jke1977

The transmission that Deere has been working on is much like you have stated...using an electric motor in place of hydraulic. They are looking to potentially use a combination of: Diesel to electric to IVT, Diesel to IVT or Diesel and electric to IVT. Transmission to the front drive, I believe will be mechanical, not electric. Recently, a new differential / clutch has been proposed utilizing magnets. It is unknown as to whether this is the target application.

I have read the replies and will address a few things to be factually accurate. Regarding revenue, I can speak using dollars instead of euros but my point is still made. On overall revenue, it is Deere who is growing faster than CNHi. From 2017 to 2018 Deere's revenue growth was greater, far more than CNHi. In Agriculture equipment revenue alone, Deere is approximately $20B, CNHi is about $11B. AGCO is $9B. Keep in mind that Inveco brings CNHi nearly $10B in revenue On the appearance of the new 8R, do not be too concerned over the body styling. The paint as shown. Does not work with the intention of the design. The body styling is accurate to the final product, the paint is not. The final paint and styling together is very cohesive and is very attractive. On the Case IH tracked models, Case beat Deere to the market there. However, Deere wasn't looking at that market and were well into the two-track market and did very well there. However, the 9RT began to show its disadvantages in steering under load. The North American market saw many Deere buyers buying the Quadtrac because they needed the ability to pull large loads and steer them. Late in the Quadtrac 20 year patent cycle, Deere began development of the 9RX. When it was introduced, dealers asked about an 8RX. The Magnum Rowtrac does not sell very well un the USA. It is too expensive and too expensive and difficult to change the track with setting. More farmers use the 8RT. The Magnum Rowtrac also does not have a good pulling advantage because it is only a two track. Case IH has patents for better adjustable tracks on both Rowtrac tractors but they never completed the design. I think they had difficulty with the front tracks and keeping it all at a price point where farmers would buy. Deere needed a few things, a tractor to match the Fendt 1050, a conventional frame tractor that could pull a large planter and be able to put large amounts of power to the ground. In response to the introduction of the Fendt 1000 series, Deere engineers were asked about using large horsepower in such a tractor. They responded by saying that above 400 hp, there was great difficulty maintaining traction without the use of extra weight and tracks. Right now, I to not know what engine is being used. The pictures I've seen are of an 8RX 370 and an 8RX 410. Both appear to have the 9.0L. On the numbering, I am unsure how Deere will verbally say the model number but as displayed, it is different. On the front of the hood, they display 8R or 8RX. Just above the front wheel, they display the horsepower...370, 410 and so forth. The farm show starts on August 27. I anticipate an announcement on that day or sooner

As of right now, I don't know anything in regard to the rear axle having the ability to steer. I do know they have been working on improving the steering, adjusting the power to each drive, etc. Based on pics that I've seen, the rear fenders of the tracked version, do not appear to be mounted to the cab. They seem to be larger versions of the front fenders and could very well be mounted to the track unit. There is a noticable gap between the fender and the nearest portion of the cab. The front track unit is more reminiscent of the 9RX, especially the main idler beam. The rear track uses the same oscillation design but is clearly different...possibly to account for steering? There are various patents and pat. applications that could be related to this machine but Deere's equipment scope is just too wide to isolate what design goes where. There are also many designs that are never implemented...just too much to consider. I don't like to speculate beyond what appears imminent. But, I certainly wouldn't rule out rear steering.

Posting from the USA... Pictures of the new 8R/8RX started showing up about a year ago. Deere made a production run of about 34 test machines at the end of July 2018. The rumored largest machine will be 8470 or 8480R/RX...around 500 max hp. Will be both wheeled and full 4-track versions. RX will come in standard and adjustable Row crop tread spacing...on a bolted rail similar to the current 8RT...no spacers. Track units use a similar concept to the current 9RX with slight changes. These will have a new transmission. Several different types were in development, including a multi mode IVT allowing for either or both engine or electric driven IVT. Unsure if this is in final design or not. I was told that the new models would be announced in the USA during the farm progress show in August. Studio pictures have been taken and are now starting to be circulated to a few dealerships. Body style is the same as above with slight changes to the paint scheme. Obviously yellow track idlers and drive wheel. Expect more black accents and a different decal...and green mirrors. It really looks much nicer than the above paint sceme. I dont believe the RX has ILS but it will have a different suspension. A lot of emphasis was put into the entire drive train. These are definitely not just an 8R with 9RX tracks. These will have both power and the ability to lay it down better than anything else.