Newly appointed Danish Zetor importer DanaTek had hoped to show the 6 series prototype previewed at the Czech Techagro farm machinery show earlier this year.
In the end, the four-pot Forterra series and six-pot Crystal 170HD replacement did not make it to Agromek, and the Danish company had to settle for the last Crystal to leave the production line before it switches to the new models.
Expected to be in production early next year, the 6 series comprises four Deutz 4.1l four-pot models: the 6130 (130hp), 6140 (141hp), 6160 (156hp) and 6170 (171hp), with the block mated to a six-stage ZF powershift. Rear lift capacity of the 11.5t flagship is 8.5t (10t and 8.0t lift capacity on the three other models).
Much of the rest of the spec is still under wraps, but Zetor sales manager Zuzana Liskova (pictured) informs us that the production models will differ slightly from the prototype seen at Techagro. For example, the cab will be swapped for a larger version with a new interior and controls, and the exterior styling will also be tweaked.
The 6 series will initially be available in what Zetor calls baseline specification. Highline specification versions will follow with a robotic shifting transmission, and there is a hint that the higher spec could include one or two models with a six-pot Deutz engine. However, a six-cylinder 6 series tractor with more than 170hp is not expected until 2026-2027. In the meantime, Zetor plans to show the new models to dealers early next year, and the 6 will be on the stand at Agritechnica in November 2025.
The 6 series is the first stage in the renewal of all Zetor tractor ranges, and Zuzana confirms that a number of 5 series prototypes are in tests at the Brno plant. Set to replace the Proxima, the plan is to launch the new range at the end of next year/early 2026. This could be preceded by the 4 series (replaces the Major) sometime in the second half of 2025. “This will have a higher lift capacity and a top speed of 40km/hr.”
Not only are the long-standing Zetor names of Crystal, Forterra, Proxima and Major disappearing, so too are Zetor engines and transmissions in its tractors. From now on, all new models will be powered by a Deutz block mated to a ZF box. The reason for this is easily explained. Given the low numbers, it is simply too expensive for the Czech tractor manufacturer to develop new engines and gearboxes.
The 4, 5 and 6 series are all moving along quickly. It remains to be seen if Zetor has the means and stamina to keep the momentum going and develop a more powerful 7 series. Given the close ties with Deutz and ZF then this must surely be a realistic possibility.
Incidentally, the 6 series will not be available from Zetor UK, the Czech tractor manufacturer’s subsidiary recently shut up shop. We are informed that the new importer, Nuneaton-based AxisPlus, will use the existing dealer network.
Zetor shows new 6 series tractor – Profi
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