John Deere’s latest F9 forager range will be represented by Templetuohy Farm Machinery (TFM) at Grass 2026 following its launch last year. The model in question, which will make its Irish working debut, is the F9 700, the third-largest model in the range, churning out 820hp.

With the arrival of the new F8 and F9 models, John Deere not only breaks the 1,000hp mark for the first time, but there are notable updates throughout. These updates mainly improve performance and driver experience as well as advanced automation and precision farming capabilities.

While the narrower body F8 (660mm feed channel) models up to the 636hp F8 600 source their power from the JD14X, the larger 18l JD18X engine powers the three ‘smaller’ models within the wide body F9 series (830mm feed channel); 500 (700hp), 600 (765hp) and 700 (820hp).

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The range-topping F9 900 and F9 1000 source their power from a 24.2l Liebherr V12 engine, generating 890hp and 1,020hp respectively.

For context, the Liebherr block in the outgoing 9900 model had a maximum output of 970hp. The onboard HarvestMotion technology is said to maximise productivity at reduced engine speeds and deliver constant power over a wide rpm range.

The new F9 also benefits from the larger cab, passed down from the X9, S7 and T6 combines. The more refined and spacious environment offers an improved infotainment system and new control layout with a new CommandPro joystick with 11 customisable buttons, as well as the G5/G5 Plus CommandCentre touchscreen.

The cab on the new F series machines is shared across from the X9, S7, T6 and T5 combines.

According to Deere, the new console is 35% larger and 75% faster than the previous consoles, with a HD 1080p screen.

It includes settings for header folding, spout lift, Auto Trac, Pro Touch, Machine Sync, 4WD and more. A new forage harvester-specific screen menu allows operators to adjust the most relevant machine functions. An optional G5 Plus extended monitor doubles the 12.8” screen, allowing users to monitor more functions at once. Essential data is displayed via infographics on the corner post display.

The ActiveSeat fitted on all new models now swivels 16 degrees to both sides, and the optional ActiveSeat II offers fully adjustable electric controls, including a massage and heated/cooled function.

The slim cab pillars and wide windows provide panoramic visibility from the header to the flap of the spout. The spout can now be rotated up to 230 degrees for optimal unloading while the redesigned steering system of the rear axle delivers a 6m turning radius for faster headland turns.

The KL60.8 is fitted with a 136hp Deutz engine and weighs in the region of 10t.

Onboard technology

Ground Speed Automation automatically optimises the forward speed and engine rpm based on engine load and preselected target speeds. Deere says that no matter what conditions are like, the machine constantly harvests at maximum productivity with optimal efficiency and minimal operator effort.

Active Fill Control utilises a stereo camera system to control the rotation and flap position of the spout automatically, tracking transport vehicles and aiming the crop for optimal fill strategy. The ProTouch Harvest system offers single-click headland automation for any crop, managing header lift, spout control, AutoTrac, Active Fill Control, and Ground Speed Automation for easy headland turns. Switching between road and field, the ProTouch technology handles up to nine functions, including beacons, 4WD, settings for engine speed management and spout positioning.

Other updates

The turning circle of the new F8 and F9 models has been improved by 20% compared to outgoing models, thanks to their shorter chassis design.

It also features some new solutions for loading the kernel processor and other features such as the easy ballast system to allow improved operator handling of heavy components.

The F9 500 (700hp), 600 (765hp) and 700 (820hp) models are fitted with the 18l JD18X engine.

Kramer KL60.8

Back at the silage pit, TFM will demonstrate the flagship wheel loader from Kramer. The range-topping KL60.8 model weighs just over 10t and is equipped with a 136hp 3.6l Deutz engine. This machine features a 150l/min hydraulic system with PZ kinematics and a maximum tipping load of 6.1t.

Unique to Kramer is its rigid chassis, four-wheel system as opposed to the traditional articulated approach. The machine will be paired up with a 12ft fork on the day.