John Deere has cranked the power output of its range-topping forage harvester to more than 1,000hp.

Badged F9 1000, the newcomer takes over from where the 9900 left off, with an extra 50hp delivered from its 24-litre Liebherr V12.

A wider, plusher cab is also in the offing – lifted from the X9 combine – and it gets a smattering of slick technology, including a system that automatically alters working speed according to engine load.

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Thanks to a 230deg spout swivel, operators should find it easier to load trailers, and there’s an improved steering system that tightens the turning radius to 6m.

The rest of Deere’s forager line-up has received a similar revamp, with most of the F9s (9000 series as was) getting a modest power boost.

Output remains the same throughout the F8 range (formerly 8000s), apart from a new F8 600, which gets an extra 20hp over the previous 8600 range topper.

There is an engine change though, with the entry-level model bumping up from a 9-litre to 13.5-litre John Deere six-cylinder to match the rest of the line-up.

Cab upgrades

Benefits of the new cab include a wider frame and the option of an electric door closer that ensures a proper air-tight seal is made without having to slam it shut.

There’s a raft of extra storage areas, too, including dedicated holders for smartphones and hot or cold drinks, plus a slick Bluetooth infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Backsides are equally well catered for with two grades of seats, the fanciest of which offers heating and cooling, as well as a massage function.

© John Deere

Frequently used controls are clustered around a Command Pro joystick with 11 customisable buttons, there’s a large G5 or G5 Plus screen, and a separate corner display.

Other technology includes an “active fill control” system that uses a camera to adjust the rotation and flap position of the spout.

This tracks trailers automatically to ensure even, spill-free filling.

Then there’s the “pro-touch” system, which allows multiple headland functions and road settings to be performed with a single click.

Innoculant upgrade

Deere has also upgraded the additive system, fitting a 50-litre insulated concentrate tank plus a 325-litre vessel for high-volume applications.

It has a built-in cleaning system, too, with a separate supply of clean water.

Finally, two new corn crackers have been added to the options list – the Ultimate 250 and XStream 305.

The former features 250mm rolls, while the latter has 305mm units that provide a 56% larger surface area.