New tracked Deere meets expectations

While John Deere’s 8RT tracked machines certainly have the boss-nosed appearance that is familiar with most twin track crawlers on the market, where this new range differs is in its drive and suspension systems.

This 8345RT range topper only comes with AutoPowr CVT transmission, while the two smaller models come standard with a 16 forward, 5 reverse powershift or optional CVT. Giving an infinite speed range from 50m/hr to 42kph, the CVT transmission will appeal to those running bedtillers or formers while the high road speed will be a welcome boost too.

This high road speed is possible in no part thanks to Deere’s new innovative AirCushion suspension system. This uses an air bag fitted to the offside of the machine which in turn supports a lateral ‘I’ beam.

This pivots on the nearside track frame to give a simple yet very effective ride system that offers a better road ride, smoother field travel and an all round improved driving experience. Beefier front idlers - derived from the 9030T series - and inboard planetary drives add to the drivetrain’s durability. 

Ride is much improved over the previous 8000T tracked machines that have come out of Deere’s Waterloo plant. A smoother road travel is found at higher speeds, meaning less time on the road and more in the field where machines of this type earn their keep.

Much larger cab

Now up to the new, larger Command View II cab on the 8RT series, accessed via five wide steps which make for an easy climb. An in-built toolbox as the access platform levels out is a neat touch which gives plenty of room for larger spanners and other tools.

Into the cab itself and Deere says that this contains seven per cent more glass, 10 per cent more volume and 25 per cent more storage. It does feel big in the cab and one can stretch out comfortably. There is plenty of room for tools, lunch boxes, flasks and even a dog or two. Leather seat, passenger seat and steering wheel exude a bit of luxury for the 8RT driver.

The seating position and control layout will be familiar to operators who have used Deere’s Command Arm before, but the 8RT models feature a new and improved version with most functions within easy reach. On the right-hand corner pillar is a colour display of speed, rpm, engine temperature and pressure plus fuel level, but all other information comes via the 17.8cm (7”) colour display situated above the Command Arm.

Added to the right hand side of the Command Arm is a pod with headland management, engine, pto, hydraulic and linkage controls, all neatly grouped into sections. This pod also gives fingertip control of air conditioning, lights and the Bluetooth equipped radio with all information relayed through the colour display. Everything falls to hand well and buttons are responsive to the touch.

First CVT in a crawler

Driving the 8345RT doesn’t disappoint. This model is a first for crawlers in having a CVT transmission, so the benchmark is now set as Deere has stolen a march on main competitors Challenger and Case IH.

As with other CVT Deere models, a foot on the brake is required and we slide the AutoPowr speed controller in to the F1 position then give the hand throttle a tweak to move the 8345RT forward. For this test drive, local dealer P.Tuckwell had a trailed 7 leg Keeble subsoiler attached on the back and this drops into some wheat stubble with a simple push forward on the electronic spool.

With the throttle opened up we soon hit 6.5kph at 1900rpm and flick the automatic steering button on the Command Arm. The 8345RT twitches and finds its line via the Starfire SF2 equipped GPS guidance tracking system.

As with many CVTs, a slight whine comes from the depths beneath you but it’s nothing that intrudes too much. More noise appears to come from the steering motors as they continuously adjust the tractor’s course across the field.

Tackling seven subsoiler legs at 405mm (16”) depth is no mean feat but the tractor purrs along, adjusting itself to reach the target speed of 7kph that we have set on AutoPowr. The engine constantly adjusts itself to try and meet this speed with a heavy load behind, but it’s at a fairly constant 1900rpm.

The tractor responds well during headland turns, and gives the sharp twin track crawler yaw one expects. In usual CVT fashion, as we raise the subsoiler, engine speed drops to make the turn sequence more serene. Back into work and the throttle rises again automatically, quickly attaining the desired cruising speed of 7kph.

Overall, this first experience of John Deere’s 8345RT has been a positive one, despite being marred by the lack of mudguards above the tracks. The 762mm (30”) belts had thrown up mud and spray to the mirrors and side windows, no doubt from the new high road speed that can be achieved.

But we can live with that at the moment as Deere’s 8345RT has given Challenger owners some food for thought and may encourage them to have a look over the fence.

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