John Deere is adding new features to its 8R Series tractors from 260-360hp, which also now meet European Stage IIIB emissions regulations.
    The company's 8260R, 8285R, 8310R, 8335R and 8360R tractors have a new, fuel-efficient PowerTech PSX nine-litre six-cylinder engine that provides higher horsepower and torque while utilising field-proven technology to meet the new emissions standards.
    The new engine utilises established exhaust gas recirculation and variable geometry turbocharger technology, with the addition of an exhaust filter that contains a diesel oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter, as widely used in the construction and automotive industries. This automatically cleans itself during normal machine operation.
    The latest models each offer an increase of 15hp over previous models, with the potential to add a further 35hp boost using Intelligent Power Management in non-stationary PTO and transport applications. There is the same choice of 16F/5R automatic PowerShift or AutoPowr infinitely variable transmissions on all new models except the top of the range 8360R, which is AutoPowr only.
    Independent Link Suspension is also available as standard with the 50km/hr AutoPowr transmission, and optional on the 40km/hr AutoPowr and PowerShift transmissions.

The new bonnet styling on the 8R is common to all Deere's large tractors.

    The new models, which feature a new family styling common to Deere's 6R, 7R, 8R and 9R tractors, will be available with complimentary JDLink Ultimate telematics plus Service Advisor remote monitoring and diagnostics systems for the first year, as well as a new advanced GreenStar 3 CommandCenter cab display.
    New ActiveCommand Steering, which won a DLG gold medal at Agritechnica in 2009, is also optionally available. This is an electronic, fly-by-wire steering system that uses a computer to optimise the tractor's steering based on the driver's inputs.
    Available from November 2011, the new tractors are all available with a factory supplied new front hitch with 5.2t of lift capacity. The hitch is compatible with Deere's intelligent Total Equipment Control system, which allows the operator to automate multiple tractor functions simultaneously, for enhanced operator comfort.
    The hitch is available with a integrated front PTO that delivers up to 175hp and is equipped with an interchangeable flanged PTO shaft that can be operated clockwise or anticlockwise. Three PTO shafts are available, all operating at 1,000rpm. They are: 1 3/8in six-spline; 1 3/8in 21-spline; and 1 3/4in 20-spline.
    In addition to the front hitch improvements, the new 8R Series tractors also now feature up to six SCVs on the rear hitch, providing even greater versatility for the most demanding applications and customer requirements.
    The updated tractor range will include tracked versions of the top three models, the 8310RT, 8335RT and 8360RT. The tracks offer increased traction, flotation and pulling power for specific applications, and feature Deere's established AirCushion suspension system.

For more information visit: www.johndeere.co.uk.