John Deere will offer a number of new tools in 2015 from high horse-power tractors to hay and equipment choices.

The 9R tractor series offers 10 models in wheeled and track units. The new CommandView Cab III provides the same operating experience found in the 7R and 8R machines. Also available is a system for ending power hop for wheeled tractors.

That new cab facilitates operators moving from machine to machine. The 9R features the familiar CommandARM control that integrates a display - 7-inch is standard, 10-inch is optional. The display gets the intuitive software upgrade the company started rolling out earlier this year, which relies on smartphone-like icons for operation.

Power for the new machines comes from three engines - the John Deere PowerTech PSS 9.0L and 13.5L models - and for the big new 9620R power comes from a Cummins QSX15 15-liter engine. All three engines use similar technologies to achieve Final Tier 4 emissions standards.

The HydraCushion Suspension technology is available as an option for the 9520R, 9570R and 9620R four-wheel drive machines. Using twin cylinders on the front axle and 4-inches of total travel the suspension system stops power hop. This is not a ride enhancing technology, though it will help prevent road lope too. This is a tool that provides measured pressure on the front axle to keep power hop from happening. The system has three settings - Auto, Max and Off; John Deere recommends operating it in the Auto position.

The new tractors also get ActiveCommand Steering as an option. This system - available on the 7R and 8R tractor is a drive-by wire system that makes handling the articulated tractors much easier. With electronic steering the computer-controlled system eliminates some of the stop-to-stop jerkiness common with traditional steering systems.

Making a hay statement

John Deere is rolling out two new hay baler models - the L330 and the L340. The L330 has an 83-inch working width and the L340 has a 90-inch working width. Each features the High Capacity Rotor and includes a heavy duty drive train with a 45 stroke-per-minute gear box to transfer power to other components. The L330 produces a 3-foot-by-3-foot bale and the 340 Baler produces a 3-foot by 4 foot bale. Features include ISOBUS electronics that allow the new balers to work with JDLink software and are compatible with GreenStar displays.

According to Deere a special heavy-duty single-fork system compresses the crop tightly before transferring the hay into the bale case for a dense bale even in tough conditions. A new on-board hydraulic density control allows the in-cab monitor to control hydraulic pressure on the cylinders against the bale case. When moisture content changes, the preset density for bales does not. The L330 uses three hydraulic cylinders, the L340 uses four.

The company is also rolling out five new self-propelled forage harvesters with the 8000 series. The machines offer a range of convenience features, an enhanced kernel processer and high-tech on-the-go feed analysis tools in one package. The machines use DuraDrum cutterheads and KernelStar technology for corn silage processing. The AutoLOC (for length-of cut) feature allows the operator to dial in the exact cutting length based on forage conditions.

Two cutterhead widths, matched to horsepower, are available. All-new header solutions and crop-flow layouts increase flexibility among different crops. Larger 42-inch tires reduce compaction while providing added traction and ground clearance. The company claims improved performance while cutting fuel consumption up to 18 percent. The five models including the 8100, 380 hp, John Deere 9-liter engine; 8200, 430 hp, John Deere 9-liter engine; 8400, 540 hp, John Deere 13.5-liter engine; 8500, 585 hp, John Deere 13.5-liter engine; and the biggest is the 8600, 626-hp with the John Deere 13.5-liter engine.

The new machines feature a range of enhancements for easy change out of the Kernel processor, easy maintenance access to the crop engagement area and more. The Harvest Lab system can analyze harvest on-the-go, a precision inoculant application system that applies by the ton to help save product and yet make better feed. Also included are HarvestDoc software and the link to FarmSight.

A new W260 self-propelled windrower claims to be the most powerful on the market for 2015. It joins the W235 rolled out last year and will be mated to the 5-meter wide 500R Platform. Power for the new windrower comes from a 260-hp 6.8-liter John Deere engine that meets Final Tier 4 standards.

The new machine has enhanced service access with gull-wing doors; the air intake was moved to reduce chaff buildup and extend service intervals. Remote diagnostics and performance data can be accessed with the JDLink telematics solution. The cab is 30 percent larger with 3 percent more glass area. HD lighting provides better illumination during night-time operation.

Mid-size tractor upgrades

The 6 series of tractors gets upgrades at two different levels. The 6D value-priced segment offers a new transmission option. The 6R series gets a horsepower bump and new cabs for improved operator comfort.

The new 6D tractor series - 6105D, 6115TD, 6130D and 6140D - get new transmissions including a 12/12 PowrReverser or an optional 24/12 PowrReverser Hi/Lo. That new transmission increases the number of gears in the key working range of 5 to 9 mph versus the previous 9/9 transmission. The 9-forward/9-reverse predecessor had 3 gears in the magic range; the 12/12 has 6. For the 24/12 there are 12 in the working range. The shift pattern for the A, B, C, D ranges of the transmission was changed from a straight line to an H, which improves shifting precision.

The premium 6R series gets a bump in horsepower, creating three new higher horsepower models - the 6175R, 6195R and 6215R. The higher-spec machines feature Final Tier 4 engines with Intelligent Power Management, which can provide a 40 hp boost under load. A new valve stack comes with up to six SCVs. The visibility to the SCVs is improved. And new remote rear couplers like those on the 7R and 8R series improve attaching and detaching implements.

The 6R series offers the new CommandARM console with a standard 7-inch display Generation 4 CommandCenter touch-screen display. This setup is consistent with the 7R and 8R models (and the new 9R series too) providing the operator a common interface across the working range of the John Deere line. For improved working visibility, the seat swivels to the right 30 degrees.

For more on the John Deere list for 2015 visiting johndeere.com/ag.