An announcement from farm equipment producer John Deere highlighted the company's efforts to improve tractor horsepower while also making machines more intelligent.
For next year, 8R/8RT tractors in the 235 to 360 horsepower range will feature John Deere's JDLink Ultimate Service and Service ADVISOR Remote programs. Producers will be able to use them for free for one year.
The programs allow the pieces of farm equipment to send location information, along with performance data, through the internet or via cellphone. Chad Hogan, a marketing manager with John Deere, said that the machines will allow farmers to be more efficient.
"If a service issue develops in the field, technicians at the dealership can remotely identify the problem, determine the tractor's location and proactively address the problem," Hogan said.
Meanwhile, people who have used tractors or have even bought new pieces of equipment would benefit from making sure their machines get the proper upkeep. John Deere announced recently that its warranty program was expanded, which could make caring for tractors that much easier.
John Deere tractors feature new location, maintenance data sharing programs
Some of next year's models of John Deere farm equipment will feature information-sharing technology.