WHILE THE new Stage IV emissions compliant engines form the mainstay of its 6R and 6M Series tractors, John Deere has said it will be easy for the ranges to become Stage V compliant because they are already 'capable' of the upgrade.

That promises a relatively inexpensive move up to the grade when it comes and this is good news for customers of the Deere brand. Its mid-sized 6R and 6M Series tractors have a total of 14 four-cylinder and large frame six-cylinder models currently have the Stage IV engines from 110 to 195hp and have just replaced the current Stage IIIB compliant models.

The 6Rs became available at the end of 2015, while the 6Ms started filtering through this spring. The 6R series' four-cylinder models are powered by 4.5-litre John Deere PowerTech PSS engines rated from 110 to 135hp (97/68 EC), and six-cylinder versions have a 6.8-litre John Deere PowerTech PVS engine, tweaked between at 145 and 155hp (97/68 EC). All have John Deere's intelligent power management system (IPM), which adds 20 to 30hp on the four-cylinder models and 40hp on the six-cylinder versions.

And they all feature lifetime diesel particulate filter (DPF) and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems to comply with Stage IV emission regulations - systems which can be relatively easily upgraded to Stage V. These are designed to keep running costs at low levels and provide maximum response to load changes.

A wide range of transmissions are available on both series. Depending on the model, 6Rs can have the proven PowrQuad Plus powershift, or AutoQuad Plus/AutoQuad Plus Ecoshift transmissions, the AutoPowr continuously variable transmission or the advanced DirectDrive double-clutch transmission.

The 6Ms - from 110 to 195hp - feature a choice of PowrQuad Plus, AutoQuad Plus/AutoQuad Plus Ecoshift or the all-new CommandQuad Plus/CommandQuad Plus with Ecoshift powershifts. Those rated at 110 to 155hp in this range will also be available with an optional creeper transmission to meet the needs of specialist crop producers.

The 6R models have CommandARM controls, an optional programmable electronic joystick for hydraulic applications and the Generation 4 CommandCenter touch screen monitor, with swipe function display akin to tablet style operation.

A maintenance-free mechanical cab suspension, which allows a 10% higher operating speed on rough terrain, is fitted on the Ms, which have the same TLS+ triple link front axle suspension system as that on the Rs.

The 6R Series tractors can have up to six SCVs with individual pressure relief levers and a premium front hitch and three mid-stack SCVs are also available, while the 6M Series can be equipped with three rear SCVs and a new PowerBeyond function, or four standard SCVs with three mid-stack SCVs.