Agricultural producers know that when they’re tilling, planting, applying, or hauling in large fields, they need a row crop tractor with the brains and brawn to get the job done right. The John Deere 8R series tractors combine impressive power and durability with state-of-the-art technology to make every task out in the field as easy as pie. Read on to learn more about the features and capabilities of the John Deere 8R series. 

 What is the John Deere 8R Series?

The John Deere 8R series tractors are a step up in the evolution of row crop tractors, combining power and durability with the reliable exactness of precision ag technology. While the 8R series is available as wheeled models, two-track and four-track configurations are also available through the 8RT and 8RX series, respectively. All three configurations are built with the horsepower and hydraulic capabilities to effectively wield large planters and other implements, giving agricultural producers a state-of-the-art combination of intelligence and raw power.

What is a Row Crop Tractor?

A row crop tractor, like the John Deere 8R series, is an agile and versatile tractor intended to be a go-to for farming operations. Regardless of whether you choose a wheeled, two-track, or four-track configuration, these tractors are specially designed to provide optimal visibility when working around and between crops, and can be used with a variety of crop implements like planters, disks, field cultivators, and grain carts. With the right attachments, they can also be used for other tasks around the farm, such as grading land. They differ from other common tractor types, such as utility tractors, in that while they are versatile enough to be used for other purposes on a farmer’s land, they are specifically intended for close maneuverability around and among crops to prevent loss and damage, rather than being an “all-around workhorse”.

What Sets the John Deere 8R Series Apart from Other Row Crop Tractors?

The John Deere 8R series was designed to provide not only top-of-the-line agricultural tech, but also a broad range of customization and upgrade options. Far from being just another row crop tractor, the 8R series boasts groundbreaking innovation alongside massive power and discerning comfort options. Below, we’ve outlined some key features and capabilities that set the 8R series apart from the rest.

Best-in-Class Ag Tech

A quartet of game-changing John Deere tech features now come standard on all John Deere 8R series tractors. A StarFire 6000 GPS receiver helps you keep your bearings no matter how vast your fields are, JDLink™ connectivity keeps you in step with everything going on around the farm with real-time data, a Generation 4 CommandCenter™ display keeps you in control, and AutoTrac guidance keeps you right on track. Together, these features make it easier than ever for agricultural producers to see and manage everything that’s going on around them, all at once, all while completing your vital field tasks in your John Deere 8R.

Independent Link Suspension (ILS™)

Experience a much smoother ride and drastically decreased power hop over rough terrain with the John Deere 8R’s Independent Link Suspension (ILS™). This innovative suspension system maintains optimal tire-to-ground contact via a fully independent suspension system, helping deliver power to the ground and creating a much more comfortable ride for farmers spending long days in the cab of their 8R.

3 Customizable Transmission Options

Choose the perfect transmission for your day-to-day tasks and build the perfect 8R configuration for you. Three transmission options are available, the 16-speed PowerShift, e23™ PowerShift, or the Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™) with optional CommandPRO™ control. All three options put the 8R’s controls directly into the hands of operators for the ultimate in flexibility and control. 

Customizable Visibility and Comfort Packages

Customize your John Deere 8R tractor with 3 levels of visibility and comfort packages, designed to provide every agricultural producer with the perfect set of features for their unique needs. Choose from Select, Premium, or Ultimate visibility and comfort packages featuring elements like LED lighting, 360-degree illumination, integrated camera capability, outlets for device charging, a CommandARM™ console, and more.

What are the Features of the John Deere 8R Series Tractors?

While the 7 models of the John Deere 8R series vary in terms of HP and size, they share a set of 8 key features which give the 8R its unique appeal and value for agricultural producers. Below, we dive into the unique attributes of the 8R series that make it such a valuable addition to any farm.

3 Available Visibility Packages for Maximum Productivity

Never lose out on productive hours or make a mistake again due to bad light conditions or poor visibility. John Deere visibility packages include not just lighting options, but also mirrors, sunshades, wipers, and integrated camera capabilities for complete and consistent visibility in every direction. Key features of the 8R’s visibility packages include:

• Three Package Options Available: Select, Premium, and Ultimate
• Ultimate Visibility package features enhanced light-emitting diode (LED) output and full 360-degree illumination
• Integrated camera capability

Customizable Suspension Options for a Comfortable Ride in Every Season

8R tractors offer a variety of suspension options to fit your specific field conditions or application. There are three options to choose from on 8R tractors. An air seat with fixed cab offers a great balance of field and road comfort in an economical package. Cab suspension with an air seat reduces high-frequency vibrations typically associated with road transport. The ActiveSeat™ II equipment is typically chosen for field applications to reduce vertical movement and operator fatigue.

