Based just outside Mullingar in Co Westmeath, brothers Ger and Mick Malone run an agricultural contracting business. Up to this year, the duo were running a fleet of tractors consisting of Claas and Fendt only. After taking in a demonstration Deutz tractor last year, the pair opted to purchase two new Deutz tractors for 2019. The two tractors in question are a 6185 TTV and a 7250 TTV Warrior.

Ger explained that they opted for the Deutz tractors based on three things: dealer backup, operator comfort and cab layout.

The new 7250 TTV replaced a 2007 Claas Axion 850. This tractor was primarily bought for two jobs – driving a butterfly mower combination unit and for pumping slurry. The 7250 TTV Warrior is a limited-edition full-spec model in black livery.

Cab

Ger noted that he really likes the layout of the cab. He explained: “There’s great visibility from the cab of the 7250 TTV. With the newer-type Axion, visibility to the outside of the rear righthand side of the butterfly mowers was limited due to the large corner post. With the Deutz, the righthand corner post is much smaller, allowing for more visibility.”

He likes the addition of the double-glazed window which sits underneath the back window.

Ger added that he’s impressed with how user friendly and easy to follow the multi-function controller and the control panel are. The mowers are Isobus-compatible and are plugged into the tractor’s terminal where Ger uses GPS guidance and autosteer for mowing. One feature that stood out for Ger is the fast steer. When engaged, this feature allows a complete turning of the wheels from end to end in less than one turn of the steering wheel.

Engine and transmission

The Deutz 7 Series is powered by a six-cylinder Deutz TCD 6.1l 4V engine. This tractor has an output of 246hp. Ger explained that depending on the crop and the conditions, he typically mows at a speed somewhere in the region of 9km/h to 13km/h with the butterfly combination unit. This equates to a diesel consumption of anywhere between 35l/h to 45l/h, or an average of 2.5l/acre.

The tractor is equipped with the TTV continuously variable transmission.

Ger explained that overall the tractor is very well finished both inside and outside. This includes LED strip lighting on the exterior mudguards, underneath the mirrors and on the inside of the dash.

Likes

  • Very comfortable.
  • Good visibility.
  • Good design and well finished.
  • Dislikes

  • Needs more plug in points.