NEW CUTTING platforms and tecchie bits will add value for John Deere combine buyers taking delivery in 2017.

A range of updates to the W330 and W440 includes the addition of the new 600R cutting platforms to replace the 300R headers. A larger diameter intake auger and stainless steel plates contribute a better feed to the threshing system.

The 'farmer-user' model, the W330, will also get the option of distance height control for headland setting and work height as well as adding automatic header control for contour following.

On JD's S-series, the DynaFlo Plus cleaning shoe promises being able to handle 5% more tonnes per hour thanks to a longer, but lightweight aluminium construction.

Tweaking the airflow adjustment across the shoe has also made it less sensitive and easier to adjust. This is claimed to reduce tailings by 15% in barley, wheat and oilseed rape.

Another option, active terrain adjustment, can also increase output when working in rolling hills. This automatically sets up the shoe for working on up slopes and down slopes by altering fan speeds, and controlling the chaffer and sieve pans accordingly.

Latest S-series combines will also get the option of a hydraulically adjustable feeder house, allowing the driver to tilt the cutting platform from the cab and change cutting height on the go. Tilt angles and cutting heights can be saved on to the cab's multi-function hydro lever.

Those keen on big outputs will also appreciate the latest Premium Flow header, the 12.2m 640PF, which has a 76cm auger, with hydraulically adjustable belt speeds aimed at handling difficult crops and conditions.

A split auger and reel, plus synchronised dual knives are also now standard on the latest 600X header.