The John Deere 8030 series was replaced by the 8R series in the fall of 2009. John Deere was the clear market leader in this category in the USA, holding over a 50% share. The 8R had a longer wheelbase and slightly more powerful engines. All models were equipped with a 9.0-liter engine that did not require urea. The standard transmission was a 16+5-speed PowrShift with full-range automation. As an option, Deere’s own continuously variable AutoPowr transmission was available.

The cab was 10% more spacious than before. Most controls were centralized on the armrest and connected to a new 7-inch display. There were no gauges behind the steering wheel; instead, most of them were located on the front pillar. The noise level in the cab had increased to 73 decibels. Automatic air conditioning was standard. Front axle suspension was standard equipment on the two largest models. Extra effort had been put into the work lights. Standard in Finland were 14 lights, and in the Premium version, up to 26, including 7 xenon lights. The 50 km/h version featured disc brakes on the front axle.

The rubber-tracked models were now known as the 8RT. A new feature was suspension, which enabled a speed of 42 km/h. The continuously variable transmission was now also available for the tracked version. The tracks were longer than before. The three most powerful models were available in the rubber-tracked version.

In 2011, Active Command steering was added as an option. Its variable steering ratio was lightest at slow speeds. The models introduced in spring 2011 had about 15 hp more power than before. The difference was more noticeable in torque figures.

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