Farm Industry News asked Nebraska Tractor Test Lab Director Roger Hoy and Assistant Director Dave Morgan what factors to use to compare the fuel efficiency of different tractors. You can use these parameters to determine how your models rank.

1. Go to http://tractortestlab.unl.edu. Click on “Test Reports.” The Web site shows all makes and models tested at the lab since 1999. (Hard-copy reports for tractors tested before 1999 are available for purchase. Contact Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, Box 830832, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0832, 402/472-2442, tractortestlab@unl.edu.)

2. Click on make and model of tractor. This will bring up the corresponding test report.

3. Check “Chassis: Type” to determine tractor category (2-wd, front wheel assist, 4-wd, or track). This information is included in the narrative text next to the charts on the site. We ranked tractors in two categories: row-crop tractors (2-wd/front wheel assist) and high-horsepower 4-wd/track tractors.

4. Check horsepower to determine size category. We used PTO horsepower (at rated engine speed) to determine if the tractor belonged to the category of row crop (150 to 200 hp) or high-horsepower 4-wd/track (300+ hp). (See lab chart called “Power Takeoff Performance.”) This is the number used by all manufacturers to verify a claim.

5. Find the rating of horsepower-hours per gallon. The fuel consumption measurement, horsepower-hours per gallon (hp-hr./gal.), has become the standard used for comparing the efficiency of all agricultural tractor models. Measured directly, it means that burning one gallon of fuel in the tractor at full load and at rated engine speed produces a certain amount of horsepower for an hour. The higher the number, the greater the fuel efficiency; that is, more work is being done with a given amount of fuel.

We looked at that rating in two performance tests: power takeoff and drawbar performance. We used results from the “PTO Performance Chart” to establish the fuel-efficiency rankings. The lab says the PTO rating is a good indicator because it is one that is calculated for all tractors and it is always run at the maximum level. However, results from the drawbar performance test are also included, and depending on how you plan to use the tractor, it may be a better indicator of fuel efficiency for some tractors — for example, the very-high-horsepower tractors used primarily for their brute pulling power of, say, deep tillage implements. On the other hand, if the tractor is used primarily for PTO work, then the PTO rating will be your best indicator because it will not be likely to change or won't be as much affected by the size or weight of the implement the tractor is pulling. If you use the tractor for both PTO and tillage work, then consider both ratings in your decision.

PTO performance is measured at several different power levels and speeds, but for comparison purposes, the factor most farmers are interested in is maximum power at rated engine speed. This is the highest power level that the tractor can sustain over a long term and is measured in horsepower. Newer tractors usually have an operating range that includes maximum power at a speed lower than rated. Also, with modern high torque/constant power engines, the power at rated PTO speed is usually similar to the power at the rated engine speed.

Like PTO performance, drawbar performance is measured at different rates of pull and in different gears. Power measured at 75% of pull at maximum power is a reasonable reflection of performance during typical heavy fieldwork. At 75% of pull at maximum power, you will still have some reserve for heavy spots in the field. We list the horsepower-hours per gallon in “third gear” (to show maximum drawbar pull) and “eighth gear” (to show maximum power).

Drawbar tests are conducted on concrete or asphalt test tracks, which allow for consistency in comparison. As a result, the numbers in the test reports are not exactly the numbers you might get in field conditions.
The drawbar ratings listed are for “ballasted” runs. If a ballasted test was not run, then results from the unballasted test (at 1,800 rpm or the lowest engine speed) were used.

In cases where ratings are identical (for example, Case IH and New Holland 4-wd tractors), only one of the tractors was tested and the results serve for both because there was no performance difference between the two.

