John Deere's flagship 9R Series made stronger and smarter

The range of wheeled to full-tracked machines is now headed by the 691hp (max) top boys, the wheeled 9R 640 and the four-tracked 9RX 640 which head a range that is more intelligent, with better connectivity and automation.

All use the same fuel-efficient 13.6-litre John Deere engine that powers the big X9 combines, except for the top of the range 640hp (rated) models which are still powered by the proven 15-litre Cummins engine.

The biggest of the models in full four-track mode, the 9RX 640

The six-cylinder JD engine, with HPCR fuel injection, has been made more efficient and with noise levels reduced by up to 50%. In order to transfer this enormous engine power safely to the ground, all models now offer additional ballasting options that can boost gross weight up to 30.4 tonnes.

The 'smarter' element comes from the fitment of the latest StarFire 6000 receiver integrated into the cab roof as standard, along with the larger 4600 CommandCenter display, full AEF ISOBUS compatibility and AutoTrac activation.

John Deere also offers a full activation package for maximum automation at an additional price of just £1425. This includes Turn Automation, Section Control, Variable Rate Control, Passive Implement Guidance, In-Field Data Sharing, Machine Sync and now the new AutoPath row guidance.

The AutoSetup allows farmers and contractors to pre-schedule jobs in a customer’s personalised 'operations centre'. Jobs appear automatically on the cab display when the machine enters the field and the operator only has to confirm with a single button click.

This supports settings such as client, farm, field, field boundaries, tracks, implement widths/offsets, products, application rates, site specific applications, documentation settings and operator name.

Once the job is completed, all data is transferred wirelessly to the ops centre. This not only saves up to 90% of setting up time in a field, but provides clear documentation and avoids errors, and data losses.

In the field, operators will appreciate the extremely comfortable ride provided not only by the individually developed suspension systems for the 9R, 9RT and 9RX but also the new cab. Plus there's the exclusive HydraCushion front axle suspension which is now an option for all of the 9R Series.

John Deere's 9R line-up

The new cab is virtually the same as those introduced on the new 7R and 8R Series tractors launched at Agritechnica, 2019. This has a second generation ActiveSeat available, with leather trim, heating, active air circulation, massage function and various adjustable seat settings.

There's also a top quality 6.5in DAB+ touchscreen radio with 6.1 sound system provides state-of-the-art infotainment and is compatible with Apple CarPlay, while LED lighting provides excellent visibility.

And from his lofty eyrie, the driver can see much more because of the reduced size of the exhaust after-treatment system and optional cameras giving visibility on all sides.

Among many other enhancements, the e18 transmission, axles, track drives and chassis have been significantly reinforced for higher capacity and productivity.

And, in order to reduce maintenance effort and cost, many service intervals have been extended. For example, the new fan is now serviced every 5000 hours, the same as the torsional damper.

As a reflection of how they view the 9R's reliability, John Deere has doubled the standard factory warranty to two years, or 2000 hours. In addition, the optional PowerGard Protection/Plus warranty extension terms are now even more cost-effective, reaching up to eight years, or 8000 hours.

The marque's state-of-the-art dealer Connected Support solutions also ensures less downtime. With its 'expert alerts' system, potential machine damage can be predicted and the likelihood of expensive repairs can be reduced or completely avoided.

The three types of 9R models - wheeled, tracked (RT) and articulated four-track version (RX)