The company has acquired the intellectual property rights for the technology from the German company CAWI.

The technology has already established very strong customer acceptance for enhancing forage quality for livestock and biogas producers.

“The new John Deere KernelStar technology will add significant value to John Deere self-propelled forage harvesters and should further improve machine productivity in the field," says Chris Wigger, vice president of sales and marketing.

"The integration of this new kernel processor is the result of intensive customer research and reflects the growing demand for the best possible forage and substrate quality.”

KernelStar is based on a patented “bevel” disc design which allows for more intensive treatment of the kernels when compared to either the conventional cylindrical roll or disc designs on the market.

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“Apart from the improved processing of kernels, a significant reduction of over-length particles can be achieved, as well as a reduction of the component’s power consumption,” explains SPFH Division Marketing Manager Richard Halsall.

The new design uses contoured intermeshing discs that provide increased surface area to enhance the crop processing.

“Due to its patented shape, the discs provide almost three times the effective processing width compared to the conventional roll type kernel processor,” adds Halsall.

Full integration of the concept into John Deere forage harvesters as a factory-installed option will be announced later this year.  FG

—From John Deere news release

PHOTO
The new KernelStar processor will feature special discs that provide almost three times the effective processing width compared to the conventional roll type kernel processor. Photo courtesy of John Deere.