In line with their slogan for NAMPO 2024 – ‘It’s grow time’ – the John Deere team did not disappoint, working hard over the past few months to bring the best of the brand to an even bigger display stand at NAMPO Park.
‘As a key event on the agricultural calendar, NAMPO affords us the opportunity to give back to the producers and clients who are loyal to the John Deere brand. Together we are building a future and NAMPO is the perfect place to say thank you,’ said Hentie Breedt, marketing and communications manager of John Deere in Africa and the Middle East, at a media event held on day 1 of the NAMPO Harvest Day.
At the core of their values lies an unwavering commitment to excellence. ‘We have a standard of excellence equal to none which is installed in all our employees. Our brand reputation speaks of durability, quality and reliability,’ said Stephan Gouws, managing director of John Deere in Africa and the Middle East. ‘When visiting our stand, guests not only get to know the team behind our NAMPO display, but also witness some of the most impressive agricultural equipment,’ he added.
New-generation S7 combine
With harvest season in full swing, visitors had the privilege of viewing the new S7 series combine equipped with leading-edge automation technology. This combine was built in Germany and was launched in the United States in February this year. On display for the first time at NAMPO, it represents the cutting edge of harvesting efficiency.
As far as design is concerned, the S7 was built very much in line with its big brother, the X9. Even though operating the S7 is very similar to the X9, advances in technology on the new combine are ground breaking. Its new technical architecture has laid the foundation for future automation. With its new predictor sensor capability, through cameras at the front of the combine as well as biomass maps based on satellite imagery, predictive ground speed automation is now possible.
With its new harvest settings automation, the operator only needs to set the acceptance limits for grain losses, foreign material or broken kernels. The combine then adjusts the internal settings automatically to stay below the limits set.
Mechanical improvements made include the chopper that uses less power as well as a foldable unloader with adjustable spout.
Look out for the John Deere harvesting tours later this year where the S7 will be on display. It will be commercially available in August 2024.
Beyond the sale
For John Deere, it’s not just about selling equipment; it’s about forging long-term partnerships built on mutual success. Their extensive network of qualified dealers across South Africa ensures that assistance is always within reach.
Their after-sales and customer service offerings are comprehensive, with 98 dealer contact points across South Africa. John Deere’s Regional Parts Distribution Centre in Gauteng covers an area of 20 000 m2, housing 92 000 part numbers valued at R1,7 billion. The overall parts availability rate is at 96%. They are so confident in the availability of their parts that they announced at NAMPO that until the end of October 2024 all parts that are ordered at a dealership and are not available after 24 hours will be free of charge.
John Deere stands at the forefront of technology globally. Their comprehensive technological solutions help producers farm more effectively and profitably. This includes dealer support through monitoring centres, early problem identification, minimising downtime, and maximising profitability.
NAMPO 2024 was once again a showcase of John Deere’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and building lasting relationships with producers. The green machinery continues to impress and there is no better place to celebrate the demonstrated advances in technology than Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day.
