John Deere is responding to customers’ concerns about rising input costs in tree production crops with a range of solutions and technologies, including further refining its range of 5 Series tractors custom-built for the sector.

Precision ag technologies such as John Deere’s automated guidance system AutoTrac, previously available only on large agricultural machines, are now available in smaller tractors for more accurate field coverage during planting, spraying and harvest, to reduce fuel and labour inputs.

The SmartApply intelligent spray control system can help growers achieve as much as 93 per cent less chemical runoff and an 87 per cent reduction in airborne drift, by avoiding over-spraying. 

SmartApply senses the presence of individual trees and vines and automatically adjusts spray volume based on tree size and foliage density, reducing chemical and water use by an average 50 per cent.

Meanwhile John Deere’s joint venture with US-based GUSS (Global Unmanned Spray System) Automation is delivering spray units which navigate through rows autonomously, using a sophisticated combination of GPS and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), vehicle sensors and software.

The technology, which allows one person to oversee up to eight GUSS units, addresses the critical issue of labour shortages in the industry.

Last year saw the launch of a world first – a fully electric GUSS autonomous orchard herbicide sprayer, powered by a John Deere 4045 engine, which can spray for a full shift when its Kriesel batteries are fully charged.

The new machine includes a spot-spraying weed detection system that identifies chlorophyll in weeds and only sprays where they are detected, which can save as much as 90 percent of herbicide used, depending on weed pressure.

John Deere small ag marketing manager, Erin Wagstaff, says in the past two years, the company has focused on innovations to assist in reducing the overall cost and complexity of production and improve efficiency.

“The integration of tech and in- eld monitoring with Operations Center means tree crop producers can access insights and analysis to support better documentation, traceability and data-informed decisions, which will become increasingly important in the future,” Erin says.

“And developments such as the new electric GUSS sprayer, which allows growers to control multiple sprayers from a remote, safe source, will increase productivity, optimise and upskill labour, and enable farming operations to meet sustainability goals through lower emissions and enhanced application precision.”

John Deere’s range of 5 Series Narrow and Super Narrow tractors has been specifically designed for use in orchards and vineyards, with widths as narrow as 1.55m.

The fleet is connected by JDLink, and operators can use the Operations Center app to track in- eld progress and machine hours and receive maintenance alerts, all via mobile phone.

The 5ML brings unprecedented power to John Deere’s orchard tractor offering with 105, 120 and 130hp models available, and two front-axle configurations for working widths from 1.55m to 1.80m.e 5ML comes equipped with programmable LED lighting, afront hitch to ensure operators can use heavier implements such as almond harvesters, and a front PTO for added versatility.

A Limb Lifter kit can be added to gently move away low hanging branches, reducing the potential for damage to the tree and tractor.

In the Super Narrow range, the 5EN is 1.51m wide with a turning radius from 3.4 m, ideal for fruit orchards and vineyards, while the 5ML Cab Narrow is designed for citrus crops and vineyards.

Erin says John Deere will continue to innovate to ensure farming communities around the world find ways to increase their efficiency.

“We see these solutions as just the start of our shared journey towards enhanced productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.”