• Air seat with fixed cab offers excellent ride quality in a variety of applications
• Two-post cab suspension with an air seat offers exceptional ride for operators spending time on the road
• ActiveSeat II greatly reduces vertical motion experienced in field applications
• Choice of options is available on all 8R tractors

Hydraulic Options for Even the Most Demanding Tasks

Every John Deere 8R series tractors comes standard with an 85-cc (5.2-cu in.) hydraulic pump, which provides up to 227.1 L/min (60 gpm) hydraulic flow. For even greater hydraulic capacity, a dual pump option featuring 85-cc and 35-cc (5.2-cu in. and 2.1-cu in.) displacement hydraulic pumps is available for all 8R series tractors. This dual-pump option creates a hydraulic flow of 318 L/min (84 gpm), perfect for tasks which require lower engine speeds. In addition, up to six selective control valves (SCVs) are available with 1.9-cm (3/4-in.) options.

• Both single and dual pump options for even the most strenuous applications
• Up to 318 L/min (84 gpm) through the dual pump system on all 8R tractors
• Options from four to six factory-installed SCVs
• For maximum flow, 1.9-cm (3/4-in.) selective control valve (SCV) couplers are available both factory- and field- installed

For the ultimate in power and hydraulic capacity, a power-beyond option is available on all models, and a high-capacity take-out oil reservoir is also available for demanding projects.

Customizable Comfort and Convenience for Every Operator

When you log serious hours in your cab, you need serious comfort and convenience to get the job done. With the refreshed and refined cab on the John Deere 8R series, you’ll  experience a quiet, comfortable ride with best-in-class convenience and visibility features.

• Three customizable comfort and convenience package levels to fit your preferences – Select, Premium, and Ultimate
• Convenient CommandARM™ console that puts all your essentials at your fingertips
• Ample storage in convenient locations for all your workday necessities
• Automotive-style seat for comfort while working long days in the field
• Numerous outlets for keeping electronics powered throughout the day

Enhance Efficiency with John Deere Integrated Tech Solutions

The success of agricultural producers is John Deere’s first priority. Connectivity is a modern necessity for every tractor, and the John Deere 8R series makes it easy to get in on the action. All 8R series tractors come standard with the JDLink™ telematics system, with the option to switch on connectivity in the John Deere Operations Center™ application. A StarFire™ 6000 Integrated Receiver and Generation 4 CommandCenter™ Display round out the advanced technology you’ll enjoy in the cab of your 8R. Experience the convenience of being connected to a full suite of solutions on the most open platform in the industry. 

• StarFire 6000 Integrated Receivers eliminate the need for any setup, installation, and global positioning system (GPS) calibrations
• AutoTrac™ assisted steering helps guide the 8R accurately, no matter what the field conditions
• Automation is also available with a variety of applications
• John Deere Connected Support™ provides enhanced service efficiency and helps reduce machine downtime with a unique proactive approach
• JDLink™ lets you access important information anytime you need it to assist with making data-driven decisions via the John Deere Operations Center™ and Documentation

This advanced suite of technology in the John Deere 8R series helps you optimize productivity, boost uptime and increase profits via a range of machine data points available from any device, anywhere.

Automation 4.0 Creates Best-in-Class Connectivity and Data Collection

“The factory-installed Automation 4.0 capabilities drive season-long benefits. For example, AutoTrac Turn Automation and MachineSync™ enable consistent operations on headlands and when multiple machines work together, such as in seeding, when two tractors are working in a field together. Automation 4.0 also enables AutoPath™ for farmers to accurately document and precisely follow each row of crops in fields throughout the season,” said Ryan Jardon, tactical marketing manager for John Deere. 

No matter what type of machine you’re using or how wide it is, AutoPath helps create precise guidelines for each field pass using data collected from just one strip-till or planting pass. This technology not only makes it easy to find the right row quickly and efficiently, but it also reduces overlaps and prevents damage to standing crops, making the need for guess rows a thing of the past.

