Up until now, John Deere’s prototype, four-track, articulated tractor designated the 9RX (at least for the time being) has had a lot in common with the infamous bigfoot. A lot of people believe it exists. A few even swear they’ve seen one. And the Internet is full of grainy pictures showing what might be it somewhere off in the distance.
But at Deere’s dealer convention in August, the company finally brought the elusive 9RX out into the open, giving dealers and the media an official look at one, albeit a fleeting glimpse. A 620 horsepower version boldly rolled out of the darkness and onto centre stage at the convention hall as several hundred admirers looked on amid rock music and an impressive light show.
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“There is an exciting new 9 Series tractor in development,” said the event’s master of ceremonies during the official launch show, just before the tractor rolled out. “We know your customers have been asking for it. And we thought it was important to give you a sneak peek at the prototype. Once the 9RX is released, John Deere will be the only manufacturer to offer all configurations available in the four-wheel drive tractor market, wheeled, two track and four track.”
But other than that brief comment, no one at Deere was giving away any details about the 9RX. During a media briefing the next day, a journalist asked John Lagemann, senior vice president, sales and marketing, ag and turf division, when the tractor would be ready to head to dealers’ lots. Lagemann replied only, “Sometime in the future.”
So, betting on the actual release date might make for an excellent alternative to usual hockey pool this winter.
For a video look at the reveal of the 9RX tractor during Deere’s product launch show, go online to e-QuipTV at grainews.ca.