Machinery breakdowns are always costly. But they are especially costly during planting and harvest, when getting seed in the ground and grain out of the field in a timely fashion are critical to maximizing yield.
According to Dr. Mark Hanna, Extension ag engineer at Iowa State University, a day of downtime during planting this spring can cost around $1,400, assuming 12-row equipment and an eight-hour day. A day of downtime at harvest might cost around $500. "Both figures depend on the penalty of the weather during the individual season — that is, how much yield is reduced by planting or harvesting on the last day of the season versus the day in which the equipment was down," Hanna explains.
Luke Gierach, salesman for AC McCartney Equipment in Wataga, IL, answers operating-related questions on more than 200 early-model tractors, combines and related equipment each year. We asked him to name the most common problems he sees on machinery that can lead to breakdowns in the field. Here's his Top 10 list along with tips on how you can prevent these problems from happening in the first place.
1. Not reading the operator's manual
"I don't know how many times I say, ‘It's in the operator's manual,’" Gierach says. Reading the operator's manual is important, he says, because it tells you how to set the machine and what parts to check before you take it to the field. However, it is one step that many owners fail to do thoroughly.
"For example, the owner's manual will tell them how to calibrate and set seed depth on a corn planter or air pressure if it is an air planter for proper seed placement," Gierach explains. "Once farmers start planting they might see skips or doubles in the seeds planted. So they call and wait for us to give them an answer when it was right in the operator's manual."
The operator's manual also describes how to fix certain problems once they happen so that owners can troubleshoot the problem themselves without having to take more time to wait for a technician. However, many farmers may forget to check the troubleshooting section, which can cost them even more time out of the field.
2. Improper maintenance
Gierach says it is important to grease a machine properly and on a timely basis. "Sometimes farmers or their employees will miss some grease or lube locations on a new machine because they didn't go through all the lube locations the first time with the owner's manual out," he explains. "Then, when there's a breakdown due to no lubrication, they say, ‘I thought we got that one.’ So that is part of improper maintenance."
Other maintenance mistakes are failing to oil chains, check gearboxes regularly, and replace belts when they start to show excessive wear instead of waiting for them to break. "Another big one under proper maintenance is to do a general inspection of the machine at the beginning of the day, like checking engine and transmission levels daily or making sure the wheels are straight and tight on a gravity wagon," Gierach adds. Taking shortcuts can lead to downtime in the field.
3. Poor electrical connections
"This is a big cause of breakdowns with today's newer machinery and is a hard one for owners to try to prevent," Gierach says. "But there are some small things they can do." For example, you can clean away dust and dirt in areas where connectors are located. When cleaning, use compressed air instead of water to keep moisture away from the wires.
4. Overrunning machine's capability
Gierach says a lot of farmers run machines to maximum performance or at the top of the engineering curve for which the machine was designed. "They just really run it hard to about where it is ready to snort or puke out," he says.
He says overrunning the machine puts a strain on all the drives and makes breakdowns much more likely to occur. Gierach says that, to prevent this problem, you should find where a machine's maximum performance level is and then "pull it back a hair" so that you are not running it at maximum constantly.
5. Not replacing worn parts when needed
Gierach says many times when a part on a machine breaks, farmers replace just the part that broke or failed, but fail to check or replace other parts that may have caused the initial failure. Examples include replacing a drive chain when the sprocket was shot or replacing a belt when maybe the pulley was bad.
By replacing only the broken part, you will temporarily fix the problem but will likely have another breakdown soon because you did not fix all the worn parts.
Gierach admits that many times these additional parts are more expensive to fix. However, he says you will save money by spending a little more on parts up front because it will cut down on the number of breakdowns later on.
6. Tightener misalignment
