JOHN Deere has shown its serious intentions to prioritise the horticulture sector with the first official look at the new 5ML series specialty orchard and vineyard tractors.
The company hosted a showcase day at SuniTAFE's Smart Farm, Mildura, Victoria on October 10, with about 60 key clients and industry representatives invited.
Attendees test drove the John Deere 5130ML low profile utility tractor, including one with additional "limb lifters" which are rails protecting the machine against branches and vines.
A key indicator of the machinery giant's horticulture intent was adopting the phrase "high value crops" (even down to it being embroidered on the complimentary caps for the occasion).
This encompasses most fruit and vegetable crops, plus dried fruit (sultanas and raisins), tree nuts, as well as table and wine grapes.
While the 5ML series has been available in the United States for some time, it was the inaugural showing in Australia.
Engine
THE 5130ML boasts a 97 kW (130hp) PowerTech, four-cylinder engine and PowrQuad transmission featuring push-button gear selection without the foot clutch.
This gives more productive hydraulic shifting between forward and reverse.
It has a PTO power of 86kW (115 hp) with a rear hitch lift capacity of 2720kg to 3122kg at a 610mm behind lift point.
The entire unit sits 282mm above the ground, with an overall height of 2.4m to the top of the cab.
The control lever allows the operator to change gears and ranges using one lever, reducing steps to change gears.
An electrohydraulic fingertip directional lever allows the operator to switch directions in applications requiring frequent directional changes in tight spaces.
This eliminates wear on the clutch by automating gear shifts.
Hydraulics
PRESSURE-flow compensated (PFC) hydraulics, standard on all 5ML cab tractors, work at 117L per minute. This helps when using hydraulic implements, such as air blast sprayers.
PFC hydraulics also improve cooling capacity when running large implements.
The optional high-capacity hitch option provides nearly 4 tonnes of lift
According to John Deere, in standby mode, the PFC system is more efficient than a comparable open-centre system because the hydraulic power is only provided when needed.
Additionally, it means reduced hydraulic noise levels
Steering
THE nature of vineyard or orchard layout has prompted John Deere to adopt a 3.9m turning radius with the 5ML series.
Cab
THE cab has been specially designed to be used in high value crop operations such as orchards and vineyards.
The ergonomically designed cab provides a right-hand console, air suspension seat and an adjustable steering wheel.
Controls are common throughout the 5-Series tractor portfolio.
The limb lifter system, which resembles roll-over protection railing surrounding the cab, keeps branches away from the main body.
Shielding around doors in combination with reinforced glass also reduces the damage potential to doors and windows.
The cab can be fitted with an optional Cat IV filtration kit to provide greater protection from particulates, aerosols and vapours when spraying or spreading.
The tractor features the AutoTrac guidance options (requires a subscription).
This can be used in conjunction with add-ons such as Gen 4 Display and StarFire receiver, to collect data during each pass and avoid missing rows.
Repetitive tasks such as headland turns or tillage work can be assisted with iTEC Basic (Intelligent Total Equipment Control).
The company's JDLink, a real time viewer of machine location and information, is offered in base models from the factory.
In conjunction with the John Deere Operations Center app, a user can track in-field progress, machine hours and receive maintenance alerts to his or her mobile phone.
Axles
THE narrow axle options give the tractor added appeal for tree and vine crop producers.
The 5130ML has an overall width of 1.8m and a wheelbase (between wheel hubs) of 2.35m.
Lighting
THE 5130ML has front and rear lighting which can be upgraded to LEDs for increased luminosity.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand production systems manager, Stephanie Gersekowski, said the company's focus on the 5ML series is showing its deeper dive into the horticulture sector.
She said it was about bringing over much of the technology developed in the broadacre industry and adapting to the hort space.
While not giving specific timeframes or particulars, Ms Gersekowski said electrification and battery power would form a large part of the company's focus in the future.
Last year John Deere made a commitment to introduce an autonomous battery-powered electric tractor in 2026, something Ms Gersekowski said was still a firm promise.
Ms Gersekowski said production on the 5ML series for Australia begins in November however getting the unit right for Australian conditions was the focus as opposed to rushing it to market.
"Quality and performance is our first priority," Ms Gersekowski said.
She said 5130ML tractor units would be available on the ground by Spring 2024.
- The author travelled to Mildura as a guest of John Deere.
Ashley Walmsley
Ashley Walmsley is the editor of ACM's only national, fresh produce magazine, Good Fruit & Vegetables, while also covering horticulture stories for the agricultural papers and websites. He also writes the weekly, The Ringer, column in the Qld Country Life.
Ashley Walmsley is the editor of ACM's only national, fresh produce magazine, Good Fruit & Vegetables, while also covering horticulture stories for the agricultural papers and websites. He also writes the weekly, The Ringer, column in the Qld Country Life.
