All-new 6250R set to revolutionise operations

Earlier this year, John Deere updated the 6R series, extending the range to include the 6230R and the 6250R. Peter Thomas Keaveney takes a look at the new machine.

13 June 2018

All-new 6250R set to revolutionise operations

The new John Deere 6250R was running a set of 34 foot triple mowers.

Command pro comes on the new 6250R and is very easy use.

John Deere

Power to weightThe power to weight ratio in these larger 6R series machines is very impressive. Both the 6230R and 6250R weigh in at 9.3t and have a maximum permissible weight of 15t. The 6250R has a rated engine horsepower of 250hp and a maximum engine horsepower with IPM of 300hp. This provides 1hp to every 31kg, something that’s not too often heard of in the industry, thus making this tractor the most powerful in this weight class.

Power to weight

The power to weight ratio in these larger 6R series machines is very impressive. Both the 6230R and 6250R weigh in at 9.3t and have a maximum permissible weight of 15t. The 6250R has a rated engine horsepower of 250hp and a maximum engine horsepower with IPM of 300hp. This provides 1hp to every 31kg, something that’s not too often heard of in the industry, thus making this tractor the most powerful in this weight class.

Although all tractor manufacturers inform us of an engine’s rated horsepower, it is normal for some of this power to be lost before it reaches the drawbar/PTO. However, John Deere detailed that these 6230R and 6250R models have a 90% overall tractor efficiency. John Deere claims it has achieved this high efficiency through breakthroughs in engineering design. This includes the compact cooling package with a high air flow, thus limiting restrictions, high engine torque and fuel economy, high transmission efficiency and the unique axle design running on wide tyres allowing more power to the ground.

At a first glance, this impressive-looking tractor really is a neat and compact. Visual features remain largely unchanged from the existing 6R models. The service interval has been increased up to 750 hours, with DEF consumption lowered by 2-3% in an attempt to reduce overall running costs.

According to one John Deere dealer, there have been a number of these 6250R machines sold and operating around Ireland with an increasing level of interest.

Command Pro

The 6230R and 6250R feature the new Command Pro joystick . This joystick is fitted with 11 reconfigurable buttons. These 11 reconfigurable buttons can be used for the following: front/rear hitch, front/rear PTO, SCVs, iTEC, AutoTrac, Isobus functions and to set engine speed.

John Deere is labelling the new Command Pro as being the “ultimate driving strategy”. It allows for top and zero speed simply with one push or pull of the joystick, with creeping control from 0km/h to 2km/h. It also provides the option of simultaneous pedal and joystick driving while the Active Zero function keeps the output speed actively at 0km/h until command for acceleration is given.

The settings manager in the tractors command centre reduces the setup time for all your different applications. It allows you to save all your machine settings as well as configuration settings for the Command Pro joystick and electrical joystick.

This allows the operator to instantly recall individual settings for saved implements.

These 6230R and 6250R models are fitted with Auto Powr transmissions as standard. Auto Powr is a hydro-mechanical transmission delivering stepless and continuous power at speeds between 40km/h and 50km/h. AutoPowr will maintain the selected speed by automatically responding to changing load conditions. Once the tractor is running at maximum road speed, engine rpm will automatically drop to the minimum level required to maintain that speed, thus reducing noise and saving fuel. 50km/h is maintained at 1,630 rpm, 40km/h at 1,300rpm with Command Pro.

After operating the machine, in my opinion the Command Pro is one of the most user-friendly operating options released to date by John Deere. It certainly has the potential to become very popular among contractors and larger arable farmers.

Engine

These large-frame 6R Series tractors are powered by John Deere’s PowerTech PSS engine with series turbochargers, which is revised to generate more power, while consuming less fuel. These new 6R high-end models are Stage IV-compliant with John Deere’s unique DEF system.

The high power output of John Deere’s six-cylinder 6.8 litre engines is made possible by their refined four-valve High Pressure Common Rail (HPCR) technology with an injection pressure of up to 2,500 bar. The PSS engines in the 6230R and 6250R use a 2-stage turbocharging system in which the VGT multiplies the pressure created by a fixed vane turbocharger.

Hydraulics

The system in the new 6230R and 6250R models delivers a powerful 160 l/min at 1,500 rpm, with enhanced operating characteristics. SCV (selective control valves) have been laid out in a user-friendly manner, with the option of up to six rear SCVs and Power Beyond couplers.

The tractor’s intuitive command centre controls allow you to manage the SCVs. With optional electronic SCVs, the digital display lets you monitor flow rates and times.