It is hard to believe but the John Deere 8000 series celebrates its 10 anniversary in 2004. In the summer of 1994 John Deere launched a new era in the Long Green Line with a range of 160 hp to 225 hp tractors. Deere marketed the 8000 tractors as 21^st Century Technology Today. At the time the new century seemed far away but the ultra modern 8020 and 8020T tractors of today, trace their roots back to the 8000's.

The 8000 tractors were a huge development for John Deere for a number of reasons. For over 20 years the Sound-Gard tractor design had defined John Deere styling. Models like the 150 hp 4630, 180 hp 4840, 190 hp 4850, 200 hp 4955 and 200 hp 4960 had made John Deere #1 in high horse power 2wds. When the 8000 series came out the smallest model was 160 hp and the top model matched older articulated 4wds like the 225 hp 8630 and 8640. In the 1970's when models like the 4wd 8630 and 8640 dominated big horse power class for John Deere no one would have thought that a 2wd could match a 4wds hp. The other big change besides horse power with the 8000 series was that they were new tractors from the ground up. At first they were surprising because they look so square and big compared to the old Sound-Gards. Of course over the past ten years the 8000 series have lead the way for John Deere finding homes on many farms. It seems like almost any where you travel you are bound to see an 8000 series tractor working in a field or in a farm yard.

The 225 hp 8400 raised the horse power bar like never before in 1994. It automatically became the largest row crop tractor in North America with is 8.1 Liter engine. The 8.1 L and 7.6 L engine found on the 8100, 8200 and 8300 tractors feature an exclusive electronic engine control for consistent power performance. The electronic engine control really pays off in deep tillage, when the tractor lugs down. The torque response is immediate through the toughest conditions. The new front frame design models like the 8400 added greatly to the strength of the chassis.

By moving the engine forward over the front axle on the 8000 tractors, John Deere was able to accomplish better weight distribution and tighter turning. In 1994 the front frame design looked odd but it allowed for a big 225 hp 2wd like the 8400 to work like an articulated 4wd while having the maneuverability of a small tractor. The engine was moved 44 inches forward from the 4960 design and 10 inches higher. The 8000 series were the first John Deere tractors built for fwa. Fwa became a popular option in the mid-80's and models 4850, 4955 and 4960's fwa were an after thought from the original design. The new 8400 and other 8000's can turn in 17ft because the front wheels can pivot under the frame and tuck in underneath the engine. 17ft is like turning around in your house’s living room. Besides the frame the 8000's cab was all new.

The 4010 made John Deere #1 in 1960 and the 4430 Sound-Gard cemented John Deere as the top tractor maker. The 8000 series cab and power have kept green in the lead with farmers. When CaseIH introduced the Magnum in 1987 it really put John Deere on notice. The Magnum had a big roomy cab, lots of power and a muffler on the side of the cab to allow for better view of the field. John Deere knew its Sound-Gard design being targeted by the Magnum. In 1991 CaseIH pulled ahead in horse power with a 215 hp 7150 Magnum. John Deere cleared the drawing board and answered the Magnum with the 8000 series. The front engine allowed for a great view from the cab. The Sound-Gard cab was quite but it had an obstructing center post and the muffler and air clear on the center of the hood obstructed the drivers view more. The 8000 CommandView cab had unprecedented visibility. The "wasp-waist" hood on the 8000 series narrowed the front of the tractor and keeps the front tire area open. The front windshield is a single 20-sq-ft piece giving an obstructed panoramic view. The ROPS corner posts are tapered and set outside to enhance visibility.

1994 John Deere 8400 Collectors Edition

Collectors Edition Imprint 

The 8000 series were a big surprise in 1994. Ertl’s first model was a 1/16 collectors edition 8400. The 8400 had a special 8000 Series 1994 collectors imprint on the front weight. This 1/16 model has the honor as the first 1/16 Ertl tractor to offer mud guards over the fwa tires. This hefty model was a great representation of the new 8400. Today it sells for around $75.00 . The first 8000 shelf model from Ertl was the 8200. This model looked even more different at first than the 8400. The 8200 featured the large 2wd flotation tires. This model can be found in the $55 price range.

1994 John Deere 8200 Shelf Edition 

The original 8000 series literature came out in August 1994. It features an 8200's hood on the cover. It has31 pages and has lots of great action and field shots of the new 8000's. The literature sells for around $10 at toy shows and on e-bay. This may seem high for a fairly recent brochure but the 8000 series tractors are a popular line with John Deere collectors.