John Deere has updated its 9R tractor range, with two new flagship machines and a host of mechanical and technological updates for greater efficiency and increased intelligence, automation and connectivity.
The 9R range is split into three tractor variants. Wheeled models are designated as R machines, while twin-track units are RT and the latest four-track tractors are dubbed the RX. The three RT machines offer maximum outputs of between 517hp and 627hp, while wheeled and four-track tractor ranges now feature the 640 flagship model rated at 640hp and boosting to 691hp.
The 9R range starts with the 9R 440, with 490, 540, 590 and 640 machines available in both wheeled and four-track variants.
The new flagship machines are powered by a 15-litre Cummins engine, while the rest of the 9R range features the same 13.6-litre John Deere engine as the X9 combine harvesters. The Deere units have been updated to operate more efficiently, with the HPCR fuel injection system and noise levels said to be 50% lower.
To transfer power to the ground, additional ballasting options allow a gross weight of 30.4 tonnes. Further enhancements include significant reinforcements of the e18 transmission, the axles and track drives, and the chassis for high capacity operation.
Operator Comfort
The 9R, 9RT and 9RX tractors each have an individually developed suspension system to maximise operator comfort, with the latest HydraCushion front axle suspension available on wheeled models. John Deere has also integrated its latest cab design (first introduced on 7R and 8R series machines at Agritechnica 2019).
In the cab, the second generation ActiveSeat is available with leather trim, heating, active air circulation, massage function and various adjustable settings. A full infotainment package is fitted, as is LED lighting for improved visibility. On this note, the exhaust after-treatment system has been reduced in size, and cameras can be fitted for 360-degree visibility.
On to the range of technologies and the StarFire 6000 receiver has been integrated into the cab roof and is included as standard, along with the 4600 CommandCenter display. The terminal is fully ISOBUS compatible and features AutoTrac activation. John Deere will also offer a full activation package for maximum automation for just £1,425 – including Turn Automation, Section Control, Variable Rate, Passive Implement Guidance, In-Field Data Sharing, Machine Sync and the new AutoPath row guidance.
The display is also compatible with John Deere’s new AutoSetup which facilitates the scheduling of tasks ahead of time (including farm and field data, implement widths and offsets, products, application rates and documentation settings). The operator only has to confirm the task in the CommandCenter terminal and once the task is completed, all data is transferred wirelessly to the Operations Center platform.
This is said to save up to 90% of setting up time in the field, as well as providing clear documentation and reducing the risk of errors. Downtime is further reduced by extended service intervals up to 5,000 hours for the engine fan and torsional damper, for example. John Deere has also doubled the standard warranty to two years, or 2,000 hours, with the option to increase this to a maximum of eight years, or 8,000 hours, with the PowerGard Protection/Plus extension.
The increased connectivity includes dealer Connected Support for proactive maintenance and service planning to maximise uptime.
More information is available at www.deere.co.uk