8R gets golden gong
The latest John Deere 8R series tractors, yet to be released, have already won the only gold medal at the upcoming Agtritechnica event scheduled for November.
Launched last year alongside three smaller 116-135hp (rated) models, the highlights of the 4-cylinder 145hp Maxxum 145 Multicontroller include its ActiveDrive 8 eight-step semi-powershift transmission and the Multicontroller armrest and joystick — attributes recognised by TOTY judges as helping ease of operation and enhancing efficiency.
The TOTY award builds on the tractor’s previous achievements, including the lowest average specific fuel consumption recorded in the field work section of the PowerMix test by Germany’s DLG testing station.
Complementing the existing ActiveDrive 4 four-step semi-powershift and CVXDrive continuously variable transmissions, the key development on the new Maxxum Multicontroller range is the ActiveDrive 8 three-range/eight-step semi-powershift transmission. The transmission and many other operating functions can be controlled via the Multicontroller armrest and joystick.
Recent revisions to the Maxxum range have given the line a fresh new look, and in a double recognition the same model has also won the Best Design category, recognising the importance to functionality and form of a modern tractor’s styling.
Following its introduction last summer, the new Case IH Maxxum range, in its Multicontroller guise with the new ActiveDrive 8 semi-powershift transmission, also won Machine of the Year 2018 at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany.