Tighteners that are misaligned or at an angle and not tracking straight to the belt or chain in relation to the main drives are another problem. This puts tension on the belt or chain and can cause it to break or wear excessively. Gierach says you need to watch for misalignment and fix it, which may mean replacing worn bushings in the tightener pivot that may be pushing the belt or chain sideways.
7. Improper storage
This problem applies especially to combines and planters. For example, often a farmer will park the combine in the shed immediately after harvest and leave it there until the following harvest. "The combine will have corn, dirt and chaff built up alongside a lot of the electrical connections, or dust and debris sitting on chains," Gierach explains. "It is not the best way to be storing them."
The problem is that debris will attract rodents, which will often nest inside or gnaw at wires. The dust itself can interfere with electrical connections. He suggests cleaning around all electrical connections and other places where debris is built up before storing the machine. Using compressed air is usually the best way to do this.
8. Improper weather-related use
Sometimes Gierach sees farmers running machines in wet, muddy weather. That can put a strain on the machines, especially combines, because they are not designed for it.
"Running real wet, tough material through the combine could break shafts or plug up the machine," he explains. "And that puts a strain on everything from feeder house chains to shafts to bearings and pulleys."
Running tractors in poor weather conditions also can result in problems. "For example, we find mud packed in between dual wheels, which can result in premature wear on the tire sidewalls if you do not clean that out between the wheels before it hardens," Gierach says.
9. Ignoring warning signals
"Sometimes operators ignore signals alerting them to such things as low hydraulic pressure or if a shaft isn't turning on a combine," Gierach says. "The operator may get out of the cab to check if the shaft is turning. And if it is, he will get back in and run the machine without checking it again, assuming the monitor must not be working." But often there is a problem, he says, and by ignoring it the machine will break down.
Some farmers not only ignore the signals but disconnect them completely to stop the signal from beeping or flashing. This too can result in breakdowns. Signals commonly disconnected include those for engine temperature, hydraulic oil, shaft speeds, or other parts that might not be turning at the correct speed.
10. Asking untrained personnel to operate equipment
"This is probably one of the biggest ones," Gierach says. As farms get larger, he says, more farm owners are hiring outside help to operate the equipment without training them. As a result, those who end up driving the machine lack the full understanding of how it works and what it is capable of doing.
"They just know how to make it go," he says. "And you get breakdowns from that. For example, some of these hired men will shift the tractor into park before it comes to a complete stop. So we'll find a lot of broken or sheared off park pins on tractors that are so equipped."
Gierach says these 10 problems account for close to 50% of the breakdowns he sees in his dealership. However, all are avoidable if you take these simple precautions. "Sometimes a machine just breaks down without anyone being able to predict it," Gierach says. "But with a lot of these breakdowns, clearly there are things you can do to try and help yourself out."
Don't forget preseason checks
Randy Budke, service manager at Carrico Implement in Beloit, KS, says the number-one cause of breakdowns he sees is failure to bring in a tractor, combine or related equipment for a preseason maintenance check at the dealership. "There are a lot of breakdowns that no one can predict," Budke says. "But if you get a technician to go from front to back of a machine and check it over, that is the best we can do to prevent breakdowns. If you don't do that much, anything can go."
During the inspection, technicians follow a detailed checklist and visually inspect all parts of the machine. They also run tests, flow-rate hydraulics, pressure-check clutches, check for leaks and hook up laptops to the engine to look for recurring codes that may indicate a problem.
The cost of the inspections varies by the type of machine. Tractor inspections typically run $325, and combine inspections, which can take up to a day and a half, cost around $750. However, Budke says that cost gets absorbed once you agree to make the repairs because the machine has already been taken apart as part of the inspection process, which saves on labor.
Budke says any machine with moving parts should be checked, including planters and balers. "Balers are the number-one machine overlooked," he says. "The baling season is probably as important as the wheat harvest to some customers."
The best time for farmers to bring in their machine is in the off-season. "We try to work this through between October and the first of April," Budke says.

