John Deere has announced a wide range of updates across its T5, T6, S7 and X9 combine ranges for model year 2027.
The T5 and T6 will gain Predictive Ground Speed Automation, previously introduced on the S7. This system controls the ground speed based on crop height and biomass measurements. Data can be taken pre-harvest using satellite imagery or in real-time using cab-mounted cameras.
Operators can set throughput targets, enabling the system to match the optimal ground speed with harvesting performance to keep grain losses within acceptable limits.
Jonathan Edwards, John Deere go to market manager, said: “This is technology that no other brand can offer, and we have seen how much of an impact it can have on productivity during one of the busiest times of the year.”
Additional remote adjustments have been added to the T5 and T6 machines, enabling the booster bar and separation grates to be adjusted from the cab, and two new unloading augers will be available: a 6.1m rigid unit and a 7.3m folding system.
S7 gets improved slope performance
The S7 will now be available with Active Slope Adjustment, which uses terrain data from the StarFire receiver. This automatically adjusts the belt speed to level crop flow to the cleaning shoe when working on side slopes.
According to the company, this will result in more even material distribution and effectively double the cleaning shoe performance.
Alongside this, four sidehill configurations will now be available. These include: Sidehill Kit, Active Slope Adjustment and HillMaster, providing solutions for slopes from gentle undulations to more demanding hillside terrain.
Capacity boost for X9 machines
The X9 will be available with a new HDX 50 header, enabling working widths of 50ft (15.2m). This will increase the feeding capacity and throughput of the machine.
Models will also gain new grain handling options, with a larger 19,400-litre tank and a 10.7m unloading auger to support controlled traffic farming systems.
Alongside these, John Deere will introduce Tru Thresh concaves, with an updated, modular design to simplify crop changeovers and enable greater adjustment from the cabin.
Greater technology
Revised technology packages will also be available, with different Select, Premium and Ultimate packages available for each range.
Auto Unload will now be available on S7 and X9 machines, automatically guiding the tractor and trailer during unloading to ensure even filling – supported by the live fill monitoring.
There is also a broader range of Harvest Settings Automation functions, adding oats, sunflower, triticale, rye, peas, lentils and rice to the compatible crops.
“With the model year 2027 updates, we are making our combines more intuitive, more connected and more adaptable to harvesting conditions in the field,” concluded Jonathan. “By combining proven mechanical upgrades with smarter automation across all series, we are helping customers harvest more efficiently, with greater confidence and lower cost of operation.”