John Deere’s latest self-propelled forage harvesters have been redesigned from the ground up for improved automation, more tech and higher horsepower. Upgrades to the new F8 and F9 Series extend machine life and reduce downtime.
“A higher-quality forage output with more power, more precision and more uptime — that’s the focus of the new forage harvesters for our customers,” says Bergen Nelson, John Deere’s go-to market manager for harvesting equipment. “We’ve combined our strongest hardware with our newest and smartest precision ag technology to give forage producers a machine they can count on in every pass, every season, to create higher-quality forage they can depend on throughout the year.”
The F9 Series is available in two engine options — the John Deere 18X and the Liebherr V12 24L — with five horsepower options ranging roughly from 700 to 1,020 hp. The F8 Series comes with the JD14X engine bringing six horsepower options, from about 425 to 645 hp. The JD18X engine has no requirements for diesel exhaust fluid, and the brand’s HarvestMotion Plus technology increases torque at lower rpms for fuel savings and more power.
Harvest smarts taken to next level
Technologically, the two new models have more automated harvesting intelligence. Ground speed automation helps maintain efficient operation with adjustments in real time based on crop conditions.
Operator input also can be reduced by using ProTouch Harvest, which lets operators initiate multiple harvest-ready settings with one button. Another feature, Active Fill Control ensures consistent truck fills even under the toughest harvesting conditions.
“The new automated technologies available on the F8 and F9 Series puts precision into action,” Nelson says. “The machine is not just collecting data; it is using the data to optimize automated decision-making to not only help operators do more but help them do it better with less manual input and more consistency in every pass.”
More comfortable interior
A new inoculate dosing system, featuring an insulated, larger-capacity tank and automated cleaning system, preserves feed better for improved productivity. Kernel processors are at the core of ensuring silage integrity and improved quality. The new F8 and F9 Series machines deliver two different processing ranges for better performance: the John Deere Ultimate KP and the John Deere XStream. With more surface area, the XStream delivers a more effective kernel crush at wider gaps.
John Deere engineers also upgraded the interiors. Swivel seats improve unloading visibility, and a hydro handle coupled with the latest G5 display system provide more control with less effort. Optional lighting packages can better illuminate the night.
“At the end of the day, this machine isn’t just about horsepower — it’s about forage quality that leads to better milk production, feed consistency, and operator productivity and confidence,” Nelson says. “For contractors and dairy producers alike, the new F8 and F9 Series self-propelled forage harvesters deliver the performance, automation and technology required to keep up and thrive in a competitive, evolving forage landscape.”
For more information on the new F8 and F9 Series SPFHs from John Deere, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit deere.com.