Five new 8000 Series SPFHs blend analytics with efficient, rugged design for top performance.
Forage producers no longer have to compromise between rugged harvesters and sophisticated crop analysis technology. The all-new 8000 Series self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFH) from John Deere offer the best of both worlds, as well as significant improvements in dependability and fuel efficiency. 
"The 8000 Series builds upon the best features of our popular 7000 Series Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters," says Shaun Fritchey, marketing representative, John Deere Ottumwa Works. "This new series integrates cutting-edge crop analysis and documentation with an innovative machine design to provide superior efficiency, reliability and crop quality."The bottom line at harvest is to get the most high-quality forage out of the field as possible, with the least amount of time and expense. The 8000 Series is designed to do exactly that with DuraDrum cutterheads and KernelStar technology for excellent corn silage processing. The AutoLOC (automatic length of cut) feature allows the operator to dial in the precise cutting length based on forage conditions.
Two cutterhead widths, matched to engine horsepower, are available, so capacity can be customized for any need. All-new header solutions and crop-flow layouts increase flexibility among different crops and provide better performance in wet or dry conditions. Large 42-inch tires reduce compaction while providing excellent traction in all types of conditions. And the 8000 Series provides this performance while reducing fuel consumption as much as 18 percent.
Operator comfort also has been improved, with superior visibility from the cab, as well as longer service cycles, less daily maintenance and easier access to service points. Other features include the GreenStar 2630 with touchscreen display and all functions conveniently located in the CommandARM, Remote Display Access and AutoTrac with RowSense. Technologies such as Harvest Lab, HarvestDoc, and other software applications as part of the John Deere FarmSight platform provide easy access to equipment and agronomic information.
"The 8000 Series is designed from the bottom up to help producers maximize harvest efficiency and crop quality," Fritchey says. "Repeated field research has documented consistent chopping quality in all crops. And, more machine productivity coupled with increased fuel efficiency in all crops makes the 8000 Series a top choice for custom operators or dairy and feedlot operations."
Growers can choose among four single-engine models with standard crop-flow channels:
- 8100, 380-horsepower, John Deere 9-liter engine
- 8200, 430-horsepower, John Deere 9-liter engine
- 8400, 540-horsepower, John Deere 13.5-liter engine
- 8500, 585-horsepower, John Deere 13.5-liter engine
An additional model with a wide crop-flow channel is available, the 8600, 626-horsepower with a John Deere 13.5-liter engine.
"Forage producers lose money each day their crop sits in field after it's ready for harvest," Fritchey says. "The 8000 Series maximizes productivity on every acre by enabling them to harvest as much forage as possible, as efficiently as possible."
To learn more about the new 8000 Series of self-propelled forage harvesters, visit your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com/Ag.
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land - those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world's dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at www.JohnDeere.com.
8.22.2014