Earlier this year, John Deere unveiled its heaviest tractor to date, the 9RX 830, an articulated monster delivering up to 913 horsepower. The move was a clear statement of the company’s ambitions in the realm of autonomous farming. However, the strategy raises questions about the direction of agricultural technology and the true benefits of autonomy in farming.
At first glance, launching an autonomous version of a flagship model seems logical. It’s a high-profile way to demonstrate technological prowess and innovation. But autonomy in farming isn’t about prestige; it’s about replacing labor, reducing costs, and increasing operational flexibility. And that’s where the real-world application of autonomy is starting to challenge the traditional notion that “bigger is better.”
Autonomy works best when multiple smaller machines collaborate independently and reliably, without the need for operators. This is where the true efficiency gains lie. A prime example of this approach comes from Justin Yirsa, a grain grower in Montana, USA. Yirsa opted for two cabless 120 horsepower tractors with standard implements, both retrofitted with autonomy kits from Sabanto. Together, these machines match the output of a large air seeder but at less than half the capital investment. If one machine goes down, the other keeps running, and no drivers are needed—just one remote operator monitoring both units.
This small-scale, scalable model isn’t just for North American farms. In the Netherlands, the National Precision Farming Project is trialing IQues retrofit kits that convert conventional tractors into autonomous machines. The trend is clear: the market is shifting toward smaller, more flexible autonomous systems. Platforms like AgXeed are further reinforcing this move, focusing on lean, efficient field robots designed for productivity rather than prestige.
There are also agronomic benefits to smaller autonomous machines. While the massive 9RX can cause soil compaction under its own weight, smaller autonomous machines are gentler on the soil. This is a critical concern as more farmers deal with compacted fields, limited water infiltration, and root zone damage.
The business model is another factor to consider. Heavy tractors bring heavy margins, especially for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It’s no surprise that major manufacturers prioritize top-end machines. However, players like Kubota and Yanmar, long specialized in smaller equipment, now see an opening. Their simple, reliable platforms make them well-suited to adopt and scale autonomous technology quickly. Could it be that the traditional “compact-only” brands will outmaneuver the industry giants?
John Deere’s push with the RX9 could be seen as a strategic leap or a technical misstep. Perhaps it’s both. The future of autonomy in farming may not be decided by the biggest tractor but by the smartest combination of capacity, cost, and adaptability. As the market evolves, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out and which approach ultimately proves to be the most effective.