Popular mid-size tractor line-up gains extra choice

Farmers Guide attended the press launch of new 130–150hp Deutz-Fahr 6.4-series tractors in Germany.

Three new models with 4-cylinder engines extend the options available from Deutz-Fahr, in the manufacturer’s popular 6-series. David Williams was at the German launch.

The exclusive European press launch at the Deutz-Fahr production plant near Stuttgart took place at the end of October, ahead of the new model’s public debut at the Eima Show in Italy. Before the new tractors were unveiled, there was a presentation from SDF board members including the company’s production and sales performance.

Positive outlook

SDF’s total sales for this year are expected to be around €1.75Bn, which contrasts with last year’s total of €1.48Bn. Just over 41,900 tractors are expected to be manufactured this year, against last year’s total of 37,366. Deutz also expects to manufacture almost 2,380 combines this year, and produce 30,300 engines. This is from a total workforce of 4,676 employees, and despite the electronic component shortages which have a ected most manufacturers.

Autonomous vineyard robot

There was also the opportunity to watch a demonstration of the Vitibot autonomous vineyard robot in action – following SDF’s recent acquisition of a majority shareholding in the business earlier this autumn. Vitibot is a French start-up company based in Reims and is claimed to be a leader in the emerging market of vineyard care robotics with its Bakus electric straddle tractor.

Deutz Fahr 6.4-series

Model

Max. power Torque Transmission

Engine rpm @40/50kph Fuel tank

Wheelbase

6130.4 6140.4 6150.4

136hp 147hp 156hp 577Nm 622Nm 663Nm

RVshift / TTV

1.415rpm / 1.765rpm 260 litres

2.562mm

New 4-cyl tractors

The new Deutz 6.4-series 4-cylinder models feature a new powertrain including power from Farmotion power units. “The main features are the new transmission, new 4-cyl engine and a new front axle, and the cab features a new control centre with a completely new multifunction joystick which is di erent to current 6-cyl 6-series models,” explained SDF UK country manager Graham Barnwell at the event. “The new 6.4-series lls a gap in our line-up with power outputs from 130–150hp. It’s a lighter weight option, and slightly lower and shorter than the 6-cyl models, so it’s something we haven’t been able to o er before, and its availability will be well received by UK and Ireland dealers as a popular range for our markets when full production begins in May.”

Graham said that although the new 6.4-series tractors will be popular for loader work, most users purchasing a loader tractor will still opt for the more compact 5-series which is available with up to 126hp. The current compact 6C-series is available with 115–143hp.

High-spec transmissions

The three new models are the 6130.4, the 6140.4 and the 6150.4 with up to 136, 147 and 156hp. Two transmission options include the new RVshift which was introduced for the 6C-series earlier this year, based on the Deutz TTV CVT in nitely variable transmission with virtual steps representing the powershift gear ratios. The fully functioning TTV stepless transmission is the higher speci cation option.

The tractors’ Farmotion 45 engines are designed for reliable and e cient operation. Electronically controlled high pressure Common Rail fuel injection and a variable geometry turbocharger provide a at torque curve and optimise combustion to reduce fuel consumption, and there is a lag-free response to changes in load. An electronic-controlled visco-static

The 6.4-series RVshift features a new multi-function joystick within a revised control layout. The Vitibot vineyard robot was demonstrated at the event.

…from previous page cooling fan always provides the right amount of cooling and reduces the power requirement when the engine is under part-load.

Remote powershift

The RVshift transmission has 20 forward and 16 reverse powershift steps, and the user can shift between the gears smoothy and without any loss in power delivery. Standard speci cation includes working speeds from 1.5–50.0kph at eco engine revs, but a super creeper option provides seamless speed control from just 20 metres/ hour to 5kph, with operation like a CVT. The powershift ratios can also be set to shift automatically with the APS function activated, which allows the engine and transmission management system to always select the most e cient ratio to suit the groundspeed and load.

Premium CVT

The TTV in nitely variable transmission option allows the operator to set a target speed using the MaxCom joystick, and then press the accelerator pedal to achieve the required speed. The target speed can be adjusted at any time during operation with no loss of drive to the wheels by simply moving the joystick.

Both transmissions come with SenseClutch PowerShuttle electrohydraulic reverse shuttle with ve user-selectable response settings to suit the user preference and application, helping ensure safe operation even on steep gradients and when under load. Coupled with these features are the Stop&Go (RVshift models) and PowerZero (TTV variants) which improve operation and ease of use when working with a front loader. All models can achieve the maximum 50kph travel speed with reduced engine revs in economy working mode.

The new front axle features electro-hydraulic 4wd engagement and a 100% lockable di erential, both of which can be controlled automatically through the ASM system. Axle suspension, EasySteer rapid steering, an electronic parking brake and hydraulic engine braking are also included.

Cab and hydraulic options

The MaxiVision cab comes in three speci cation variants depending on transmission type and the hydraulic equipment – Basic, MaxiVision Plus and MaxiVision Pro. All feature the same six-pillar layout with a large glass area for excellent all-around vision, and a high standard of nish.

Basic is available only with RVshift transmission and comes with three or four mechanical spool valves.

MaxiVision Plus contains a new mixed con guration of two mechanical and two electronic rear spools.

The top MaxiVision Pro speci cation, available only with the TTV transmission, provides a full set of electronic control valves and an optional 12in iMonitor on the MaxCom armrest enables additional functions including Isobus and GPS guidance.

All cab variants are available with new XLarge 65% larger rearview mirrors, air sprung suspension, an opening front window, multiple smartphone and tablet holders, a removable cooling box and a DAB+ radio plus a 4.1 premium sound system.

Hydraulic and PTO

The rear linkage has electronic control and lifts 5,870kg, although an upgrade option will lift 9,170kg. Additional features include automatic PTO switching and an integrated damping system which reduces implement oscillation during transport. An optional front linkage lifts 3,000kg and a front PTO can also be speci ed. The rear PTO has electronic engagement with load sensing, and speeds include 540/540eco and 1,000rpm. A grounddrive speed with an independent output shaft is an option.

Vitibot

The Vitibot robot demonstration was at the factory site rather than in a vineyard, but even so it was clear to see how the autonomous vehicle works. Pre-production versions started work in 2019, and now more than 50 Bakus robots are operating in vineyards worldwide, and with a growing number of dealers, the company intends to accelerate its commercial development.

The primary role for the Bakus is inter-vine weeding, and the machine was demonstrated with an electronic hoe blade which swings in to avoid the vine plants each time a physical sensor is activated. Trimmer and spraying attachments are in development and will be available soon. The Bakus travels along the rows straddling the vines. Two versions are available – one for short vines and the other for taller plants. Four-wheel steering allows use in vineyards with limited space for turning, and up to 10 hours of continuous operation is available on one battery charge. Recharging takes just two hours. The maximum working speed is 6kph.

Vitibot founder and general manager, Cedric Bache explained that GPS coordinates are used to map the operating area. Initial set-up requires the user to identify the ends of each vine row to create an A-B line, then the Bakus uses the information to nd and then start and nish each row. Tool modules can be swapped in just a few minutes.

Asked whether the Bakus will be o ered through SDF UK in the near future, Graham Barnwell said that primary markets identi ed currently include Italy and France, and that it will be promoted to a wider market in future. FG