HFG Combine Operator Training Schools – 2022

A couple of weeks ago we held our annual Combine Operator Training Schools over 4 days at our Chilbolton HQ.

With over 100 attendees present across the duration of the schools, we welcomed operators both new and old.

Both gained an insight into the John Deere S Series & T Series Combines with in-depth Classroom sessions and Machine walkarounds conducted by the Precision Ag team.

John Deere’s 5G series tractors now offer more model diversity and comfort for the varied tasks involved in high-value crop farming. The series has undergone a complete update for all tractors above 75hp, including five new, more powerful models in the GV, GN, GF and GL configuration.

New features for cab versions

A key new 5G feature is the five-speed Hi-Lo PowrReverser^TM Eco-transmission, which enables travel at 40kph with reduced engine revolutions, making the tractors more fuel efficient and more comfortable to drive.

To meet individual customer requirements, new models have been added to the 5G Series. Chief of these are the new 5115 tractors for the GF, GN and GV model series that deliver up to 120hp max. power from a 3.6l four-cylinder engine. Furthermore, John Deere offers more power versatility for operation in the tightest rows in the vineyard as the GV model range gets two new power ranges – the 5105G and 5115G with a maximum power of 105 and 120hp respectively.

Tailored to the operator
The redesigned cab is now better adapted to the driver’s needs. The new design offers improved ergonomics as well as more legroom, which increases driving comfort and makes working with the new 5G tractors an even more enjoyable task. A significantly reduced bonnet height provides an unrivalled view to the front. More visibility, especially during the night, is also provided by the optionally available LED lighting.

While the new cab makes the work more comfortable, the driver’s health will also benefit. The Category IV filter system (in accordance with EN 15695) integrated into the roof of the driver’s cab is optionally available and provides protection against dust, aerosols that are hazardous to health, and vapours.

Another highlight of the latest 5G Series tractors is the new 5-inch digital display, which presents important vehicle information centrally in front of the driver and even allows various tractor- and machine settings to be changed conveniently.

Tailored to efficiency
The new tractors are not only easier to operate, they are also getting smarter. The tractors can optionally be equipped with ISOBUS and retrofitted with the JD-Link telematics module. This allows the tractors to be connected to the free of charge John Deere Operations Center, which saves time and money. Operations can be digitised and planned more easily as state-of-the-art fleet management tools come with the tractor for free.

To manage the work on steep slopes and narrow rows even more efficiently, the tractors can be equipped with comprehensive features such as DYNAMIC STEERING and AutoClutch. With DYNAMIC STEERING, steering wheel resistance automatically changes with ground speed. At slower speeds, the steering effort required is significantly reduced, especially during tight turning manoeuvres, while higher steering wheel torque is made possible when driving on roads at transport speed. This improves the driver’s comfort and control over the tractor. The AutoClutch function makes it easier to maneuver on slopes, as the clutch is engaged with the brake pedal.

Additional updates for the 5G series

In orchards with low-hanging pergola crops, John Deere’s 5G series also offers an open station (OOS) or a low-profile cab. While a new 105hp tractor for the GL range offers more power versality, the larger driver’s seats provide more driving comfort for orchard work.

The tractors under 75hp have received the Stage V update already, retaining the known and proven properties of the predecessor models.

*  New model

John Deere has been touring the length and breadth of the country for the past 6 weeks with their 6R Roadshow, stopping off at dealerships along the way to unveil the new 6R Series tractors to consumers. Early March was our scheduled time with the new machines. Recent changes to the restrictions due to COVID-19, allowed the team at Hunt Forest Group to finally be able to host our first in-person customer event for over 2 years.  

Queue the 2nd and 3rd of March, deep in the rolling farmland of the South Wiltshire Downs. Staff, tractors, and a wide variety of other farm machinery from across our many branches descended upon The Gathering Barn at Keysley Farm. A picturesque wedding venue, hidden away on a working farm near Monkton Deverill. A marquee was erected, lighting and audio-visual equipment setup, new and used machinery positioned, a pop-up merchandise shop stocked to the brim, customer gift bags packed, and the event bar fully stocked as we awaited the arrival of our first guests. 

The HFG Sales representatives were all on hand to greet and walk our customers around the new 6R tractors and the other machinery on display. With our heated marquee home to the new John Deere 6R 150 and loader with technology package, a John Deere 6R 185 and a Kramer KT144 it proved a great place to showcase the advancements and new developments in the 6R range. 

Connected technology is advancing all the time and our Precision Ag team had plenty of visitors in the Long Barn to discuss the latest improvements in displays, receivers, RTK signals and much more, along with regular demonstrations on the benefits and functionality of the HarvestLab 3000. Our impromptu popup merchandise store saw plenty of customers with a wide range of John Deere toys, clothing, and official branded goods available for purchase, the co-branded HFG ‘Grassmen’ clothing range a proven success. 

Good food and a few drinks were enjoyed by all in Keysley’s stunning converted heritage barn and helped to create a relaxed and sociable setting, with over 600 visitors across the two days at The Gathering Barn, it was a welcome return to customer events for the Hunt Forest Group team with the bonus of being able to talk to people face to face again without a mask.  

A big thank you to all our staff, manufacturers, and suppliers for their involvement in helping deliver such a successful event. And an extra special thankyou to our customers for their attendance and continued support.  

We look forward to seeing you at the next one! 

Welcome to our third edition of the New Horizon magazine. We hope you’ll enjoy catching up on all the latest goings-on within the business and with our customers.

Read the latest edition here: https://www.yumpu.com/user/huntforestgroup

Also included are special offers and discounts on a range of parts, services and wholegoods.

Fancy a Gator? Better make it snappy!

Whichever model you’re interested in, whether it’s the HPX 815E – made for the job site, or the XUV 865R, the most comfortable Gator in the family, we can supply it. For a limited time only*, all new HPX 815E, XUV 855M, XUV 865M and XUV 865R Gators will come with a FREE fitted Thatcham approved immobiliser worth £395 + VAT!

Visit shop.huntforest.com or speak to your local branch to get your Gator ordered.