Designed for maximum durability and operator comfort, John Deere’s new 8400 Commercial triple reel mower features high capacity Jumbo cutting units and a unique Cross Cut function for increased productivity in a range of commercial mowing applications.
Target customers for this new 37hp mower are local authorities, contractors and landscapers. Key features include the 25cm (10in) six-blade cutting units, with an overall cutting width of 2.13m (84in), and John Deere’s established GRIP all-wheel drive traction system for effective mowing on slopes – both firsts on a John Deere commercial triple mower; an operator CommandARM which moves with the seat and puts all the mower controls at the driver’s fingertips; a ROPS and deluxe air suspension seat as standard; and Twin Touch pedal foot controls in a spacious operator platform.
The durable, heavy-duty Jumbo cutting units have been specially designed for cutting long grass on road verges, parks and sports fields, and other public and private green spaces. They feature robust lift arms, self-cleaning smooth rear rollers and easy reel to bedknife adjustment, with cutting height also easily adjustable from 20 to 100mm (¾ to 4in).
For more effective grass dispersion, the two front cutting units throw the grass out to each side of the machine, so that the middle unit does not have to handle the extra clippings. All three cutting units are also equipped with deflector shields to improve the distribution of clippings on wet turf.
The 8400 uses a turbocharged Tier 3 diesel engine with direct injection and a fuel capacity of 49 litres, to maintain high performance levels in the toughest conditions. The GRIP four-wheel drive system is permanently engaged when driving forward; this reduces wheel slip by sending the hydraulic oil flow from the front wheels to the opposite rear wheels to maintain traction, not only when climbing straight up hillsides but also when working across slopes.
John Deere’s Cross Cut feature is the only one of its type offered on a commercial triple mower, and makes turning and switching from mowing to transport very quick and easy. A rocker switch on the CommandARM allows all the reels to be lifted just off the ground when turning and then lowered back to the mowing position. When the right hand side of the switch is pressed continually, the reels lift up from the mowing to the transport position.
Three further switches control each of the cutting units individually, which is useful when mowing in and around confined spaces. The reels are automatically engaged and disengaged when the cuttings units are lowered and lifted.
Basic UK list price of the new John Deere 8400 Commercial triple reel mower is £29,959.
John Deere Limited www.johndeere.co.uk