John Deere is excited about the exceptional driving experience offered by its new series of forage harvesters, the F8 and F9. Let's take a closer look at what's new. The new John Deere forage harvesters in the F8 and F9 series have arrived. These powerful machines, ranging from 425 to 1,020 horsepower, aim to provide a significantly improved driving experience, extensive automation and precision agricultural technology, as well as further enhanced silage quality. These are the new forage harvesters. Storage & Entertainment in the Cabin The F8 and F9 models have been extensively redesigned to maximize comfort and ease of use for the driver. The new, more spacious cabin offers more space and comfort, including an optional electric door closer for a perfect seal. Smart storage solutions ensure organization, with holders for smartphones, keys, drinks, and more. The premium infotainment system with Bluetooth, radio, streaming, and hands-free function delivers excellent sound. The machines not only offer powerful performance but also provide an exceptional driving experience, allowing drivers to set new standards in harvesting while enjoying first-class comfort, according to John Deere. Multiple charging options (12V, USB), as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enable seamless smartphone integration with easy access to calls, messages, music, and voice commands. The driver's seat can rotate 16° to the right and left, providing the best visibility and easy entry and exit. The optional ActiveSeat II offers electric adjustment options, seat heating/cooling, massage function, and active suspension that compensates for up to 90% of vertical movements. Slim cabin pillars and large, curved windows ensure optimal all-around visibility – from the harvesting attachment to the discharge spout. Only 6m Turning Radius The discharge spout can now rotate up to 230° to allow for optimal overload, while the redesigned rear axle steering with a 6m turning radius enables faster turning maneuvers at the headland. "The F8 and F9 models can be equipped with advanced automation and John Deere Precision Ag technology, the best offering we have ever made in forage harvesting," explains Philippe Steinmann. Intuitive Machine Control and Harvest Settings The intuitive operation of the F8 and F9 models is designed to make daily work easier, according to John Deere. Driver profiles allow for saving individual machine settings, enabling a quick start to harvesting without the need to adjust settings with each driver change. The new ergonomic CommandPRO joystick with up to eleven programmable buttons can be configured via the G5/G5Plus CommandCenter touchscreen display – including functions such as unfolding the attachment, the new headland management, AutoTracTM, ProTouch, Machine Sync, all-wheel drive, and more. Significant Display Upgrade The new display with quick access buttons and context-sensitive help simplifies menu navigation. A new screen menu specifically designed for forage harvesters allows the driver to quickly and easily adjust the most important machine functions. The display is significantly larger and faster than previous displays, with a high-resolution 1080p screen. An optional G5Plus additional monitor doubles the 12.8-inch screen, allowing users to monitor more functions simultaneously and make adjustments as needed. Essential machine data is displayed on the bright, easily readable screens of the A-pillar displays via infographics. "From Ground Speed Automation to intelligent crop tracking to ProTouch Harvest, these features help drivers focus on harvesting work and increase both efficiency and feed quality." More Engine Power The F8 and F9 forage harvesters offer various engine options to meet diverse requirements. The JD14X engine, proven in the John Deere X9 combine and 9RX tractor, is now used in all six F8 models, providing superior performance while complying with Stage V emissions standards. The engine range (rated power, ECE R120) starts at 425 hp (313 kW) with the F8 100 model and goes up to the new flagship model F8 600, which delivers 645 hp (475 kW). HarvestMotion technology maximizes productivity at reduced engine speed and delivers constant performance over a broad speed range. Engine speed management improves fuel efficiency by reducing engine speed during road transport and headland operations. For the F9 series models F9 500 to F9 700, John Deere relies on the JD18X engine in the rated power range from 700 hp (515 kW) to 820 hp (603 kW) peak power with remarkable fuel efficiency. The engine features John Deere engine controls, a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, sequential turbochargers with cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and does not require Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). All JD18X engine models feature HarvestMotionTM-Plus technology. The third engine option, the Liebherr 24.2-liter V12, powers the F9 900 and 1000 models, delivering up to 1,020 hp (750 kW, rated power) to ensure maximum productivity even in the most demanding harvesting conditions. These models also offer HarvestMotionTM for optimal productivity and drivability with maximum throughput. Expanded Technology Package The F8 and F9 models are equipped with a comprehensive technology package that elevates the machines' performance to a new level. Ground Speed Automation automatically adjusts the travel speed and engine speed to the current load and preset target values. This ensures harvesting with maximum productivity and optimal efficiency regardless of operating conditions, with minimal effort and reduced strain on the driver. Active Fill Control uses a stereo camera system to automatically control the rotation and flap position of the discharge spout. It detects transport vehicles and precisely places the harvested goods to ensure an optimal filling strategy. The ProTouch Harvest System enables one-click automation of headland processes – whether it's corn, grass, or whole-plant silage. It controls tasks such as raising the attachment, discharge control, AutoTrac, Active Fill Control, and Ground Speed Automation. When switching between road transport and field operations, ProTouch takes over up to nine important functions, including activating hazard lights, engaging all-wheel drive, adjusting engine speed, and positioning the discharge spout. Additional optional John Deere Precision Ag technologies like AutoPath (Rows & Boundaries) can be flexibly integrated. Further Improved Silage Quality The silage quality has been further enhanced in the new models. The DuraDrum chopping drum provides high flexibility in various harvesting conditions. The new IDS 2.0 silage additive dosing system, in combination with the HarvestLab sensor, optimizes silage quality through precise dosing. It features a 50-liter tank for highly concentrated additives and a 325-liter tank for larger quantities or water. An integrated cleaning system with fresh water tank simplifies maintenance. In addition, two new powerful grain processors are available: the John Deere Ultimate 250 with 250 mm rolls, temperature monitoring, and a foldable design for optimal maintenance accessibility, and the John Deere XStream 305, which offers 56% more surface area with 305 mm rolls, is electrically adjustable, and features a proven oil mist lubrication system for best conditioning at all cutting lengths. The new fleet of forage harvesters will soon be out in the fields.