7R e23 transmission
The e23 transmission delivers smooth shifting and intuitive controls with Efficiency Manager™ feature in a reliable 23-speed PowerShift™ transmission. The e23 transmission is available for all 7R, 8R, and 8RT Series Tractors.
The e23 has evolved from more than 50 years of John Deere PowerShift technology. With more automatic features, the e23 is easy to operate for all levels of operator experience. For more advanced operators looking to customize the transmission to best fit their operation, the e23 offers a custom mode.
As the next generation of PowerShift technology, e23 delivers the strength to handle sudden, high-torque power loads while maintaining responsive, quick, and smooth shifts. The e23 with Efficiency Manager provides improved fluid efficiency and overall productivity with limited input from the operator.
e23 options
- e23 transmission 42 km/h (26 mph) with Efficiency Manager
- e23 transmission 50 km/h (31 mph) with Efficiency Manager
Even gear spacing for optimal performance
The e23 has 23 forward gears and 11 reverse gears, which are all evenly spaced. Forward gears are spaced 15 percent apart, while reverse gears are spaced approximately 30 percent apart, providing operators smooth shifting between gears. Even spacing improves efficiency and allows for smooth, automated shifts when using Efficiency Manager. The e23 can reach maximum forward ground speed in gear F20. As a result, gears F21-F23 maintain maximum ground speed at reduced engine rpms to save fuel.
e23 controls
The e23 is available with either a right-hand or left-hand reverser.
Right-hand reverser
Right-hand reverser
A convenient, right-hand reverser is available with the e23 transmission. The reverser is located on the CommandARM™ as shown above.
- Forward direction selector
- Reverse direction selector
- Neutral position
- Electronic park lock
Right-hand reverser equipped models use three main controls to operate the tractor:
- Foot brake with integrated AutoClutch
- Set speed adjuster
- Gear selector control lever with integrated reverser
The right-hand reverser control strategy combines speed control and direction control into one multi-function lever that is conveniently located on the CommandARM. This is a good choice for most common field applications since tractor speed and direction are not constantly being adjusted by the operator.
Left-hand reverser
Left-hand reverser
Left-hand transmission lever
An easy-to-use left-hand reverser is available with the e23 transmission and includes the same functions as the right-hand reverser. The reverser control is located at the 10 o’clock position on the steering column for intuitive control.
The five-position, left-hand reverser column incorporates the following controls:
- Forward direction selector
- Reverse direction selector
- Neutral position
- Electronic park lock
Left-hand reverser equipped models use four main controls to operate the tractor:
- Foot brake with integrated AutoClutch™ function
- Set speed adjuster
- Gear selector control
- Multi-function left-hand reverser
The left-hand reverser control strategy separates the direction control lever from the speed/gear control lever on the CommandARM. This strategy is a good choice for operations requiring the right hand to run multiple operations on the CommandARM or applications requiring constant directional changes like loader work.
Determining which reverser is best suited for a specific operator depends on a few key factors. Consider the following to help choose between a left- or right-hand reverser.
- Operator preference and ergonomic benefits.
- Operators in loader applications might prefer a left-hand reverser since direction changes occur frequently while their hands are on the steering wheel (near the left-hand reverser location).
Producers primarily in row-crop applications using features like AutoTrac™ assisted steering system or operating with the seat swiveled to the right for easy access to monitors and displays might find the right-hand reverser more convenient. Speed and directional controls are in one location on the CommandARM.
Foot brake with integrated AutoClutch function
The electrohydraulically controlled brakes on e23-equipped tractors have an integrated AutoClutch function.
- At low idle only, the tractor will stop by depressing only one brake pedal.
- Pressing both brakes (locked together) simultaneously will stop the tractor from any ground or engine speed.
Braking can be done on flat ground or steep slopes simply by using the brake pedals; it is not necessary to depress the clutch.
- It is recommended to lock the brake pedals together when operating on roads.
