John Deere unveils its new 7.310R tractor

The new John Deere 7.310R tractor will top the 7R range from the end of 2014. The engine of the 7.310R will meet Tier IV final standards with the introduction of AdBlue.
This tractor (rated power: 310 ch and power with intelligent power management (IPM): 340 ch) will be built at the Waterloo plant, where the 8R and 9R are also built.

The standout engine.
The new John Deere 7.310R will be fitted with a John Deere PowerTech PVX engine with a displacement of 9l, with a variable geometry turbocharger.

It delivers 310 ch at rated power (97/68/CE), and 340 ch with the power boost. This engine already powers the 7.290R, 7.270R and 7.250R models, but will additionally receive EGR+SCR technology with the introduction of AdBlue.

The 7.310R will be able to meet Tier IV final environmental standards. The manufacturer expects AdBlue consumption of around 3% of fuel consumption.

New models in the 7R range
The John Deere 7R tractor range has been updated.

- 7.200R is replaced by 7.210R 249 ch (ECE-R24)
- 7.215R is replaced by 7.230R 269 ch (ECE-R24)
- 7.230R is replaced by 7.250R 290 ch (ECE-R24)
- 7.260R is replaced by 7.270R 311 ch (ECE-R24)
- 7.280R is replaced by 7.290R 323 ch (ECE-R24)

The 7.210R and 7.230R receive John Deere PowerTech PSX 6.8l engines, while the 7.250R, 7.270R and 7.290R receive the John Deere PowerTech PVX 9.0l engine.

The engines remain equipped with the EGR system (recirculation of a portion of exhaust gas into the engine intake) with the particulate filter. Fuel injection pressure has also been increased to improve combustion.

However, John Deere will continue to offer improved EGR engines compliant with Tier III-B standards on the other 7R. John Deere has a stock of engines (without added AdBlue), lasting until the first half of 2015 if sales stay at the current level.

Note that all engines of the 7R are fitted with a new cooling pack, which reduces air flow resistance to provide more cooling capacity. The individual system components and the fan have been completely rearranged and redesigned.

A new full-Powershift transmission called "e23"
From November 2014, the new tractors of the 7R series can be fitted with the new full-Powershift transmission "e23", offering 23 forward speeds and 11 reverse speeds.

The Efficiency Manager feature lets the operator preset the working speed and thus helps reduce consumption, through automatic upshifting and lowering of engine speed to an optimal rate.

The new e23 transmission will have 23 gears under load. Each gear of the transmission will allow the operator to increase the tractor's speed by 15 %.

The e23 transmission will offer 14 gears between 2,5 and 16 km/h. From the 20e speed (road use), the engine is regulated at an engine speed of 1480tr/min.

Depending on the task to be performed, the transmission can be used in three different driving modes
- Manual (+/- lever).
- Automatic-economy (with the logic of a continuously variable transmission).
- Automatic-power.

As an option, the John Deere 7.310R can be fitted with AutoPowr, a continuously variable transmission. AutoPowr now has a pedal mode that lets the operator change the travel speed without varying engine speed.

The improved CommandView cab

The new CommandView III cab features a 40-degree swivel seat with a high backrest.

As standard, John Deere offers a standard air-sprung seat, and gives the option of the "ActiveSeat" electro-hydraulically controlled seat, or hydraulic cab suspension. According to the manufacturer, the noise level in the cab has been reduced by 3dB compared with the first 7R (74dB 71dB).

The CommandArm armrest, standard on the 7.310R, replaces the right-hand console of the first 7R. According to the manufacturer, it has a more intuitive and ergonomic design.

The CommandArm armrest groups the tractor controls by function. A multifunction single lever with gear shifting is available for the e23 transmission.

As for the CommandCenter, 2 consoles are available:
- The CommandCenter 4100 (7 inches, or 17.8cm diagonal)
- The CommandCenter 4600 (10.4 inches, or 26.4cm diagonal)

The CommandCenter 4100 and 4600 feature a new touchscreen interface. They display information about the tractor. Integrated systems also make it possible to use FarmSight precision farming technology.

The cab is also fitted with laminated glass windows for safety and quiet.

A few additional options:

- 360-degree LED lighting (22 lights).
- Front and rear fenders fully covering the tires (up to tires 900mm wide).
- Right-hand sun visor.
- Reverser on the right of the steering wheel.
- Refrigerated compartment to the left of the seat.

Technical specifications of the John Deere 7.310R:

- Rated power: 310 ch
- Power with IPM (power boost): 340 ch
- Engine: John Deere PowerTech PVX (variable geometry turbo)
- Emission control: diesel oxidation catalyst + SCR technology + diesel particulate filter
- Engine displacement: 9.0l
- Weight: 10.520 kg
- Weight-to-power ratio: 31kg/ch
- Front/rear weight distribution: 45/55
- Wheelbase: 2930 mm
- Maximum speed: 42 km/h