R you ready for John Deere's latest 5-series?

The four-model Augusta-built range was unveiled recently in Germany and adds versatility to JD's 5-series, which already comes in an 'M' designation.

It's an important decision by John Deere as it acknowledges that it's not all about size in the market place these days. "Compact tractors can do more and we want to prove that to farmers," pointed out a company specialist.

He hoped that the 90hp 5090R, 100hp 5100R, 115hp 5115R and the range-topping 125hp 5125R will score strongly in a sector of the market which has remained fairly resilient, even in these stretched times for the industry.

Fitted with a Stage IIIB/iT4 – which means it is diesel only – 4.5-litre John Deere Power Systems engine, the R series features a new curved chassis which allows the versatile little tractors to turn on a sixpence (3.75m). That manoeuvrability should mark it out as an ideal loader tractor and all come with the added benefit of 10 extra horses via the TPM (transport power management) system.

Another hint that this is built for loaders is the high levels of comfort and ergonomics in the new cab, which have a tiltable steering column and panoramic front windscreen. A corner-post display unit for major functions also keep the view clear for drivers.

There's also a choice of mechanical or newly-designed electronic joysticks for easy loader control. A Command Arm joystick fitted to the seat arm will be available from 2018 on.

JD has also produced a new loader specific to the range, the 543R, which has 10% more lift capacity than any predecessor – the bigger 603R loader is also available. They both have automatic mast and implement latch and have a choice of levelling options.

It's a compact package that can deliver some top-end performance. For instance, the biggest tractor's 125hp marks it out as a sector leader with 34kg per horse power and that gives it extra leverage as an all-rounder which can be used for various arable tasks too.

The 5Rs have a shipping weight of 4.3 tonnes, but can lift as much as 4.7 tonnes, or even 5.3 tonnes with an optionally available hydraulic package. Standard fitment is an open-centre 96-litre/minute pump, with the option of a pressure and flow compensated 117-litre/minute version.

There are three transmission options – the entry-level 16/16 CommandQuad manual transmission; the 16/16 CommandQuad and the 32/16 Command8 which have eight power-shiftable gears and an ECO mode.

Power boost for 8-series

CONVENTIONAL tractors in JD's considerable stable can now go up to a nominally-rated 400hp with the launch of the 8-series' biggest model. Only the articulated 9-series is larger.

The 8400R will be available from next year and adds 30 extra hp to that available from the well thought of 8370R. According to John Deere this translates into 6% greater pulling power, enabling wider implements and bigger machines to be hitched to it.

Using a John Deere Systems nine-litre Stage IV compliant engine, the tractor's intelligent power management system can find an extra 50hp when under pressure.

Only one transmission will be available. The e23 transmission, which has been used successfully elsewhere in the company's tractors, is the ideal choice as it offers versatility, with 23 power-shift speeds and a mode which always selects the most economical gearing when in work.

That means it is, for instance, 2% more fuel efficient that the 8370R model with the AutoPowr set-up. It also reduces power loss from engine to axle, delivering 91% efficiency.

Inside the cab, users can expect much the same as on the others in the range, with various seat options and the established CommandArm control console, plus a 10-inch CommandCentre display unit to allow you to keep track of all major functions and implements.

As you would expect, there's also a range of options for intelligent working, including JD Link connectivity and the latest StarFire 6000 satellite receiver which, linked to the auto-steering function can bring down accuracy from 23cm to 15cm.