|
| |  |
|
| 2006 News Releases and Information |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JOHN DEERE INTRODUCES NEW HARVESTLAB™ MOISTURE SENSOR FOR SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTERS
|
|
LENEXA, KS (July 5, 2006) — Crop moisture is a critical factor in the production of quality hay and forage. Fermentation, feed value, and crop packing are all affected by moisture content in the crop. Producers need to monitor the moisture content to maintain good feed quality and bunk density, and need an easy system to keep them productive in the field.
| The HarvestLab moisture sensor is conveniently located in the spout of the self-propelled forage harvester.
 | |
| |
John Deere introduces an industry-exclusive moisture sensor, HarvestLab, for self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFHs). The HarvestLab Moisture Sensor is the first high-accuracy, on-board sensor that uses near-infrared (NIR) technology to accurately provide a moisture reading of crop that is being harvested in the field.
"We've located the moisture sensor in the spout of the SPFH," says Tim Meister, division manager, marketing, John Deere Ottumwa Works. "This is the same technology used by many forage labs to analyze crop, but we've designed it right into the machine. Our customers will be able to read moisture levels in the field while chopping the crop."
The HarvestLab sensor will detect the moisture of the crop and send a reading to a GreenStar™ display. The operator will be able to view moisture and yield information on the display in the cab of the SPFH. The information is continuously updated every second as the harvester works through the field.
"For example, an average SPFH, depending on the model, will produce from 125 to175 tons of silage per hour in alfalfa, and up to 300 tons per hour in corn," explains Meister. "At 125 tons per hour, 69 pounds of silage would be tested for moisture every second. On the high end, for 300 tons, the sensor would test an amazing 169 pounds of crop every second."
No in-field calibration is needed for this extremely accurate moisture sensor. HarvestLab can detect moisture with an accuracy of plus or minus two percentage points. And this real-time sensor can provide the average moisture level for a full truck load of forage.
"Used in combination with the John Deere Harvest Monitoring System, producers can then capture yield and moisture data," says Meister. "This data can then be transferred to a laptop computer to create yield and moisture maps, as well as information by truckload, field, or day. This can then be cross-referenced with fuel consumption and machine usage information to determine machine and operator efficiencies."
In addition to its field capabilities, accurate moisture readings are important for understanding dry matter intake when balancing rations for dairies and beef- feedlot operations. The HarvestLab sensor can be removed from the SPFH and placed on a desktop turntable to read moisture, using any laptop computer. Producers then get accurate, real-time moisture readings for ensiled crops at feedout.
"We have given producers technology that generates accurate readings in seconds compared to hours or days. It gives producers the ability to manage bunks and feedouts in a manner that was never feasible in the past," Meister says. "We have moved forage and feed management into a new realm of accuracy and convenience."
"John Deere is the North American market leader in SPFH sales and we have done this with new innovations such as kernel processing, infinitely variable length of cut, and now the HarvestLab Moisture Sensor. We're continuously looking for new technology to help producers efficiently harvest crops for high-quality feed," concludes Meister.
The Harvest Monitoring System will be available for fall harvest, and the HarvestLab Moisture Sensor and stationary turntable will be available for the 2007 season. For more information, we encourage you to visit our Web site at www.JohnDeere.com/Ag.
John Deere (Deere & Company —NYSE:DE) is the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment; a leading supplier of equipment used in lawn, grounds and turf care; and a major manufacturer of construction equipment. Additionally, John Deere manufactures engines used in heavy equipment and provides financial services and other related activities that support the core businesses. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has established a heritage of quality products and services providing performance that endures to customers worldwide.
For More Information, Contact:
Barry E. Nelson
Manager, Public Relations
Deere & Company
Ph: 913-310-8324
Fax: 913-310-8394
E-mail: NelsonBarryE@JohnDeere.com
|
|
|
|
|
