John Deere is launching a new S series of combines with the S7, focusing on increased efficiency and an enhanced operator experience, as well as setting the groundwork for future autonomy systems.
The four new S7 models ranged from 333 to 543 rated engine hp. The new engines are behind some of the biggest efficiency gains for the series with a JD9 9-liter engine on the S7 600 and 700, and the JD14 13.6-liter engine powers the S7 800 and 900 combines, says Bergen Nelson, go-to market manager for combines, cotton, and sugar harvesting equipment for John Deere.
Both engines provide a 10% fuel efficiency gain when compared to the S700 series these new models are replacing in Deere’s lineup. The new S7 600 and 700 models have a 250-gallon fuel capacity, and the S7 800 and 900 have 330 gallons.
The choppers on the combine are now straight-blade knives rather than paddle blades. These slice through material easier and create less drag on the machine, enabling a 15-hp reduction in power.
The S7 600 and 700 have a grain tank capacity of 300 bushels, and the S7 800 and 900 can hold up to 400 bushels. All models but the 600 have a peak unload rate of 4.2 bushels per second.
The new combines have cross auger shutoff so operators can stop feeding the vertical auger and unload auger to ensure the auger is empty every time the operator goes to unload. An angled spout has an electronic actuator on the tip of the spout for more accuracy, reducing spillage as it unloads into a grain cart.
An additional air vent has been included to increase ventilation of the cleaning system.
Technology
The S7 series is part of John Deere’s preparation for the future of autonomy in agriculture, with electrical architecture built in laying the groundwork for the technology when it arrives.
“We’re enabling this combine to be future-proof, essentially, as far as electronic architecture goes,” says Blake McOllough, combine product marketing manager for John Deere.
For now, the S7 makes use of Deere’s model year 2025 technology with predictive ground speed automation, and harvesting settings automation.
Predictive ground speed automation uses six settings to understand how to harvest in the field, comparable to adaptive cruise control in the field, says Nelson. This system factors in engine power, threshing load, terrain, loss levels, coverage, and predictive input. New stereo cameras on the combine look at the field ahead to see crop volume and height to help predict how fast the machine needs to be before getting into the crop.
“Instead of our technology in the marketplace today as being reactive, this is looking in front of the machine so we can be proactive in how we automate this machine,” says Nelson.
Harvest setting automations will instantly adjust the combine’s concave clearance, sieve, chaffer, fan speed, and rotor speed, based on the operator’s set outcomes such as grain loss, foreign material, and broken grain.
“In the past, a customer would have to set a performance target with our harvest settings automation technology and it could take up to 20 minutes for the combine to start making a change — so it’s a huge gain for the customer,” says Nelson. “They set their acceptance limits and the machine automatically starts changing and optimizing for them.”
Improved loss sensing capabilities on the combine’s rear tailboard provide farmers with better real-time feedback on the cab’s display.
New cab
John Deere
The S7 series is receiving a cab update to bring its technology and creature comforts in line with Deere’s X series of combines.
The cab has an integrated G5 Plus display, with a wider screen than the previous generation. A new primary display on the corner post has higher resolution to provide optimal viewing to all the new technology and automation updates. The 2025 combines also have an integrated StarFire 7500 receiver with SF RTK capability.
New lighting on the front of the cab has been added to help operators in low-light conditions.
The seat swivels to allow operators a better look at their surroundings. Heated ventilation is now available at the feet of the operator. The cab radio has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features for connecting mobile devices.
Corn heads refresh
John Deere
John Deere is also introducing new CR (rigid) and CF (flexible) corn heads with the S7 combines, updating previous models with increased efficiency, and grain retention technology.
“Slip clutch detection monitors the drive shaft of the corn head,” says McOllough. “By doing that, we can tell if there’s a slip within one of the gearboxes on the corn head and we can stop, ensure that we don’t slip that clutch even more, which can create wear and reduce the reliability of your head.”
The new models have short pointed snouts on the end to allow for tighter turns in the field. Active end fenders on the head help with ear loss protection to keep them from flying off to the side — all adjustable from the cab.
Availability
The Model Year 2025 John Deere S7 series combines will be available to order beginning late March in the following configurations:
- S7 600: 333 hp rated power, 367 hp max power
- S7 700: 402 hp rated power, 460 hp max power
- S7 800: 473 hp rated power, 540 hp max power
- S7 900: 543 hp rated power, 617 hp max power
For more information, visit johndeere.com.