OLATHE, Kan.  – John Deere released several new products as well as updates to existing products this month. 

TruSet™ Active tillage technology offers farmers a solution for depth control in tillage jobs. TruSet Active utilizes a sensor located on the main frame to actively check implement working depth and field conditions during operation. It automatically and precisely keeps the tool operating at the target depth set by the operator or tillage prescription.

Beginning with model year 2024, John Deere will include TruSet Active as base equipment from the factory on select tillage tools.

“This is another example of John Deere automation that is relieving a decision point an operator would have had to previously make on their own,” said Ryan Jardon, marketing manager for John Deere. “For the first time in the history of tillage, when using TruSet Active, a farmer can automatically verify and know their tillage tool is adjusting for changing field conditions.” 

It’s possible for implement tires and shanks or disks to sink into the soil while moving through a wet spot in the field, tilling much deeper than the farmer had initially set. Alternatively, if mud and residue build up on tires, the working depth could move higher than what was originally desired. “TruSet Active corrects these issues by actively sensing the tool’s operating depth and automatically adjusting to changing conditions while moving through the field,” Jardon said.

Farmers can also use TruSet Active to document their tillage work. “A TruSet Active tillage documentation map shows farmers exactly how deep they were tilling,” Jardon said. “Tillage depth has never been able to be measured this precisely before, and farmers can capture and upload this data into the John Deere Operations Center to share with trusted advisors or for analysis after the work is completed.”

John Deere has also introduced a new series of strip-till. The new series includes a pair of integral models, and three drawn models, to match dry fertilizer or anhydrous applications. The new strip-till units give farmers the ability to combine nutrient application and tillage into a single, efficient field pass, potentially reducing the need for additional trips across the field.

“Strip-till can improve soil health, reduce erosion and conserve soil moisture,” said Jardon. “Strip-till has been shown to help farmers reduce input costs while maintaining yields and further maximizing their profitability. These new strip-till units give farmers the ability to prepare their seedbeds in the fall, so they’re ready to plant in the spring.”

John Deere strip-till units will be available to order in February 2023. 

The firm also announced updates and new options for its lineup of 7R Tractors that improve operator comfort, ride and driving performance during transport. Updates include new Reactive Steering and increased steering capacity.

These mid-year updates for 2023 7R Tractors benefit commercial hay growers, livestock producers, and row-crop and small-grains farmers. They are an ideal size to maneuver around tight spaces such as barnyards or they can be easily paired with John Deere planters or tillage tools for work in the field.

When compared to previous 7R models, Jardon said the improvements make it easier to use them to cut hay, and to move material when equipped with a John Deere loader. “They also provide excellent maneuverability that comes in handy when cleaning livestock pens and barns,” Jardon said. In addition, 7R Tractors can be equipped to operate triple-mounted mower conditioners and large square balers that require extra PTO and hydraulic power.