John Deere 9R/9RT Scraper Tractors Reduce Fuel Consumption
The John Deere 9R/9RT Scraper Special Series tractor range now includes the company’s largest model to date, the 9620R. The four wheeled models and three tracked models in the range have increased horsepower and feature the company’s Efficiency Manager for enhanced fuel efficiency and HydraCushion suspension system.
The 9570R (570 horsepower), 9570RT (570 horsepower), and the 9620R (620 horsepower) feature a Cummins QSX15 Tier 4-Final diesel engine; the 9470R (470 horsepower), 9470RT (470 hp), 9520R (520 horsepower), and 9520RT (520 horsepower) use a John Deere PowerTech 13.5L PSS Tier 4-Final engine. These new models feature hydraulic flow rates of 115 gpm for increased hydraulic response when operating multiple scrapers.
The Efficiency Manager system automatically adjusts and matches the performance of the engine and transmission to maintain ground speed with the lowest engine speed, says Deere, “to dramatically reduce operator fuel consumption.”
The HydraCushion suspension is available on all 9R Series wheeled scraper tractors and offers the ability, says Deere, to virtually eliminate road lope associated with high-transport speeds typically experienced on haul roads. By eliminating the lope from the ride, says the company, both cycle times are reduced, both loaded and empty. To further enhance ride quality and stability during high-speed transport, all 9R wheeled scraper tractors have a 17-inch wheelbase increase.
To accommodate higher horsepower and larger loads, the front frame of 9R tractors is now 10 percent stronger, says Deere, and the rear frame assembly 30 percent stronger. To further support the loads of larger scrapers and reduce axle loading, the short drawbar support is now standard equipment on all scraper special tractors, with the long support still being available on wheeled tractors.
The tractors are also equipped with John Deere’s AutoLoad system, which uses push-button control for easily and consistently loading the scraper in minimal time with minimal effort, says Deere. AutoLoad controls the scraper’s hydraulic-lift functions during the load cycle by automatically adjusting the blade height until the pan is full, and then disengaging through normal operation. The system allows novice and experienced operators to be more consistent and productive, says the company.
Fuel tank capacity was increased to 400 gallons on all wheeled scraper special tractors, and an automatic differential lock was added to the 9R Series, relieving the operator from having to manually engage the system. The system keeps the differential lock engaged as long as the tractor is traveling in a straight line.
Inside the cab, Active Command Steering provides enhanced high-speed control and improved low-speed maneuverability, says Deere, reducing operator fatigue and allowing straight-line travel with minimal correction.
