John Deere JD18X engine

The John Deere JD18X engine with 18L (1098-cu in.) displacement delivers unmatched performance and characteristics. The unique engine characteristics and efficiency brings the John Deere self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFH) into another performance league in the 514- to 588-kW (690.4- to 789-hp) power class. With the JD18X engine comes unique features and highest comfort on the 9500,  9600 and 9700 SPFH models.

• Perfect engine characteristics for SPFH application
• Diesel only engine – no diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)/AdBlue® with Final Tier 4 (FT4)/Stage V (EU) emission regulation
• HarvestMotion Plus
• Long engine oil service interval (750 hours)

The JD18X engine was awarded “Diesel of the year 2021,” confirming the performance and diesel-only concept. Click here for more information.

Diesel of the year award

The unbeatable performance of the JD18X engine together with the HarvesMotion Plus concept achieves unique power and torque rise in the 514- to 588-kW (690.4- to 789-hp) power class.

Power and torque rise through engine rpm on the 9500-9700 SPFH

The unique engine characteristics with constant, strong power and torque rise at low rpm provides a highly efficient forage harvester and comfortable driving in every situation.

AdBlue is a trademark of VDA Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V.

HarvestMotion Plus – A state-of-the-art engine with ideal performance characteristics and low specific fuel consumption perfectly aligns and synchronizes with a superior crop flow. This is the John Deere HarvestMotion^TM  concept. The “Plus” stands for unique torque rise and more power at low engine rpm – an experience of pure performance and efficiency without any compromise. Additionally, there is no diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) required.

The HarvestMotion Plus advantage:

• 13 percent less fluid consumption (diesel plus DEF)
• 48-kW (64.4-hp, varies by model) extra power at low engine rpm to easily digest peak loads
• Simple is strong – reliable harvest capacity

John Deere 9000 Series with JD18X engine

Leading efficiency

With a maximum engine speed of 1800 rpm, the engine is always operated in its sweet spot. Lower rpm means lower specific fuel consumption. Less fuel consumption means less costs and, in the end, more money in your pocket. HarvestMotion enables up to 13 percent less total fluid consumption, which equals up to 105€ per day of grass harvest and 119€ per day of corn harvest*.

*NOTE: Based in internal benchmark data from 2020: JD18X John Deere engine with HarvestMotion Plus versus replaced model with 4 percent less diesel, no DEF (AdBlue®), and 10 hours of chopping per day.

Powerful heartbeat

Less engine rpm, more power, and a unique torque rise – this is what HarvestMotion Plus delivers. The JD18X John Deere engine has been tailored to the needs of an agricultural harvesting machine. Operators will feel its strength and owners will profit off its harvesting capacity. The JD18X engine in the 9000 Series Self-Propelled Forage Harvester (SPFH) with the HarvestMotion Plus concept is a winning combination.

• The 9500 SPFH delivers 23 percent more throughput than the previous 9600 SPFH with 13.5L (824-cu in.) engine.
• Get the same high productivity level on the 9500, 9600 and 9700 SPFH as the Liebherr® V12 engine provides on the other 9000 Series models (throughput/installed engine power).

Reliability through simplicity

Reliable power delivered by modern, robust engine technology ensures harvesting capacity. The JD18X engine delivers exceptional performance without needing a complex aftertreatment system. This means unique simplicity in this power class.

AdBlue is a trademark of VDA Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. Liebherr is a trademark of Liebherr-International AG.

Overview

John Deere self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFH) set new standards in kernel processing performance. Proven in independent tests during corn harvest in 2016 and 2017, John Deere kernel processors (KP) deliver smashed kernels and highly processed plants that growers expect. With two different models, the John Deere Premium KP™ kernel processor and the John Deere XStream KP™ kernel processor, all different needs will be satisfied.

Additional details

All John Deere SPFH can be operated with or without a kernel processing unit in position. When not in use, a crop transition chute (or grass chute) swings into position with a few turns of a crank. The crop transition chute comes standard on all harvesters.

The SPFH feature the AutoLube central greasing harness; the respective central greasing equipment is available on the Premium KP kernel processor. The XStream KP kernel processor features automatic pressurised oil lubrication.