Reed Turner, consulting engineer for Agtech Center in Alberta, Canada, spoke at the Conservation Tillage Conference in Fergus Falls, MN. He offered numerous tips for preparing your tractor and tires for fieldwork and planting. From ballasting to fuel quality, Turner explains what you should do to ensure optimal tractor and tire performance this spring.

If your current row-crop tractor is holding you back from upgrading to a bigger planter or implement, new models for 2011 promise to provide the power and capacity required to make the leap. Three companies — Case IH, John Deere, and New Holland — launched new series of 150-plus-hp row-crop tractors for 2011, and Versatile and JCB each came out with new, more powerful models.

"The 240-plus-hp MFWD industry is growing rapidly," says John Bohnker, marketing manager for Case IH Magnum tractors. "Farmers continue to seek bigger planters and tillage equipment, which require more horsepower to pull. Along with more horsepower, farmers are looking for more hydraulic and lift capacity to be more efficient."

Here's an overview of the new 2011 row-crop lineups equipped with features that raise the bar in power, performance and comfort.

Case IH Magnum Series
Case IH this year launched a new generation of Magnum tractors designed to offer more power, comfort and fuel economy. Nine models, ranging from 150 to 280 PTO hp, are powered by 6.7- or 8.7-liter Interim Tier 4 engines made in-house by Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The engines are the first to meet Interim Tier 4 standards using Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emissions reduction technology, which the company claims cuts operating costs by 10% through increased fuel efficiency and extended service intervals, now at 600 hrs.

The new engines are designed to deliver up to 14% power growth before peaking out. An additional 35-hp "power boost" kicks in during mobile PTO, hydraulic and transport applications. A transmission feature called Diesel Saver Automatic Productivity Management, carried over from the previous line, determines the best gear ratio and engine rpm for the task to maximize fuel efficiency.

A new MultiControl Armrest gives drivers fingertip control of engine throttle, up/down shift, forward/reverse shuttle, hydraulic remote valves, and an automatic end-of-row function. Cab suspension was added for the first time. A new surround frame allows for a turning radius of just over 16 ft., the tightest in the industry. Hydraulic flow also is industry-leading at 75 gpm.
For more information, visit www.caseih.com/na.

New Holland T8 Series
The new T8 series from New Holland replaces the T8000 launched in 2007. It boasts the longest wheelbase in the industry to provide stability in the field or during high-speed transport, according to the company. A front 3-pt. hitch and PTO can now be integrated in the frame to power large hay cutters or other front-mounted tools and to hold ballast during tillage work.

All five models, ranging from 273 to 389 maximum engine hp (185 to 280 PTO hp), sport a new Interim Tier 4 Cursor 9-liter engine made by the company's in-house engine manufacturer Fiat Powertrain Technologies. The engines use SCR technology to reduce emissions while increasing fuel economy. Engine Power Management, previously available only in the T6000 and T7000, now comes standard in the T8 to provide drivers with up to 50 hp of extra power during high-demand PTO, hydraulic or transport applications.
In the cab, the new Sidewinder II allows an operator to control up to five functions with one handle. An integrated touch-screen monitor, called the IntelliView IV, integrates tractor and implement controls as well as an autoguidance system.
For more information, visit www.newholland.com.

JCB Fastrac
Fast tractor maker JCB expanded its Fastrac 7000 series to include a 260-hp model. The Fastrac 7270 MFWD tractor, the largest of the 7000 series, is powered by a 6-cyl., 6.7-liter Cummins engine for extra power and torque, with a maximum power output of 270 hp.

All models in the 7000 series feature full all-round, self-leveling suspension that provides for a comfortable ride and good traction at road speeds up to 43 mph. Ride-height sensors trigger a response to pump up or soften the suspension whenever the load changes. An all-new chassis supports the suspension setup along with a bigger capacity rear axle and a 20,000-lb. rear and optional 7,700-lb. front implement linkage system.

The cab features a full-size seat for passengers alongside an air-suspension driver's seat, a four-post structure, high-volume ventilation with automatic climate control, seat-mounted controls, and a touch-screen information and control monitor. Digital and analog displays provide updates of operating information.
For more information, call JCB at 912/447-2000, or visit www.jcbna.com.

John Deere 8R, 8RT Series
Deere revamped its new 8R and 8RT series, launched for the first time last year, with new, more powerful Interim Tier 4 engines and new high-tech features.

The 8R/8RT series consists of six wheel models and three track models that range from 235 engine hp to an industry-leading 360 engine hp — 10 to 15 hp more than last year's models. All are equipped with new PowerTech PSX 9.0-liter engines with emissions-reduction technology called Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) combined with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that cleans itself during normal tractor operation without the need for additional fluid. Models equipped with an IVT come with a new feature called AutoMode that automatically selects the best transmission-operating mode to save fuel.

ActiveCommand Steering, a steer-by-wire system used in place of a conventional steering shaft, intervenes in the steering control circuit to improve driving safety and comfort. Other smart features include a new touch-screen GreenStar 3 (GS3) CommandCenter with integrated guidance and row shutoff, and JDLink and Service Advisor Remote, Deere's telemetry products that allow vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics and wireless data transfer. The CommandCenter is ISOBUS compatible.
For more information, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com.

