John Deere has introduced its newly developed F8 and F9 Series self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFHs), engineered from the ground up with direct customer feedback. These next-generation machines are built to enhance forage performance, boost fuel efficiency, and improve operator comfort—ultimately driving greater farm productivity. Featuring increased horsepower and advanced automation, the new series also integrates a more comprehensive suite of precision technologies than earlier models, redefining how farmers and contractors harvest, process, and manage forage

05 June 2025, Kansas – John Deere (NYSE: DE) has officially introduced its all-new F8 and F9 Series self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFHs), built from the ground up based on extensive customer feedback. Engineered to enhance forage quality, fuel efficiency, operator comfort, and overall productivity, these machines mark a significant advancement in forage harvesting technology.

“The new forage harvesters are all about delivering higher-quality forage with more power, precision, and uptime,” said Bergen Nelson, Go-to-Market Manager for John Deere Harvesting Equipment. “We’ve combined our most powerful hardware with advanced precision ag technology to give producers a machine they can rely on season after season.”

The F9 Series offers two engine options — the John Deere 18X and Liebherr V12 24L — with horsepower ranging from 700PS to 1020PS. The F8 Series, powered by the JD14X engine, comes in six horsepower levels from 425PS to 645PS. These machines deliver high torque with improved fuel efficiency thanks to technologies like HarvestMotion Plus, offering up to 15 per cent fuel savings and 10 per cent more power, with no DEF required for the JD18X engine.

The F8 and F9 models also integrate a new level of harvesting intelligence. Ground speed automation adjusts in real time to crop load and field conditions. ProTouch Harvest™ enables multiple pre-set harvesting configurations at the push of a button, while Active Fill Control ensures precise truck filling even in challenging conditions.

“This isn’t just data collection — it’s smart automation in action,” Nelson added. “Operators get consistent results with less manual effort.”

A newly enhanced inoculant dosing system features a larger, insulated tank and automated cleaning for better feed preservation with reduced maintenance. Two new kernel processor (KP) options—the Ultimate250 and XStream305—offer up to 56 per cent more surface area, ensuring superior kernel processing and improved silage quality, which translates directly to higher milk yields.

Operator comfort also sees a major upgrade in this series. The new cab includes a swivel seat for improved unloading visibility, paired with John Deere’s intuitive hydro handle and G5 display system for seamless machine control. Customers can also choose from new lighting packages that provide up to 68 per cent better night visibility, enhancing safety and efficiency during long work hours.

Designed for durability and future-ready performance, the new forage harvesters include Dura Line wear parts, redesigned wiring harnesses, centralized control panels, and upgraded embedded software. These improvements enhance serviceability and diagnostics, aiming to maximize uptime and reduce long-term maintenance.

“This launch isn’t just about horsepower,” Nelson concluded. “It’s about empowering forage producers with the tools to boost milk production, consistency, and efficiency — all in a machine designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.”