More power and performance with John Deere 9030 series tractors

John Deere introduces a new line of large, high-horsepower tractors – the 9030 Series. There are eight new tire- and track-equipped models ranging in horsepower from 325 to 530 hp. Also included are models specifically designed for construction job-site scraper applications. These tractors are engineered for big-time field operations and provide cleaner-burning engines and more power, productivity and operator comfort.

The basic specifications for these new tractors are shown below:

"These highly productive tractors feature the innovative John Deere PowerTech Plus™ engines," says Don Worner, manager, product marketing, John Deere Waterloo Works. "They are cleaner burning than previous models and are engineered specifically for high-horsepower field applications to help the operator get more done in less time."

The six-cylinder PowerTech Plus engines are designed with four valves per cylinder, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a variable geometry turbo (VGT). The result is a cleaner-burning engine delivering up to a 38 percent torque rise and a 10 percent power bulge to bring more power and performance to the ground while meeting federal emissions standards.

"Engine efficiency is enhanced with a new cooling package, including the patented Vari-Cool™ fan drive and cooling system," explains Worner. "The mechanical-type fan runs only at the necessary speed to meet the cooling requirements of the tractor, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing power consumption."

Two transmission options are available on the new 9030 Series Tractors. A 24-speed manual transmission (24-forward and 6-reverse speeds) is available on the 9230, 9330 and 9430 Tractors as standard equipment. The 18-speed PowerShift Transmission (18-forward and 6-reverse speeds) is available as an option on the 9230, 9330 and 9430 Tractors and is standard equipment on the 9530 and 9630 Tractors.

"Both transmissions are designed with enhanced shift logic to provide superior shift quality and accommodate increased power levels," says Steve Towlerton, product manager, 9030 Series Tractors, John Deere Waterloo Works. "These field-proven transmissions will give operators years of productive service."

Drive components are beefed up on the 9530 and 9630 Wheeled Tractors and a new, stronger double-reduction axle handles the increased horsepower requirements and higher torque loads in the field.

"The operator station and cab also have been improved for increased operator comfort," emphasizes Towlerton. "We've designed a quieter CommandView™ cab with lower sound levels and excellent visibility for all field activities. Even with a larger engine and cooling package, a new hood design with a relocated exhaust provides the forward visibility customers demand – a long-standing 9000 Series advantage."

ActiveSeat™, which is optional, communicates with the tractor 200 times per second to remove as much as 90 percent of vertical inputs for a smoother ride. Color-coded controls allow for easy operation of the tractors and all vehicles are GreenStar™ and AutoTrac™ Ready. (A special AutoTrac Ready promotion for 2008 will offer AutoTrac Ready precision guidance capability to all purchasers of 9030 Series Tractors at no additional charge.)

"We're extremely excited about the three new track tractors: the 9430T, 9530T and 9630T," says Towlerton. "They feature a new AirCushion™ walking I-beam suspension system that will give them a smoother ride in all field and transport conditions. This is something our customers have been asking for and now we've delivered."

A redesigned bogey undercarriage allows easier track alignment capability and provides increased track tensioning and recoil, wider front idlers and enhanced reliability. The air suspension system is equipped with its own on-board regulation system with controllers that automatically adjust to field or transport conditions. This all translates into longer days, less fatigue, higher working and transport speeds, and more overall productivity for longer days in the field.

"For customers on construction or farm sites who need big horsepower for low-cost land-leveling or scraping of terrain, the 9430, 9530 and 9630 Tractors can be ordered in a special scraper configuration," explains Worner. "These tractors are specifically engineered to handle the rigorous performance requirements for moving earth with a pull-pan, and are designed for this application."

These productive scraper tractors add more productivity to the work site because of their versatility. When a 9030 Series Tractor completes work on a job-site, it can be unhitched from the scraper and put to use in other pulling or even agricultural applications. Conventional earth moving equipment cannot duplicate this flexibility.

Another industry-exclusive feature on the 9030 Series Scraper Tractors is AutoLoad™, which automates the scraper's hydraulic lift functions during the loading cycle. Once activated, it automatically adjusts the scraper's cutting-edge height according to draft loads of the equipment without operator intervention.

"An operator engages AutoLoad at the beginning of a cut," explains Worner. "Then the system automatically varies blade height according to draft load, wheel slippage and soil conditions. The system is disengaged at the end of the cut through normal operation of the selective control valve (SCV) lever in the tractor. The automated system brings new productivity and less operator fatigue when performing scraper operations."

A key feature of all 9030 Series Tractors is a larger fuel tank, which gives the new tractors up to 33 percent greater on-board fuel capacity. Combined with the fuel-efficient engines, the 9030 Series Tractors will stay longer in the field and allow the operator to cover more acres in less time.

"The new 9030 Series Tractors offer more power and performance than the models they replace," concludes Worner. "With fuel-efficient PowerTech Plus engines, more horsepower for each model, new AirCushion suspension on the track models, more comfort in the cab and integrated technology for easy installation of AutoTrac and other precision guidance technology, we are confident that these are the most productive high-horsepower tractors ever built by John Deere."