Three precision ag features lead the updates being made to John Deere’s 7, 8 and 9 Series Tractors for the new model year.
- new StarFire 7000 integrated GPS position receiver (as base equipment)
- all-new G5Plus CommandCenter Display (as base equipment)
- available factory-installed implement ethernet
“We updated our largest John Deere tractors with new technology to help our customers achieve the highest levels of precision-ag efficiency and ease-of-use today, while ensuring their tractors are prepared to work autonomously in coming years,” said Ryan Jardon, marketing manager for John Deere.
The company says its StarFire 7000 Receiver features five years of repeatability and 73% faster pull-in times, and is 17% more accurate when using SF-RTK when compared to previous models using SF3 signal. SF-RTK provides year-over-year repeatability without a base station. Also, signal stability and reliability were improved to offer the highest level of guidance and accuracy ever offered by John Deere.
The G5Plus CommandCenter Display features a 35% larger viewing area and 1080p high-definition video resolution. The G5Plus Extended Monitor is optional. The touchscreen display and higher video resolution are also paired with faster processing.
Base equipment includes AutoTrac guidance and Section Control.
“Farmers can add the optional G5 Advanced package to take advantage of John Deere applications that include AutoTrac Turn Automation, AutoPath, AutoTrac Implement Guidance, Machine Sync, and In-Field Data Sharing,” said Jardon. “The G5 Advanced software license provides these valuable capabilities while providing lower up-front cost, gets better over time, and you only pay for what your farm needs. These applications help farmers cover more acres per day with less time and stress. The G5 Advanced package is available as a one- or three-year option from the factory. With G5Plus farmers can be confident in knowing they’re using the latest, most advanced features each year.”
For enhanced connectivity between tractors and the implements they are paired with, a factory option is now implement ethernet. And, for 8 Series and 9 Series tractor, those models can be outfitted with an “Autonomy Prep” package to be outfitted for autonomous operation in the future.
“This includes the right transmission and visibility package, implement ethernet, a 330-amp alternator and other additional hardware,” Jardon said. “More components will likely be needed, but the Autonomy Prep package outfits these tractors with important known autonomy components to reduce what may be needed in the future when autonomy becomes more widely available.”
The two-track 9RT tractors now provide an additional 20 hp, so models include: 9RT 490, 9RT 540 or 9RT 590.
For 8RX four-track tractors used in potato, sugar beet and vegetable production, John Deere has added track spacing options, which include: 132-, 136-, 144- or 152-inch-wide track spacings. The company notes the wider spacings are compatible with 16.5-, 18-, 24- and 30-inch track widths and John Deere ExactRate fertilizer tanks.
