John Deere introduced the new 8020 and 8020T series tractors

Bringing high technology down to earth, the new John Deere 8020 Series Tractors offer exclusive features to help customers become more productive in the field. More power to the ground, more comfort in the cab, faster transport and field speeds, and more overall productivity improvements highlight the features of these new workhorses.

"Five wheel models and five track models make up the 8020 Series family with horsepower ranging from 170 to 255 PTO horsepower," says Dave Gilmore, Division Manager, Marketing, Waterloo Tractor Works. "These 10 models give operators more choices for superior power and performance, providing the most productive machine for their specific farm operation."

All models of John Deere 8020 Series Tractors use the PowerTech® 8.1 Liter High Pressure Common Rail engine for increased performance and Tier II emission compliance. The engine features electronic-controlled fuel injection and air-to-air intercooling, and delivers constant power down to 1500 rpm with 45% torque rise and 13% power bulge.

Here is the horsepower line-up:

Because of the wide constant power range, the 8020 Series Tractors have significant load starting capabilities and plenty of engine torque to pull through tough conditions. John Deere electronic controls sense engine load, make an instantaneous response, and generate as much as 13% additional horsepower (over rated horsepower) to pull through the toughest spots in the field. This power bulge feature allows the convenience of less downshifting, and more productivity.

Brand new for the 8020 Series tractors, wheel models only, is the Independent Link Suspension™ (ILS) that offers unparalleled performance in an independent front suspension system. ILS provides several important benefits to customers.

"The new front suspension system controls power hop in the field because of greater front weight management," says Gilmore. "More power is transferred to the ground because of greater overall traction.

"Operator comfort is also enhanced because of a smoother ride in the field; and more productivity is gained because of higher field and transport speeds. ILS allows greater control and more stability on roads and highways, and offers faster transport speeds, up to 26 MPH."

Another optional feature on the 8020 Series Tractors, is the John Deere ActiveSeat™ that uses electro-hydraulic technology in combination with air suspension. This high-tech seat provides the smoothest ride in the industry, and significantly reduces operator fatigue. For those applications where operating speed is not limited by implements, the ActiveSeat allows for faster field speeds, increasing overall productivity by getting more done in less time. The new John Deere ActiveSeat is available on wheeled tractors only.

Improvements in the 8020 Series Automatic Powershift Transmission increase operator productivity with faster transport speeds, up to 26 mph on wheeled tractors and 19.8 mph on track tractors. Maximum engine rpm during transport has been reduced, resulting in lower fuel usage and decreased noise. Depending on the model, speeds are increased from 3 to 8 mph in the popular working range to make operators more productive on a daily basis. A slower first gear on all models allows more flexibility when working in specialty applications.

The rear hitch components for both wheel and track tractors have been completely redesigned for ease of adjustment and durability. The standard lift capacities on wheeled tractors have been increased up to 18%.

Other feature enhancements on the new 8020 Series Tractors include an improved electrical system with a 150-amp alternator that provides more electrical power. The lighting system has a 100% increase in front useable light, new light bezels, lenses and reflectors, and an increased bulb wattage to 65 on all lights.

An optional FieldVision™ deluxe lighting package improves night visibility as much as 350% and extends bulb life to thousands of hours. The package adds three High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights to the standard package and adds two additional cab roof lights for a true 360-degree lighting.

New styling on the 8020 Series features a tilt hood with a one-piece design for easier engine access. The new cab entry platforms, on both wheel and track models, provide easier access to tread spacing adjustments for all customers, including wide track models used in 30-inch row spacings.

As base equipment, the new 8020 tractors are engineered to be GreenStar® Ready. Operators have the option of selecting precision farming and high tech products from John Deere's Ag Management Solutions, and the 8020 tractors are designed with easy and convenient hook-ups for these high tech components.

New front frame supports on wheel and track tractors have been designed for greater front weight application. The new supports also accommodate the optional ILS front suspension system and optional front hitch. On wheel models, a cast-iron mid-frame improves chassis strength for the increased horsepower and hitch lift capacities.

"Two mid-frame sizes are used on the 8020 Series Tractors," says Gilmore, "the standard size for 8120-8320 Tractors, and the large size for 8420-8520 Tractors. The large size mid-frame will allow larger group size tires for increased traction, flotation, and load-carrying capacity. The large size also enables increased fuel capacity to 160 U.S. gallons."

For wheel models, the increased horsepower of the 8020 Series Tractors combined with the ability to install larger, taller tires results in greater axle loads. A new 120mm diameter axle and new heavy-duty rear wheel hubs have been designed to handle these heavier loads, and enable factory installed rear triple tire options on all 8020 Series Tractors. For track tractors, seven new belt options are available to meet a wider range of customer applications.

New technology has been put to use with practical application to make the 8020 Series Tractors the most productive tractors John Deere has ever produced. Increased horsepower, better traction and stability to get the power to the ground, faster field and transport speeds, more operator comfort, and better visibility and lighting are just some of the features that make these machines the best value in the market today. For more information, visit your local John Deere deale.