Is this the 100-tonne thresher?
After years of rumours, speculation and grainy internet images, John Deere finally went public with limited details of its new X9 flagship line of combines at Agritechnica. Yet it was only at this year's harvest that we managed to get a better look under the panels … to see how the new twin-rotor design would achieve the claimed headline 100t/hr.
Slotting in above the 625hp S790, the X9 has been built to compete with the likes of the 790hp AGCO Ideal 10T, Claas Lexion 8900 and even the 700hp New Holland CR10.90 — all machines that will be out of the grasp of many farms. But, for big farming enterprises that can justify the price tag, John Deere now has a look-in. So, starting from the front and working our way back, this is how Deere hopes to win over new combine business.
Up to 15.20m draper
John Deere developed the HDX draper header mainly for cutting oilseed rape in European fields. HDX stands for ‘Hinged Draper Extendable’ table, is available in widths from 10.70m to 13.70m and offers some special features. With its 1.20m deep cross belts, the auger working right in front of the rear wall and its controlled feed fingers, this is an optimum outfit for threshing rape. In addition, there is the patented tread pattern of the belts, which is intended to significantly reduce spillage, especially with small grain crops such as rapeseed. The belts are also arranged
