JOHN DEERE 8000 & 9000

Driven by the market demand for more power, efficiency and productivity, but with a transport width of less than 3m, John Deere introduced an additional model to its current 8000 Series line-up late last year.

A few of these machines have been sold in Ireland. The best sellers for Deere tend to be the 8500 and 8600 models. The latter now tops the current range of standard crop channel models. Even fitted with large 2.15m 710/75R42 front tyres, all the 8000 Series models remain within the critical road transport width of 3m.

For 2020, the 8000 and 9000 Series self-propelled forage harvesters have been updated to provide customers with more comfort and lower operating costs. The 8000 Series cutter head benefitted from the updated, bigger, 9000 Series unit. New features include a strengthened frame, bigger bearings and an improved knife grinding system.

Deere maintains customers will also benefit from lower service costs and improved chopping quality due to the longer lifetime of the blades and shear bar,

A new operating lever introduces better ergonomics to the John Deere forager range. Access for all i-specification packages is now free of charge for the first five years. This provides customers with wireless connection in the field and enables data exchange with any mobile computers and smartphones as well as the farm office via JDLink Connect.

On its bigger 9000 series, there are four new models ranging in output from 625hp up to 970hp. Theses foragers have undergone a fresh design with features including twin exhausts. Deere has opted to use Liebherr 24.2-litre V12 engines at the heart of the three biggest models in the new series – the 9700, 9800 and 9900.

The entry model in the range, the 9600 Series, is powered by a John Deere 13.5-litre engine.

Lagan Brothers contractors in Derry last year took delivery of the very first John Deere 9900i SPFH to be sold in Europe.