It was my distant observation that JD spent time talking and negotiating with Versatile about 4WD tractors and combine technology acquisitions. JD learned what they wanted, then discontinued the negotiations back in the 1980's, ie sort of left Versatile abruptly, ie out in the cold, and closed the door. Perhaps this can be considered as typical business process. It seems to be common knowledge that John Deere does a good job of marketing to their customer base. And although JD has introduced a lot of good new technology, so have their competitors, such as the Claas _ Cat lexion. I think we should appreciate the benefits of competition. Now, six years later, you see JD introducing similar, and even some improved versions of the lexion features a 1) self-cleaning moisture sensor, 2)a multi-link header connector, 3)electric sieves and chaffer adjustments, 4) axial end discharge unloading augers, 5)faster unload rates, 6) auto reel positioning, and 7) Touch Set controls. John Deere will do a good job promoting these features as "new" innovations at this years JD Days video and show (wpka Farming Frontiers). On the otherhand, JD STS combines and customers are apparently still in second place to lexion customers in terms of sidehill performance (3D sieve) with less grain (shoe) losses, better header drives, tailings monitor, graintank extensions _ covers, fountain fill augers, yield monitor accuracy, electrical systems and displays, feederhouse and header drives, tracks, engine performance, all crop capability and grain quality. I still feel confident that the Bi-Rotor and its related technology will eventually be used to meet customer expectations and future market needs in these areas. I think history will eventually record the timeline with JD being about three years into development of the STS in 1995 when they bought the XBR2 rights. Besides gaining valuable technology, they were also able to keep it from becoming a formidable competitor to them in three or four different product lines and markets. This was another good marketing move on their part, but perhaps at the expense of curtailing some new threshing, separating and grain handling advancements. It will get there, it just might take time for the STS generation to run its course. It is fun to see how things evolve and get more interesting. !!
