Productivity and safety with the John Deere 8000 Series forage harvesters
The American business launches the John Deere PowerTech PSX Stage IV engines, with longitudinal configuration, that provide better rear visibility, as well as increased security during the maneuvers. They are also appreciated for their low fuel consumption and the harvester's lower ride height
Reliability, traction and comfort for high-quality processing. These are the requirements of the new John Deere 8000 Series forage harvesters, developed by the US enterprise and presented at EIMA International 2014.
John Deere PowerTech PSX Stage IV engines with longitudinal configuration. This solution was adopted by the brand of the deer in order to improve rear visibility while loading the trailer and to provide greater safety during maneuvers. The new configuration of the engine has also allowed John Deere not only to implement the air intake system which, positioned behind the cab, ensures an efficient airflow for the benefit of the machine cooling, but also to rethink the constructive profile itself, with positive effects on fuel consumption. These advantages result in the use of lighter components, a lower resistance to the flow of product and the use of gear boxes with dry sumps. A contribution is also given by the engine management system, which automatically adapts the system to the power requirements of the forage harvester, according to the conditions of work in the fields or transport on the road. It is worth mentioning that John Deere has been able to implement the performance of the 8000 Series by simplifying the structure of both engine and transmission. In fact, with the innovative technology of dry sump lubrication, the angular gearbox is able to transfer energy to the transmission system (with a minimal power loss). This means that the fan and hydraulic components are driven directly by the engine, without requiring the use of challenging couplings, belts and additional pulleys. In regard to the ride height, however, the longitudinal configuration has allowed the American manufacturer to set the engine in a position – within the frame – capable of lowering the overall center of gravity of the vehicle, thus optimizing the stability on steep slopes or while driving faster on the road.
Tested for high-performance. The choice of the North American company fell on hay baler from 3 to 4.5 m and on Kemper rotating headers from 6 to 9 m in width; namely on highly efficient devices. Among other things, the optional Kemper corn headers are available with automatic steering or automatic control system, while for the collection of whole crops, is available the ProfiCut620 Zürn, a device specifically designed for silage and in order to get clean and low stubble.
A range as a symbol of versatility. The 8000 series is equipped with a universal cutting unit – you can choose between configurations with 40, 48, 56 and 64 blades – designed to offer a high and constant performance to operators with very different needs, as in the case of biogas producers and breeders. However, the types of cutting disks DuraDrum by John Deere are characterized not only by the quality of the work and the possibility to choice many different operational measures, but also by the ability to optimize the flow of crop, with less adjustment interventions (and as a consequence, a reduction of wear). Furthermore, with the AutoLOC function (Automatic Cutting Length) the user can pre-select precisely the cutting length, on the basis of the actual forage conditions. On the 8000 Series, the US team has designed five models: the 8100 (not available on the Italian market) and the 8200 with a 9-liter engine, capable of delivering either 380 or 430 Hp, and other three models powered by a 13.5 liter engine (the 8400, 8500 and the wide-body 8600) for a maximum power, arriving up to 625 Hp in the 8600.
