Like other manufacturers, John Deere is continually challenged to boost fuel efficiency and at the same time meet the new Tier III emission standards. In the Nebraska tests conducted in October 2009, Deere’s 8320R tractor, part of the R/RT series, set fuel efficiency records delivering 18.93 hp. hr/ gal while producing 274.37 PTO hp in the rated engine speed PTO test. It also delivered 17.84 hp. hr/gal while producing 186.66 drawbar-hp in the 75 per cent of maximum power at reduced engine speed
drawbar test, a test that closely represents typical field work.
Deere powers these tractors with a fuel-efficient 9.0 L PowerTech Plus engine. Chad Hogan, a division-marketing manager for the JD 8 Series tractors says the John Deere 8320R tractor model uses a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) system as part of the company’s compliance with the American EPA’s emission mandates. This EGR/VGT delivers better diesel fuel efficiency in both drawbar and PTO tests than other selective reduction (SCR)-equipped Tier 3/Stage IIIB competitive tractors.