Versatile 305
Versatile extended its line of high-horsepower row-crop tractors this year to include a 305-engine-hp model. The Versatile 305 is powered by the same Cummins QSC 8.3-liter engine and 16-speed powershift transmission used in the Versatile 250 and 280 models but packs an additional 25 hp to handle bigger implements and power additional implement hydraulics.
The 305 has a new heavy-duty drawbar designed to handle the weight of large grain wagons and an optional dual-speed PTO to power a wider range of implements. The tractor can be ordered with front duals for increased traction, an optional 55-gpm HydraFlow Plus hydraulics package, and optional HID lighting for night work.

The same cab used in the Versatile 250 and 280 models has been carried over to the 305. It features an ergonomically designed console, straightforward dash, dual access doors, an air-ride seat, and tilt and telescoping steering. The V-PAS precision ag system can be ordered from the factory. The Versatile 305 comes with a 2-yr./2,000-hr. comprehensive warranty and a 3-yr./3,000-hr. powertrain warranty, which the company claims is the best in the industry.
For more information, visit www.versatile-ag.com.

Consistent maintenance of farm tractors keeps Iowa farming enterprises running smoothly in any kind of weather. A new publication explains how routine maintenance and small adjustments in day-to-day operations also improve fuel efficiency and total energy costs.

Consistent maintenance of farm tractors keeps Iowa farming enterprises running smoothly in any kind of weather. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension explains how routine maintenance and small adjustments in day-to-day operations also improve fuel efficiency and total energy costs.

"Tractor Maintenance to Conserve Energy" (PM 2089L) is available to download from the Extension Online Store, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/store/.

"Fuel prices are already trending upward this year," said Dana Petersen, ISU Extension program coordinator with ISU Farm Energy. "Making time for maintenance now not only will enhance your immediate fuel savings, but also will prepare your tractors for spring field work."

Tractors and equipment are valuable farm assets, second only to land for many farm businesses. To help farmers protect their investment in a fleet of machinery, this publication illustrates tractor fuel and air filter replacement recommendations to improve fuel consumption and power output. It also addresses cool-down idling time for newer models. Additional topics include engine temperature, fuel selection and fuel storage.

"The mix of fuel and air inside a tractor's engine directly affects its fuel efficiency and the availability of engine power," said Mark Hanna, ISU Extension agricultural engineer. "On average, research shows that the simple act of replacing a tractor's fuel and air filters results in an immediate 3.5 percent increase in engine power output."

The publication is part of a series of farm energy conservation and efficiency educational materials being developed through the ISU Farm Energy Conservation and Efficiency educational initiative. The purpose is to increase farmers' awareness of opportunities for improving efficient use of farm energy. The initiative also will help farmers explore alternatives to reduce farm energy demand and to improve their farms' overall profitability in a rapidly changing energy environment.

For more information, go to http://farmenergy.exnet.iastate.edu.

"Honestly, the biggest things that I see when it comes to increasing a tractor's life expectancy are the routine maintenance issues," says Mark Hanna, Extension agricultural engineer at Iowa State University. "Things like fluid and filter changes may not be a glamorous job, but they are the most critical aspect of getting the most out of your equipment."

And Hanna says it's not just the engine that producers should pay attention to. "The engine, power transmission and drivetrain are all working together, and they all need regular maintenance and inspection to ensure they are working efficiently."
And letting an oil change or air filter cleaning linger longer could also be costing in reduced hp.

"Recently, we were developing a tractor maintenance bulletin and we looked back at a study done a number of years ago where tractors were tested for power efficiency before and after filter and fluid changes," Hanna says. "Producers brought a tractor in, and it was hooked up to a dynamometer before service and after service. That study showed that, on average, producers had a 3 1/2 percent power increase after routine maintenance."

So for a 200 hp tractor, a 3 1/2 percent power increase means 7 hp. And given that, on average, producers are spending $650 to $700 per hp on new tractors, producers who don't regularly service filters and fluids could be costing themselves as much as $4,900 by not sticking to a regular maintenance schedule.

"That's a significant number," Hanna says. "And that goes beyond the additional wear and tear that we can see with tractors that aren't properly maintained."

