Deere Unveils Advanced Electric IVT

Deere Introduces Innovative Electric IVT

Deere & Company – March 3, 2022

John Deere has significantly enhanced its 8 and 9 Series Tractors for the 2023 model year, integrating cutting-edge technology and increased power. For the most powerful 8 Series Tractors, Deere now presents a seamless Electric Variable Transmission (EVT), delivering remarkably accurate speed regulation and a superior driving experience. Furthermore, the largest 9 Series Tractors will benefit from the newly engineered JD14X (13.6L) diesel engine.

For operators who value the infinite speed control and effortless operation of stepless transmissions, the new EVT will be available across all 410-horsepower 8 Series Tractors, encompassing the 8R, 8RT, and 8RX configurations.

"The EVT replaces traditional hydrostatic motors with electric motors, resulting in improved transmission performance, greater dependability, and increased efficiency," explains Ryan Jardon, marketing manager at John Deere. “It brings all the benefits customers love from an Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) to the higher-horsepower realm of the 8 Series. Inherently, EVT’s electrical components demonstrate exceptional reliability, provide extended service life, and contribute to enhanced overall tractor control, alongside a system designed for straightforward maintenance and diagnostics. Owners will also notice a quieter operating experience with an EVT compared to an IVT.”

Looking ahead, Jardon anticipates the EVT becoming the preferred transmission choice for customers. “In the future, 8 Series Tractors equipped with the EVT will optionally feature electric power generation, enabling the export of electricity to power implements,” Jardon notes. “This EVT is the only transmission in the industry capable of generating electric power – up to 100kW. Farmers could utilize this electricity to drive implement fan systems, replace hydraulic pumps on implements, or even assist the tractor by powering implement axles. This approach leverages proven technology John Deere currently employs in its construction machinery.”

Powered axles on agricultural implements are already successfully implemented in Europe, providing an assistive push from behind while working in fields. “EVT technology allows the tractor to offload electricity to provide supplementary power to the implement, which can reduce wheel slippage, boost performance on inclines, and enable the tractor to pull wider implements without requiring additional ballast or a larger machine,” Jardon clarifies.

For the 2023 model year, John Deere 9R 640 and 9RX 640 Tractors will now be propelled by the all-new, completely redesigned JD14X diesel engine, generating a powerful 640 rated horsepower. The 390- to 590-horsepower 9 Series Tractors from the 2022 model year also utilize this engine throughout the complete 9 Series range, including the 640-horsepower variants. According to internal tests, the JD14X engine in the 9R 640 and 9RX 640 Tractors demonstrates a 7% reduction in fuel consumption compared to previous models.

“These new engines were engineered for exceptional performance, heightened reliability, and we’ve made them more accessible for servicing,” Jardon states. “The engine features a 500-hour oil change interval, a hydraulic fan drive, and a high-pressure common rail fuel delivery system, optimizing fuel atomization, efficiency, and power output, as well as reducing start-up times. Customers have expressed their satisfaction with the increased lugging capability the new engine brings to their 9 Series Tractors.”