John Deere is reporting that the results of recently completed Nebraska Tractor Test Lab (NTTL) evaluations of its 8320R tractor show the 320 rated engine horsepower model provides greater fuel efficiency and higher PTO and drawbar horsepower ratings when compared to similar sized competitive tractor models. The tests were conducted in October 2009.

Introduced in 2009 as a replacement line to the widely used 8030 Series Tractors, the John Deere 8R Series Tractors feature the same fuel efficient 9.0L PowerTech Plus engine, but with a larger, more comfortable cab. Over the last several years, the 8430 tractor had set the standard in NTTL tests for fuel efficiency for tractors in its class.

The NTTL is the only official OECD test station in North America and provides credible confirmation of advertised performance specifications for many makes and models of tractors tested. In the 2009 NTTL tests, the John Deere 8320R set records for fuel efficiency for a row-crop tractor in the following categories:

• The 8320R delivered 18.93 hp-hr/gal while producing 274.37 PTO hp in the rated engine speed PTO test.

• The 8320R delivered 17.84 hp-hr/gal while producing 186.66 drawbar horsepower in the 75 percent of maximum power at reduced engine speed drawbar test, a test that closely represents typical field work.

Chad Hogan, division marketing manager for 8 Series Tractors, says the Nebraska Tractor Test results prove that the 8320R Tractor provides up to 26 percent greater fuel efficiency over other competitive tractors of similar size in the 75 percent of pull at maximum power category.

“Contrary to some information that’s out there, in apples-to-apples Nebraska Tractor Test evaluations, the 8320R provides the greatest fuel efficiency in its advertised power class in test categories that best represent typical on-farm fieldwork — not stationary PTO applications,” Hogan says. “This represents a fuel savings of as much as 3.5 gallons per hour in the 75 percent of pull at maximum power test, or a savings of up to 2,450 gallons of diesel fuel annually, based on operating a tractor 700 hours per year.”

Hogan adds the John Deere 8320R Tractor model uses a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) systems as part of the company’s compliance with the EPA’s emissions mandates. “In tests that represent typical tractor use in the field, the Nebraska Test results show that the 8320R with EGR/VGT delivers better diesel fuel efficiency in both drawbar and PTO tests than selective catalytic reduction (SCR)-equipped Tier 3/Stage IIIB competitive tractors. And unlike the SCR-equipped tractors, the 8320R doesn’t require diesel exhaust fluid.”

For more information about the specific NTTL test results, refer to Nebraska OECD Test 1963, 1939, 1937 and 2324, or visit the NTTL Website. For more information on the John Deere 8 Series Tractors, see your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com.