1. The ability to swap out tooling quickly with two knock-out dowel pins
2. The capability of reaming directly from the transmitter housing
3. The elimination of starter rods and adapters in certain applications

Since the Vermeer Ultra X3 uses a robust spline connection system, tooling doesn’t have to be threaded on, eliminating the need for breakout tongs to make and break torqued tooling connections. Operators just need to align the spline on the tooling with the spline on the housing, then secure tooling by tapping in dowel pins. The system is capable of handling the torque of reaming diameters up to 10 inches (25 cm) in most conditions from the transmitter housing. Also, it’s set up to use a full offering of plate bits and rock toolings like the Vermeer Gauntlet, Lance, and single roller cone bits.

The Ultra X3 housing uses a standard API rear connection and also works with quick-connect systems like the Vermeer QuickFire HD connection system. However, Jason Zylstra, product manager for Vermeer Lifecycle products, said contractors who seldomly remove their housing may find value in skipping the expense of starter rods and collars because there is a quick connect on the bit side of the housing.

“With the Ultra X3, contractors can sub out conventional quick-connect components for a transition adapter rod, increasing operational efficiency.”

Zylstra also said that using the Ultra X3 system can help reduce the size of the exit pit in some applications.

“Since the Ultra X3 doesn’t require the housing be removed for most pullbacks, HDD crews can changeover from pilot to pullback in a smaller space. Smaller pit requirements can also help reduce restoration work,”

he explained.

The Vermeer Ultra X3 is available in three different sizes covering all HDD models rated up to the 40,000-pound (177.9-kN) drill range.

• Ultra X3 375 for HDDs in the 40,000-pound (177.9-kN) drill range — Vermeer D40x55 S3 HDD or Ditch Witch JT40 HDD
• Ultra X3 325 for HDDs in the 24,000-pound (106.8-kN) drill range — Vermeer D23x30 S3 HDD, D24x40 S3 HDD, or Ditch Witch JT30 HDD
• Ultra X3 275 for HDDs in the 10,000-pound (44.5-kN) drill range — Vermeer D10x15 S3 HDD or Ditch Witch JT10 HDD

Source: Vermeer

The post Vermeer Presents the Ultra X3 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Deere & Company (DE) today announced a new vision and operating model in order to accelerate its success in the integration of smart technology innovation with Deere‘s legacy of manufacturing excellence.

The Deere Smart Industrial strategy is designed to unlock new value for customers and to help them become more profitable and sustainable, while simultaneously revolutionizing the agriculture and construction industries through the rapid introduction of new technologies.

To ensure success, actions will be concentrated on the following three focus areas:

1. Production Systems: A strategic alignment of products and solutions around Production Systems roadmaps – which capitalizes on Deere‘s industry-leading knowledge of its customers and how they work. The new production systems structure enables the company to drive an integrated product roadmap and related investments that span all aspects of a customer’s jobs and to more fully meet customer needs.
2. Technology Stack: Investments in technology as well as research and development that deliver intelligent solutions to Deere customers through an intuitive technology stack made up of hardware, embedded software, connectivity, data platforms, and applications. The Deere family of “smart” machines, systems, and solutions unlocks customer economic value through enhanced precision, automation, speed, and efficiency not possible previously.
3. Lifecycle Solutions: The enterprise integration of Deere‘s aftermarket and support capabilities to more effectively manage customer equipment, service, and technology needs across the full lifetime of a John Deere product, and with a specific lifecycle solution focus on the ownership experience.

“As Deere businesses and those of its customers become more competitive and dynamic, Deere’s track record of technological innovation puts it in a position to anticipate, respond, and outpace those dynamics by offering cutting-edge solutions to enhance customers’ productivity, profitability, and sustainability,”

said John May, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“The new operating model represents a leap forward in performance for the company from an already strong starting point.”

Organization and Personnel Assignments

Effective June 16, 2020, the following individuals will lead redesigned or newly created business units under the Smart Industrial Operating Model:

Cory J. Reed has been appointed to the new role of President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division for Production & Precision Agriculture Equipment and for the Sales & Marketing Regions of the Americas and Australia. In this new role, Reed will be responsible for leading a team to define, develop, and deliver equipment solutions to unlock customer value for production-scale growers in large grains, small grains, and cotton/sugar.

Markwart von Pentz has been appointed to the new role of President, Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division for Small Ag & Turf and for the Sales & Marketing Regions of Europe, CIS, Asia and Africa. Von Pentz and his team will be responsible for defining, developing, and delivering fit-for-purpose products and solutions to support mid-size and small growers globally, as well as for turf customers. The unit is principally organized around production systems for dairy and livestock as well as high-value crops.

Recently appointed as Senior Vice President, Intelligent Solutions Group, Jahmy J. Hindman has been named to a new position as the Chief Technology Officer, reporting to the CEO. Hindman will oversee the Intelligent Solutions Group, responsible for Deere‘s end-to-end technology stack, shared enterprise engineering, and John Deere Electronic Solutions product delivery.

Marc A. Howze, currently serving as Chief Administrative Officer, will continue in that role while also assuming enhanced responsibilities in a new role as Group President, Lifecycle Solutions – responsible for leading a team focused on the enterprise-level integration of aftermarket and support capabilities, and a focus on the full ownership experience over the lifetime of Deere‘s products.

Meanwhile, the following members of the leadership team will continue in their current roles and will continue reporting to the CEO:

• Rajesh Kalathur, President, John Deere Financial and Chief Information Officer
• Ryan D. Campbell, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
• Mary K.W. Jones, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Worldwide Public Affairs

As previously announced, John H. Stone will assume his new role as President, Worldwide Construction & Forestry and Power Systems on July 1. Deere‘s Construction and Forestry division, which was recently organized along production systems for earthmoving, roadbuilding and forestry, will now more fully leverage the technology stack and lifecycle solutions in the future.

“After 183 years of innovation, Deere continues to transform how it operates to build a more customer-driven and streamlined, nimble organization for the future,”

said May.

“I couldn’t ask for a more talented, dedicated and focused team to lead us there.”

In order to realize the Smart Industrial vision, Deere will adopt a more disciplined approach to capital allocation by devoting research and investment dollars to the most promising and profitable opportunities. Deere plans to dramatically accelerate the speed with which the company brings priority technology to market to drive value creation and capture it more quickly.

“The new operating model will help us respond to changing market conditions with greater speed and efficiency,”

May said.

Source: John Deere

The post Focused on Unlocking Customer Value, John Deere Announces New Operating Model appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.