Recently, at Farm Progress Show 2021 at Decatur, Illinois, John Deere showcased their 8RX tractor/planter combination that creates what the company likes to call a “total solution.”
Ryan Jardon, marketing manager at John Deere, says the tractor/planter combo was introduced about a year and a half ago, and is the first fixed frame four-track tractor on the market.
“It’s got all the benefits of a typical two-track tractor and a wheel tractor,” says Jardon. It pulls like a tracked tractor but turns like a wheeled tractor.
It’s got a wide footprint for minimizing compaction, as well as maximizing flotation, says Jardon. The horsepower has also been bumped up to 410, and there’s a new cab.
“Customers told us they want to be comfortable during long days in the field, not only comfortable at the end of that first day, but also at the end of that 20th day or 30th day that they might be in the field,” says Jardon.
The redesigned cabs feature more head room, the ability to swivel the seat, massaging features in the operator’s chair, and refrigerators. There’s also precision ag integration, which is just as important as the tracks or engine, says Jardon, including an integrated Gen4 command display, a StarFire receiver integrated, and JD Link connectivity.
New for model year 2022 are the exact rate tanks on the planting unit, allowing for more liquid fertilizer volume to be carried on board. Even with 1000 gallons on the planter, the chances of compaction are decreased with the track configuration, and in terms of flotation, the 8RX is at 13 pounds per square inch, spreading weight out evenly.
Factory-installed tracks are an option for the planter as well.
The pair is primarily designed and set-up for corn growers, but Jardon says there are other commodities it would be beneficial for too.
Check out the full video for more:
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