John Deere Press Room 2009

Introducing new levels of productivity and operator comfort, John Deere has announced its new 8R wheel tractors and 8RT track tractor models. Following the company’s new numbering strategy, these new tractors replace the current 8030 Series models, and line up as follows:

8030 Wheel Tractors (hp – 97/68 EC)	New 8R Wheel Tractors (hp – 97/68 EC)	New 8R Wheel Tractors with Intelligent Power Management (hp – 97/68 EC, preliminary figures)
8130 (225)	8245R (245)	8245R (280)
8230 (250)	8270R (270)	8270R (305)
8330 (280)	8295R (295)	8295R (330)
8430 (305)	8320R (320)	8320R (355)
8530 (330)	8345R (345)	8345R (380)
8030 Track Tractors (hp – 97/68 EC)	New 8R Track Tractors (hp – 97/68 EC)	New 8R Track Tractors with IPM (hp – 97/68 EC, preliminary figures)
8230T (240)	8295RT (295)	8295RT (330)
8330T (280)	8320RT (320)	8320RT (355)
8430T (305)	8345RT (345)	8345RT (380)

• Up to 380hp on the largest models will substantially increase customers’ productivity while maintaining optimum fuel economy
• Maximum operator performance with longer hours in the field will be enabled by the new CommandView II cab
• All-new 8R track tractors from the bottom up, including a new AirCushion suspension system that provides a smooth ride both on the road and in the field

Featuring increases of 15 to 20hp compared to the previous 8030 Series models, 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.

All-new CommandView II cab

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:

• seven per cent more glass;
• 10 per cent 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 per cent more seat swivel for improved views of both tractor and implement

Most functions that were formerly located on the right-hand console have been relocated to the redesigned CommandARM, including a new 7in 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 per cent 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.

Engines

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 380hp on the top of the range models by utilising a nine to 10 per cent power bulge. The 9 litre PowerTech Plus engine incorporates variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) 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 1900 rpm.

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 per cent 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.

Transmissions

Customers will have a choice of 16/5 automatic PowerShift or AutoPowr infinitely variable transmissions on all models except the top of the range 8345R and 8345RT, which are AutoPowr only. The AutoPowr transmission with right-hand power reverser 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 per cent increase in transport speed to 42kph.

Hydraulics

John Deere’s new 8R and 8RT tractors are equipped with a load sensing, pressure and flow compensating hydraulic system which features a 167 litre/min or optional 227 litre/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 5200kg is optionally available for 8R wheel tractors.

PTO

The 8R power take-off is electro-hydraulically engaged via an independent oil-cooled multiple disc clutch and features 1000/540rpm at a fuel saving 2000/1820 engine rpm, while 8RT tractors offer a 1000 rpm PTO. For easier access, external fender mounted control switches are available

Suspension

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 per 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 current 9030T Series.

New 8RT undercarriage

The wheelbase of the new 8RT tractors has been lengthened by 254mm (10in), 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 (25 or 30in). 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.

Putting new technology to work

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.

Berlin, September 2009