Roomier, more advanced 7R tractors introduced

John Deere has updated its 7R range of tractors for model year 2020 with a larger cab, more comfort features and more technology in the cab for a better overall operating experience.

The 7R series offers seven models altogether ranging from 210 to 330hp to cater to a wide range of applications including crop, livestock, hay and transporting.

"The new 7R tractors deliver high-horsepower capabilities in a compact, easy-to-manoeuvre chassis," said John Deere production agriculture marketing manager, Tammy Lee.

"The latest updates strengthen dependability and simplify routine maintenance and service work while adding new technology."

A key upgrade on the new series is an all new cab which John Deere said is its largest ever. The cab entry now offers five extra centimetres of headroom and a 24 per cent wider entry path for easier entry and egress.

The cab interior is automotive-inspired and provides easy access to controls. Customers can choose from three Comfort and Convenience cab packages including Select, Premium and Ultimate.

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

In addition, three Visibility packages are offered, Select, Premium and Ultimate. For more efficient night-time operation, Ultimate Visibility features 22 work LED and eight convenience LED lights, twice as many lights as current models.

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

John Deere has also replaced the previous hydro-pneumatic cab suspension system with a mechanical system which the company said does not compromise on comfort and performance levels.

"For customers who demand an even smoother ride and higher levels of industry-leading comfort, they can add either a new ActiveSeat II or our proven Triple-Link Suspension Plus,” Lee said.

All MY20 7R tractors are equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard technology, Deere added. These include a Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter display, StarFire 6000 integrated receiver and AutoTrac activation.

"Additional premium or automation activations are available so customers can upgrade and choose the level of accuracy they prefer," Lee said.

Other standard technology that comes with the new 7R include JDLink with five years of service, John Deere Connected Support, Expert Alerts, Remote Display Access and Wireless Data Transfer.

Deere said the new StarFire 6000 integrated receiver requires no calibration of the Terrain Compensation Module (TCM) and is more accurate than previous models and less vulnerable to theft. "Coupled with the guidance system enhancements that were made, operators will be up and running with even greater accuracy in less time," Lee said.

A smooth-shifting e23 PowerShift transmission comes standard on the 7R series which has been designed to handle sudden, high-torque power loads while maintaining responsive, quick and smooth shifts. Three modes of operation help automate gear selection and RPMs to keep the desired ground speed maintained based on load. Otherwise, customers can also opt for the Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) if they wish.

When combined with the optional CommandPRO control lever, the IVT can offer operators powerful, smooth and efficient tractor control. The CommandPRO multi-function control lever puts tractor speed, direction and implement control in the palm of the operator's hand.

Eleven reconfigurable buttons can be customised to fit the work being done. "The precise speed control of CommandPRO makes implement hookups easy and allows you to accelerate from zero to top speed with the push of the lever - perfect for road transport," Lee said.

John Deere has made a number of modifications to make servicing as hassle and pain free as possible. These changes include relocated and improved access to components, simplified systems and improved onboard diagnostics.

"In addition, the number of hydraulic connections were reduced, decreasing the number of potential leak points. A new decal was placed inside the tractor's hood panel with service and maintenance points clearly identified to make these tasks easier to perform,” Lee said.

Ordering and pricing information will be available in December for new model year 2020 7R tractors, with shipments expected to begin next May.