John Deere: New 8R and 8RT Series tractors revealed

Introducing new levels of productivity and operator comfort, John Deere has announced its new 8R wheeled tractors and 8RT tracked tractor models. Following the company’s new numbering strategy, these new tractors replace the current 8030 Series machines.
Featuring increases of 15-20hp, these new 8R and 8RT Series tractors will provide large arable farms and contractors with maximum versatility and additional productivity, with draft work, pto operations and transport being the main applications.
Compared to the already spacious CommandView cab on previous 8030 Series models, this new 8R and 8RT Series tractor cab has been significantly enhanced. Key features include:
• 7% more glass;
• 10% additional interior volume;
• four times the storage space for keeping documents, flasks, cool bags and other items in place;
• right-hand console entirely removed;
• 25% more seat swivel for improved views of both tractor and implement.

New CommandArm
Most functions that were formerly located on the right-hand console have been relocated to the redesigned CommandArm, including a new 7-inch CommandCentre colour display. These include hydraulic, hitch and transmission settings, climate and mechanical front wheel drive controls, and radio and navigation controls.
Additional operator friendly features include:
• the back of the passenger seat can serve as a table after folding down;
• 30% increased airflow, eliminating dead spots;
• improved defrosting and defogging.
Three lighting packages are available to provide these powerful workhorses with around the clock productivity for various applications. One of these options provides 360-degree stadium-style lighting to ensure no need for adjustments and no dead zones.
All 8R and 8RT Series tractors for EU markets are equipped with 9 litre four-valve common rail John Deere PowerTech Plus diesel engines. These can provide up to 345hp, or up to 378hp on the top of the range models by utilising a nine to 10 per cent power bulge. The nine-litre PowerTech Plus engine incorporates variable geometry turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology to meet Tier III requirements.
PowerTech Plus engines are also equipped with Intelligent Power Management (IPM), which provides up to 35 additional hp in non-stationary pto and transport applications, and up to 47 additional hp with maximum IPM at 1,900rpm.
To supply the engines of 8RT Series track tractors with a sufficient amount of fuel for long working days, fuel tank capacity has been increased by more than 50% to 758 litres. According to initial factory tests, the fuel economy of these new tractors is expected to be just as competitive as on previous models.

Compared to the already spacious CommandView cab on previous 8030 Series models, this new 8R and 8RT Series tractor cab has been significantly enhanced.

Most functions that were formerly located on the right-hand console have been relocated to the redesigned CommandArm.

Customers will have a choice of two transmission options on all 8R and 8RT Series tractors: a 16/5 automatic PowerShift transmission or the AutoPowr infinitely variable transmission with right-hand power reverser. The AutoPowr transmission will now exclusively enable John Deere track tractor owners to precisely vary their speed and even operate the tractors with creeper speeds as low as 50m/hr. Both transmissions allow a 24% increase in transport speed to 42km/hr.
John Deere’s new 8R and 8RT tractors are equipped with a load sensing, pressure and flow compensating hydraulic system which features a 167 lit/min or optional 227 lit/min pump. Five electro-hydraulic SCVs are available for multiple operations. Depending on the horsepower level, maximum lift capacity of the three-point hitch reaches 11,762kg at the hooks, so that even Category 4N/3 implements can be lifted. A front hitch with a lift capacity of up to 5,200kg is optionally available for 8R wheel tractors.
The 8R power take-off is electro-hydraulically engaged via an independent oil-cooled multiple disc clutch and features 1,000/540rpm at a fuel saving 2,000/1,820 engine rpm, while 8RT tractors offer a 1,000rpm pto. For easier access, external fender mounted control switches are available.
John Deere’s 8R wheel tractors are equipped with front axle independent link suspension (ILS), a benchmark technology which was first introduced in 2002. Active Seat is the secondary suspension system, exclusive to all 8R wheel models. This isolates the operator from 90% cent of the vertical movements in typical tractor applications, meaning less operator fatigue and more comfort at faster field speeds.
The new undercarriage suspension with AirCushion system on 8RT tractors makes a significant improvement to overall ride quality and operator comfort. The 8RT models have one air cushion bag and one track tension accumulator per track, compared with two on the previous 9030T Series.

Longer wheelbase
The wheelbase of the new 8RT tractors has been lengthened by 254mm, providing a longer footprint to deliver the higher horsepower to the ground. In addition, this increased length helps to distribute the weight better and provide a smoother ride. There is a choice of two mid-roller widths, and their diameter has also increased by 55mm to improve durability.
The tracks themselves are also new and are available in widths of 635 or 762mm. New lug pitches will help traction in wet conditions, and the two widest tracks will come with wide mid-rollers as standard. New wide drive wheels are also available as standard in the UK and Ireland, for better traction and weight distribution.
The new 8RT tractors also utilise the massive 9030T Series front idlers, which reduce flexing of the belt for increased belt life. In addition, the outboard planetary drives have been eliminated and replaced by inboard drives for easier tread spacing and adjustment.
John Deere 8R and 8RT Series tractors now feature intelligent total equipment control (iTEC), which replaces the previous implement management system (IMS). This integrated tractor and implement control system is easy to set up and operate, relieving the operator’s workload and saving time during headland turns.
In addition, a range of guidance solutions are available for 8R and 8RT Series tractors. All models will come AutoTrac-ready as standard, while optional upgrades include iTEC Pro for automatic headland turns, and iGuide passive implement control for more accurate work in hilly conditions. Information management and automation systems for field documentation are also available.

John Deere 8R and 8RT tractor range:

For more information visit: www.johndeere.co.uk.