Stretching oil change intervals can have varying degrees of impact, depending on how the tractor is being used and how long the time between oil changes. "Various additives are in the oil to mitigate contaminants and the oil can handle it for a certain amount of time," Hanna says. "But as additives are consumed, there will be increased wear and tear on the tractor. You might be able to get by for a time, but it will have an impact on tractor life."

Routine maintenance can also come up during the most critical production times — planting and harvest, when producers are expecting the most out of their equipment and usage is highest. That's when keeping track of service and maintenance intervals can sometimes creep down on the to-do list.

"That's when a good team relationship with the producer and dealer comes into play," Hanna says. "Working together, they can develop a service plan that ensures schedules are met."
For more information on tractor maintenance at Iowa State, visit: www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM2089L.pdf

1. Go to http://tractortestlab.unl.edu. Click on "Test Reports." The Web site shows all makes and models tested at the lab since 1999. (Hard-copy reports for tractors tested before 1999 are available for purchase. Contact Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, Box 830832, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0832, 402/472-2442, tractortestlab@unl.edu.)

2. Click on make and model of tractor. This will bring up the corresponding test report.

3. Check "Chassis: Type" to determine tractor category (2-wd, front wheel assist, 4-wd, or track). This information is included in the narrative text next to the charts on the site. We ranked tractors in two categories: row-crop tractors (2-wd/front wheel assist) and high-horsepower 4-wd/track tractors.

4. Check horsepower to determine size category. We used PTO horsepower (at rated engine speed) to determine if the tractor belonged to the category of row crop (150 to 200 hp) or high-horsepower 4-wd/track (300+ hp). (See lab chart called "Power Takeoff Performance.") This is the number used by all manufacturers to verify a claim.

5. Find the rating of horsepower-hours per gallon. The fuel consumption measurement, horsepower-hours per gallon (hp-hr./gal.), has become the standard used for comparing the efficiency of all agricultural tractor models. Measured directly, it means that burning one gallon of fuel in the tractor at full load and at rated engine speed produces a certain amount of horsepower for an hour.

The higher the number, the greater the fuel efficiency; that is, more work is being done with a given amount of fuel.
We looked at that rating in two performance tests: power takeoff and drawbar performance. We used results from the "PTO Performance Chart" to establish the fuel-efficiency rankings. The lab says the PTO rating is a good indicator because it is one that is calculated for all tractors and it is always run at the maximum level. However, results from the drawbar performance test are also included, and depending on how you plan to use the tractor, it may be a better indicator of fuel efficiency for some tractors — for example, the very-high-horsepower tractors used primarily for their brute pulling power of, say, deep tillage implements. On the other hand, if the tractor is used primarily for PTO work, then the PTO rating will be your best indicator because it will not be likely to change or won't be as much affected by the size or weight of the implement the tractor is pulling. If you use the tractor for both PTO and tillage work, then consider both ratings in your decision.

PTO performance is measured at several different power levels and speeds, but for comparison purposes, the factor most farmers are interested in is maximum power at rated engine speed. This is the highest power level that the tractor can sustain over a long term and is measured in horsepower. Newer tractors usually have an operating range that includes maximum power at a speed lower than rated. Also, with modern high torque/constant power engines, the power at rated PTO speed is usually similar to the power at the rated engine speed.

Like PTO performance, drawbar performance is measured at different rates of pull and in different gears. Power measured at 75% of pull at maximum power is a reasonable reflection of performance during typical heavy fieldwork. At 75% of pull at maximum power, you will still have some reserve for heavy spots in the field. We list the horsepower-hours per gallon in "third gear" (to show maximum drawbar pull) and "eighth gear" (to show maximum power).

Drawbar tests are conducted on concrete or asphalt test tracks, which allow for consistency in comparison. As a result, the numbers in the test reports are not exactly the numbers you might get in field conditions.
The drawbar ratings listed are for "ballasted" runs. If a ballasted test was not run, then results from the unballasted test (at 1,800 rpm or the lowest engine speed) were used.

In cases where ratings are identical (for example, Case IH and New Holland 4-wd tractors), only one of the tractors was tested and the results serve for both because there was no performance difference between the two.