The John Deere Premium KP is available for 9500 through 9800 models, and the John Deere XStream KP is available for all 9000 Series models. The 9900 model can only be equipped with an XStream KP.

John Deere Premium KP

John Deere Premium KP kernel processor

On the 9000 Series, the proven John Deere Premium KP can be installed on the 9500 through 9800 models. With their highly intense processing, they deliver excellent forage quality at any length of cut.

The main features of the Premium KP are:

• 240-mm (9.45-in.) roll diameter for different crops (maize and whole crop)
• 32 percent speed differential; option of 40 percent speed differential
• Standard KP housing with grease lubrication in base
• Electric KP gap adjustment from the cab as option

The following rolls are available for the Premium KP:

• Standard sawtooth (118/118 teeth)
• Dura Line™ sawtooth (118/118 teeth)
• Dura Line sawtooth (178/178 teeth)

With the option of Dura Line rolls, a longer lifetime and less wear can be reached, resulting in lower cost of operation.

For easy and uncomplicated mounting and dismounting of the KP, a crane with electric winch can be installed as an option.

Mounting and dismounting the KP with the optional crane and winch

The following diagram shows the complete John Deere Premium KP offering with all possible combinations.

		Sawtooth (118/118 teeth) – code 3734
John Deere Premium KP with: Standard KP housing 240-mm (9.45-in.) roll diameter 32 percent speed differential Grease lubrication		Dura Line sawtooth (118/118 teeth) – code 3738
		Dura Line sawtooth (178/178 teeth) – code 3743

The following additional options are also available for the Premium KP.

Crane for KP removal complete with electrical winch (code 8380)

Hydraulic KP belt tensioner (code 8381)

Electrical KP gap adjustment (code 8376)

40 percent speed differential (code 8378)

Complete whole crop KP as bundle (code 9379)

John Deere XStream KP

John Deere XStream KP kernel processor

The John Deere XStream KP is the heavy-duty solution made for high throughput and high-horsepower machines and stands for extreme processing at any length of cut in any crop and any conditions.

The XStream KP rolls are manufactured and delivered by Scherer Inc., located in South Dakota, United States. The kernel processor is supplied ex-factory by Scherer Inc. and fits on all 9000 Series models. As Scherer Inc. has a strong focus on dairy forage production and is the leading company in KP roll designs and manufacturing since 1999, a strong statement is set regarding kernel processing and forage quality.

More information about Scherer Inc. can be found on their website: http://www.schererinc.com/

The main features of the XStream KP are:

• 250-mm (9.8-in.) roll diameter
• 50 percent speed differential
• Heavy-duty housing with KP roll quick-exchange system
• Pressurised oil lubrication of bearings
• Bearing temperature monitoring system (option)

The following rolls are available for the XStream KP:

• Dura Line sawtooth (110/145 teeth) – available in 25.4- or 27.9-cm (10- or 11-in.) rolls
• Dura Line sawtooth or XCut (120/160 teeth) – 27.9-cm (11-in.) rolls
• Dura Line sawtooth (160/160 teeth) – 27.9-cm (11-in.) rolls
• Dura Line sawtooth advanced (145/165 teeth) – 25.4-cm (10-in.) rolls

In comparison to the Dura Line sawtooth rolls, the Dura Line XCut rolls have a spiral groove sawtooth profile that delivers excellent processing, especially at long lengths of cut. The spiral groove design delivers highly processed plants and smashed kernels.

For easy and uncomplicated mounting and dismounting of the KP, a crane with electric winch can be installed as an option.

Mounting and dismounting the KP with the optional crane and winch

The following diagram shows the complete John Deere XStream KP offering with all possible combinations

		Dura Line sawtooth (110/145 teeth) – code 3750
John Deere XStream KP with: Heady-duty housing 250-mm (9.8-in.) roll diameter 50 percent speed differential KP roll quick-exchange system Pressurised oil lubrication Requires: Air compressor (code 8710, in base on 9800 and 9900)		Dura Line XCut sawtooth with spiral groove (110/145 teeth) – code 3751
		Dura Line XCut sawtooth with spiral groove for advanced (145/165 teeth) – code 3752 NOTE: Only available for 9000 Series models.

The following additional options are also available for the XStream KP.

