Advancements in Deere 8R Series Tractors

Advancements in Deere 8R Series Tractors

John Deere – March 4, 2021

Modern agricultural producers are embracing innovative methodologies to maximize yield and efficiency. Responding to these evolving demands, John Deere has refined its 8 Series Tractors for the 2022 model year. These enhancements build upon a robust technological base, offering novel solutions backed by the comprehensive support of a single dealership for specialized equipment. The 8 Series encompasses wheel configurations (8R), two-track models (8RT), and four-track options (8RX).

Newly available enhancements for the 8R Tractors feature the Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS), and for the 8RX Tractors, the ExactRate Tractor Tanks. These features are designed to conserve valuable time, reduce operational expenses, and enable farmers to cover more acreage during critical growing periods.

Adjusting tire pressure on large tractors can be time-consuming, often necessitating specialized equipment that potentially compromises pressure consistency when transitioning between field and transport modes. John Deere’s CTIS streamlines this process on 8R Tractors fitted with Independent Link Suspension (ILS). Selecting the “road” setting increases tire pressure, optimizing transport efficiency and minimizing tire wear for improved handling and ride comfort. Conversely, the “field” setting lowers pressure, expanding the footprint and maximizing lug engagement, thereby reducing slip and minimizing ground compaction for enhanced agronomic results.

“With CTIS, operators can effortlessly monitor and adjust tire pressure at a rate of up to 2 PSI per minute, directly from the cab with the convenience of a push-button interface,” explains Ryan Jardon, tactical marketing manager for John Deere. “CTIS simplifies the process of adjusting and optimizing inflation for any task.”

Another innovative solution from John Deere enables farmers to apply fertilizer at higher rates during planting, and cover up to 80 acres between refills (at a rate of 20 gallons per acre) while operating an 8RX Tractor equipped with the newly designed 1,000-gallon ExactRate Tractor Tanks alongside a John Deere planter boasting 600-gallon tanks. Previously, achieving this level of planting efficiency would have required frequent stops or the addition of large, external commodity tanks to the tractor.

For producers seeking heightened agronomic benefits at planting, such as improved flotation, pairing an 8RX with ExactRate Tractor Tanks with a John Deere track-equipped planter maintains ground pressure below 15 PSI. The four-track 8RX minimizes soil compaction by up to 14% compared to wheel tractors fitted with third-party tanks, even while carrying a substantial payload.

“Third-party tank solutions can increase the tractor’s width, hindering operator entry and exit, and reducing visibility,” Jardon notes. “ExactRate Tractor Tanks are a factory-engineered solution supported by John Deere dealers, offering greater convenience, exceptional visibility, and ample space for cab access. The tanks provide a seamless fluid transfer to the planter through factory-installed plumbing and hardware. This fully integrated system is monitored and controlled via the John Deere Generation 4 Display.”

All 8 Series Tractors provide industry-leading operator comfort, visibility, and technology, with a choice of three Comfort and Convenience packages and three Visibility packages, featuring multiple lighting configurations.

All 8 Series Tractors come standard with JDLink connectivity, an integrated StarFire 6000 GPS receiver, a Generation 4 CommandCenter display, and AutoTrac guidance. These technologies empower operators to minimize overlap, maximize input efficiency, and reduce operator stress. JDLink includes 5 years of service, simplifying access to the benefits of a connected machine, including machine-to-machine communication, streaming machine, field, and crop data to the John Deere Operations Center, and access to John Deere Connected Support. These integrated technologies help farmers save time and cut costs.

“The factory-installed Automation 4.0 capabilities deliver season-long benefits. For example, AutoTrac Turn Automation and MachineSync ensure consistent operations on headlands and when multiple machines work in unison, such as during seeding, when two tractors are operating in the same field. Automation 4.0 also enables AutoPath, allowing farmers to accurately document and precisely follow each row of crops throughout the growing season,” Jardon explains. Utilizing data gathered during the initial pass – whether strip-tilling or planting – AutoPath establishes precise guidance lines for all subsequent field operations, regardless of machine type or implement width. This ensures accurate row finding, minimizes overlaps and crop damage, and eliminates the need for guess rows.

Wheel 8R Tractors are available in seven models, ranging from 230 to 410 horsepower, capable of pulling large planters and tillage equipment. A range of front-axle options are available, including mechanical front-wheel-drive (MFWD) or ILS, which delivers more power to the ground and enhances ride quality and operator comfort.

Four models of two-track 8RT Tractors are offered, ranging from 310 to 410 horsepower, and boast the widest range of available row-spacing adjustability, from 72 to 160 inches in 4-inch increments. Two-track tractors offer a 23% larger footprint with reduced ground pressure and lower slip compared to wheel tractors, making them ideally suited for row-crop work, straight-line pulling, and broad-acre tillage. AirCusion axle suspension is standard, and when combined with the tractor’s 4-post cab suspension, delivers excellent in-field ride comfort.

Four-track 8RX Tractors combine the comfort and maneuverability of a wheel tractor with the pulling performance and flotation of a track tractor. This combination makes them well-suited for pulling large implements in row-crop or small grain fields. Four 8RX models are available, ranging from 310 to 410 horsepower.

Depending on the tractor, customers can choose from several transmission options to best suit their needs. Transmission options include a 16-speed PowerShift; e23 PowerShift; or the Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) with optional CommandPRO control, which places critical implement and tractor controls at the operator’s fingertips. The e23 PowerShift and IVT are capable of transport speeds up to 31 mph.

New MY22 8 Series updates will be available for order later this spring.