The Future Farming 2016 event in Dresden highlighted Deutz-Fahr’s commitment to meeting the increasing worldwide demands for efficiency and productivity in the farming industry by manufacturing more innovative tractors and technology.

The main attraction of the event was the unveiling of the next-generation 6 and 7 Series tractors, along with the complete range of tractors from 35hp to 340hp, combine harvesters from 250hp to 395hp, telehandlers and forage harvesting equipment, along with advanced precision farming systems.

Models

The new 6 Series is available in 12 models from 156hp up to the top-of-the-range 226hp version, all of which are available in both 40km/hour and 50km/hour variants, while the larger 7 Series comes in two models available with 226hp or 246hp.

Transmissions

Transferring power to the ground is taken care of via three different options on the 6 Series, powershift, RC shift and TTV, while the 7 Series is only available in TTV, which has been upgraded with new software to improve performance.

This TTV transmission can be specified with 40km, 50km or 60km/hour top speeds, with a speed range of 0.2km to 60km/hr in the 7 Series, while the 6 Series is only available for now with speeds of either 40km or 50km/hr.

Engines

Powering the latest 6 and 7 Series is a new Deutz-Fahr 6.1-litre engine, which is Tier 4 Final compliant and, furthermore, is Tier 5 ready for the future. Deutz-Fahr claims that the latest engine technology reduces fuel and AdBlue consumption by 5% compared with its previous Tier 3b engines.

Keeping the engine cool is a new all-aluminium compact-cooling package, with an electronic Visco fan.

The cooling pack can be opened fully to aid cleaning and servicing.

Hydraulics

The latest 6 and 7 Series tractors are now available with up to five hydraulic valves in the rear and two in the front, with all hydraulic valves controlled proportionally. The position controlled front lift with up to 5,480kg lifting capacity and the ISOBUS plug in the front are also new. The rear lifting capacity goes up to 10,000kg, while optional LS hydraulic pumps deliver up to 160 L/min on the 6 Series and 7 Series.

PTO

PTO speeds on both Series are 540/540ECO/1000/1000ECO at the rear and 1000 or 1000ECO at the front. The ECO mode of the PTO enables the engine rpm to be significantly reduced, resulting in fuel savings and less noise.

Comfort

Comfort is greatly improved on both Series with the new MaxiVision cab, which as the name suggests, maximises the operator’s vision of the working area, helping to improve comfort, safety and productivity.

Inside, the cab is fitted with a host of new instruments such as the InfoCentrePro on the dashboard, which features a five-inch colour display, providing the driver with a stream of data on the tractor’s operating conditions, while the new armrest with the MaxCom joystick provides improved operator comfort. The cab is now a quieter operating environment, with reduced engine noise, vibration and heat due to the fact that the cab and engine hood are separate.

Suspension

Up front, the latest tractors benefit from a new suspension system to further increase comfort. This system features an anti-dive system, which ensures stability and safety during transport.

Braking

The 7 Series and 6205/6215 TTV are now fitted with high-performance, dry disc brakes on the front axle, which work in combination with the booster brake system to guarantee maximum braking performance.

Lighting

Working in the dark is greatly improved on the new tractors with the optional LED package offering 40,000 lumens, with up to 16 working headlights turning night into day and helping to improve safety, efficiency and operator comfort.

Technology

The new 6 Series tractors can now be factory-fitted with precision farming technology, while the 7 Series come fitted with it as standard. The new technology is controlled in cab by the iMonitor 2.0, which is available in a screen size of up to 12in.

Styling

The new 6 and 7 Series tractors benefit from a style which has been developed and refined in collaboration with Italdesign Giugiaro. The clear and decisive lines for the hood, their distinctive cab and the use of high-quality materials result in an aggressive, futuristic, but user-friendly design.

These tractors are due to go into full production in early September with the first units expected to hit Irish shores by October. Prices are yet to be confirmed but one can only speculate that the increase in technology and specification will also mean an increase in the price tag.