Anyone who takes even a casual look around the automotive, heavy truck and machinery industries these days will notice driveline technology seems to be changing significantly — and rapidly. Electrification and alternative power systems are increasing in all sectors. The internal combustion engine is still king, but other pretenders to the throne are rapidly emerging. In some ways, it’s reminiscent of the early part of the last century as steam power gradually gave way to gasoline engines.
This year, John Deere, which showed a concept fully electric-drive prototype autonomous tractor at the last Agritechnica machinery show in Germany, has recently taken a step toward incorporating partial electrification in its 8R tractor line. The 2023 model year 410-horsepower 8R, 8RT and 8RX models will be available with a new stepless electric variable transmission (EVT). Deere says the design enables precise speed control and enhanced drivability.
“An EVT has electric motors in place of the hydrostatic motors, which improves transmission performance, reliability and increased efficiency,” said Ryan Jardon, marketing manager for John Deere. “The EVT brings everything customers appreciate from an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) into higher-horsepower 8 series tractors. Inherently, the electrical components of an EVT are extremely reliable, offer tremendous longevity and provide better overall tractor control, along with a system built for easy serviceability and diagnostics. In addition, customers will notice an EVT operates more quietly than an IVT.”
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Electricity may not replace the 8R tractor line’s diesel engines in the near future, but it will almost certainly see increased importance in a variety of systems beyond just the transmission. Jardon says he believes electrification is here to stay, and in the future the EVT will likely be the transmission of choice for customers.
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“In the future, EVT-equipped 8 series tractors will optionally feature electric power generation capable of off-boarding electricity to power implements,” he said. “This EVT is the industry’s only transmission that enables electric power generation (up to 100 kilowatts). By using this electricity, farmers could power implement fan drives (that) take the place of implement hydraulic pumps or assist the tractor by powering the implement’s axles. This is similar to proven technology John Deere currently uses on construction equipment.”
Decades ago, LeTourneau construction equipment introduced electricity in several systems instead of hydraulics to lift and lower components. In a way, it seems, we’re seeing a new, more sophisticated take on an old idea. And electric drive also allows for a re-engineering of machine designs. Agricultural implements with powered axles are already successfully used in Europe to help push the tractor from behind while working in the field.
“EVT technology off-boards electricity from the tractor to provide added power to the implement and can reduce wheel slip, improve uphill performance and enable the tractor to pull wide implements without the need for extra ballast or a larger tractor,” Jardon said.
Deere plugs new diesel engines into its biggest 9R tractors
John Deere had something new to talk about for its flagship 9R series tractors for the 2023 model year. The green brand will be introducing the new JD14X 13.6-litre diesel engine as the power plant in the largest models in that line. The JD14X engine delivers 640-rated horsepower. Model year 2022, 390- to 590-horsepower 9 series tractors also use this engine. Based on internal testing, the JD14X engine in 9R 640 and 9RX 640 tractors uses seven per cent less fuel than previous models, according to Deere.
“These new engines were built for outstanding performance (and) greater reliability, and we have made them easier to access and service,” Jardon said. “The engine features a 500-hour oil change interval, hydraulic fan drive and a high-pressure common rail fuel delivery system for increased fuel atomization, efficiency and power, along with faster start times. Customers told us they appreciate the lugging capabilities the new engine has brought to their 9 series tractors.”
