John Deere just announced one of the most significant updates to its 8 Series tractor line since the addition of the 8RX version.
Three new wheeled and three new tracked models have been added to the top of the 8 Series, pushing rated horsepower to an eye-popping 540, with a power bulge to 634. And all of that comes from a 14-litre engine, which is a first for the 8 Series.
To handle that bigger engine, Deere’s engineers had to do a ground-up redesign of the chassis, beefing it up and making it larger.
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“The JD14 engine has been used in a lot of other machine forms, including the 9Rs and 9RXs, but it’s new to the 8Rs,” says Michael Porter, marketing manager for large tractors and tillage.
“It’s not just about putting that engine into an 8 (Series tractor). It’s a completely new frame and design from the ground up, even a new assembly line at Waterloo (Iowa), to make this package work. We basically built a new tractor around that engine.”
The new models are rated at 440, 490 and 540 horsepower and are available in wheeled and four-tracked versions.
Deere’s Intelligent Power Management has been been updated to the new Peak Power IPM system, which unlocks the power bulge on a wider range of load demands, allowing the 540 model to hit 634 peak ponies in more situations.
“We’ve enabled that to be unlocked in a lot more opportunities: in steep hills, pulling electric planters, hydraulic loads as well as transport speeds,” says Porter.
“We’re enabling it to still have that 10 per cent power bulge to the tires and still get through those tough scenarios.
“We’re going to have to work with our customers so they fully understand all the opportunities Peak Power IPM is unlocking. It’s a big deal for these tractors. It punches way above the (model number) sticker on the side.”
Power supply, power demand
Bolted to the back of the JD14 engines is Deere’s Electric Variable Transmission, which replaces internal hydraulic motors with electric.
The green brand has been offering a version of that transmission in the line’s existing 410 model. Electric motors allow the transmission to run quieter and reduce the time it would take mechanics to diagnose a problem than on a conventional hydraulic IVT.
There are other features that improve servicing as well, including making daily checks easier.
Building on the model year 2025 enhancement of ground-up serviceability changes on high-horsepower 9RX tractors, the engine oil, coolant and hydraulic oil sight gauges are at eye level so fluids can be quickly checked. Air filter servicing, fuel and DEF fills can now be done from the ground.
One of the key differences the EVT provides is an outlet for off-board power supply. However, it isn’t supplying the 700-volt current that the agricultural engineering world has set as standard for implement supply.
“One of those electric motors is always taking electrical power from the drivetrain, using it for another function,” says Porter.
“We’ve had a couple of different OEMs work with us to find uses for that power in the 700-volt range. This model year tractor is the first time we’re able to use a 56-volt system, which is what our planters run on today.
“Instead of having a p.t.o. or generator to run that planter, we’re able to just plug straight in to the back of the tractor. This is a step our customers have been waiting and asking for. A lot of detail went into looking at what these tractors are being used for and building up that feature set to give value back to customers.”
That electric power supply can be controlled directly from the in-cab terminal.
When it comes to hydraulic capacity, the previous maximum 87 g.p.m. (329 l/mn) in the existing 8 Series models gets boosted to 110 g.p.m. (416 l/mn) in the new tractors. The steering system gets its own dedicated hydraulic pump so implement supply won’t get disrupted.
“The cab on the 8RX is the same cab we introduced on the 9RX, the CommandView 4 plus,” says Porter.
“We are giving them more space, exclusively on the 8RX. The 8R cabs are the same as today’s 8R cabs, but the inside is completely new. It starts with a new CommandArm. We’re calling this our next generation of John Deere operator experience. This is the first machine from Deere that will adopt this.”
There is also a new display screen under the G5 display that controls tractor functions and programmable features on the control arm.
There are now three options for transmission control: the CommandX, CommandX Plus and CommandX Pro.
“Some of the improvements will come over (to existing smaller 8Rs) when we talk about the cab and controls,” says Porter.
“I would say there are a lot of things that are exclusive to these (bigger) 8s.”
Don’t think the old standard red John Deere key will fire up one of these new models. For improved security, the tractors get a push-button start with increased security features, such as requiring a PIN if an owner wants.
“It’s the first from Deere on the Ag and Turf side,” says Porter.
“It also uses a PIN number or code, if the customer wants to, to prevent someone from starting the machine.”
