Spending a full day in the field with the John Deere 9RX 710 felt like stepping into the future of high-powered farming. Having tested and reviewed agricultural machinery for years, ranging from small landowner equipment to full-scale commercial rigs, I was eager to see if this behemoth could live up to its reputation. What I found was more than a tractor; it’s a highly engineered system designed to push productivity and efficiency to new limits.
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First Impressions of John Deere 9RX 710: The Giant on the Field
The sheer size of the John Deere 9RX 710 is enough to make anyone pause. Standing over 13 feet tall and weighing in at more than 56,000 pounds, it’s a machine that commands respect. Its defining feature is the quad-track setup replaces traditional wheels with four independent tracks. This design spreads the tractor’s weight more evenly, drastically reducing soil compaction.
Watching it cruise across a freshly prepared field, I noticed how gently it treated the soil. The light footprint preserves soil structure, which is vital for maintaining yields over the long term. The tracks also ensure rock-solid stability and outstanding traction, giving it an edge in conditions that could bog down lesser machines.
Engine and Performance of John Deere 9RX 710: Built for Relentless Work
At the heart of the John Deere 9RX 710 is 18-liter JD18 engine, capable of producing 710 rated horsepower and peaking at a staggering 781 HP. In the field, I saw it haul a 60-foot cultivator through stubborn, clay-heavy soil without the slightest hesitation.
Key performance specs:
| Feature | Details |
| Engine | JD18 (18L) |
| Rated Power | 710 HP @ 2100 rpm |
| Max Power | 781 HP |
| Max Torque | 3,123 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
| Transmission | e21™ PowerShift + Efficiency Manager |
| Fuel Tank | 1,949 L (515 gal) |
| Hydraulic Flow (Opt.) | Up to 168 gpm |
| Base Weight | 56,000 lbs |
| Max Ballast | 84,000 lbs |
The e21™ PowerShift transmission delivers flawless gear changes, balancing performance with fuel efficiency. An optional Intelligent Power Management system boosts output by up to 40 HP when hydraulic demand spikes, perfect for running massive implements. The 515-gallon fuel tank means fewer refueling stops, keeping the machine working for longer stretches.
Inside the CommandView™ 4 Plus Cab
John Deere designed the 9RX 710’s cab for operators who spend entire days behind the controls. The CommandView™ 4 Plus offers a roomy, ergonomic environment with 15% more floor space than earlier models.
Cab highlights:
- Ride comfort: Four shocks with a three-degree suspension system smooth out rough ground.
- Quiet operation: Noise levels are low enough for normal conversation, even when running at full load.
- Controls & tech: A 12.8-inch G5Plus CommandCenter™ touchscreen paired with an adjustable leather seat makes managing settings intuitive.
- Visibility: Panoramic windows and optional LED packages ensure excellent sightlines in all conditions.
One operator I spoke with routinely works 12–14-hour days and credits the John Deere 9RX 710 cab’s design for reducing fatigue. Comfort and quietness aren’t just luxuries—they directly influence productivity.
Precision Agriculture: Brains to Match the Brawn
The John Deere 9RX 710 isn’t just muscle—it’s loaded with technology that takes farming precision to another level:
- JDLink™: Remote monitoring and diagnostics, plus the ability to send maps and settings directly to the tractor.
- AutoTrac™: GPS steering for precise, repeatable passes that eliminate overlaps and reduce fuel waste.
- G5Plus CommandCenter™: A central hub for machine settings, implement control, and performance tracking.
- Autonomy-ready: Built with ISOBUS high-speed connections for future driverless operations.
I was particularly impressed with AutoTrac’s accuracy. Perfectly straight rows with minimal operator input save time, fuel, and effort—critical advantages for large-scale farming.
Field Performance of John Deere 9RX 710: Tackling Harsh Conditions
I watched the John Deere 9RX 710 at work in wet, heavy clay during deep tillage and leveling—conditions that can challenge even the best machines. The tractor excelled in every respect:
- Traction: The quad tracks kept it moving where wheeled tractors might spin.
- Pace: It held a steady working speed despite dragging heavy equipment.
- Fuel economy: For its horsepower class, consumption stayed within an efficient range thanks to the Efficiency Manager.
- Stability: Turns were clean and controlled, with minimal soil disturbance.
The tracks’ lighter footprint also means healthier soil for planting—an advantage that pays dividends over time.
