New John Deere 8R Series Tractors for 2011
2010-11-12

Following the introduction of the new 8R Series range of tractors last year, John Deere has announced five newly styled wheeled models from 260 to 360hp, designed to meet European Stage IIIB emissions regulations while maintaining excellent fuel economy.

John Deere 8R Series

Available from March 2011 in the UK and Ireland, the 8260R, 8285R, 8310R, 8335R and 8360R tractors feature a new fuel efficient PowerTech PSX 9-litre six-cylinder engine, which provides higher horsepower and torque while utilising field proven technology to meet the new emissions standards. Most other specifications remain the same as on the existing range.

For added security, the tractors will be fitted as standard with CESAR Datatag and immobiliser systems, with a unique key. In addition, new models will be supplied with complimentary JDLink Ultimate telematics plus Service ADVISOR remote monitoring and diagnostics systems for the first year, as well as a new, advanced GreenStar 3 CommandCentre cab display. New ActiveCommand Steering (ACS), which won a DLG gold medal at Agritechnica in 2009, will also be optionally available.

The new 8R Series tractors each offer an increase of 15hp over existing models, with the potential to add a further 35hp boost using Intelligent Power Management (IPM) in non-stationary pto and transport applications. There is the same choice of 16/5 automatic PowerShift or AutoPowr infinitely variable transmissions on all new models except the top of the range 8360R, which is AutoPowr only. Independent Link Suspension (ILS) is also available as standard with the 50kph AutoPowr transmission, and optional on the 40kph AutoPowr and PowerShift transmissions.

The new engine utilises established exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) technology, with the addition of an exhaust filter that contains a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), as widely used in the construction and automotive industries. This automatically cleans itself during normal machine operation.

Alongside these new tractors, John Deere has introduced new CoolGard II engine coolant, which provides greater stability at higher temperatures, and new Plus-50 II engine oil, specially formulated for Stage IIIB engines, which should be changed every 500 hours. New ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) fuel must also be used in Stage IIIB engines; more details on these and the new engine developments can be found in a special emissions section on the www.JohnDeere.co.uk website.

In addition to the new engines, more advanced technology has been integrated into simple-to-use controls in the cab that allow all operators to increase productivity, whatever their level of experience.

The telematics and remote monitoring features, supported by the newly designed JDLink website, allow the new 8R Series tractors to send location, operation and performance data via the web or a mobile phone. This helps producers gain even more efficiency and productivity, while avoiding downtime and improving fleet management.

If a service issue develops in the field, for example, technicians at the dealership can remotely diagnose the problem, determine the tractor's location and provide the solution. This reduces travel and downtime, as well as improving service and repair times even further.

The new ActiveCommand Steering option utilises breakthroughs in steering technology to deliver the ultimate in driver comfort and control, especially for those who do a lot of road work. Variable ratio steering also means fewer turns lock to lock at slow speeds, and quicker headland turns.

New GreenStar 3 2630 & CommandCentre displays

To help reduce clutter in the cab, the new GreenStar 3 CommandCentre display can be loaded with AutoTrac and Sprayer Pro automatic steering and control applications to eliminate the need for additional displays. The standard screen is AutoTrac and ISOBUS capable, while the optional touch screen version integrates a video feature to allow better visibility of implements, for example.

Another new option is the GreenStar 3 2630 touch screen display, which adds full tractor guidance and Application Pro implement systems plus documentation to the standard CommandCentre features. This replaces the existing 2600 display, and has a smaller profile with a more robust but same size screen. The 2630 also has a faster processor with more memory, and features USB and ethernet ports plus video capability. The brighter screen has a standby mode for road transport or night use, and offers different user access levels to allow managers to prevent less experienced operators from changing settings, for example.

Precision farming customers can also benefit from the new StarFire SF3000 receiver, which now offers the best satellite and terrain control performance on the market. This new design provides much quicker start-up and signal acquisition or re-acquisition than its predecessor, and can operate much more effectively in shaded conditions, for example when working up against tree lines.

This is because it is more sensitive, sees more satellites and can pick up more correction signals – including the Russian GLONASS signal as standard, when this becomes available. It also provides even greater accuracy through better terrain compensation on three axes, ie roll, pitch and yaw. The new StarFire SF3000 receiver is available now, with remote activation possible via the John Deere Stellar Support website.

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