Nothing Pulls Harder: Introducing The New 8R/8RX 440, 490 & 540

25 February 2026 Industry News Product Updates

At John Deere, high horsepower is not just about peak numbers. It is about sustained performance, intelligent efficiency, and uncompromising productivity in the most demanding conditions.

With the introduction of the new 8R and 8RX 440, 490 and 540, we are redefining what a standard-design tractor can achieve.

At the top of the range, the 8R/8RX 540 delivers up to 634 hp with Peak Power Intelligent Power Management (IPM) – making it the world’s most powerful standard-design tractor.

 

Sustained Power. Proven Under Load.

Powered by the JD14 13.6L engine, the new 8 Series High Horsepower models deliver:

  • Up to 2,695 Nm of torque
  • A constant power range from 1,450–1,900 rpm
  • Up to 40 additional hp through Peak Power IPM across the main operating range

This ensures consistent performance in heavy draft applications, high-load PTO work, and hydraulically driven implements – without compromise.

In internal benchmarking, the 8R 540 prepared up to 40% more ground while reducing fuel consumption per hectare by up to 10% compared to an 8R 410 in heavy tillage applications.

More output. Greater efficiency. Lower cost per hectare.

 

Maximum Traction. Minimal Compaction.

The 8R models are available with rear tyres up to 2.30 m, with optional Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) for optimal pressure management in both field and transport.

The 8RX models feature a redesigned four-track undercarriage with low-tension belt architecture and up to 4.87 m² ground contact area, delivering ground pressure as low as 0.4 kg/cm².

The result:Efficient power transfer while protecting soil structure and yield potential.

Efficiency Engineered In.

All 8R/8RX High Horsepower tractors are equipped with the stepless eAutoPowr™ transmission as standard. Its electro-mechanical split-path design improves energy flow efficiency by up to 8% compared to conventional hydrostatic systems.

Combined with the new Heavy-Duty Independent Link Suspension (HD ILS), operators benefit from:

✅ Approximately 7 m turning radius
✅ Improved traction and power transfer
✅ Enhanced comfort at both field and transport speeds

Transport speeds of up to 60 km/h at reduced engine rpm enable faster, more efficient field-to-field transitions.

 

A New Benchmark in Operator Experience.

The CommandView™ 4 cab has been refined to support long working days and precise operation.

Highlights include:

  1. Redesigned CommandARM™ with customizable CommandX Plus or Pro joysticks
  2. Premium and Ultimate seat upgrades with electronic adjustment and ventilation
  3. Inductive phone charging and push-button start with PIN protection
  4. Expanded space and visibility in 8RX models

All models are equipped with StarFire™ 7500, G5Plus CommandCenter™ and JDLink™ connectivity as standard, providing full integration with advanced guidance, data management and supervised autonomy capabilities.

The 8 Series High Horsepower platform is designed to be future-ready.

 

Step Inside the Next-Gen CommandView™ 4 Cab

Our benchmark CommandView™ 4 cab just got even better – and you’ll notice the difference the moment you step inside.

The new-generation cab has been redesigned to deliver greater comfort, smarter control and enhanced precision for operators who demand more from every pass.

What’s new?

New CommandARM™ with Convenience Display: Choose between CommandX™ Plus or CommandX™ Pro joystick options for greater personalization and expanded Precision Ag control.

Cab Refinements for Maximum Comfort: Includes inductive phone charging, 320° cab wiper, push-button start with PIN protection, door cinch, enhanced Premium/Ultimate seats with seat back venting, electric CommandARM adjustment, and retractable seat presets.

Future-Ready Digital Controls:Digital, no-position-indicating controls make the tractors fully precision-ready.

Built for Autonomy & Precision Ag Integration: Designed to enable supervised autonomy, including new features such as Implement Guidance in Reverse.

More Space, Better Visibility:The 8RX HPP configuration removes the right-hand console, delivering 15% more legroom and a 20% wider view to the right.

Versatility at the 600 hp Level.

With up to:

✅ 418 l/min hydraulic flow
✅ 10.8 t rear lift capacity
✅ Category 5 drawbar
✅ 130 kW front PTO
✅ Up to 548 hp PTO power
✅ Optional 300 kW engine brake

The 8R/8RX range delivers articulated-level pulling capability while maintaining the versatility, manoeuvrability and transport efficiency of a standard-frame tractor.

Designed for Large-Scale Farming.

The new 8 Series High Horsepower tractors form the foundation of John Deere’s evolving Large Farm Optimisation approach – combining powerful machinery, advanced automation and connected fleet management to increase productivity, maximise uptime and reduce cost per hectare.

For operations seeking to achieve more with fewer machines and limited labour availability, the 8R and 8RX 440, 490 and 540 represent a new performance benchmark.