John Deere has expanded its entry-level 6M tractor family from ten to 17 models. As well as a lot more power on offer, other features are available including 50km/hr capable transmissions and extra hydraulic capacity.
KEEPING IT BRIEF
- The six-post cab is the stand-out difference between the 6M and 6R.
- CVT and electric spools now become available across the board for the 6M. But no CommandPro.
- The boost function in the more powerful models only brings an extra 5-7hp at maximum output
- The 6120M has been the best-selling tractor in the EU27 in the 100-149hp bracket in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The revised 6M line-up is more about conquest, than giving its current 6R users a less costly alternative. Or, at least, that is the sales pitch coming from the Deere mothership. It does concede that there will be some current owners who will take the opportunity to save a bit of dosh and opt for the 6M, now that it boasts a wider range of options, particularly in the transmission department, However, some operators may not be too thrilled about the prospect of going from the spacious office space of the 6R to the older M accommodation, even with its freshened-up furniture.
As well as giving current ‘M’ people more choice, the new generation is there to lure in non-Deere purchasers with a more cost conscious offering. Very broadly speaking, a 6M is going to be around £10-20k less than an equivalent horsepower 6R, which still keeps some of the higher spec tech up its sleeve along with higher end features.
95hp to 250hp
What was previously a line-up of ten 90hp to 195hp models (rated output), is now a family of 17 with a rated output of 95hp-250hp (see the table on page 39 ‘All 6M models at a glance’ for the full overview). One of the new additions is the 6M150 with the 258cm short frame. Powered by a four-cylinder engine with a max and boosted output of 177hp (150hp rated output), it is an extremely nippy machine … or that is our initial thought after a brief drive.
How about boost?
Yes, there is some extra grunt on offer. All 6Ms now feature the so-called Intelligent Power Management boost function, which can unleash up to 20hp extra (IPM on the 6R brings up to 40hp) during pto work or when travelling over 15km/hr. This increases the max output especially of some of the top models by only 5hp or 6hp — that’s hardly worth mentioning.
The previous generation 6145M model with a 276.5cm long wheelbase but only four cylinders was not very popular, so, as part of the makeover, John Deere has upgraded it with a six-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 171hp.
Those seeking more power at a basic level of specification will appreciate that there are more models above the familiar 6M155, which now delivers a maximum and boosted output of 182hp. There are now as many as eight models with a six-pot above the 6145M all the way up to the 6M250 with a maximum output of 281hp.
The 230 and 250 are not expected to be popular with UK or Irish buyers; instead the demand for these two units is coming from southern Europe markets such as Spain. In the flesh the 230 and 250 do look a bit odd with the six-post cab popped on such a big tractor. Incidentally, you can’t get the right- hand panoramic door option on the 6M.
Closer look
For our driving impression, we opted for the 6M220, with a wheelbase of 280cm and a max output of 249hp. This is the highest horsepower model in the range that is still available with a manual gearbox.
Speaking of transmissions, the choice ranges from the mechanical PowrQuad and the AutoQuad with automatic powershift to the CommandQuad with robotised gear shifting and extended auto functions. All models from AutoQuad upwards are also available with a 50 km/hr option or the continuously variable AutoPowr transmission.
‘Our’ particular 220 had the CommandQuad transmission. Harnessed to a Lemken disc harrow, the tractor performed well on the flat, but when it came to working uphill or downhill, the automatic transmission was overwhelmed and was constantly shifting up and down. Even when we selected the C range, we had to go into manual mode for powershifting — something for John Deere to work on. And there are still just the four powershift steps — fine 30 years ago when the ‘Quad’ was still fresh-faced, but another couple of steps would be helpful in today’s world.
Otherwise, we were impressed by the 220’s operation, especially as you can combine the various Deere transmission options with mechanical and electrical controlled spools, (other makes like New Holland force you to take electric spool valves if you go for their AutoCommand CVT). We also liked Deere’s neat Compact Command Arm multi-function armrest, which is home to the controls for the transmission, the ELC and the hydraulic cross control.
Admittedly, you have to make compromises over the 6R cab, but you have to give Deere credit: they know how to stick a cab together. Even on this less costly range, the fit and finish are still top notch. And you can have mechanical suspension in conjunction with the sprung front axle — a time-proven and widely liked combination.
There is also the new A-pillar mounted display, which provides a good overview of all major tractor functions, with a scroll wheel on the side console allowing you to navigate through the menus. Whereas on the previous 6M you could use the pillar display to do basic autosteer, buyers now need to opt for the G5 or G5Plus terminal with a diagonal of up to 12.8 inches. As well as optional steering, theses screens can also cater for ISObus functionality if specified. More technology also makes its way to the 6M in terms of the Operations Center for telematics and other handy remote accessing features.
Other details
- The Hägele reversible fan is available as an option.
- The 155l/min hydraulic pump is available for the six-cylinder models (195l/min for the 6M230/250).
- Depending on the model in question, John Deere specifies linkage lift power of 5,700- 9,900daN.
- You can’t have the auto loader functions, including the on-board weighing system, as these are reserved for the 6R.
- All models are available with flange or adjustable bar axles; the models with a 2.80m+ wheelbase with up to 2.05m high tyres.
- Courtesy of JD Link, software updates are installed wirelessly and the display can be accessed remotely.
- M and R tractors are made on the same production lines at Mannheim. Production of the new 6M started in December.
What about the prices?
This is going to be the icebreaker for many conversations … whether to go for an ‘entry’ M or the more premium R. As an example, a 6M155 AutoPowr in comparable specification is around £23,000 cheaper than a 6R155 AP. The recommended list price for ‘our’ 6M220 starts at £168,281 for the base specification version. For the driven configuration with CommandQuad gearbox, steering system etc., the price is £202,141 … and you can clearly add even more spec if required.
Hubert Wilmer, Mervyn Bailey
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