Of specific interest here are new or improved 4M, 5M, 5E and 5G series tractors and new compact, four-cylinder 6M and 6R series tractors.

The introduction of new John Deere 7R and 8R series tractors sees the firm introduce numerous upgrades across both ranges, including a new flagship 7R series model utilising SCR (AdBlue). While the firm continues to offer its infinitely variable transmission (IVT), the introduction of its new e23 power-shift transmission for 7R and 8R sees Deere follow the mechanical route rather than variable transmissions.

The big news on the combine front is the introduction of its new W440 six-walker combine harvester, being built in Finland by Sampo Rosenlew. These combines will not be available in Ireland until 2015. There will be updates to the firm’s W and T series, plus 600X headers (including one with extendable knife).

Machinery introductions include new balers which we have already featured in the Irish Farmers Journal, new mower-conditioners and trailed sprayers. New Gators UTV-utility vehicles are on the way including a ‘crew-cab’ version with two rows of seats. John Deere has claimed to have enhanced its precision technology and how its various systems communicate between machine, farmer and dealer.

More power for smaller tractors

John Deere introduced several new re-styled models and upgrades to its 4M and 5E Series three and four-cylinder tractors from 49hp to 95hp, with and without cabs. Transmission options now include a power-shuttle and, on larger 5E models, a two-speed powershift is available.

Positioned between the 5E and 5M series is the new 5G Series tractors with new Stage III B engines on selected models and a new low-profile 5GL model. While there are only two models in terms of horsepower, there are several variations including the new low-roof version, a high clearance version with four equal sized plus narrow or vineyard/orchard variants.

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There are four 5M models from 75hp to 115hp. They now feature Stage III B compliant engines with commonrail fuel injection. The company claims these emissionised engines now contribute to fuel savings of 11% compared with the current 5085M.

Transmission options

Transmission options include a 16/16 speed unit with a synchronised or power reverser, and a 32/16 speed transmission with power reverser and electro-hydraulic hi-lo function.

All the transmissions feature a park lock as standard in addition to the handbrake.

Others options include a standard 540/540E or optional 540/540E/1000 rpm pto, and a standard mechanical hitch control with an electro-hydraulic control option.

There is now only one hydraulic pump option with a maximum flow of 94 litres/min. This should be ideal for loader work.

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The new 5M tractors will be available from January 2014 in standard cab or new low-profile cab which reduces overall height to 2.48m on 28in tyres, according to the company. A new narrow version will also be available.

Deere’s Irish connection

At the Berlin launch, journalists had the opportunity to drive some of the firm’s new products. I quickly jumped on what I thought would be a popular product in Ireland, a John Deere 6100MC fitted with a H340 loader.

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Introducing myself to my co-pilot and John Deere guardian, I was surprised by the Galway accent I heard in return. It belonged to 23-year-old David Hanney from Killimor, Co Galway.

On route to John Deere in Germany, David began his agricultural education in 2008 studying agricultural mechanisation in Pallaskenry/(LIT) which he completed in May 2010. From there he went into the final year at Reaseheath College in England where he completed a National Diploma in Land Based Technology in May 2011.

David started a BSc Agricultural Engineering Degree with Harper Adams in England in September 2011. He is currently on a 44-week placement with John Deere in Mannheim, Germany.

He will return to Harper Adams to complete his final year. In the meantime, he is a paid intern with Deere working in the firm’s product specialist department and loving every minute of it. “But learning German is hard,” said David.

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NC joins telehandler market

NC Engineering based at Hamiltonsbawn, Co Armagh, has introduced its first range of telehandlers. The entry model, the FH 225, is an articulated type telescopic handler with a lift capacity of 2.4 tonnes. The machine has been designed to replace and improve on the popular Matbro TR200, which was popular on farms.

The continuous four-wheel drive machine is powered by a 100hp Deutz engine coupled to a torque converter. It has a four-speed power shift transmission with a limited slip differential on all four wheels. Oil immersed brakes are fitted on both axles.

NC claims that the power shift transmission allows for improved drive characteristics and reduced noise levels compared to hydrostatic drives. The standard tyre size is 405/70 R20 radials with the option of 420/70 R20s.

The ROPS & FOPS-approved cab gives a total height of 2,430mm, which is among the lowest in this class.

The boom pivot point is also lower to increase forward visibility.

NC has chosen to have the rear axle oscillating to give greater stability than one which oscillates in the middle.

The new NC FH 225 telehandler uses a load sensing hydraulic pump. This only pumps oil when demanded by the operator. NC claims that it delivers fuel savings of up to 15%.

The cab interior has been kept simple with a two-door entrance. There is an adjustable steering column. Direction and gears can be changed from the steering column or joystick.

An LCD display shows the speed, direction of travel and selected gear. Visual load indicator monitoring and warning display mounted on the right hand side of the cab. A heated front windscreen for faster de-misting, air conditioning and boom suspension are all available from the options list. The standard top speed is 30kph, with an option of a maximum speed of up to 40kph.

Compact 6s and AdBlue 7s

John Deere has three new additions to the 6M and 6R series tractors. It describes these as more compact models featuring four-cylinder engines designed specifically for medium-sized arable, livestock and mixed farms.

The new 6090MC, 6100MC and 6110MC models are equipped with PowrQuad Plus transmissions and are all powered by Stage III B compliant 4.5-litre four-cylinder John Deere PowerTech PWX engines. These use exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and a DOC and DPF exhaust filter to meet emission regulations.

The 6MC tractors feature a 2.4m wheelbase with an optional low profile cab for access to small buildings. It is still a full frame design which is specifically designed to accept front loaders such as the John Deere H310 or H340.

With up to four mechanical spool valves, the closed-centre pressure and flow compensated (PFPC) hydraulic system is designed to provide quick response times and a lift capacity of up to 5,600kg at the rear. Deere’s 6MC versions are available with a 65-litre or 80-litre/min capacity pump. Also standard is 540/540E/1,000rpm pto.

John Deere’s 6090RC, 6100RC and 6110RC tractors are being marketed as the premium version of this new line of more compact tractors. Engines are the same but RC versions feature intelligent power management (IPM) which gives up to an extra 10hp on demand. RC versions also feature Deere’s triple link suspension (TLS) front axle. Tyre sizes of up to 600/65 R38 can be fitted.

There are three powershift transmission choices – PowrQuad Plus, AutoQuad Plus and the newly available AutoQuad Plus EcoShift. In EcoShift mode, engine rpm is automatically reduced when reaching high speeds to help reduce fuel consumption.

The hydraulic system on the RCs features a PFPC pump providing up to 114 litres/min. Also available on the 6RC is a higher degree of implement control through John Deere’s iTEC Basic, GreenStar and ISOBUS precision farming options.

John Deere’s new 6RC and 6MC Series tractors will be available from November 2013.

The new 7R Series tractors feature more powerful engines and a new flagship model, the 7310R.