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John Deere announces several productivity-enhancing updates and operator comfort and convenience changes to its 8R and 8RT Tractors for the 2019 model year.

“For the 2019 model year tractors, we’re making the Premium CommandView™ III Cab with cab suspension, standard on all 8RT Series Tractors,” says Tiffany Turner, product marketing manager, large tractors for John Deere. “Coupled with the proven AirCushion™ suspension system, which is well known to improve field ride, the new cab suspension helps ensure operators will experience the most comfortable ride possible in a two-track tractor.”

Additionally, a steering circuit change and recalibrated steering sensitivity further enhance operator comfort and control. All 8RT Series Tractors get a new steering pump, changes to the loop-override circuit and new, in-cab steering sensitivity adjustment.

“These changes greatly improve steering response and authority on 8RT Series Tractors, when working in heavy draft, soft field conditions and in obstacle avoidance maneuvers,” says Turner. “Combined, they give the John Deere 8RT the ability to turn under load like no other 2-track tractor in the industry.”

A factory-installed Generation 4 CommandCenter™ 18-1 Software update is also included as base equipment on new 8R and 8RT Tractors.

Outside the cab, a redesigned fuel tank features increased capacity, while a relocated and larger Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank enhances overall productivity.

The 2019 8RT Series Tractors feature a 6 percent increase in fuel capacity, now at 212 gallons (803 L). The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank gets a 12 percent increase in capacity, up to 7.6 gallons as compared to 6.7 gallons (25.3 L) on earlier models. Both provide longer run time between fills.

The relocated and enlarged DEF tank now resides near the fuel fill to provide for more efficient refueling. “Relocating the DEF tank allowed us to eliminate the previous fill location and transfer tube design that restricted full-flow while pumping DEF,” explains Turner. “Now, operators have both diesel and DEF fill locations at a common point on the tractor and faster DEF refills because of the elimination of the transfer tube.”

Relocation of the DEF tank accommodates operators using front mounted solution tanks as they no longer must work around the DEF fill location when mounting their tanks.

For the wheeled 8R Tractors, the Independent-Link Suspension (ILS™) front axle has been updated for improved reliability and serviceability. “The design features a wider upper pivot A-arm lug for greater strength and reliability,” explains Turner. “We also added guards to the suspension position sensor to protect it from debris and improved wire harness routing to eliminate failures in flex regions.”

A time-saving battery disconnect switch will be standard equipment starting with the 8R/8RT Series Tractors. This switch allows operators to disconnect battery power to the entire tractor without having to disconnect battery cables.

Model year 2019 8R/8RT Tractors are currently available to order from your local John Deere dealer with shipments beginning on December 1, 2018. For more information about the 2019 model year updates for the 8R and 8RT Series Tractors, contact your local dealer or visit JohnDeere.com/ag.