John Deere has at last released full details of its 9RX four-track crawler that will go head-to-head with Case-IH’s mighty Quadtrac and Versatile’s recently introduced Delta Track.

So far the new models have only been officially revealed to US punters, but a proper European launch is scheduled to take place at the Agritechnica show in Hanover this November.

A couple of test machines are likely to make their way on to UK farms towards the end of the year, or early 2016, and we expect to see full production models the following autumn.

See also: Video: John Deere’s 9RX crawler tractor in action

When they do arrive, there will be a total of four models, ranging from 470hp to 620hp. The two smaller tractors will be powered Deere’s own 13.5-litre Cummins block and there will be a 15-litre Cummins in the big machines.

Here’s a quick run through the main features:

Tracks

The track units are clearly the big talking point of the 9RX. According to Deere they are a completely new design and each has a massive upswept gear off the axle that powers the drive wheel. This sits in a large casting that’s apparently the largest poured in the US.

The drive wheel uses a positive drive system that engages with lugs in the centre of the track units and there are two mid rollers, unlike the Quadtrac’s three. Deere’s theory is that this reduces vibration and makes the tracks smoother on the road.

To improve climbing ability, the front idler wheel is mounted slightly higher so it tends to ride up over obstacles rather than bash into them head on.

Engine and transmission

It is no surprise that the 9RX’s engines mirror those of the existing 9R and 9RT machines. That means smaller 9470RX and 9520RX models will be fitted with Deere’s own 13.5-litre engine and the bigger 9570RX and 9620RX get the 15-litre Cummins block. These both meet Tier 4 final emissions regs.

Across the range, power will be handled by the maker’s 18-speed, e18 powershift transmission. This has an auto-shifting mode that shifts up and throttles back to save fuel and does the opposite when the going gets tough.

It also has a custom auto mode where drivers set their own shifting preferences, as well as a manual option for those that like to stay in fully control of revs and gear ratios.

Hydraulics

In standard spec, 9RX tractors will come with a 220-litre/min hydraulic pump, but there is an option to up this to a 435-litre/min version.

These high-flow tractors will have a split hydraulic system with two separate circuits. Systems that required high flow and low pressure – such as drill fans – can be connected to one circuit, while higher-pressure ones such as implement lift can be plumbed into the other, more powerful, one.

Deere says this allows the hydraulic system to run cooler as it prevents both hydraulic pumps from running at high pressure.

For those who don’t want to just drag implements around, there is also the option of a 9t three-point linkage and 1,000rpm pto.

Cab

The cab will be pretty familiar to existing 9R drivers, with the same 4600 Command Center screen and armrest.

However, the cab suspension has been tweaked and adjusts automatically according to ground conditions.