IN PICTURES: John Deere reveals new 7R and 8R series tractors
Featuring expanded ranges, more power, greater functionality, boosted comfort and a healthy dose of styling updates, John Deere has been busy overhauling its 7R and 8R series tractors.
Set to make their public debut at next week’s Agritechnica machinery show in Germany, we check out some of the details to John Deere’s latest 7R and 8R series tractors.
On top of more models and wheel and track options, detailed below, common to both tractor series is a new cab. Taking centre stage is a new seat which features perforated leather trim, heating, active air circulation, a two-zone massage function and various electric and pneumatic adjustment. In addition, the manufacturer’s Active Seat II suspension has been improved to provide better response and increased reduction of vertical shocks.
A larger integrated fridge has doubled in capacity to 11 litres. Entertainment is boosted by a new 6.1 surround sound system with subwoofer, while a new 6.5 inch DAB touchscreen head unit provides infotainment functions and works with Apple CarPlay.
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Further detailed cab improvements include a wider entry and lower placed door handles, as well as self-cancelling indicators. The air conditioning system has also been relocated under the cab, providing more headroom and reducing in-cab noise - cooling and heating capacity has nearly doubled, claims Deere.
Those with a keen eye may have noticed a new model numbering scheme, which rather than have the numbers and letters all grouped together as before, sees them split up. For example, rather than 7310R, on the bonnet will now read 7R 310. As before, the number still relates to the rated power.
Availability and prices are yet to be confirmed.
7R and 8R series overview
|
Model |
Type |
Rated power (hp) |
Max. power without IPM (hp) |
Max. power with IPM (hp) |
Transmission |
|
7R 750 |
- |
250 |
275 |
290 |
e23 or AutoPowr |
|
7R 270 |
- |
270 |
297 |
305 |
e23 or AutoPowr |
|
7R 290 |
- |
290 |
319 |
332 |
e23 or AutoPowr |
|
7R 310 |
- |
310 |
341 |
352 |
e23 or AutoPowr |
|
7R 330 |
- |
330 |
363 |
373 |
e23 or AutoPowr |
|
8R 280 |
8R |
280 |
308 |
326 |
16/5 PowerShift, e23 or AutoPowr |
|
8R 310 |
8R, 8RT and 8RX |
310 |
341 |
357 |
16/5 PowerShift*, e23 or AutoPowr |
|
8R 340 |
8R, 8RT and 8RX |
340 |
374 |
388 |
16/5 PowerShift*, e23 or AutoPowr |
|
8R 370 |
8R, 8RT and 8RX |
370 |
407 |
420 |
e23 or AutoPowr |
|
8R 410 |
8R, 8RT and 8RX |
410 |
443 |
458 |
E23 |
*Note: The 16/5 PowerShift transmission is not available on the 8RT and 8RX 310 and 340 models.
7R updates
Deere’s latest generation 7R series tractors include a new flagship model, the 7R 330, which delivers a maximum power rating of 363hp or 373hp with the firm’s Intelligent Power Management (IPM). Conversely, at the other end of the scale, the smallest 7230 has been dropped.
The five-model range is available with a choice of the manufacturer’s continuously variable AutoPowr or powershift e23 transmissions.
As well as a new cab, operators are treated to the company’s new CommandPro joystick, which is now optionally available on all 7R series tractors with the AutoPowr transmission. This operating concept was first introduced on 6R Series tractors.
Using the EZ Ballast option, the tractor can also be ballasted from the cab within seconds for heavier cultivation work, says the manufacturer.
8R developments
Now available with the choice of wheels (8R), twin tracks (8RT) or four tracks (8RX), John Deere claims it is the first farm equipment manufacturer to produce a range of standard tractors offering three different drive concepts.
The 8RX series, in particular, has been developed with the aim of maximising soil protection without compromising performance. Deere says it provides by far the lowest contact surface compression in this class, along with a transport width of less than three metres and 40kph unrestricted road speed. It is also said that maneuverability is maintained while minimising any noticeable soil scuffing effect when turning.
Compared to common industry two-track designs, the 8RX is significantly more stable on hillsides, says the manufacturer, and performs well in more challenging soil conditions.
Tracks are available in widths from 41 to 76cm (16 to 30 inches), providing a total ground contact area of more than 4.5sq.m.
All 8Rs retain John Deere’s existing nine-litre PowerTech engines, with an increase of 40hp on the 8RT 410.
Transmission options include the 16 by five powershift, which is now available up to the 8R 340 model, the e23 powershift and the CVT AutoPowr.
Rear brakes have been reinforced, meaning front brakes are no longer necessary even at 50kph, says John Deere. However, additional front brakes can still be ordered.
Like the 7Rs, the 8R series, depending on transmission option, can be specified with the firm’s CommandPro control concept option.
Technology
The tractor’s AutoTrac automatic steering system has also been updated, with wireless data transfer to the John Deere Operations Centre provided free of charge for five years. Field boundaries, guidance lines and set-up data as well as crop planning and documentation can all be managed using this web-based platform, says the manufacturer.
A new feature is AutoSetup System which makes it possible to download all field, machine and implement data required for individual jobs directly to the tractor. This is said to simplify the process and means the tractor is ready to use quicker in the field, while removing the possibility of an incorrect setup. AutoSetup will be available shortly after the first of these new 7R and 8R series tractors arrive in Europe in 2020.
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