Adrian set to ‘milk’ his new John Deere

Some models have been ‘putt-putting’ around his nearly 450ha property for more than 30 years.

But while they take odd jobs like post-hole digging, in their stride, it’s the heavy tasks that find them wanting.

Which was the reason for a visit to AFGRI Equipment Albany last month, to buy a European-specced John Deere 6140M tractor and a John Deere 643R Series front-end loader.

“I’ve got two loader tractors but I needed extra power with the capability of lifting 800kg silage bales over four metres (13ft),” Adrian said.

“The 6140 has a longer wheelbase too so it’s more stable and you definitely get a better ride, especially during the hay season making bales.”

According to Deere, the 6M Series is a combination of strength and technology perfectly suited to today’s more sophisticated mixed farming enterprises.

The 6140M is powered by a Tier 2 six cylinder Power Tech engine – linked to a 24/24 PowerQuad transmission – and is rated at 103kW (140hp).

Technology aside, what Adrian likes is the functionality of the model which comes with three remotes, three PTO speeds (540, 540E and 1000rpm) and three-point linkage, with a maximum lift of 6.3 tonnes.

He’s also impressed with fuel efficiency, bumping one of his old faithfuls off a feed mixer to try out the 6140.

“I saved about 60 litres of fuel over four days, just on the mixer,” he said.

“So it will be a good back-up on the mixer because I’ve got plenty of other jobs it can do.”

There’s no doubting it will be the preferred tractor to work in, with a suspended cab, comfort seating and all the goodies for operations.

All the controls fall to hand and a new dashboard provides at-a-glance information.

Deere has added what it calls, Intelligent Total Equipment Control, which provides automatic deactivation/reactivation of integrated systems (differential, PTO and 4WD) when executing headland turns.

And if you’re really into the tech side, John Deere can provide FarmSight, a GreenStar and ISOBUS-ready system for data collection and guidance.

Plus you can run all types of ISOBUS-certified implements using either the GreenStar 1800 or 2630 display.

On the grunt side, the 643R loader has a 2450mm-wide bucket and Deere has added a range of optional improvements including a four-point return to position (RTP).

An operator can program four heights and four angles meaning the loader automatically returns to the pre-set position.

Other options include a front loader suspension to provide effective damping and hydraulic implement unlatching provides an easy coupling/uncoupling system without leaving the cab.

More information: Afgri Equipment branches or johndeere.com