Following its launch last year, John Deere’s refreshed F9 forage harvester range is heading into its first proper chopping season.

Most models have received a power boost, but the biggest upgrade from the outgoing 9000 series is the new cab.

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Lifted from the X9 combine, this has a wider frame and more storage, as well as an electric door closer that ensures a proper air-tight seal is made without having to slam it shut.

Frequently used controls are clustered around a Command Pro joystick with 11 customisable buttons and there’s a large G5 or G5 Plus screen for viewing machine settings.

Other perks for the operator include plushers seats options – one of which has a massage function – a smartphone holder and an integrated foot rest.

There’s some new technology, too, such as a system that automatically alters working speed according to engine load. This aims to maintain peak performance while saving as much fuel as possible.

Trailer filling has also been addressed by increasing the spout swivel to 230deg, and a tighter 6m turning radius has made it more manoeuvrable.

Pictured here working on Cornthwaite Group’s ScotGrass plot is the F9 700, which develops a max power of 838hp from its six-cylinder JD18X engine.

Retail price of this machine is about £700,000, which equates to roughly £500,000 on-farm.