John Deere expands 8R and 8RX tractor series with new high-horsepower models

The manufacturer explained that the models are designed for the demands of heavy draft applications and long working days typical of large European farm operations.  

All models are equipped with the JD14 13.6l engine, which can deliver up to 634hp through Peak Power Intelligent Power Management (PP IPM). This makes the top model, the 8R/8RX 540, the world’s most powerful standard-design tractor. 

Marcus Luchmann, go-to-market manager for tractors 150+ hp in Europe & CIS, said: “The new additions broaden the capability of the 8 series to support large farms focused on continuous operational optimisation, achieving higher productivity with fewer, more reliable machines while maintaining the flexibility of a standard tractor. They also address the needs of expanding farms that intend to manage more hectares with the same workforce.” 

What’s included?

The JD14 engine in the 8 series high-horsepower lineup provides up to 2,695Nm maximum torque and a constant power range from 1,450 to 1,900rpm.  

PP IPM provides an additional 40 hp across the main engine speed range down to 1,600rpm, delivering extra power in demanding applications with high‑load PTO and electrically or hydraulically driven implements.  

The new 8R tractor models are available with tyres up to 2.30m at the rear and 1.85m in the front. Both the single‑ and dual‑wheel configurations, including dual front tyres up to 710mm wide, can be equipped with the John Deere single‑line Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS), which automatically adjusts tyre pressures at any speed and temperature.

Its simplified layout allows the axle hub to incorporate heavy-duty sealing components, which are covered by the protection plan PowerGardTM. The new 8RX models use an updated four-track system with redesigned undercarriages and Soucy CustomFitTM P series belts.

Their low-tension belt design aims to reduce belt stress and extend operating life. Depending on configuration, the track system provides a contact area of up to 4.87m² and thus ground pressures as low as 0.4 kg/cm², helping to minimise soil compaction, the manufacturer explained. 

The stepless eAutoPowrTM transmission is in base for all new 8R/8RX models. The system uses an electro-mechanical split-path layout that replaces hydrostatic components with maintenance-free electric motor generators, improving energy flow efficiency in the transmission by up to 8% compared to conventional hydrostatic solutions.  

The new Heavy-Duty Independent Link Suspension (HD ILS) front axle ensures efficient power transfer and a turning radius of around 7 m, supporting smaller headlands and precise path-to-path operation. The HD ILS features automatic as well as manually adjustable load-based suspension adaptation for a more comfortable and personalised cab experience.  

Fuel tank capacities of 936 litres on the 8R models and up to 1,123 litres on 8RX machines support long working days, with operating times of up to 14 hours at 85% load, eliminating refill stops in 12-hour shifts.  

The CommandViewTM 4 cab is equipped with a redesigned CommandARMTM with integrated Convenience Display, allowing operators to recall seat settings and personalise the cab environment by controlling, for instance, radio, A/C or phone.

Furthermore, the new CommandARMTM features two new joystick options: the CommandX Plus for basic operation or the advanced CommandX Pro for expert-level control. Both provide enhanced configurability, including new phone and infotainment control, new G5Plus display navigation, and extended Precision Ag functionalities.

All new 8R and 8RX models are equipped in-base with a StarFireTM 7500 receiver, a G5Plus CommandCenterTM display and JDLinkTM connectivity. With flexible licence options, operators can access supervised autonomy features that support consistent work quality and reduce operational mistakes.  

‘Exceptional versatility in the 600 hp segment’ 

The 8 series high-horsepower line-up delivers articulated‑level pulling power with standard‑tractor versatility, enabling quick field‑to‑field moves while handling the largest implements. With up to 418 l/min hydraulic flow, large drills are easily powered.

The tractor comes with an optional Category 5 drawbar and a double‑acting rear hitch with up to 10.8 t lift capacity at 610mm, while two new double‑acting front hitch options offer up to 4.8t at 610mm. Together with a 130kW front PTO the new 8R and 8RX models are designed to handle all heavy-duty implements, from large-scale mulchers to PTO-driven silage distributors.

The Type 4 rear PTO with 1000, 1000E, and 1300 speeds and up to 548hp maximum PTO power even in stationary applications offers surplus power for demanding jobs. 

The new 8R/RX tractors feature an optional Jake Brake engine brake with up to 300kW of brake power. When engaged, it automatically responds whenever actual speed differs from pre-selected speed, delivering smooth deceleration with one-pedal ease while protecting the main brake for longer life. 

Three selectable operating modes allow operators to tailor engine and transmission performance to specific tasks: 

• ECO mode: prioritises fuel efficiency and comfort with reduced engine speeds, ideal for transport or light-duty work 
• Standard mode: balances power, efficiency, and responsiveness for most field operations
• MAX mode: unlocks full engine potential and fastest response for heavy draft applications and dynamic load changes. 

Highly efficient road and transport performance 

Transport speeds of 60km/h at 1,440rpm or 50km/h at 1,200rpm are available on wheeled versions, depending on market regulations.

The new ILS Roll Control automatically adjusts front axle suspension stiffness during cornering and higher transport speeds, reducing leaning to curves and minimising forward dip under heavy braking.

John Deere confirmed that Reactive Command Steering provides precise, car-like handling with a self-centring steering wheel to handle intersections smoothly and for convenient line holding. The new function comes additionally with variable-ratio steering, reducing steering wheel turns at higher speeds, while adjustable return-to-centre force and steering resistance allow the system to be tailored to operator preference, particularly during repeated headland manoeuvres. 

Large farm optimisation concept 

With additional innovations planned to be launched throughout 2026 and further features of the 8 series high-horsepower tractors soon to be integrated into the current 8R/RX/RT standard series models, John Deere will gradually introduce its large farm optimisation concept in 2026.

This new approach brings together powerful equipment, advanced automation and connected fleet management to support large farms, elevating their productivity even with shrinking available labour, reducing cost per hectare and maximising uptime within one integrated system, John Deere added.

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