John Deere has announced that it is adding three new high horsepower (hp) tractor models to its 8R and 8RX series.
With the rated engine outputs of 440hp, 490hp, and 540 hp, the models are designed for the demands of heavy draft applications and long working days typical of large European farm operations.
All models are equipped with the JD14 13.6L engine, which can deliver up to 634hp through Peak Power Intelligent Power Management (PP IPM).
According to John Deere, this makes its top model 8R/8RX 540 “the world’s most powerful standard-design tractor”.
With up to 418 l/min hydraulic flow, large drills are easily powered, the manufacturer said.
The tractor comes with an optional Category 5 drawbar and a double‑acting rear hitch with up to 10.8t lift capacity at 610mm.
Two new double‑acting front hitch options offer up to 4.8 t at 610mm.
The series is designed to handle all heavy duty implements, from large-scale mulchers to power take-off (PTO)-driven silage distributors.
The new tractors also feature an optional Jake Brake engine brake with up to 300kW of brake power.
When the brake is engaged, it automatically responds whenever actual speed differs from pre-selected speed, “delivering smooth deceleration with one pedal ease, while protecting the main brake for longer life”, John Deere said.
Superior traction and power for tillage
The JD14 engine in the 8 series high-horsepower line-up provides up to 2,695Nm maximum torque and a constant power range from 1,450-1,900rpm.
PP IPM provides an additional 40hp across the main engine speed range down to 1,600rpm, which John Deere said will give “extra power” in those demanding situations with “high-load PTO and electrically or hydraulically driven implements”.
The new 8R tractor models are available with tyres up to 2.30m at the rear and 1.85m in the front.
Both the single‑ and dual‑wheel configurations, including dual front tyres up to 710mm wide, can be equipped with the John Deere single‑line Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS), which automatically adjusts tyre pressures at any speed and temperature.
Transport speeds of 60km/h at 1,440rpm or 50 km/h at 1,200rpm are available on wheeled versions, depending on market regulations.
John Deere highlighted that the new 8RX models uses the updated, four-track system with redesigned undercarriages and Soucy CustomFit P series belts.
The low tension belt design is aimed to reduce belt stress and extend its operating life, according to the manufacturers.
With choice on configuration, the track system provides a contact area of up to 4.87m² and thus ground pressures as low as 0.4kg/cm², the goal being to help minimise soil compaction.
The stepless eAutoPowr transmission is in base for all new 8R/8RX models.
John Deere said the system uses “an electro-mechanical split-path layout that replaces hydrostatic components with maintenance-free electric motor generators, thus improving energy flow efficiency” compared to conventional hydrostatic solutions.
The new heavy-duty independent link suspension (HD ILS) front axle ensures efficient power transfer and a turning radius of approximately 7m, supporting smaller headlands and precise path-to-path operation.
Fuel tank capacities of 936L on the 8R models, and up to 1,123L on 8RX machines, helps “support long working days with operating times of up to 14 hours at 85% load”.
Cab and operator environment
The CommandView 4 cab is stocked with a redesigned CommandARM with display that allows the operator to recall seat settings and personalise the cab environment by controlling radio, A/C and phone.
The new CommandARM also features two new joystick options: the CommandX Plus for basic operation; or the advanced CommandX Pro for expert-level control.
Both provide enhanced configurability, including new phone and infotainment control, new G5 plus display navigation, and extended Precision Ag functionalities.
The cab also contains a push button start with pin protection and door clinch for softer closing.
Additionally, the CommandView 4 Plus cab on the new 8RX high horsepower models offers 15% more legroom and a 20% wider panoramic field of view in comparison to the 8R standard series cab.
All new 8R and 8RX models are equipped in base with a StarFire 7500 receiver, a G5 plus CommandCenter display and JDLink connectivity to support consistent quality of work and recue operational mistakes.
John Deere said that added innovations will be launched throughout the year and further features of the 8 series high-horsepower tractors integrated into the current 8R/RX/RT standard series models.