Temperature monitoring (code 838A)

Crane for KP removal complete with electrical winch (code 8380)

Overview

Due to increased machine usage (chopping more tons per hour), standard high-quality steel parts need to be replaced more frequently. Since 2010, John Deere has been meeting the challenge and exceeding expectations with Dura Line wear parts.

Dura Line components  were developed by John Deere and are installed in high wear spots on the self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFH), mainly in the crop flow. The technology is normally used for heavy-duty environments such as mining and machine tooling. It is the highest material quality in the industry that is installed on an SPFH.

Benefits

• The coating is extremely wear resistant with an extraordinarily smooth surface due to the special heat treatment and a proprietary tungsten carbide composition.
• Dura Line provides a permanent fast-chopping process with low crop friction on the components while fuel consumption remains low.
• Tests show that when chopping in the same crop conditions and chopping the same tonnage, Dura Line parts last four times as long as, or longer than, standard parts. Time and money associated with replacing parts are significantly reduced.

Dura Line coating

Dura Line processing

Additional details

Dura Line guarantee

The Dura Line guarantee provides a specified number of engine hours or time of usage (whichever comes first) for the different Dura Line liners. The Dura Line guarantee was first introduced in 2017 and is valid for all 8000 and 9000 Series SPFH models. Dura Line liners damaged from foreign material or misuse are excluded. Only parts that are completely worn are replaced.

For more information about the Dura Line guarantee, contact the local sales organisation.

Dura Line packages

The John Deere Dura Line crop flow liners come in three packages. Depending on the individual harvesting requirements, there is a perfect package for every need.

• Basic: Perfect solution for machines mainly harvesting corn
• Premium: Ideal for abrasive conditions (particularly grass)
• Ultimate: Perfect choice for toughest conditions, providing full crop flow coverage

Dura Line wear parts

NOTE: 3000 engine hours or 5 year guarantee.

HarvestLab 3000 measures dry matter and constituents on the go

HarvestLab 3000 sensor mounted on the spout

The HarvestLab 3000 sensor mounts to the top of the discharge spout and takes accurate dry matter and ingredient readings (more than 4000 measurements per second) of the crop through the sapphire glass lens as crop passes through the spout. This is the same technology forage labs use to measure dry matter. HarvestLab 3000 with John Deere Constituent Sensing measures dry matter and constituents like sugar, starch, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude fiber, crude ash, crude protein, crude fat, Methabolic Energy and ELOS depending on the crop. In addition, the HarvestLab 3000 sensor can also be used as a stationary unit.

Stationary usage of HarvestLab 3000

Crop type and constituent sensing

*Only for ensiled products in stationary mode
**Not in stationary mode

The ability to continuously monitor forage quality with the HarvestLab™ 3000 sensor and Forage Constituent bundle enables balancing rations to maintain proper fiber and starch levels to minimize acidosis and poor rumen function.

When the HarvestLab 3000 sensor is used in conjunction with the Harvest Monitor™ system, a wealth of important information becomes available to the operator, including productivity in acres per hour, throughput in tons per hour, total area harvested, total crop mass harvested, yields, and dry matter. To measure and document constituents, a G5^Plus Universal Display or 4640 Universal Display is also required. All data documented on the G5^Plus Universal Display and the Gen 4 4640 Universal Display is shown in the John Deere Operations Center.

Constituent data in Operations Center

When the HarvestLab 3000 is used in conjunction with an 8000 or 9000 Series Self-Propelled Forage Harvester (SPFH), AutoLoc system functionality is automatically present. AutoLoc automatically varies the length of cut according to the desired crop-dry matter correlation settings based on the dry matter readings from the HarvestLab 3000 sensor. With the AutoLoc adjustment, bunk density is improved, and high forage quality is reached.

AutoLoc - Automatic length of cut

AutoLoc on the SPFH

1. HarvestLab 3000 — moisture and ingredients on the go
2. Manual control (operator)
3. AutoLoc — automatic control
4. IVLOC™ transmission — length of control changes on the go

AutoLoc, a feature exclusive to John Deere and unique in the market, brings added value to the HarvestLab 3000 sensor and John Deere SPFH. AutoLoc works in conjunction with the HarvestLab 3000 Sensor and IVLOC transmission to automatically adjust the length of cut (LOC) based on crop moisture levels to improve bunk density and reduce long particles in dry corn. Nutritionists, herdsmen, and SPFH operators all benefit from this innovation.

