John Deere announces MY19 updates for 8R and 8RT tractors

John Deere has announced several productivity-enhancing and operator comfort updates to its 8R and 8RT Tractors for the 2019 model year.

The 8R wheeled and 8RT two-tracked range of workhorses feature outputs ranging from 245 to 400hp.

“For the 2019 model year tractors, we’re making the Premium CommandView III Cab with cab suspension, standard on all 8RT series tractors,” said John Deere large tractors product marketing manager, Tiffany Turner.

“Coupled with the proven AirCushion suspension system, which is well known to improve field ride, the new cab suspension helps ensure operators will experience the most comfortable ride possible in a two-track tractor.”

John Deere has also introduced a steering circuit change and recalibrated the steering sensitivity to further enhance operator comfort and control. All 8RT Series tractors get a new steering pump, changes to the loop-override circuit and new, in-cab steering sensitivity adjustment.

“These changes greatly improve steering response and authority on 8RT Series Tractors, when working in heavy draft, soft field conditions and in obstacle avoidance manoeuvres,” Turner said.

“Combined, they give the John Deere 8RT the ability to turn under load like no other two-track tractor in the industry.”

A factory-installed Generation 4 CommandCenter 18-1 Software update is also included as base equipment on new 8R and 8RT tractors.

8R and 8RT Series Tractors come with a choice of engines; either the John Deere PowerTech 9-litre Tier 2 engine or PowerTech PSS 9-litre Tier-4 final engine.

The 2019 8RT series tractors also feature a redesigned fuel tank and a six per cent increase in fuel capacity (803 litres), to deliver a longer run time between fills.

The Independent-Link Suspension (ILS) front axle on the 8R wheeled series has also been updated.

“The design features a wider upper pivot A-arm lug for greater strength and reliability,” Turner said.

“We also added guards to the suspension position sensor to protect it from debris and improved wire harness routing to eliminate failures in flex regions.”

A time-saving battery disconnect switch will be standard equipment starting with the 8R and 8RT series tractors. The switch allows operators to disconnect battery power to the entire tractor without having to disconnect battery cables.