8R Series Tractor equipped with ILS
Close-up view of ILS design
The John Deere ILS utilizes industry-leading technology to supply unsurpassed gains to end-user productivity. This innovative design incorporates proven suspension design with mechanical front-wheel drive (MFWD) axle components that use state-of-the-art technology specifically for heavy equipment usage.
The ILS front axle is available on all 8R Series Tractor models.
42-km/h (26-mph) and 50-km/h (31-mph) front axles
Feature |
ILS |
Hydraulic differential lock |
Yes |
Limited slip |
No |
Suspension |
Yes |
Brakes |
Yes (optional on 42 km/h [26 mph]) |
Tire ratio/steps allowed |
5 or 6 |
Duals |
Yes |
Tread spacing singles* |
1574 mm - 2184 mm (62 in. - 86 in.) |
Tread spacing singles |
1524 mm - 2235 mm (60 in. - 88 in.) |
Singles with duals |
1524 mm - 2235 mm (60 in. - 88 in.) |
Duals |
2946 mm - 3658 mm (116 in. - 144 in.) |
Top speed |
42 km/h (26 mph) or 50 km/h (31mph) depending on model |
Front power take-off (PTO) |
Optional |
* Based on wheel equipment shipped to some geographic regions.
The ILS system gets more power to the ground because the front tires maintain ground contact pressure. This improves field and transport ride plus increases ballasting flexibility and drastically decreases the tendency to power hop.
ILS cutaway
The ILS axle maintains minimum oil levels in the front differentials to assist in providing overall tractor operating efficiency.
John Deere ILS has three systems:
- A mechanical system
- A hydraulic system
- An electrical system
Mechanical system
The mechanical system is further broken down into the mechanical drive system and mechanical suspension system.
The mechanical drive system includes:
- A three-position switch is included on a MFWD clutch.
- The MFWD clutch has six clutch discs and separator plates that can transfer as much as 40 percent of the tractor power through to the front ILS axle.
- The front differential transfers power from the engine to the individual right and left driveshaft through a ring and pinion.
- A hydraulically engaged front differential lock containing eight clutch discs and eight separator plates works in conjunction with the rear differential lock to assist the tractor in tough, wet conditions with increased power transfer to all wheels.
- A right and left constant-velocity telescoping driveline provides smooth power transfer to the outboard hubs.
- On 8245R, 8270R, 8295R, and 8320R Tractors, the ILS driveshaft speed is 6:1. On 8345R, 8370R, and 8400R Tractors, the ILS driveshaft ratio is 8:1. By using an 8:1 ratio on higher horsepower tractors, power can get to the wheels while minimizing the torque the U-joint experiences.
The mechanical suspension system consists of large cast, upper- and lower-control arms with cast steering knuckles for durability and reliability.
- There is a high steering capacity, even with dual wheels – 25 percent increase over model year 2013
- High torque in all steering positions provides maximum transfer of power to the wheels under all conditions
- Fully independent suspension maintains optimum ground contact at all times
Hydraulic system
The hydraulic system consists of suspension cylinders, a control valve manifold, a front differential lock, and hydraulic accumulators.
- There is a high steering capacity through large steering cylinders.
- Responsive link arms maintain contact with the ground surface, giving maximum tractive performance under any condition.
- Accumulators dampen energy from bumps to produce a smooth ride for maximum operator comfort.
Electrical system
The electrical system contains position sensors, solenoids for the control valves, and a master controller for complete automatic control of the ILS system.
How does it work?
The mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems work together to maintain a level and vertically-centered position of the front differential case in relation to the outboard hubs and planetaries, independent of tractor weight or dynamic loading. The system's ability to maintain a vertically centered position provides full suspension travel of 25.4 cm (10 in.). This translates to consistent soil contact for improved power to the ground as well as dampens the energy from bumps that cause a rough ride.
The tractor utilizes electronic and computer controls that monitor tractor functions and axle position. Based on those inputs, the electrical system automatically triggers hydraulic functions to raise, lower, or remain static.
The John Deere ILS uses a short/long A-arm design, which means the upper control arms are shorter than the lower control arms. During wheel movement, the upper control arm moves in a smaller arc than the lower control arm, and the difference in the two arcs creates a change in camber. The change in camber helps keep the inside and outside of the front tires perpendicular to the drive surface, a very important feature when optional front dual wheels are installed. This design provides anti-dive characteristics to naturally reduce the adverse effects of braking and acceleration.
The John Deere ILS front axle has been specifically designed to accommodate additional options, such as front 3-point hitches and front duals. To properly handle these options, large steering cylinders and knuckles provide up to twice the steering capacity of the standard MFWD beam axles so steering performance is maintained. A simple steering stop arrangement offers infinite adjustability for fine-tuning in any row spacing.
Braking system
With higher speeds and expected heavy towed implements and carts, front brakes are optional on 42-km/h (26-mph) ILS-equipped tractors and part of base equipment on 50-km/h (31-mph) ILS-equipped tractors. The braking system is applied proportionally between the front and rear axle brakes to effectively stop the tractor. There are no operator adjustments or requirements to operate the additional braking system.
