John Deere announces 8RX quad track tractor

John Deere has announced its MY20 new product line-up which includes revamped 8R and 8RT tractor models as well as a brand new series - the 8RX with four-tracks and power ranging from 310 to 410hp.

According to John Deere production agriculture marketing manager, Tammy Lee, the 8RX models offer all the benefits of tracks while providing the driving experience of a wheeled tractor.

“They represent the next leap forward in tractor innovation and have everything customers like about 8R wheel tractors with the addition of four independent tracks and a new fully suspended cab that makes them more comfortable to operate,” she said.

“This new machine form delivers unmatched flotation, traction and ride quality.”

In addition, the 8RX offers the pulling performance of tracks by providing more surface area of contact, less ground pressure and less slip than wheel tractors, Deere said.

“We didn’t just add tracks to an 8R Tractor. This is a fully engineered John Deere four-track solution, not a bolt-on aftermarket product,” Lee said.

“A key component is the John Deere 1700 pivoting beam axle, specifically designed for a four-track tractor to provide the necessary strength and enable adjustability of tread spacings to fit grower needs.”

John Deere offers a range of track and axle configurations for its new 8RX Tractors. Multiple tread-spacing options are available and include 193, 203.2, 223.5, or 304.8cm (76, 80, 88, or 120-inch) wide front axles. Three belt widths are available and include 45.7 and 60.9 cm (18 and 24-inch) wide front belts, or 45.7, 60.9 and 76.2cm (18, 24 and 30-inch) wide rear belts.

All new 8 family tractors are equipped with Deere’s latest precision technology solutions that allow easier remote monitoring, tractor and field operations management and data transfer.

An integrated Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter display, StarFire 6000 integrated receiver and AutoTrac activation come standard on the new tractors, with premium or automation activations available as options.

A full suite of John Deere technology is included for the integration of automation, documentation and connectivity through the John Deere Operations Center.

“This Precision Ag Intelligence package includes JDLink with five years of service, John Deere Connected Support, Expert Alerts, Remote Display Access and Wireless Data Transfer – all backed by the industry’s best dealer network,” Lee said.

The new StarFire 6000 integrated receiver requires no calibration of the Terrain Compensation Module (TCM), is more accurate than previous models and is less vulnerable to theft, according to Lee.

“Coupled with the guidance system enhancements that were made, operators will be up and running with even greater accuracy in less time," she said.

Every tractor in the 8 family also received a larger cab - the largest John Deere has ever offered.

It offers an extra 5cm of headroom and a 24 per cent wider entry path. The interior is automotive-inspired and features a new control layout. Customers can choose from three Comfort and Convenience cab packages that include Select, Premium or Ultimate.

The Ultimate cab includes an exclusive new leather seat with electronic adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage features, and smartphone integration with a 16.5cm (6.5-inch) touchscreen and multi-speaker system. Also included in the Ultimate cab are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, footrests and carpeted floor mat.

There are also three visibility packages available - Select, Premium and Ultimate. The Ultimate visibility package features 22 work LED and eight convenience LED lights - twice as many lights as current models for 360 degree lighting coverage.

The Ultimate Visibility package also comes with electric, heated, telescopic mirrors; wipers and sunshades on the front, right-hand side and rear; and integrated front and rear cameras.

The new tractor range comes with a choice of transmissions including the John Deere 16-Speed PST, e23 PowerShift transmission or optional Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT).

“These updated tractors are the most intelligent, comfortable and dependable tractors we have ever produced,” Lee said.

“With more horsepower, 17 percent more fuel capacity and an efficient drivetrain, an 8R 410 can help operators cover more acres per day more efficiently.”

John Deere’s 8RT two-tracked tractors offer four models from 310 to 410hp, and transport at speeds up to 26 mph.

Ordering and pricing information will be available in December for model year 2020, with shipments of 8 Family of Tractors expected to begin from May 2020.