John Deere is the latest manufacturer to introduce new emission compliant tractors with the announcement of the upgraded 8R series.

Just launched to the public at the EIMA show in Italy, the new range is designed to meet European Stage IIIB emissions. There are five newly styled and engined models in the range with powers from 260-360hp.

The 8260R, 8285R, 8310R, 8335R and 8360R tractors feature a new John Deere PowerTech PSX nine-litre six- cylinder engine which uses exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) technology to help meet the latest round of emission regulations. On the exhaust side, an exhaust filter that contains a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) are used in conjunction with the engines EGR and VGT to achieve the IIIB emission regulations.

The exhaust system is widely used in the automotive industry and automatically cleans or 'regenerates' itself during normal machine operation.

Stability

John Deere has also introduced new CoolGard II engine coolant, which the firm claims provides greater stability at higher temperatures, especially important on engines using EGR for emission control. A new oil for the Stage IIIB engines has also been developed. The new Plus-50 II engine oil has been specially formulated for Stage IIIB engines according to Deere, which should be changed every 500 hours. Deere also says that ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD) fuel must also be used in its Stage IIIB engines.

Despite the additional emission control, all models in the new 8R Series tractors get an extra 15 horsepower each over existing models. This is increased by another 35 horse power (power-boost) with Deere's Intelligent Power Management (IPM) in non-stationary PTO and transport applications. Transmission options remain the same with a choice of 16/5 automatic PowerShift or AutoPowr infinitely variable transmissions on all new models except the top of the range 8360R, which is AutoPowr only.

Deere also says that the tractors will be fitted as standard with CESAR Datatag and immobiliser systems, with a unique key. In addition, new models will be supplied with a number of complimentary features. The first is JDLink Ultimate telematics along with Service ADVISOR remote monitoring and diagnostics systems for the first year. The telematics and remote monitoring features, supported by the newly designed JDLink website, allow the new 8R Series tractors to send location, operation and performance data via the web or a mobile phone. If a service problem occurs, the Service ADVISOR system allows technicians at the John Deere dealership to remotely diagnose a problem via the web or mobile phone, determine the tractor's location and provide the solution to the problem according to the firm.

In addition, new GreenStar 3 CommandCentre cab displays are also included. To reduce clutter in the cab, the new GreenStar 3 CommandCentre display can be loaded with AutoTrac and Sprayer Pro automatic steering and control applications to eliminate the need for additional displays.

Optional is the new GreenStar 3 2630 touch screen display, which has the same size screen as the 2600 but is smaller in all other regards and with a faster processor plus video capability. ActiveCommand variable ratio steering is also optional.

The new range will be available in Ireland from March. More details on these and the new engine developments can be found in a special emissions section on the www.john deere.co.uk website. Prices for the new 8R series have not yet been announced.