John Deere is leading the industry in providing real-time information that matters most to forage production. Quality forage comes from properly packed silage, which is directly related to the moisture content and LOC of the crop.

LOC changes are made automatically in the field based on moisture readings and predetermined settings determined by operator requirements. No in-field calibration is required to load the LOC requirements; the operator simply uses the GreenStar™ display to program the desired LOC settings at different moisture levels.

When moisture levels of crop in the field change, the IVLOC drive automatically responds to either increase or decrease the feedroll speed, which in turn changes the LOC. If moisture levels of the crop are outside of the desired range, the IVLOC transmission adjusts and limits the LOC based on the maximum and minimum LOC settings as determined by the operator.

AutoLoc screen

AutoLoc solves the dry matter and LOC puzzle

According to the accurate moisture readings, AutoLoc is able to adjust the proper LOC automatically in steps as small as 1 mm (0.04 in.). This process is faster and more accurate than any operator could do manually because of all the other important operating functions being performed. This can increase overall efficiency dramatically.

With AutoLoc, the SPFH operator simply sets the minimum, optimum, and maximum moisture levels and the corresponding lengths of cut. AutoLoc then creates a linear curve between the minimum and the optimum and between the optimum and the maximum. LOCs are then determined based on those lines.

For example, if the optimum LOC were set to 15 mm (0.59 in.) at 68 percent moisture and 8 mm (0.31 in.) at 50 percent moisture, and the actual moisture of the crop was 63 percent, AutoLoc would change the LOC to be 13 mm (0.51 in.) based on the linear curve it created.

AutoLoc chart

Forage harvester performance and AutoLoc

The following equipment is required for AutoLoc functionality:

• GreenStar display with G5^Plus Universal Display or Gen 4 4640 Universal Display
• HarvestLab 3000 sensor
• 8000 or 9000 Series SPFH

Why AutoLoc is a must to ensure silage quality and overall profitability

It impacts the silage compaction in the bunker to ensure the quality of feed being stored is the best quality possible.

Silage density and AutoLoc

Good silage starts with high bunk density to preserve the crop value. This is the main objective for both dairy/beef producers and biogas plants. Many factors are involved in achieving high bunk density, including type of crop, moisture levels, length of cut, bunk filling speed, and compaction machinery.

Some of these factors cannot be easily changed while harvesting. AutoLoc adds an improved sense of control to the harvesting and silage storage operation. Operators do not need to compromise when choosing the proper length of cut based on moisture. AutoLoc takes care of this chore automatically.

Oftentimes, producers are so focused on getting the job done that important tasks and details are overlooked during the harvesting operation. Knowing the growing period for corn silage covers five months growing in the field and only a few days harvesting for 10 to 12 months of feeding, the process of the silage harvest and storage should be managed as well as possible.

The impact of the silage quality, which can be harvested and stored in just a few days, can have a huge impact on income throughout the entire year. The silage cost is a major part of the expenses in the dairy/beef and biogas plant businesses. Poor forage quality can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year in increased feed costs resulting in the producer having to invest in additional silage to reach the desired feed ration.

Spoilage/reheating and seeping losses are the biggest problems in silage bunks. These problems often happen due to insufficient compaction and an incorrect LOC. In order to achieve the right amount of silage compaction and keep as much air out of the silage as possible, the LOC has to be adjusted according to the moisture levels of the crop - the wetter the material, the bigger the particle size.

While varying lengths of cut can dramatically help to achieve high density levels, the length of cut of the material must be consistent in order to maintain normal rumination, chewing, and saliva production in the rumen. If the particles are too small, the food does not fit anymore with the process of the cow rumen and the compaction becomes difficult due to the instability of the material.

For this reason, John Deere created AutoLoc, which automatically adjusts the length of cut to the moisture value, while staying within the preset LOC range.

Having some limited LOC variations in a bunk silo should not affect the effective fiber in the ration on a daily basis. Using AutoLoc in conjunction with upright or bag silos can vary the effective fiber fed to animals on a daily basis.

