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Combine and windrower manufacturers are focusing on automation, data collection and operator convenience for the 2027 model year. The biggest changes center on making machines adjust themselves and giving farmers better information about what’s happening in their fields.
John Deere expanded its Harvest Settings Automation to six more crops, including lentils, peas, rye, triticale, oats and sunflowers. The system automatically adjusts concave clearance, fan speed, rotor speed and sieve settings based on what you’re harvesting. Model year 2027 X9 and S7 combines also get new Tru-Thresh concaves and, on X9 models, remote concave adjustments from the cab plus a 550-bushel grain tank option.
New Holland’s ForageCam uses an AI-powered camera to monitor kernel processing scores in real time on FR Forage Cruisers. The system automatically adjusts the kernel processor to hit your target quality levels. New Holland also launched the Speedrower 1 Series with up to 308 peak hp and relative yield monitoring that maps yield variations as you cut.
Case IH brought similar yield mapping technology to its new WD6 Series windrower, marking the first time this data has been available for hay and forage operations. The company also upgraded its Axial-Flow 160 Series combines with Pro 1200 dual displays and improved automation features.
Aftermarket suppliers are filling gaps, too. Kondex’s Bushel Boss separator grate promises 15% more capacity for John Deere combines. Calmer offers a round bar concave upgrade for Case IH machines. IHLE Fabrications created a retrofit kit that lets older Case IH combines adjust rotor vanes from the cab. Ag Leader’s Z-Row system integrates existing corn head sensors with its steering controllers for automated row guidance.