By Ken Fletcher

LIGHT but powerful is the way to describe the two new flagship tractors in John Deere’s latest 6R Series.

These six-cylinder tractors are rated at 230 and 250hp, completing the line-up of 6Rs launched earlier in the year.

Big talking point will be a 50hp ‘power boost’ facility from the intelligent power management system in their shared 6.8-litre PowerTech PSS engine, which has dual turbochargers and advanced DPF and SCR technology.

This all adds up to a quicker response from the engine to demand, while consuming less fuel and hitting demanding Stage IV (Final) emission standards.

For the top of the range 6250R tractor, this means that up to 300hp can be available. Rated at a fairly lightweight 9.3 tonnes, it can now deliver more power than any other tractor in its weight class.

A weighty maximum permissible weight of 15 tonnes also allows a 5.7 tonne payload, allowing them to transport heavier loads.

An upgraded AutoPowr transmission is claimed to deliver 100% mechanical power at 3.5km/h for heavy draft operations, 11km/h for light draft work, 22.5km/h for heavy transport and 47.2km/h for lighter transport duties.

The clever IPM bits sense that when it’s at maximum road speed, rpm automatically drops and the 50km/h is maintained at just 1630rpm and 40km/h at 1300rpm, with obvious fuel savings.

They also get the all-new CommandPRO joystick, which allows drivers to get to top speed with just one push, and 11 programmable buttons are available for the hitch, pto, SCVs, AutoTrac controls etc. Low speeds from 0 to 2km/h can be achieved with a creeper control function.

But it is pretty functional too, as there is no need for an external ISOBUS joystick – the driver can operate the tractor and ISOBUS functions simultaneously.

Equipped with a pressure and flow compensated hydraulic system, the new 6Rs deliver maximum flow of 160 litres/min at 1500rpm and up to six SCVs with individual pressure-relief levers have been grouped together for easier access. The lift capacities are 10.4 tonnes on the rear hitch and five tonnes at the front.

The tractor cabs also move up a gear and come fitted with the latest ‘intelligent’ hydro-pneumatic suspension for better driving comfort, plus less noise and vibration. Their new self-levelling TLS Plus triple link suspension system on the front axle also produces better traction and up to 10% more power applied to the ground.

This is because it automatically adjusts sensitivity and suspension rate, synchronising with hitch sensing to compensate for power hop under heavy draft conditions.

Other options include a new connectivity package featuring MyJobsConnect and MyJobsManager apps, which enable drivers to view and carry out tasks in real time via their mobile device.

John Deere has also become the first full-line agricultural manufacturer to introduce a navigation and logistics optimisation system specially designed for farmers. This features all farm roads plus a fleet overview and shows drivers the fastest way to a field entrance, which will be a big help to contractors or large estates.

Key service points get easier access and both models feature 750 hour engine oil filter, fuel filter and engine oil intervals. The lifetime diesel particulate filter (DPF) and low diesel exhaust fluid consumption of 2-3% provide additional savings, pointed out John Deere.