By renaming its 8000 and 9000 series forage harvesters with F8 and F9 designations, John Deere has reached the 1,000hp mark for the first time.
All the details of the F8 600 (flagship in the F8 range) are included in our driving impression in the current issue (08/2025). There are numerous updates and new options, but two of the main talking points of both ranges are the engine and the cab.
Like the X9 combines and 9RX tractors, the JD14X engine in all six F8s delivers 425hp in the F8 100 and 645hp in the flagship F8 600 we tested. A JD18X block powers the ‘smaller’ three models in the F9 range; 500 (700hp), 600 (765hp) and 700 (820hp). Grunt in the top two models (F9 900 and F 1000) comes from a Liebherr 24.2 L V12. This generates 890hp and 1,020hp, respectively (maximum output of the Liebherr block in the current 9900 is 970hp).
The new and roomier cab on both ranges comes from the X9, S7, T6 and T5. Providing more storage space (also for hot and cold drinks), there are also dedicated holders for smartphones, keys, or larger items, and 12v and USB ports.
There is a new CommandPRO joystick and the G5/G5Plus CommandCenter touchscreen. A new forage harvester-specific menu allows users to quickly set up the machine’s most important functions. The console is 35% larger and 75% faster than previous consoles, with a 1080P high-definition display.
The ActiveSeat swivels 16° to both sides, and the optional ActiveSeat II offers fully adjustable electric controls, cooling/heating and even a massage function. Other options include an electric door.
The spout now can be rotated up to 230° and the rear axle’s redesigned steering system reduces the turning radius to 6.0m, and there is a new inoculant dosing system.
There is nothing official, but we expect to see one of the new models on the stand at Agritechnica in November.
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