Whether you are buying, selling or trading your farm tractor, the key to maximizing your budget is to use pricing information that is accurate so you know your equipment’s true value. Trusted for over 25 years and now available online, the Tractor Blue Book has the most up-to-date and comprehensive valuation information on farm tractors.
With the Tractor Blue Book, you'll have access to:
• Farm tractors produced from 1939 to present
• Approximate retail price new
• Used trade-in values and retail prices
• Specification information: engine size, transmission speeds, PTO horsepower, Drawbar horsepower and serial numbers.
• Serial number section to identify year built

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Building on last year's successful launch of the 8R Series tractor, John Deere has boosted the power in this year's lineup and made all 8R and 8RT tractors capable of accepting "smart tractor" technology.

This year's 8R family consists of six new modles with wheels and three with tracks, each sporting 10 to 15 engine horsepower boosts over last year's models. All come with JDLink Ultimate Service and Service Advisor Remote -- complimentary for a year. The service allows the tractor to send location, operation, and performance data over via the Web and cell phone.

The 2011 8R Series is powered with the PowerTech PSX 9.0L 6 cylinder diesel engine running dual turbo-chargers, exhaust gas recirculation and an exhaust filter that cleans itself. The result is Tier IVA certification without the use of diesel exhaust fluids.

Last February, Caterpillar president Stu Levenick put impending EPA Tier 4 pollution restrictions in perspective. He said they’d caused his company to take on “the most aggressive and expensive product development initiative in Caterpillar history.”
This comes from the firm that innovated the crawler tractor.

Modifications made to diesels since emissions restrictions took hold in 1996 rival any advance made to machinery since Rudolph Diesel’s introduction of a compression-ignition engine in 1892. “Deere & Company spends about $2.5 million a day on research and development,” says Steve Meinzen of that firm. “In recent years, a significant share of that enormous investment has gone to developing Tier 4 interim engines.”

The environmental payoff is stunning. By EPA estimates, modifications made to diesel to date have cut nitrous oxide (NOx) smog by 1 million tons per year. That is the equivalent of taking 35 million cars off the road.

This is just the beginning. Come January 2011, diesels 175 hp. and larger must meet new Tier 4 interim standards. When the Tier 4 final level is completed in 2015, all diesels, regardless of horsepower, must eject 90% less NOx and 90% less particulate matter (PM). This challenges engineers as never before. In their tightrope walk between the Tier 3 and Tier 4 platforms, designers have a delicate balancing act between NOx and PM. That is where the latest postcombustion treatments now installed on diesels come into play.

One path used to meet Tier 4 interim standards employs exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to control NOx. This approach still turns out unacceptable levels (by Tier 4 interim levels) of PM. But that soot (unburned fuel) is captured and burned off in a catalytic filter that is part of the engine’s exhaust system.

An alternative technology meeting Tier 4 final rules is selective catalytic reduction (SCR). This approach injects diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into the engine’s exhaust stream to neutralize excessive NOx. PM output is slashed by tuning the engine to thoroughly combust fuel.

Farmers will literally be able to breathe easier thanks to these advances – but at a cost. Only Caterpillar has estimated its price tag to meet Tier 4, calculating it will add 12% to engine costs over the next three years. Other manufacturers hint at price hikes for whole machines in the 3% to 5% range.

Yet there is a payoff for this extra cost. Cleaner burning engines are more efficient; they drink 15% to 20% less fuel than pre-Tier power plants built 12 years ago. New efficiency records are set at the Nebraska Tractor Test every year. The latest mark breached is 20 hp. hours per gallon. A Massey Ferguson 8680 exceeded that output last year. Indeed, today’s diesels churn out torque levels not possible a decade ago and leap to grow more power in a split second.

The Brain Box
There isn’t a function on today’s diesels that isn’t regulated by the electronic control unit (ECU). Also called the electronic engine control (EEC) or electronic control module (ECM), these brain boxes constantly regulate all aspects of engine performance like injection pressures and timing, turbocharger operation, combustion chamber temperature, levels of nitrous oxide (NOx) or particulate matter (PM), and even engine timing. This breakthrough has made it possible for engines to burn less fuel and eject fewer pollutants while spurring them on to generate surprisingly tall and long torque curves.