JOHN DEERE UNVEILS NEW F8 AND F9 SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTER

John Deere is proud to introduce their all-new self-propelled forage harvesters: the F8 and F9 series. These high-performance machines are designed to deliver a significantly improved driving experience, combined with advanced automation and precision farming technology as well as a further enhanced silage quality.

Setting  New Standards for Driving Experience

The F8 and F9 forage harvesters feature major enhancements to improve the operator’s driving experience. Starting with a new cabin that is wider and more comfortable for the driver up to the optional electric door closer that ensures a perfect seal every time. Inside the cab, clever storage solutions allow users to find the perfect spot for all their items, from armrest compartments to behind-seat storage. There are dedicated holders for smartphones, keys, or larger items, as well as hot and cold beverages. The premium infotainment system includes Bluetooth® connectivity, radio, streaming, and hands-free calling, ensuring crystal-clear sound quality. Multiple charging options, including 12V and USB ports, are conveniently placed for all power needs, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows for seamless access to calls, messages, music, and voice commands.

The ActiveSeat™ in the F8 and F9 series swivels 16° to the right and to the left for easy access and exceptional visibility. The optional ActiveSeat^TM II also offers fully adjustable electric controls, cooling/heating, a massage function, and active suspension technology that isolates up to 90% of vertical movements for a smooth ride. The slim cab pillars and sweeping windows provide panoramic visibility from the header to the flap of the spout. The spout now can be rotated up to 230° for optimal unloading while the redesigned steering system of the rear axle delivers an impressive 6 m turning radius for faster headland turns.

Intuitive Machine Control and Harvesting Settings

The F8 and F9 forage harvesters are equipped with intuitive controls for machine and harvesting settings to enhance user experience. Machine settings can be stored in different driver profiles, allowing for a quick start of harvesting without the need to adjust settings with every change of driver.

The new ergonomic CommandPRO™ joystick, featuring up to 11 customisable buttons, is easily programmed via the touchscreen of the G5/G5^Plus CommandCenter™ display. This includes settings for header folding, spout lift, AutoTrac^TM, ProTouch, Machine Sync, 4WD and more.

The intuitive control system ensures that sophisticated agricultural technology is easy to operate. The G5/G5^Plus CommandCenter™ touchscreen display with shortcuts and context-sensitive help simplifies navigation. A new forage harvester specific screen menu allows operators to quickly adjust the most relevant machine functions by one fingertip.  It is 35% larger and 75% faster than previous displays, with a high definition 1080P screen. An optional G5^Plus Extended Monitor doubles the 12.8” screen, allowing users to monitor more functions simultaneously and make adjustments as needed. Essential data is displayed via info graphics on bright, easy-to-read screens on the corner post display.

“With the F8 and F9, we’ve reimagined the entire operator’s environment to deliver unmatched comfort and intuitive control. It simply has been built around the operator,” says Philippe Steinmann, Go to Market Manager Europe at John Deere. “These machines are not only powerful but deliver an exceptional driving experience, so drivers can push harvesting to new limits while enjoying first-class comfort.”

More Engine Power

The F8 and F9 forage harvesters offer various engine options to meet different needs. Proven in John Deere X9 combines and 9RX tractors, the JD14X engine now powers all six F8 models, offering superior performance while meeting Stage V emission standards. The engine power range (rated , ECE R120) starts at 425 PS (313 kW) with the F8 100 model and the new top model F8 600 delivering 645 PS (475 kW). HarvestMotion™ technology maximises productivity at reduced engine speeds, delivering constant power over a wide rpm range, which results in excellent driveability for the operator. Engine speed management improves fuel efficiency by reducing engine rpm during transport and at headlands.

In the F9 series (models F9 500 to F9 700), the JD18X engine in the rated PS range from 700 PS (515 kW) to 820 PS (603 kW), delivers peak performance with remarkable fuel efficiency. It features John Deere engine controls, a high-pressure common-rail fuel system, and serial turbochargers with cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and no need for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). All JD18X engine models feature the well-proven HarvestMotion^TM Plus technology.

The third engine option, the Liebherr 24.2L V12, powers the F9 900 and 1000 models, delivering up to 1020 PS (750 kW, rated) ensuring maximum productivity in even the most extreme harvesting conditions. Again, these models also feature HarvestMotion^TM for best productivity and driveability at maximum throughput.

Advanced Technology Stack

The F8 and F9 models come with a comprehensive technology stack designed to optimise performance. Ground Speed Automation optimises automatically the vehicle speed and engine rpm based on engine load and preselected target speeds and engine loads. No matter what conditions are, the machine constantly harvests at maximum productivity with optimal efficiency and minimal operator effort and stress. Active Fill Control utilises a stereo camera system to control the rotation and flap position of the spout automatically, tracking transport vehicles and aiming the crop for optimal fill strategy. The ProTouch Harvest system offers single-click headland automation for maize, grass, or whole crop silage, managing header lift, spout control, AutoTrac™, Active Fill Control, and Ground Speed Automation for easy headland turns. When switching between road and field, the ProTouch technology handles up to nine essential functions, including beacon lights, 4WD, settings for engine speed management, and spout positioning. Additional John Deere Precision Ag Technology options, such as AutoPath^TM (rows and boundaries) can be added as required.

“The F8 and F9 can be equipped with advanced automation and John Deere Precision Ag Technology, the best we ever offered in forage harvesting,” Steinmann explains. “From Ground Speed Automation to intelligent crop tracking or ProTouch Harvest, these features help operators to focus on the harvesting job, boosting both efficiency and forage quality.”

Silage Quality further improved

The F8 and F9 models are designed to optimise silage quality. The well-known DuraDrum cutterhead performs with remarkable flexibility for various harvesting requirements. The new inoculant dosing system, IDS 2.0, works with HarvestLab™ sensor readings to optimise silage quality. The system features a 50 l insulated concentrate tank for highly concentrated additives as well as a 325 l tank for high volume application as well as for water. Furthermore, the engineers integrated a cleaning system including a clear water tank. John Deere also offers two new advanced kernel processor options. For one, the John Deere Ultimate 250^TM kernel processor with larger 250 mm rolls, temperature monitoring and foldable design for best serviceability. Secondly, the John Deere XStream 305 kernel processor delivers a 56% larger surface with 305mm rolls, electrical adjusting and the well-proven oil-mist greasing for best processing in all length of cuts.

Highlights Summary

• New Cab with numerous comfort features
• Intuitive controls for machine and harvesting settings
• CommandPRO^TM joystick with up to 11 customisable buttons
• G5/G5^Plus CommandCenter™ touchscreen display
• Comprehensive technology stack with Ground Speed Automation, Active Fill Control 3.0, ProTouch Harvest and more
• All F8 models with the JD14X engine and HarvestMotion^TM
• New inoculant dosing system with insulated larger tank
• Improved kernel processors to further optimize silage quality

Model year 2026 Line-up