Deere begins production of 8000T tracked tractors

Diesel Progress North American Edition, August, 1997 by Mike Osenga

Rubber tracks on ag tractors have been an aftermarket item for many years, used by farmers as an in-field option primarily for field conditions requiring lower soil compaction. Caterpillar was first to market production tracked tractors with the Challenger line and Case and Deere followed suit announcing their own tracked tractors late last year. Caterpillar promptly responded by filing a patent infringement lawsuit against Deere that is still unresolved.

While agriculture is the primary market, Cat's Challenger tractors have also found use in earthmoving and roadbuilding applications as well.

Deere began production in June of four tracked models, all based on the company's 8000 series of row crop tractors that were introduced in September 1994. The four tracked models now being built at Deere's Waterloo (Iowa) Works include: the 160 hp 8100T; the 180 hp, 8200T; the 200 hp 8300T; and the 225 hp 8400T. All have a standard 15,560 lb. lift capacity and all are powered by Deere's 8.1 L PowerTech diesel.

Prototype 8000T units were displayed at industry shows throughout the fall of 1996, and a demonstration fleet was put in the field this spring, leading to production.

Tread spacing on the 8000T tractors can be adjusted from 60, 64, 66, 68, 72, 76, 80, and 88 in. increments without spacers and without having to remove the track frames from the tractor, Deere said. The closely coupled three-point hitch has been specifically designed for tracked applications.

The tracked versions differ from the wheeled tractors primarily from the rear of the 16-speed powershift transmission through the outboard planetary final drives, which prohibits interchanging tracks and tires.

This, said Deere, underscores the importance of making the right choice for specific farming conditions when the tractor is purchased. Working through its. dealers, Deere is using a needs analysis checklist to guide customers through a comparison of tires and tracks that is based on more than 30 criteria, to aid in making that decision.