Combines harvestform on new Deeres

[Cutter]

I doubt that it is any cheaper. If anything, more expensive (i.e., development fees, license fees, alot of trial and error) because the poly_fiber material currently used is already proven. Harvestform is nothing more than a marketing tool, attempting to highlight Deere's stewardship. Don't look for harvestform to cause radical upswings in the corn and soy markets.

 

[Harvester]

In manufacturing, cost reigns supreme. The poly shields are less expensive to produce than steel ones in small production volumes, like combines. There are not enough combines made to justify expensive dyes to stamp out fancy steel shields. The automotive industry can still justify stamping out of steel because their volumes are higher and at those volumes, the per-piece cost of steel becomes lower than poly. In any case, don't look for soybeans to take a jump in price just because John Deere is "helping" promote the soybean industry by using soy-based polymers in their shields. There are less than 2 bushels of soybeans used in a new JD combine, less than $10. Cutter is exactly right; it is a good marketing scheme but 2 bushels of soybeans doesn't get me very excited.