Tire compatibility
For travel speeds of 50 km/h (31 mph), B-speed-rated tires that provide high-speed capabilities are required.
With the ability to have a six-step drop from rear to front tire, the 8R equipped with an ILS axle is able to have group 49 rear tires with group 43 fronts. This allows for the benefits of group 49 tires while maintain the turning radius allowed by group 43 front tires.
NOTE: The use of group 44 tires for front duals does not allow for some row crop spacings.
Front duals
8R Series Tractor with front duals
Narrow-diameter extension and hub attachment
Front dual tires provide:
- Ultimate flotation and compaction management
- Increased load-carrying capacity
- Easy installation or removal; no need to remove the inner tire
- Bolt-on components versus studded flanges for superior flexibility for dual/no dual applications.
- Narrow hub extensions to ensure superior crop clearance for row crop applications
- A serviceability port has been added to eliminate the need to remove the front dual and hub in order to change the hub oil at the required service interval
Hitch application
In hitch applications, it is important to maintain at least 50 percent of the ballasted front-axle weight (with implement raised) for steering control. Referring to the example below, the maximum ballasted weight of the front axle is 7756 kg (17,100 lb). If the tractor has a hitch-mounted implement, when the tractor is weighed with the hitch and implement fully raised, the front weight must be at least 3878 kg (8550 lb). The front axle capacity is directly proportional to the weight that can be carried on the hitch.
The MFWD axle has a front weight carrying capacity equal to the front tire carrying capacity. For example, in row-crop applications using the popular 480/70R34 (155 load index) front tires, the highest load rating is 3878 kg (8550 lb) per tire with a total of 7756 kg (17,100 lb) at maximum tire pressure. This means (depending on tire pressure and speed) there is as much as 3878 kg (8550 lb) available for support of rear implements in transport.
Maximum load carrying capacity of the axle is determined by the load carrying capacity of the tires and whether the tractor is equipped with singles or duals.
Additional ILS features:
There is no on/off switch for ILS operation since the John Deere advanced electronic management system knows when to disengage ILS automatically. The electronic controller will activate a restricted mode of operation, when any of the following conditions are met:
- Both brake pedals are pushed
- The 3-point hitch raise/lower switch is activated
- The tractor is placed in park
- Wheel speed is less than 0.5 km/h (0.3 mph)
- Tractor is correcting for an out-of-level condition
Based on the inputs received (speed, suspension displacement, braking and operator input to hitch and/or remote cylinders), the tractor determines when the system should be active or inactive, making operation simple and efficient.
MFWD CommandARM™ controls for ILS
Shortcut keys on the CommandARM enable the operator to engage or disengage MFWD on the go, even under full load, without stopping or clutching. The switch can be placed in one of the following positions:
1. AUTO
2. On
3. Off (brake assist)
Mode 1 - AUTO
AUTO light
When this light-emitting diode (LED) light is lit, MFWD is on but automatically disengages when either of the following conditions are met:
- Either brake pedal is depressed and held to allow tighter turns
- Transporting at speeds above approximately 23.0 km/h (13.8 mph) to reduce tire wear; automatically engages when speed drops below 19.0 km/h (11.4 mph)
- When the front wheel turn angle meets an operator-defined point
As with the brake-assist position, when both brakes are depressed, the MFWD automatically engages (if not already on) to provide four-wheel braking.
Automatic MFWD angle adjustment
Mode 2 - MFWD on
MFWD light
When this LED light is lit, MFWD engages continuously.
Mode 3 MFWD off (brake assist)
When no LED lights are lit, the MFWD is off. This is also referred to as the brake-assist position. Even though the MFWD is disengaged, when both brakes are pressed at speeds above 5 km/h (3 mph), the MFWD engages to assist braking the tractor.
Differential lock
CommandARM™ controls with automatic differential lock engaged
CommandARM controls with manual differential lock engaged
The differential lock is another feature of the ILS axle. When the rear differential lock is engaged or disengaged, the front differential lock is also engaged or disengaged. This also includes a driveline shield.
If one wheel begins to slip, the differential lock can be engaged on the go and the axles are hydraulically locked together for maximum traction. There are two ways to engage the differential lock feature.
- Manual differential lock - differential lock can be engaged manually using a switch on the floor or by manually depressing a button on the CommandARM console. When brakes are depressed, the differential lock will disengage
- Automatic differential lock - when in auto mode, differential lock is engaged when the tractor is driving forward. Differential lock will disengage when front wheel turn angle meets disengage wheel angle setting defined by the operator via the CommandCenter or when either brake pedal is depressed. Differential lock will automatically engage when brakes are released or front wheels are turned straight.
Automatic differential lock angle adjustment
Additional equipment for use with ILS axle
- 3M front axle spacing kit:
Front axle static weight for the ILS axle shall not exceed 6759 kg (14,900 lb) using the 3M kit
- H480 Front Loader
Refer to the material handling section for additional information.