Maintenance and Reliability of John Deere 9RX 710
John Deere designed the 9RX 710 with uptime in mind:
- Easy service access: Filters and service points are reachable from the ground.
- Smart diagnostics: JDLink allows for remote troubleshooting before a technician even arrives.
- Durable track system: Extended service intervals reduce downtime compared to older designs.
The crew I spoke with mentioned that routine maintenance takes less time than with older wheeled models, keeping this machine in the field when it matters most.
How It Stacks Up Against Competitors
When compared to the Case IH Steiger 715 Quadtrac and Claas Xerion 12.650, the John Deere 9RX 710 shows clear strengths:
| Model | Max HP | Engine | Transmission | Hydraulics | Fuel Tank | DEF Requirement | Max Ballast | Autonomy-Ready |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Deere 9RX 710 | 781 | JD18 18L | e21™ PowerShift | 168 gpm | 515 gal | No (EGR) | 84,000 lbs | Yes |
| Case IH 715 Quadtrac | 778 | FPT Cursor 16L | PowerDrive PowerShift | 113 gpm | 488 gal | Yes | 72,000 lbs | No |
| Claas 12.650 | 653 | Mercedes-Benz 15.6L | CMATIC CVT | 114 gpm | 264 gal | Yes | 66,000 lbs | No |
The John Deere 9RX 710 leads in hydraulic capacity, ballast weight, and DEF-free operation. While the Case IH model matches it closely in horsepower, John Deere’s autonomy-ready platform gives it a forward-looking advantage. Claas, with its CVT transmission, offers smoother speed transitions but at lower power levels.
Price and Ideal Buyers of John Deere 9RX 710
With pricing between $1.07 million and $1.11 million, John Deere 9RX 710 is firmly aimed at large commercial farms, not hobbyists or small operators. For farms managing thousands of acres, ‘s combination of output, precision, and reduced downtime can translate into significant long-term returns.
Note: Price of John Deere 9RX 710 depends on location and dealers, you can approach their website
Pros and Cons of John Deere 9RX 710
Pros:
- Immense horsepower and hydraulic performance
- Quad-track system preserves soil health
- Packed with precision-ag tech and autonomy-ready
- Comfortable, spacious cab with low noise levels
- DEF-free engine design
- Large fuel tank for long days in the field
Cons:
- High upfront cost
- Overpowered for small or mid-size farms
- Requires trained operators to fully leverage features
Where to Purchase John Deere 9RX 710?
You can approach local dealers or visit their local showrooms.
FAQs
Q: What makes the John Deere 9RX 710 unique?
Its quad-track design, extreme horsepower, and readiness for autonomous operation give it an edge in large-scale farming.
Q: Is it overkill for smaller farms?
Yes its size, fuel capacity, and cost are optimized for vast acreages.
Q: How do the tracks benefit operations?
They reduce soil compaction, improve traction in wet ground, and make turning cleaner.
Q: Does it need DEF fluid?
No, it uses EGR technology, eliminating DEF-related maintenance.
Q: Can it run autonomously?
It’s autonomy-ready, requiring only additional software and hardware for full driverless use.
Q: How does its fuel economy compare?
The Efficiency Manager optimizes fuel use, making it competitive despite its high output.
Q: What’s maintenance like?
Ground-level service points and remote diagnostics simplify upkeep.
Q: How does the cab improve workdays?
Its comfort, suspension, and noise control make long shifts less exhausting.
Final Takeaway
The John Deere 9RX 710 isn’t just another high-powered tractor—it’s a fusion of brute force and advanced agricultural technology. For the farms big enough to justify their size and cost, it can significantly boost efficiency while safeguarding soil health. It’s comfortable sufficient for marathon workdays, smart enough to integrate with modern precision farming systems, and strong enough to handle the heaviest implements without breaking stride.
For those managing thousands of acres, this isn’t simply a purchase it’s a long-term investment in productivity and capability. In today’s competitive farming environment, the John Deere 9RX 710 sets a high bar for what a modern agricultural workhorse can be.
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Further Reading
- Read LS Tractor MT125 review
Image Disclaimer: The concepts discussed in this article are difficult to capture with a photograph. The image above was created by an AI to help visualize the topic.
Hi, I’m Bony Sham, a mechanical engineer and former Supply Chain Specialist at Mahindra & Mahindra, where I honed my expertise in machinery and logistics. Now, as a blogger, I share detailed tractor reviews and other equipment details to help people to choose the best equipment. Follow me on LinkedIn