John Deere Self-Propelled Forage Harvester Line Expanded

"We took the momentum from the 8000 Series rollout last year and added to an already stellar lineup of forage harvesters," says Tim Meister, division manager, marketing with John Deere. "The three new models make the John Deere SPFH lineup even stronger with the ability to deliver optimal harvesting speed, reliability and forage quality."

The three new models are the:

* 8300, 483-horsepower with a Tier-IV Final 13.5-liter engine

* 8700, 755-horsepower with a Tier-II, non-EGR 19.0-liter engine

* 8800, 832-horsepower with a Tier-II, non-EGR 19.0-liter engine

HarvestLab can be added to each model, which is a crop analysis and documentation component that uses constituent sensing to improve forage quality.

Headers for these machines include the John Deere Small Drum Rotary Harvesting units from 6 to 12 rows, John Deere Large Drum Rotary Harvesting units from 6 to 10 rows, and the new 9 Series Hay Pick-ups. All headers are automatically speed-matched to the length of cut.

Another feature, the DuraDrum cutterhead with reverse sharpening and other technologies, improves forage processing and nutrient quality.

"The new 8000 Series models provide value to forage producers in three distinct areas," says Meister. "These models feature a new 770 Plus Rotary Harvesting unit, which reduces stalk and ear losses and improves ability to harvest down corn. The units also reduce plugging in weedy conditions."

Improved capacity adds another element to the performance of this series. The channel width is matched to engine horsepower, which customizes capacity to customer needs. A new spout design and turning mechanism is also included, which allow for higher speed of operation and increased productivity.

Another new feature, Active Fill Control, allows for automated filling of trucks and wagons, which results in reduced operator fatigue and crop losses.

Other features include a dual tire option for reduced soil compaction and better traction in wet soil conditions, lengthened service cycles, reduced daily maintenance and cleaning needs, and a stone detection system.

The models also offer a more efficient cost of operation thanks to improved fuel efficiency - up to 6% (gallons per ton) in corn and up to 15% (gallons per ton) in grass.

"Our goal was to deliver an efficient, high-performing self-propelled forage harvester that producers could rely on year-in and year-out," adds Meister. "The new 8000 Series models do just that, and provide innovative technology to help producers run more efficiently in the field."

Learn more about the 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvester models by contacting your local John Deere dealer or by visiting JohnDeere.com/ag.