John Deere Connected Support™ Prevents Downtime and Solves Issues Quickly

You expect reliability in your John Deere 8R series tractor. You also expect to have great support if and when a problem does arise. That’s where John Deere Connected Support™ comes in. This proprietary system can alert you and your dealer as soon as issues arise, whether you’re in the cab or not.

John Deere Connected Support is a revolutionary technological advancement designed to prevent downtime and resolve maintenance problems faster. By leveraging the power of advanced ag tech and JDLink™ telematics, this suite of tools decreases downtime by an average of 20 percent by enabling faster responses to issues and reducing technician visits. For certain maintenance issues, unplanned downtime can even be predicted and prevented altogether, giving you and your 8R more productive time than ever before. 

John Deere Connected Support Helps To:

• Keep your operations running smoothly by monitoring machine health and promptly alerting both you and your dealer to any issues
• Save time through remote viewing of in-cab displays, which helps reduce trips to the machine
• Reduce or even eliminate technician trips via remote diagnostics and remote software reprogramming capabilities
• Connects experts with vital information to help prevent or shorten downtime

Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS)

As all agricultural producers know, adjusting tire pressure on large tractors can take both valuable time and inconvenient amounts of extra equipment when adjusting tire pressures for transport or field operations. Thankfully, the John Deere CTIS system, when used on tractors equipped with Independent Link Suspension (ILS™), makes this once-strenuous process a breeze. When set to “road” mode, CTIS automatically increases air pressure in your 8R’s tires, making transport more efficient, reducing tire wear, improving ride quality and boosting handling capabilities. Alternatively, when using the “field” setting, CTIS decreases air pressure to the tires, creating a larger footprint with better lug engagement. This reduces slip and ground pressure for increased agronomic benefits. 

According to Ryan Jardon, tactical marketing manager for John Deere, “Using CTIS, operators can monitor and adjust tire pressure as quick as 2 PSI/min, from the cab, push-button easy. CTIS makes it easy to adjust and optimize inflation pressures regardless of the task.” The flexibility to adjust tire pressure directly from the cab allows operators to easily switch from one type of terrain to another throughout their workday, saving both time and precious daylight hours for the important agricultural tasks at hand.

John Deere 8R Series Models

John Deere 8R 230

The first in the lineup of 8R series tractors, the John Deere 8R 230 is a relatively compact and lightweight model with impressive power and agility. Here are some key specs for the 8R 230:  

• Engine hp1: 253 Max | 230 hp Rated
• Fully Integrated Precision Ag Technology
• Choice of e23™ PowerShift, Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™) or 16-speed PowerShift Transmissions
• Independent Link Suspension (ILS™)
• Three Cab and Visibility Packages Available to Customize Your Tractor

John Deere 8R 250

Second in the lineup of the John Deere 8R series is the 8R 250, featuring enhanced hp, with all your favorite technology of the 8R 230. Here are some key features of the 8R 250: 

• Engine hp1: 275 Max | 250 hp Rated
• Fully Integrated Precision Ag Technology
• Choice of e23™ PowerShift, Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™) or 16-speed PowerShift Transmissions
• Independent Link Suspension (ILS™)
• Three Cab and Visibility Packages Available to Customize Your Tractor

John Deere 8R 280

With even more hp and all the same great customization and connectivity features as its two smaller cousins, the John Deere 8R 280 is a great step up for any agricultural producer looking to tackle some tougher tasks. A few things operators will love about the 8R 280 are: 

• Engine hp1: 308 Max | 280 hp Rated
• Fully Integrated Precision Ag Technology
• Choice of e23™ PowerShift, Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™) or 16-speed PowerShift Transmissions
• Independent Link Suspension (ILS™)
• Three Cab and Visibility Packages Available to Customize Your Tractor

John Deere 8R 310

With over 300 hp rated in the John Deere 8R 310, operators will feel like they can take on the world, and then some. Some of the best features of the 8R 310 include: 

• Engine hp1: 341 Max | 310 hp Rated
• Fully Integrated Precision Ag Technology
• Choice of e23™ PowerShift, Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™) or 16-speed PowerShift Transmissions
• Independent Link Suspension (ILS™)
• Three Cab and Visibility Packages Available to Customize Your Tractor

John Deere 8R 340

When you need a row crop tractor that packs a serious punch, look no further than the John Deere 8R 340. With all the same great productivity and efficiency features as its four smaller counterparts, the 8R 340 can handle anything you throw at it in the field. Some key features of the 8R 340 are: 

