JOHN DEERE 8400T Tractor Planting Corn
Why It Matters
The 8400T’s blend of power, traction, and speed enables growers to plant corn more efficiently, justifying its premium cost and shaping the future of large‑scale mechanized farming.
Key Takeaways
- •8400T delivers 225 hp via 8.1‑L turbo engine.
- •Tracks weigh up to 27,330 lb, offering superior traction.
- •Original MSRP was $116,640 for this high‑end model.
- •Paired with 30‑ft, 18‑row planter for efficient corn seeding.
- •Full Power Shift transmission provides 16 forward, 4 reverse speeds.
Summary
The video spotlights John Deere’s 8400T rubber‑tracked tractor as it plants narrow‑row corn in western Kentucky, paired with a 30‑foot, 18‑row planter. The presenter walks viewers through the machine’s production lineage, technical specifications, and original price.
Developed from the 1992 half‑track 4960 prototype, the 8400T entered the market in 1997 as the top‑end of the first‑generation 8000T series. It boasts an 8.1‑liter, turbo‑charged, intercooled six‑cylinder engine delivering 225 hp PTO, a 130‑gallon fuel tank, and a Full Power Shift transmission with 16 forward and four reverse gears, achieving speeds from 1.2 to 18.8 mph. Weighing 23,650 lb dry and up to 27,330 lb field‑weighted, it can be ordered with 16‑, 24‑, or 30‑inch track belts.
The presenter notes the tractor’s original MSRP of $116,640 and highlights its capability to drive a 30‑foot, 18‑row, 20‑inch‑spaced planter, delivering high‑speed, high‑efficiency corn seeding. Historical context is provided by referencing John Deere’s 1992 entry into the track market and the evolution from the 4960 test model to the 8000T series.
For large‑scale corn producers, the 8400T represents a substantial capital investment that translates into superior traction, reduced soil compaction, and faster planting cycles, reinforcing the growing demand for high‑power tracked equipment in modern agriculture.
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