Dairy farming just outside Carlanstown Co Meath, Bernard O’Brien has purchased an all new John Deere 6M series which only became available on the market in the last number of months after being launched last November at Agritechinca in Germany.

Bernard, like most dairy farmers, mainly uses the tractor for light tasks such as yard work, spreading fertiliser, mowing/topping and slurry tanker duties. Therefore a compact, nimble model makes perfect sense. He typically clocks up about 850 tractor hours annually.

It’s of no comparison to the old M series, it’s a much improved tractor from every aspect

Over the years Bernard has always been a loyal green and yellow man, having owned 10 and 20 series models before buying a 6115M back in 2015. Bernard noted how the tractors previous to the 6115M were all great machines, however, the 6115M proved a little bit of a letdown in terms of power especially. The cab on his 6115M was in need off updating too, he felt.

Liking the look of the updated offerings in the new 6M, he arranged for a demo from his local dealer as he was half-thinking about upgrading his five-year-old 6115M with 4,500 hours on the clock. Bernard wanted something with a bit more power.

The demo 6120M and 603R front loader arrived shortly after. He was impressed: “It’s of no comparison to the old M series, it’s a much improved tractor from every aspect.”

Bernard decided to purchase the tractor, so it hasn’t left the yard since.

Cab and comfort

The updated 6M cab provides much better space, comfort and visibility.

The new 6M has a redesigned cab and offers more spec as standard, somewhat like a hybrid between an R series and the older M series which we are used to. Although higher specification models are now also available, Bernard felt the Select model suited him best. He said visibility has been improved massively, especially out the front windscreen when using the front loader thanks to the sloping bonnet and panoramic window in the cab roof.

On top of improved visibility, the cab is more comfortable. Bernard’s tractor is fitted with both cab suspension and TLS (triple link suspension) front axle suspension. “All in all it’s a much nicer place to be from space, to comfort, to visibility.”

The traditional type dash has been relocated to a clear LCD panel mounted on the right hand corner post.

Although the new 6M has a slightly shortened wheelbase and better turning radius, Bernard said it is higher than his old tractor. A standout feature he noted is the front loader’s electrohydraulic joystick, which allows direction and power shift changes within each gear. So, while operating the loader direction and gear changes can be made without having to take your hand off the joystick. The dash has also been relocated to a clear display on the front right corner post, improving visibility around the steering column.

Engine and transmission

Bernard’s 6120M is fitted with a four-cylinder 4.5l John Deere engine which, unlike the older 6M, has a power boost. This increases the rated power output of 120hp boost up to 140hp. Bernard said the difference in power is like night and day, especially pulling his 2,000 gallon slurry tanker.

The tractor is fitted with the standard PowrQuad Plus 40km/h 24Fx24R transmission. The loader fitted is John Deere’s own 603R model which he finds is easier to attach and detach. The loader has a maximum lift capacity of 1,795kg and a maximum lift height of 2.68m. The tractor’s hydraulics seem much more responsive and powerful while using the front loader, Bernard noted.

The spec

  • Engine: Four-cylinder 4.5l John Deere
  • Rated horsepower: 120hp (88kW)
  • Maximum horsepower: 140hp (103kW)
  • Transmission: 40km/h PowrQuad Plus (24Fx24R).
  • Hydraulic capacity: 80l/min standard (114l/min optional)
  • Rear lift capacity: 4,350kg standard (5,700kg optional)
  • Fuel tank capacity: 175l (205l optional)
  • Ad Blue tank capacity: 19l
  • Weight: 5,750kg