Looking at the studies done by Honig and Rohr in 1985, as can be seen in the following table, it is possible to get high-density levels of dryer crop when the crop is chopped at a shorter LOC.

Total Care overview

Self Propelled Forage Harvester in the field

Total Care is an extended service program that allows customers to secure annual maintenance costs and be in a better position to prevent downtime during harvest. Total Care is available to customers purchasing a new 8000 or 9000 Series Self Propelled Forage Harvester. There are two plan offerings, Total Care Select and Total Care Ultimate. Both Total Care plans are designed to help you maintain the original performance and uptime of your new machine.

Benefits

• Maximize machine performance and reliability through regular inspections and regularly scheduled maintenance
• Manage unforeseen financial risk and control operating expenses
• Replace worn parts as needed to ensure the customer does not experience downtime during the next use season
• In-season wear parts replacement (if needed) on both the traction unit and front-end equipment

Requirements and term lengths

Plan details

Not included:

• In-season maintenance
• Labor
• Technician field travel and machine transport
• Insurance covered events
• Abuse and/or neglect

For more information, see the John Deere Protect website.

Additional information in Dura Line wear parts packages.

Maximum power

At 1300 rpm (ECE R120): 579 kW
787 PS / 776 hp
Rated power: 552 kW
750 PS / 740 hp

Engine

Type
JD18X
Exhaust emission regulation compliancy - Final Tier 4 (FT4)/Stage V
Displacement
18 L
1098 cu in.
Model
Europe: 6180ZX501
North America: 6180ZX401
Cylinders
Inline six

Fuel system

Common-rail fuel system

Fuel tank capacity

1500 L
396.2 U.S. gal.

DEF tank capacity ( for FT4 or EU Stage V emission level)

Rated Power

Maximum power

At 1300 rpm (ECE R120): 579 kW
787 PS / 776 hp
Rated power: 552 kW
750 PS / 740 hp

Fuel tank capacity

1,500 L
396.3 U.S. gal.

DEF tank capacity ( for FT4 or EU Stage V emission level)

No DEF tank

Rated Power

Type

JD18X
Exhaust emission regulation compliancy - FT4/Stage V

Model

Europe: 6180ZX501
North America: 6180ZX401

Displacement

18 L
1098 cu in.

Cylinders

Inline six

Fuel system

Common-rail fuel system

Air compressor

Optional

Engine/ground speed management

Manufacturer

Speed on road

Cooling fan drive

Direct

Cooling system capacity

Ground drive

ProDrive™ system, autoshift transmission, differential lock (automatic and manual), automatic wet brake system
Engine rpm on road: 1300-1800 rpm

Hydraulics

Load sensing

Main clutch

Dry clutch

Number of discs

Two discs

Main driveband

Reinforced with Kevlar® inserts

Belt tensioning

Active, hydraulic pressure

Main driveband, polybelt belts

Eight grooves

Crop flow components

Crop harvesting unit

Type/voltage

12 / 24 V

Batteries/battery quantity/capacity

3 x 174 amp-hr

Alternator

12 V - 200 amp
24 V - 140 amp

Hydraulic system capacity

50 L
13.2 U.S. gal.

Differential lock

Manual and automatic

Maximum transport speed

ProDrive system: 20/25/30/40 km/h
12.4/15.5/18.6/24.9 mph

Rear axle type

Hydromechanical 4WD

Automatic wet brake system

Standard

Engine speed management

Standard

Type

Tilt and extend steering column

Standard

Air conditioning and heater

Standard: ClimaTrak™ control

Cool box

Optional

Trainee seat

Standard

Hectare counter

Standard

Operator information system

Cornerpost display

CAN bus electronics

Standard

Operator's seat

Standard: Air-suspension seat

Panoramic view windows

Standard

Side window wiper

Rear and side window wiper optional
Parallel-type windscreen wiper

Electric adjust and heated

Optional on rearview mirrors

Rearview mirrors

Standard

Hand wash tank capacity

Yield monitoring

Harvest Monitor™ optional

Documentation

Harvest Doc™ optional

Crop analysis

HarvestLab™ 3000 optional

Length-of-cut control based on crop parameter

Standard: Infinitely variable length-of-cut (IVLOC™)
Optional: AutoLoc™ system - use with HarvestLab

