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Neal Evison’s John Deere T670i HillMaster combine, flagship of the four model T Series range, is the second John Deere combine that has found its way to Samples Farm at Walkington near Beverley in Yorkshire during the last two years. Like the previous 9680i WTS model that it replaced, the T670i was supplied by local dealer RBM Agricultural Ltd at Market Weighton
“We originally changed to a John Deere combine from another make because, like for like, it was financially the more attractive option,” explains Neal, who also operates three John Deere tractors, a 6910S, a 6920S and a 7810. “Although we normally keep combines for eight seasons, the 9680i WTS went after two years because the new T670i HillMaster offered a substantial increase in performance and, being the latest machine, it will be worth more when we trade it in.”
Neal and his wife farm 500 acres which is either owned or rented, together with 670 acres on a stubble-to-stubble contract, plus 250 acres of share farming and outside contract agreements. The land ranges from medium loam over chalk to medium heavy, with only 8in of soil in places. During 2007 the new T670i HillMaster harvested 642 acres of wheat, mainly the varieties Robigus, Einstein, Alchemy and Oakley, the last two of which were produced for seed. The machine also handled 218 acres of oilseed rape, plus 192 acres of borage grown on contract to a local merchant, together with some additional contracting, taking the total to over 1200 acres.
Powered by an electronically controlled six-cylinder John Deere PowerTech Plus engine that delivers 400hp at 2200rpm, the T670i HillMaster has a massive 11,000 litre grain tank and is equipped with a 7.6m (25ft) John Deere 625R cutting platform, which incorporates a powerful electro-hydraulically controlled mechanical reverser. This is the same size as was fitted to Neal’s previous 9680i WTS, and although it is not the largest available - that’s the 9.15m (30ft) 630R - he says it is ideal for his requirements.
John Deere’s new T Series combines feature an innovative TTS (tangential tine separation) multi-drum separation system that provides a smooth, unobstructed crop flow with no abrupt changes in direction, resulting in better grain and straw quality combined with superior performance in green straw, plus the capacity to handle all crops and conditions. The walker separation element releases the grain with maximum efficiency, yet treats the valuable straw fraction gently, leaving it in the best possible condition for baling.
Standard equipment on all Ti models includes AutoTrac assisted steering, HarvestSmart auto feedrate control and HarvestDoc software, which automatically collects all harvesting data such as yield and moisture content for later documentation and analysis. Neal’s machine also features the HillMaster slope leveling system, which provides level land performance even on slopes of up to 22 per cent, plus HeaderTrak to maintain an even stubble height over the entire platform width, even in rolling fields and over ground contours.
“In terms of harvesting, 2007 was a very difficult season,” says Neal. “Everyone in this area had to face up to the problem of green straw at the start of harvest and there’s no doubt that did slow us down slightly, but the extra performance of the T670i HillMaster meant that we achieved more than our previous combine was capable of doing even in much better conditions. We started in oilseed rape a few days earlier than normal and went straight into wheat, which is when I managed to fit in some additional contract work.
“It’s difficult to directly compare outputs between the two machines because the seasons were so different. This year yields were also about 20 per cent lower, at between 3 and 4 tonnes per acre, but quality was good and 75 per cent of our own wheat went for seed. We’ve had a HillMaster-type combine for as long as they’ve been available and it’s surprising just how much of a benefit it is in terms of performance and minimising grain losses, even on fields that appear to be flat.
“Our previous machine averaged 32 tonnes per hour, whereas the T670i HillMaster produced around 15 per cent greater work rate under the same conditions throughout the entire season, with much less going over the back. It is much better at separating grain, and because the two additional separation rotors allow the drum to be set wider, grain damage is also reduced.
“That’s obviously very important when harvesting seed crops. It also means that it doesn’t mash the straw up anything like as much, and it is left in much better condition for baling. That makes a difference too, because we bale some straw for use in our piggery, where we fatten pigs from 35kg up to 95kg on behalf of a local producer.”
The other big difference which Neal has found with the new combine is that its Premium chopper is a big improvement. While the standard chopper spreads a uniform layer of straw and chaff together, the Premium model also allows chaff and straw to be windrowed separately. Its 2in chop length is also about 50 per cent shorter, which Neal says makes subsequent cultivations easier and more effective.
However, for Neal, the key benefit of the new model is AutoTrac, which uses satellite signals to control the steering, thereby ensuring that each pass is to the full cutting width of the platform, which maximises productivity and at the same time makes life easier for the driver. The system also has the added benefit that when combining has finished, it can be transferred to the 6920S tractor, which is used mainly to pull a 4m Vaderstad drill.
With borage out of the picture for next year, Neal will be growing approximately 10 per cent more wheat, increasing his rape acreage by around 20 per cent and producing 50 acres of spring barley, all of which will be harvested by the John T760i HillMaster combine during its second season.
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