Farms.com Home   News

John Deere Introduces Next Generation Of Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters

Five new 8000 Series SPFHs blend analytics with efficient, rugged design for top performance

Forage producers no longer have to compromise between rugged harvesters and sophisticated crop analysis technology. The all-new 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFH) from John Deere offer the best of both worlds, as well as significant improvements in dependability and fuel efficiency.

"The 8000 Series builds upon the best features of our popular 7000 Series Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters," says Shaun Fritchey, marketing representative, John Deere Ottumwa Works. "This new series integrates cutting-edge crop analysis and documentation with an innovative machine design to provide superior efficiency, reliability and crop quality."

The bottom line at harvest is to get the most high-quality forage out of the field as possible, with the least amount of time and expense. The 8000 Series is designed to do exactly that with DuraDrum cutterheads and KernelStar technology for excellent corn silage processing. The AutoLOC (automatic length of cut) feature allows the operator to dial in the precise cutting length based on forage conditions.

Two cutterhead widths, matched to engine horsepower, are available, so capacity can be customized for any need. All-new header solutions and crop-flow layouts increase flexibility among different crops and provide better performance in wet or dry conditions. Large 42-inch tires reduce compaction while providing excellent traction in all types of conditions. The 8000 Series provides this performance while reducing fuel consumption as much as 18 percent.

Operator comfort also has been improved, with superior visibility from the cab, as well as longer service cycles, less daily maintenance and easier access to service points. Other features include the GreenStar 2630 with touchscreen display and all functions conveniently located in the CommandARM, Remote Display Access and AutoTrac with RowSense. Technologies such as Harvest Lab, HarvestDoc, and other software applications as part of the John Deere FarmSight platform provide easy access to equipment and agronomic information.

"The 8000 Series is designed from the bottom up to help producers maximize harvest efficiency and crop quality," Fritchey says. "Repeated field research has documented consistent chopping quality in all crops. And, more machine productivity coupled with increased fuel efficiency in all crops makes the 8000 Series a top choice for custom operators or dairy and feedlot operations."

Growers can choose among four single-engine models with standard crop-flow channels:

  • 8100, 380-horsepower, John Deere 9-liter engine
  • 8200, 430-horsepower, John Deere 9-liter engine
  • 8400, 540-horsepower, John Deere 13.5-liter engine
  • 8500, 585-horsepower, John Deere 13.5-liter engine
     
Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Follow the Potato Farmer

Video: Follow the Potato Farmer

We are taking students out to southern Manitoba to Hespler Farms! Farmer Wayne will teach students how he plants and cares for his potato crop and why potatoes are such a unique crop to grow. Teachers, check out your AITC Dashboard for Math'd Potatoes, a potato-themed classroom resource to pair with this tour video. Thank you to Peak of the Market and Penner Farm Services for making this event possible.