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John Deere 8030 replacement incorporates operators’ wish list
John Deere has gone back to the drawing board with its 8030T replacements with everything up to the exhaust stack being completely new.
THE 8RT gets the Command View II cab which it shares with the wheeled 8R series as well as air suspension for the tracks, improved lift capacity and larger fuel tanks.
A wish list from operators around the world sees a 10 per cent larger four-post cab with a new multi-function armrest and display.
The air conditioning unit has been moved up to the cab roof and the vents repositioned for better circulation but it is the armrest where the big changes have been made.
The new seven-inch colour screen and soft touch keys allow the 8R and 8RT tractors to control ISO-Bus 11783 compliant implements without the need for separate control boxes.
On the tracked models there has also been an increase in power with the 295hp 8295RT the smallest model in the range followed by the 320hp 8320RT. The new flagship is the 345hp 8345T which has an output of 380hp when the Intelligent Power Management boost comes into play.
Both of the smaller models come with the choice of a 16 forward, five reverse powershift or continuously variable speed transmission, with the 8345RT only being offered with the latter.
Using the same principle from its larger 9030T range, the 8RT uses air-suspension to improve operator comfort. Individual air bags are employed on both sides of the tractor to absorb any vibrations from the tracks on the road and in the field.
The pneumatic system automatically adjusts to any changes in ballasting. Operators can increase the tractor’s weight from 15.5t up to 18.5t. A larger front idler allows wheel weights from the wheeled models produced at the Waterloo plant to be used.
The rear lift capacity has been vastly improved, allowing the track models to handle heavier mounted implements.
Like the wheeled 8R models standard output from the loading sensing and flow compensating hydraulic system is 167 litres per minute but this can be increased to 227 litres for more demanding tasks.
Twin saddle fuel tanks form the rear mudguards and feed a central tank, giving a total capacity of 758 litres - nearly double that of the 8030T models.
While adjusting the track width is not a major concern for UK operators it has been made easier for those who need to match the width for row crop duties. Two slots for forklift tines allow them to be moved more easily and the tracks can remain under tension thanks to a tension accumulator.
The wheel base has also been increased by 254mm for a longer footprint for the 635mm (25in) and 762mm (30in) wide Camoplast tracks.
The rear drive wheel and mid rollers are also wider to improve the contact area with the new tracks, which use a new lug pitch for increased traction.
Recommended retail prices are £176,320 for the 8295RT, £192,559 for the 8320RT and £204,519 for the 8345RT.
Beside the new cabs there are no major changes to the other five 8R models. Prices start at £111,328 for the 245hp 8245R, up to £157,239 for the 8345R.
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