Assisted steering systems

Optional: AutoTrac™, Manual RowSense™, AutoTrac RowSense, Machine Sync

Width

Wide body channel

Crop flow components

Low-friction crop flow concept

Infinitely variable header drive

Standard

Lateral pivoting frame

Standard

Multicoupler

Standard

Auto PTO coupler

Optional

Header drive

Base: Heavy-duty gearbox (i=3.75); pump/motor displacement: 85/80 cc
Optional: Extra heavy-duty gearbox (i=4.31); pump/motor displacement: 110/90 cc

Header height control

Advanced header control (AHC) optional

Grass pickups (transport width)

3, 4, 4.5 m
9.8, 13.1, 14.8 ft

Maize headers

8, 10 or 12 rows
Working width: 6, 7.5, or 9 m
19.7, 24.6 , or 29.5 ft

Driveline

Header connection

Feed roll frame opening

Swing away, 37-45 degree (angle)

Number

Four

Metal detector

Standard

Stone detector

Optional

Width, front

830 mm
32.7 in.

Standard feedroll drive

Hydro feedroll drive IVLOC
Infinitely header drive speed

Optional feedroll drive

Type

Dura-Drum™ cutterhead

Knife drum width

850 mm
33.5 in.

Knife drum diameter

670 mm
26.4 in.

Speed at rated engine speed

Standard - 1170 rpm
Optional - 1350 rpm

Knife types available (crop)

Straight - grass
Curved - corn

Shear bar options

Grass, corn, Dura Line™ corn, Dura Line Plus

Cutterhead housing width

Number of knives

Shear bar adjust

Shear bar, reversible

Reverse rotation

Yes

Automatic from cab

Yes, remote from cab

Sharpening modes

Grinding and finishing

Reverse drive

Reverse speed

Type

John Deere Premium KP™, John Deere XStream KP™

Quick-change

Quick kernel processor - swing in/swing out

Quick KP removal

Optional crane with remote-controlled electric hoist

Housing

Standard KP housing

Lubrication

Grease

Roll diameter

240 mm
9.45 in.

Maize - standard sawtooth or Dura Line™ roll teeth number (speed differential)

118 (32 or 40 percent)

Whole crop - standard sawtooth roll teeth number (speed differential)

178 (32 or 40 percent)

Weight

163.3 kg
360 lb

Available KP rolls

Sorghum, roll teeth number (speed differential)

Speed differential / Roll speed (lower)

Roll diameter

250 mm
9.8 in.

Sorghum, roll teeth number (speed differential)

238 (32 percent)

Available KP rolls

Bearing temperature monitoring system

Housing

Lubrication

Maize - Dura Line sawtooth or XCut roll teeth number (speed differential)

Speed differential / Roll speed (lower)

Weight

Whole crop - Dura Line XCut roll teeth number (speed differential)

Rotor diameter/housing width

560 / 620 mm
22.86 / 24.41 in.

Number of blades

10

Speed (option)

1890 rpm

Rotation, degrees

210 degree (angle)

Hydraulic height position

Standard: Hydraulic raise and lower
Optional: Automatic spout positioning

Double-cap deflection

Standard

Reach from center line (Optional)

6 or 8 row: 4.93 m
16.2 ft
10 row: 5.87 m
19.3 ft
12 row: 6.71 m
22 ft

Working height (maximum)

Height to spout: 6.6 m
21.65 ft

Number of wear liners

Rotary radiator screen cleaner

Standard

Automatic lubrication system

Standard: AutoLube

Engine oil and filter change duration

Plus-50™ II oil: 350 hours
Other oil: 250 hours

Transport length (without header)

6.6 m
21.7 ft

Transport width (without header)

3.2-3.8 m
10.5-12.5 ft

Transport height (to cab roof)

Below 4 m
13.12 ft

Approximate weight (without header)

With front tires

With rear tires

Working height (maximum)

Diameter of disks

Number of disks (top/bottom)

Weight

Maize, roll teeth number (speed differential)

Sorghum, roll teeth number (speed differential)

Weight

Wholecrop, roll teeth number (speed differential)