Deutz-Fahr’s four-cylinder, 120-140hp 6 series tractors face the challenge of being either a versatile jack of all trades, an agile supporter to a bigger prime mover, or responsible for all of a farm’s workload. We test the powershift 6140.
Although it was introduced in mid-2017, the first of the small-frame 6 series tractors didn’t start arriving until early last year. Since then it has been a key seller in the UK market, with SDF adding that the Italian-built range has an almost niche market below the German-produced 6.4 tractors in the hugely popular 120-150hp sector.
These tractors are made almost entirely inhouse with SDF axles and a semi-powershift transmission, while the cab was originally introduced on the Agrotron K but now has an updated interior. Our test tractor was a
‘B’ spec machine, meaning it has the larger swash plate pump but mechanical valves. The ‘A’ spec tractors go with a 90l/min gear pump, while at the other end of the scale is the ‘C’ complete with electronic valves. If you like things stepless, then these tractors can also come with SDF’s own CVT.
The majority of the tractors arriving in the UK also have the loader-ready package. The Deutz-branded FZ30 loader is a Stoll under the green paint. Boom spacing on the supplied unit was 92cm, resulting in a tight fit around the bonnet and obstructing visibility down to the attachment. Our preference would be to specify the wider 110cm loader version.
As mentioned, the 6140 is a four-potter Deutz 3.6-litre, TCD 3.6L04 motor. Stage IV compliant, it has exhaust gas recirculation, a diesel particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction to keep things clean. The SCR unit is fed from a 12-litre DEF tank, which is sited alongside the 185-litre diesel tank on the left-hand side. Topping up with AdBlue, we noticed the automatic nozzle repeatedly tripped off in the narrow
opening, but we couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason why — especially as the nozzle is a standard item and used on other tractors. SDF UK reckons this could be caused by the inlet filter, which not all makers fit.
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