Deere in its biggest power play

Heavy-duty, large-scale field operations have just got easier for farmers with the release of the new 9R/9RT Series tractors by John Deere.

Available for the 2012 season, the 268-417kW engine power 9R/9RT tractors are the most powerful, productive and comfortable four-wheel-drive and track tractors John Deere has ever built.

They are engineered for larger producers and contractors to cover more ground in less time and be more productive on the farm or job site.

The 9R/9RT Series tractor line-up, which replaces the 9030 Series tractors that were introduced in 2007, includes five models with wheels and three with tracks.

The new tractors feature the latest improvements in power, hydraulics, hitch and PTO options, as well as cab comforts and controls.

According to John Deere Waterloo Works division marketing manager Jerry Griffith, customers will quickly notice and appreciate the improvements.

"Besides the cosmetic changes, that customers will easily see, we've made a lot of improvements to the family of tractors that contribute significantly to overall productivity in the field," Mr Griffith said.

"We engineered these new 9R and 9RTs with operator comfort and ease in mind. We added more horsepower, more integrated technologies like AutoTrac and JDLink and equipped all ag models with high-flow hydraulics and PTO options."

All 9R/9RT Series models, except the 9360R, come with John Deere's advanced PowerTech PSX 13.5-litre engine with a single fluid solution for optimal power and operator convenience. The 9360R features a PowerTech PSX 9.0-litre engine.

Both the PowerTech PSX 9.0-litre and 13.5-litre engines feature in-line, six-cylinder, 4-valves per head, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, electronic engine controls and series turbochargers.

"These are cleaner-burning engines designed with tremendous power and performance," Mr Griffith said.

The 9360R, 9410R and 9460R ag models come standard with 24-speed PowerSync manual shift transmission and optional 18-speed PowerShift transmission with efficiency manager. The 24-speed PowerSync is a field-proven transmission for operators who prefer a basic manual shift transmission but with an easy to use high-low lever to get that right speed for their field applications.

The 18-speed PowerShift Transmission with efficiency manager, which comes standard with the track tractors, higher horsepower wheeled models and scraper models, allows the tractor to operate at an optimal performance level while minimising fuel consumption.

Efficiency manager gives the operator precise ground speed control by letting the operator set speeds for field or transport applications with a thumb wheel located on the transmission shift lever.

The 9RT track models now also have the same faster transport speed as the 9R wheel models at 40km/h.

In addition, all ag models of the 9R/RT Series have optional PTOs and higher lift capacity (9071kg) three-point hitches. Four selective control valves come standard on all ag tractors, with optional fifth and sixth SCVs.

To enhance operator comfort, the new 9R/9RT Series features the CommandView II Cab, which offers several different packages for wheeled and track models. Optional on all wheel tractors is the revolutionary ActiveSeat suspension system for the smoothest ride possible.

"On the outside, the first thing customers will see is the new sleek styling of the 9R with more fender coverage and bigger cab," Mr Griffith said.

"The CommandView II Cab is 10 per cent bigger in overall volume, has 7 per cent more glass area and four times more storage than the previous cab, giving the operator improved visibility, comfort and convenience."

The new cab also features the simple-to-use CommandArm fingertip controls and the new GreenStar 3 CommandCenter Display that can run many precision applications such as AutoTrac, Swath Control Pro, Performance Monitor, Access Manager and others.

Factory-installed JDLink for Service ADVISOR Remote capabilities also are part of the new 9R/9RT package.

Brand new to the John Deere Scraper Special family is the 9RT track configuration. The addition of the 9RT Scraper Special completes John Deere's line-up of proven, reliable and productive scraper tractors.