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Foot brake with integrated AutoClutch |
AutoClutch sensitivity can be adjusted through the Generation 4 CommandCenter™ display. AutoClutch can be deactivated on e23 transmissions as well; however, it will be reactivated after every key start.
Stopping the tractor using AutoClutch
During transport, it may be desirable to use the AutoClutch feature to stop the tractor when approaching an intersection or turn. Braking the tractor using the AutoClutch at high ground speed and engine speed will require high brake-pedal force.
Rather than using AutoClutch alone, reduce the engine rpm and reduce the e23 to a slower commanded speed before applying the AutoClutch. This will help to reduce the force needed to stop the tractor with the AutoClutch. The tractor will accelerate to the previously commanded speed upon release of the AutoClutch, repositioning of the hand throttle and increasing the commanded speed.
NOTE: The preferred method of stopping heavy towed loads is to reduce the e23 commanded speed and lower engine rpm first, and then depress both brake pedals. (Brake pedals should be locked together.)
Using individual brake pedals - implement hook-up
Individual brake pedals can be used to assist slow-speed off-road turning, such as hooking up to an implement. At low idle, the AutoClutch feature will stop the tractor if the operator depresses only one brake pedal.
To assist in hooking up an implement, depress either brake pedal while slowly increasing engine speed until the desired turn is achieved. Returning engine speed to a low idle while continuing to depress one brake pedal will slow the tractor to a stop.
CommandCenter™ controls
254-mm (10 in.) Generation 4 CommandCenter
The CommandCenter is the central information system for tractors and allows the operator to program various settings tailored to a specific operation.
To access the tractor’s transmission settings, press the transmission shortcut button on the CommandCenter shortcut bar.
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CommandCenter transmission shortcut button |
Operating modes
The e23 application settings employ three modes to take full advantage of the engine-transmission communication: full auto mode, custom mode, and manual mode.
Full auto mode
Full auto main page
Full AUTO mode enables the tractor to make adjustments to the transmission operating mode automatically, based on engine and transmission speed and the load on the tractor. This means the tractor will shift up and throttle back automatically to reach the desired ground speed efficiently. Operators have the ability to set the maximum forward and reverse speeds for the tractor in their particular application.
When shifting in full AUTO mode, the transmission shifts set speeds, meaning the transmission may not necessarily shift gears each time the lever is bumped. Efficiency Manager is automatically engaged while operating in full AUTO mode. As a result, shifting will not take the tractor out of Efficiency Manager in full AUTO mode.
Custom mode
e23 custom transmission page
Custom mode allows operators to adjust operating parameters to meet their specific operation. Just like full AUTO mode, custom mode shifts set speeds meaning the transmission may not necessarily shift gears each time the lever is bumped. Efficiency manager is engaged automatically in custom mode.
Eco button
Display screen
In custom mode, eco allows two minimum engine speeds to be set. Operators can turn eco on and off by either pushing the eco button on the side of the throttle or by selecting eco in the transmission settings page of the CommandCenter. For example, operators may choose to turn eco on during transport to utilize a lower minimum engine speed and then turn eco off while operating in the field where a higher minimum engine speed is desired.
Custom settings page
In the advanced settings page, operators can customize the auto shift engine speed droop as a percentage of the full engine speed. In addition, the load anticipation feature can be enabled for the hitch engagement, hydraulic engagement, or both.
Manual mode
Manual mode page
Manual mode operates similar to a traditional PowerShift transmission. When shifting, the transmission shifts gears, not set speeds like full AUTO and custom mode. Manual mode also features efficiency manager when the operator engages set speed one or two on the CommandARM, as shown above in illustration.
When operating in manual mode with efficiency manager active, there is the option of turning eco on or eco off. This allows the operator to select two different minimum engine speeds. In the advanced settings page, operators can adjust auto shift engine speed droop and load anticipation, similar to custom mode.
Advanced transmission settings
Additional transmission settings can be customized to the operators’ specific desires.
