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John Deere's theory with the redesigned 8R series tractor is if you have to bounce around in a field all day, you might as well be comfortable. And comfortable it is.

John Deere's 8R series tractor still looks like a tractor, but the redesigned cab feels more like a corner office. -- Lee Hart photo

The front-wheel assist tractor, which comes with engine power ranging from 225 to 345 horsepower, isn't a different-sized machine, but the company has redesigned its Commandview II cab to provide not only improved visibility, but more convenient operator features and a very comfortable environment.

Among the options is a heated-leather operator's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a premium radio package with a "superb" sound system.  The tractor is among equipment featured at the Agri-Trade show in Red Deer, Alta. this week.

"The new design improves operator comfort and convenience," says Corey Tolle, company spokesman from John Deere operations in Waterloo, Iowa.

Aside from the bright, roomy cab and boardroom-quality operator's seat, the other most noticeable feature is the ergonomically-designed CommandARM on the right-hand side of the seat.

The CommandARM features fingertip control of all the main functions of the tractor. There is a simple set of soft keys arranged with the most frequently used keys up front, with the cab environment controls at the back. The console contains gear and throttle levers, controls for rear hitch, PTO, and Selective Control Value couplers, and switches for several operational features including autosteer.

There is also a seven-inch monitor, attached to the arm, facing the operator that displays almost every tractor function -- even in multiple languages, should you be giving the Russian delegation a tour of your farm.

The heating and air conditioning systems have been improved. The cab is pressurized to keep dust out, and there are 10 vents to distribute air throughout the cab for all-season comfort.

The cab features plenty of storage space and a work area for a laptop computer. And the deluxe radio package also includes satellite radio, as well as iPod or MP3 player capability and Bluetooth technology for hands-free cellphone operation. The new model also has a redesigned lighting system for illumination when working at night.

If you need a little more power you can look at the 8RT series track tractors, which have the same CommandView II cab, but on a track machine. This series has an air cushion suspension system, an infinitely variable transmission, up to 40 additional engine horsepower, increased hitch-lift capacity, increased hydraulic capacity, a 200-gallon fuel tank, 24 per cent faster transport speeds (over previous models) and the ability to adjust track spacing from 72 to 120 inches.

-- Lee Hart is a field editor for Grainews in Calgary.