Agriculture   July 11, 2021

Might of new 9 Series to drive contracting brothers’ productivity

Sam, Chris and David Haworth

AgTrac Services co-owner Sam Haworth was instantly impressed with the bolstered engine capacity of the new John Deere 2022 9 Series 9R 540 during a recent demo.

Crestmead, Queensland (30 June 2021) — CROPPING contractors Sam, Chris and David Haworth, who jointly work across more than 25,000 ha in the West Wyalong region of NSW, are poised to be one of Australia's first owners of new John Deere 2022 9 Series Tractors, with orders placed for two 9R 590 models.

The brothers' buying decision is a strategic move to grow the power, intelligence and productivity of the machines behind their contracting business, AgTrac Services, which was established by them in 2008.

"For this purchase, we were looking for bigger equipment to cover more hectares, operator comfort and ease of use," Sam said.

"This will complete our fleet and complement the equipment we have, to maximise our efficiency of operation."

The Haworths were able to put the new 9 Series to work sowing wheat for a client as part of a demo of the 9R 540 organised by their local John Deere dealer. Sam was immediately taken by the extra horsepower delivered by the John Deere PowerTechTM PSS 13.6L engine and its ability to seamlessly connect to AgTrac's John Deere 1890 Disc Seeder.

"With the extra horsepower and increased frame weight I noticed straight away any wheel slip was greatly reduced, which was an instant improvement," Sam said.

"This meant I could pull the bar at a more constant speed which markedly improves productivity overall."

To accommodate the extra horsepower of the new 9 Series, the weight of the tractor and the maximum available ballast on selected models in the 9R and 9RX has increased from 27,200 to 30,300 kg, to help put the improved power straight to the ground.

On top of this, several undercarriage components, including the axle and front-frame, have been strengthened across the 9R and four-track 9RX models.

The 9R 590 Tractor, which will soon be part of the AgTrac Services business, can also be ordered with hydraulic Intelligent Power Management (IPM) to deliver up to 50 extra horsepower in high hydraulic demand applications such as air seeding, aligning with the brothers' overarching need for more power and productivity.

Workhorse's touch of comfort

Running a full fleet of John Deere equipment, AgTrac's team of six full-time and five seasonal workers provides sowing, spraying, spreading and harvesting services to a large area of the Central NSW cropping region, known for production of canola, wheat, barley, chickpea and faba bean.

The business' fleet includes four 9470R Tractors, a 9570R, two 8320Rs, three 1910 Tow-Behind Air Commodity Carts, two 1890 Disc Seeders, four S780 Combine Harvesters and one S670. Each machine is pivotal to supporting AgTrac's varied client portfolio that encompasses two large corporate farming aggregates, as well as smaller family-owned farms.

Given the scale of the business and round-the-clock nature of peak sowing and harvesting periods, Sam said operator comfort was crucial across the machinery fleet and that he immediately noticed the larger, restyled cab which houses a heated massage chair in the 9R 540.

"As it's an all-electric chair, it's very easy to fine-tune the overall position, similar to an electric seat in a car, and the fact you can give yourself a massage is a bonus. All these small changes make for a better experience all round for the operator during long shifts," he said.

The machine's visibility has also been enhanced with the Ultimate Cab Package, as the chair can swivel 25 degrees to the left and 40 degrees to the right, while noise has been reduced to help mitigate operator fatigue.

Brains and brawn

Although the brawn of the 9R 590 is what initially attracted the Haworth brothers to the new model, Sam said the machinery's brains, were also important given the need for AgTrac Services to have a connected fleet.

All 9 Series tractors come fitted from the factory with JDLink™ connectivity, plus Generation 4 CommandCenter™ display, AutoTrac™ guidance and free access to the John Deere Operations Center.

"The John Deere Operations Centre is very important to our business," Sam said.

"Overall, it helps us keep a gauge on productivity and efficiency, and it makes it really easy to see straight away where everyone is at in the paddock."

Since its inception, AgTrac Services has run exclusively John Deere, which has streamlined training for new staff members given the consistency of operations across the fleet.

"The challenges our business has faced are centred around staffing and this has been made even more difficult during COVID-19, as we haven't had access to as many casual workers," he said.

"With our bigger machinery we will be able to cover more hectares with less equipment and the ease-of-use in our new 9 Series will also assist with training.

"Using the equipment we have, we are hoping to find the right staff, and to now focus on getting the most out of our machinery to drive productivity."

About Deere & Company:

Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in Australia at JohnDeere.com.au.

Media Contacts:

Stacey Wordsworth
0438 394 371
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillpr.com.au

Hannah Hardy
0421 196 004
hannah.hardy@bluehillpr.com.au