AutoClutch sensitivity can be adjusted on the transmission settings page in the CommandCenter display. Operators can turn off AutoClutch or choose from high, medium, or low sensitivity. Operators can fine-tune AutoClutch by delaying the response time, based on load, travel speed, etcetera. This allows the trailer brakes to be applied before AutoClutch engages.
- High: for light or no trailer (load) – factory default
- Medium: for medium trailers (load)
- Low: for heavy trailers (load)
- AutoClutch Off: to operate e23 just like a traditional powershift
The AutoClutch sensitivity factory default-setting is set to high, which supports most operations.
AutoClutch sensitivity settings are available in all three modes – auto, custom, and manual.
Efficiency manager
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Set speed buttons and set speed adjuster |
Efficiency manager is automatically enabled in full AUTO and custom mode. Efficiency manager can be turned on in manual mode by selecting the set speed one or two on the CommandARM. The set speed adjuster on the top of the single-lever gear selector allows the operator to dial in the desired ground speed to establish set speed one or two in Efficiency Manager.
Efficiency manager allows the transmission to up or down shift and change engine rpm to maintain the set wheel speed. To reach the desired set speed, the throttle must be set to full engine rpm. This allows efficiency manager to shift the transmission and adjust engine speed to maintain the desired wheel speed. For more information on Efficiency Manager refer to the operator’s manual.
e23 operation
Both right-hand reverser and left-hand reverser control options provide full powershifts for on-the-go shifting; no need to stop or clutch when bump shifting or shuttle shifting between forward and reverse.
The single-lever shifter allows for quick and convenient shifting with minimal physical effort.
Shifts are made either by bumping the lever or by holding the lever in a forward or rearward position.
- Transmission is in neutral when the shift control or left-hand reverser is not in park, forward, or reverse.
- Operator presence feature prevents the transmission from going into gear when the operator is not seated or has the brake or clutch pedal depressed.
- Transmission can be programmed to start in 1F – 13F or 1R – 6R.
A forward gear between 1F and 13F may be preselected by depressing the clutch pedal and pushing or pulling the shift lever. The transmission will then start in the preselected forward gear when clutch pedal is released.
Cornerpost display
The cornerpost display shows the commanded gear instantaneously once selected.
Option code |
Description |
1493 |
e23 Transmission 42 km/h (26 mph) with Efficiency Manager |
1494 |
e23 Transmission 50 km/h (31 mph) with Efficiency Manager |
2701 |
Right-hand Reverser Bump-Shift-Type Transmission Controls |
2702 |
Left-hand Reverser Bump-Shift-Type Transmission Controls |
Rapid shifting
Rapid shifting
When the tractor is working in a light-load condition, for example in transport, the transmission can be shifted rapidly by bumping the shift lever.
To reach transport speeds quickly:
- Depress clutch pedal and rapidly bump shift lever to 13F
- Transmission will shift directly to 13F when clutch pedal is released
- Transmission will skip some gears as it keeps up with the operator’s command, allowing the tractor to accelerate to transport speed quickly
- Once tractor is underway in 13F, bump the shift lever to reach desired ground speed
Double shifting
The transmission can skip a gear when operating under load by double bumping the shift lever.
- This aids the ease of deceleration/acceleration when approaching and departing headland turns.
Ground speed matching
When the tractor is slowing down and the clutch pedal is depressed, the transmission will match a gear to the ground speed of the tractor when the clutch is released. Ground speed matching only engages in gears 13F higher.
Setting start-up gears
The transmission defaults to 8F and 3R at start-up. However, these default start-up gears can be adjusted from 1-13F and 1-6R through the CommandCenter. Refer to the operator’s manual for additional information.
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Start-up gears in advanced settings |
Releasing the park brake
The e23 transmission utilizes a spring-engaged/hydraulically-disengaged park brake. The park brake control feature prevents accidental park brake engagement when tractor is moving at high speed.
On tractors equipped with air brakes, the park brake automatically activates the air brake system.