John Deere launched its new F8 and F9 Series self-propelled forage harvesters, designed and built to elevate forage performance, fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and farm productivity. The new machines offer greater horsepower options and improved automation with a higher level of comprehensive technology offerings compared with previous models.
The new F9 Series is available in two engine options — John Deere 18X and Liebherr V12 24L — with five horsepower options ranging from 700PS to 1020PS. The F8 Series comes with the JD14X engine, bringing six horsepower options ranging from 425PS to 645PS.
These engine options deliver power with improved efficiency. The JD18X engine features no DEF requirements, and John Deere’s HarvestMotion Plus technology allows for increased torque at lower revolutions per minute (rpm), reaching up to 15% in fuel savings and up to a 10% gain in power.
Ground speed automation helps maintain ideal load and helps prevent operator stress by adjusting ground speed in real time based on crop conditions. Operator input can be reduced by using ProTouch Harvest, allowing operators to initiate multiple harvest-ready settings with one push of a button, while Active Fill Control ensures consistent truck fills, even under the toughest harvesting conditions.
The John Deere self-propelled forage harvesters deliver a new inoculant dosing system with an insulated, larger capacity tank and an automated cleaning system that reduces end-of-day maintenance, offering better feed preservation with less operator hassle and ultimately boosting operational productivity.
The new John Deere F8 and F9 Series machines deliver two different kernel processing ranges for ultimate processing performance: the John Deere Ultimate250TM KP and the John Deere XStream305TM. With up to 56% more surface area, the XStream305TM delivers a more effective kernel crush at wider gaps, ultimately providing longer wear life and optimal milk production.
The new John Deere forage harvesters also include swivel seats, allowing for improved unloading visibility and elevated operator comfort. Paired with John Deere’s intuitive hydro handle and the G5 display system, operators will have more control of the machine from the upgraded cab. Optional lighting packages also provide up to 68% better nighttime visibility.
The new forage harvesters have Dura Line wear parts to extend machine life and reduce downtime. Serviceability is also improved with redesigned wiring harnesses, centralized control panels, and upgraded embedded software for more reliable diagnostics aimed at increasing uptime.
This article appeared in the July 2025 issue of Hay & Forage Grower on page 36.
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