John Deere announces three new self-propelled forage harvesters in its 9500, 9600 and 9700 line of harvesters.

Each wide-bodied model will be equipped with an 18-liter John Deere X engine that does not require diesel exhaust. The 9000 Series also features a new spout that reduces clogging when chopping high-moisture corn or forage.

Thanks to HarvestMotion Plus engine technology, the harvesters have a torque growth curve. As a result, the machine can produce power at low engine speeds, which increases power, so operators can work in harsh harvesting conditions while maintaining crop quality.

“Ideal engine performance reduces fuel consumption and is perfectly matched and synchronized for superior mass flow through the machine,” says Chase Milem, John Deere marketing manager.

Integrated John Deere technologies such as AutoTrac, RowSense guidance, Active Fill Control with rear discharge and the 4th Generation Universal Display are optional extras for farmers.

In addition, the self-propelled forage harvesters come with HarvestLab 3000 software, which provides rapid component identification and documentation of forage and core quality using John Deere Premium or XStream KP core processors. The software analyzes NDF, crude protein, moisture, sugar, starch, crude fiber, ash and crop ADF components.

“Using the documented information, farmers can quickly analyze data from treated fields, adjust fertilizer use, select the best varieties for the upcoming season and improve water management,” says Milhem.

Through the John Deere Operations Center app, farmers can access harvest data and set up pre-harvest plans to send to the cab. The app also allows farmers to track and analyze crops in real time.