7 Series models start with the S7 600 offering 249kW (333hp) of rated power and 274kW (367hp) of maximum power.
Then follows the S7 700 with 300kW (402hp) rated power, and 343kW (460hp) max power. The S7 800 has 353kW (473hp) rated power, and 402kW (540hp) max power.
While the most powerful model in the current release, the S7 900 offers 405kW (543hp) of rated power, and 460kW (617hp) at max power.
Engines and grain handling
John Deere S7 600 and S7 700 combine harvesters are equipped with a JD9 9-litre engine while the S7 800 and S7 900 get their power from a JD14 13.6-litre engine. Both engines are at a Tier 3 emissions level.
The S7 combines are fitted with a new residue management system not seen here previously.
There are straight knives, a mechanical tailboard drive, and the available Premium PowerCast tailboard. These models are said to be able to more consistently size and spread fine- or extra-fine cut residue across to 13.7m (45ft), with an overall reduction of 11kW (15hp) for residue management functions.
These S7 combines will also be fitted with an adjustable unloading spout to ensure grain is making it into the bin at all times. And once the grain tank is emptied, the new cross-auger shutoff function completely empties the unloading system, reducing weight in the unloading auger and wear on associated belts.
Operators will also get access to an improved grain loss monitoring system in base equipment that is claimed to be three times more accurate than the previous system. The loss rate is now shown clearly on the in-cab display, so operators can quickly make any adjustments.
S7 Series cabin comfort
The cabin on John Deere S7 Series combine has been designed to be among the most comfortable ever produced, with the operator station offering more storage space along with a more comfortable seat.
There is also more glass for greater visibility, all designed to keep the operator in touch and focused through the longest days of harvesting.
Along with operator comfort upgrades, even the base level S7 combine will be equipped with a G5PLUS CommandCenterTM, the Integrated StarFireTM 7500 receiver, JDLink™ modem and a new corner post display, paving the way for increased automation functions in the future.
Automated settings a focus
Both model year 2025 S7 and X9 Series combines have three technology packages operators to choose from. Including Select, Premium and Ultimate.
Available options in the ultimate package include the following functions:
• Ground Speed Automation to manage the combine’s speed based on operator inputs for grain loss, engine load and rotor pressure to maintain consistent throughput.
• Harvest Settings Automation to automatically adjust rotor speed, fan speed, and concave, chaffer, and sieve clearances based upon acceptable limits for grain loss, foreign material, and broken grain. This delivers a more consistent and higher quality harvest, irrespective of operator skill level.
• Predictive Ground Speed Automation using Ground Speed Automation as the foundation, plus two forward-looking cameras, to visually assess changing crop conditions and a pre-harvest satellite image to generate a predictive paddock map. The combination merges the two inputs to proactively manage ground speed and maximise production throughput.
For further product information and delivery availability for John Deere S7 combines talk to your local John Deere dealer.
1Based on anonymised Ops Center data comparing John Deere combine models with and without Predictive Ground Speed Automation. Productivity represented by tonnes of crop per hour. Results will vary depending on model, crop and field and operating conditions. 2S7 800 & S7 900 models only.