Driven by the market demand for more power, more efficiency and more productivity in self-propelled forage harvesters with a transport width of less than 3m, John Deere is introducing an additional model to its current 8000 Series line-up for 2019.

Originally launched in 2014as the entry levelwide body SPFH model in the series, the 8600 will now top the current range of standard crop channel models from the 8100 to 8500. Even fitted with large 2.15m 710/75R42 front tyres, all the 8000 Series models remain within the critical road transport width of 3m.

The new 8600 SPFH is powered by John Deere’s PSX13.5-litre 625hp engine, which is the same as that fitted to the new entry-level wide body 9600 model. The 8600 will also be available with the new XStream KP kernel processor, which will be offered as an alternative to John Deere’s proven Premium kernel processor on all models from the 8300 to the 9900.

The XStream KP has been developed in partnership with the US-based company Scherer, an experienced leader in kernel processor technology. It is specifically designed to handle high throughputs and delivers high kernel processing scores and chopping performance at all cutting lengths. The kernel processor can be removed easily for quick changes between maize and grass.

All 8000 and 9000 Series self-propelled forage harvesters for 2019 can also be equipped with John Deere’s complete range of AMS precision farming systems, for improved operator comfort and cutting quality.

8600 SPFH 2019 specifications:

*IVLOC = infinitely variable length of cut