• Engine hp1: 374 Max | 340 hp Rated
• Fully Integrated Precision Ag Technology
• Choice of e23™ PowerShift or Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™)
• Independent Link Suspension (ILS™)
• Three Cab and Visibility Packages Available to Customize Your Tractor

John Deere 8R 370

Sixth in the lineup of the John Deere 8R series is the 8R 370. With two powerful transmission options, the e23™ PowerShift or Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™), you’ll be able to customize every aspect of your 8R 370 for optimal performance. Key strengths of the 8R 370 include: 

• Engine hp1: 407 Max | 370 hp Rated
• Fully Integrated Precision Ag Technology
• Choice of e23™ PowerShift or Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™)
• Independent Link Suspension (ILS™)
• Three Cab and Visibility Packages Available to Customize Your Tractor

John Deere 8R 410

Coming in at an impressive 443 max hp, the John Deere 8R 410 packs a real punch. With all the same comfort and visibility features you’ve come to expect from the rest of the 8R series, you might just find that the 8R 410 is the tractor of your dreams. A few things to love about the 8R 410 include: 

• Engine hp1: 443 Max | 410 hp Rated
• Fully Integrated Precision Ag Technology
• Choice of e23™ PowerShift or Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™)
• Independent Link Suspension (ILS™)
• Three Cab and Visibility Packages Available to Customize Your Tractor

What Attachments and Accessories Can Be Used with the John Deere 8R Series?

While the sky’s the limit when it comes to the broad range of attachments and accessories you can use with your John Deere 8R, there are a few that almost every operator will want on hand. Below, we take a look at some of the most popular attachments and accessories for the 8R series available from John Deere: 

• Cab Operator’s Stations
• Central Tire Inflation Systems (CTIS)
• Connectivity Hardware
• Display Hardware
• Drawbars
• Electrical Upgrades
• Engine Front Fenders
• Front Hitches
• Front Weights
• Hydraulic Selective Control Valves (SCV)
• Hydraulics
• Lighting Upgrades
• Mirrors
• Power Take-Off (PTO) Upgrades
• Radios
• Rear Fenders
• Rear Hitches
• Trailer Brakes
• Transmissions
• Weights
• Wheel Weights
• Wheel and Hub Options
• Wheelspacers

What Awards Has the John Deere 8R Series Won? 

John Deere has long been known for its commitment to delivering excellent equipment, and the 8R tractor series is no exception. The John Deere 8R series tractors have been gaining the recognition they deserve for their innovative technology and unique combination of comfort and power.  Through a pair of prestigious awards, the Red Dot Design Award and the 2020 iF Design Award (Discipline: Product), the John Deere 8R series tractors are earning a well-deserved reputation as a necessity for agricultural producers around the country, and around the world.

Red Dot Award (Product Design)

The Red Dot Award for Product Design is an honor awarded to the year’s top products, and in 2020, the John Deere 8R tractor series won top honors. This award is bestowed based on a range of criteria encompassing everything from functionality to innovation, and the 8R series delivered on every category.

“The 8R tractors have a striking external appearance that is an expression of their performance and efficiency,” the jury for the Red Dot Award said. “The interior is well thought out in terms of ergonomics. This honor just goes to show how thoroughly John Deere has thought through ever aspect of the 8R series, keeping both function and comfort in mind. 

2020 iF Design Award (Discipline: Product)

The John Deere 8R tractor series, all of which are built with precision robotics and feature advanced self-driving capabilities, were also awarded the 2020 iF Design Award for their contribution to the efficiency and productivity of agricultural producers. According to iF, the 8R tractor series has been a game-changer for the entire agricultural industry, transforming the way farmers not only conduct their tasks in the field, but they way they operate their entire businesses.  

“The new John Deere 8Rs are not your average tractors,” the organization stated. “They are mobile computational platforms, engineered to help resolve some of the biggest challenges farmers face today.”

Improve Efficiency and Performance with the John Deere 8R Series

As we’ve seen, the John Deere 8R series has a broad range of tractor options and available features, making it simple and easy to find the perfect configuration of power and technology to fit your unique needs. 

If you have any questions about the John Deere 8R series tractors, or would like to know more about how you can get your own,  you can contact your local John Deere dealer.
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