JOHN Deere will receive one silver and two special mention awards at the SIMA 2017 show in Paris later this month.

The silver is for its Smart AutoLube system, which automatically greases all the lubrication points on the tractor and its ISOBUS controlled implements.

For a 6R Series tractor with 1,000 operating hours annually, greasing time for the tractor and its implements can be reduced by 21 hours a year. The improved maintenance would also improve its life expectancy, service costs and resale value.

Special Mentions have been given to the SESAM electric tractor and the ExactApply intelligent spray nozzle system.

SESAM (Sustainable Energy Supply for Agricultural Machinery) is the industry’s first fully battery-powered tractor. It produces 130kW of continuous power and is based on the 6R Series tractor chassis, using an adapted DirectDrive stepless transmission, with a speed range from 3 to 50kph at full power.

The tractor is emission-free and develops high torque at low speeds and a maximum output of around 400hp, with no energy losses when idling.

Currently, one battery charge lasts for up to four operating hours in typical mixed mode operations or for about 34 miles of road transport work, while charging time is about three hours. The battery is designed to last for 3100 charging cycles.

The ExactApply intelligent spray nozzle system significantly increases the flexibility and accuracy of spray applications. Uniquely featuring six nozzles on a rotating turret and two electrically-operated liquid valves, ExactApply can manually switch between two nozzles and independently control both the spray pressure and the flow rate at the nozzle.

All the nozzles are equipped with an individual LED light to improve night-time operations and a blockage detection system. Combined with a warning message on the cab display, this makes checking nozzles significantly easier for the operator.