Overview

John Deere 6M Series Tractors feature the reliable and proven PowerTech PVS 6.8L and PSS 4.5L and 6.8L engines. These air-to-air aspirated engines deliver a power bulge above rated power to provide excellent torque in demanding applications.

Key features:

• Series turbochargers (PSS only)
• Variable geometry turbocharger (VGT)
• Air-to-air after cooling
• High-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel system
• Engine control unit (ECU)

PowerTech PSS/PVS engine identification

	After treatment S – Exhaust filter and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) X – Exhaust filter
	Turbocharger V – VGT S – Series turbochargers W – Wastegate turbocharger
	Technology P – PowerTech Plus E – PowerTech E

PowerTech PSS 6.8L engine

Benefits

• A constant power range of 2100 rpm down to 1500 rpm
• Power bulge of 10 percent
• Greater tractor productivity
• Responsive power reducing the need to downshift the transmission

Details

To match the engine power characteristics and improve the operation economy of the machine, the rated engine speed is 2100 rpm.

Series turbochargers

Overview

The PowerTech PSS 4.5L and 6.8L engines utilize two turbochargers – a VGT and a fixed geometry turbocharger. This provides the torque rise and engine response needed to meet varying load conditions.

Fresh air is first drawn into the low-pressure fixed geometry turbocharger and compressed to a higher pressure. The compressed, higher pressure air is then drawn into the high-pressure VGT where the air is further compressed. By splitting the work between two turbochargers, both can operate at peak efficiency and at slower rotating speeds.

PowerTech PSS engine series turbochargers

Benefits

• Deliver high-power density
• More low-speed torque and responsiveness to meet varying load conditions

VGT

Overview

The VGT is electronically controlled and actuates the turbo vanes as required to maintain peak engine performance. PowerTech PVS 6.8L engines only have a VGT turbocharger.

The turbocharger’s vanes are in the exhaust flow. The opening or closing of the vanes changes the outlet volume and airflow speed against the turbocharger turbine. When exhaust flow is low, the vanes are partially closed. This partial closure increases the pressure against the turbine blades to make the turbocharger spin faster and generate more boost pressure.

The ability to keep the airflow at optimum levels provides more consistent engine boost pressure and the ability to respond to load quickly across the entire engine rpm range. This system is without the turbo lag that can be found on some engines.

ECU

Benefits

• Optimized fluid economy
• Maximum engine performance

Details

Each injector is controlled individually by the ECU. The ECU turns the injector on and off during each firing cycle to control the fuel delivery into each cylinder.

Load and speed sensing allows each cylinder’s fuel delivery rate to be adjusted independently at the individual injector. With each injection cycle, the ECU can make the following adjustments on the go:

• Number of injections
• Fuel pressure in the common rail
• Start of injection
• Duration of injection

This management system is connected to the transmission, allowing the engine and transmission to respond simultaneously.

Cold weather and high-altitude compensation are also precisely controlled for quality starts regardless of weather and maximum performance at high elevations. The ECU also features improved diagnostic capabilities. It is faster, has more working memory, and is responsible for monitoring and executing all aspects of the integrated emission control system.

PowerTech VGT

Benefits

• Increased low rpm torque 
• Quicker response to load
• Increased peak torque
• Improved fluid economy
• Improved performance at high altitudes

Air-to-air after cooling

Overview

Air-to-air after cooling lowers the intake manifold air temperature and provides more efficient cooling while reducing cylinder firing pressure and temperatures for greater engine reliability. Since lower temperature air is denser, a higher volume of air flows into cylinders so the engine is capable of meeting the increasing horsepower demands. Lowering the intake manifold and cylinder temperatures also aids in lowering the combustion temperature, which lowers the NOx produced as a result.

Benefits

• Higher horsepower
• Less NOx production

HPCR fuel injection system

Overview

Every PowerTech PSS 4.5L and 6.8L engine utilizes a HPCR fuel system to efficiently supply fuel to injectors. The high-pressure fuel pump instantly responds to requirements for more or less fuel flow or pressure. This electronically controlled, high-pressure pump delivers pressure on demand according to the application requirements. Pressure on demand ensures an efficient injection system resulting in high-injection pressure independent of engine speed.

High-pressure common rail

Benefits

• Instantly respond to load changes reducing the need to change gears
• Improved fluid economy

Engine control unit (ECU)

Overview

The ECU uses signal inputs from sensors and pre-programmed performance modeling to control critical engine functions such as fuel quantity, injection timing, air-to-fuel ratio, multiple fuel injections, amount of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a host of other control parameters.

Overview

6M PFC hydraulic system

The 6M Series Tractors feature the proven PFC hydraulic system with variable pressure up to 200 bar (2900 psi).

The following hydraulic equipment is available for 6M Series Tractors:

Benefits

• Fast system response times
• Minimum energy losses, as pump returns to no output state when hydraulic flow is not needed
• Contributes to overall efficiency of the tractor

Advantages of this system:

• Reduced load on engine
• Improved fuel efficiency
• Enhanced oil cooling
• Reduced internal leakage
• Reduced hydraulic noise levels
• Less strain on hoses and seals

Pressure for the entire system is established by the function requiring the highest pressure. As demand lessens, so does hydraulic pump pressure and engine power requirements.

Other hydraulic system advantages include:

• Mechanical controlled valves
• Hydraulic steering for effortless operation
• Hydraulic wet-disc brakes that provide excellent brake performance
• 3-point hitch with increased lift capacity that can handle even the heaviest implements

High-capacity hydraulic pump

The hydraulic pump is located close to the hitch valve and selective control valves (SCVs), allowing:

• Fewer and shorter lines
• Quick system response times
• Minimized energy losses

For 6150M and 6170M, the 114-L/min (30.1-gpm) pump is base equipment.

Essential services have priority

The priority valve ensures, even at low idle engine speed, full power to the essential services like:

• Steering
• Brakes

Hydraulic and transmission systems are functionally separate; however, both systems utilize a common reservoir for easy serviceability.

Details

• 35 ccm pump (80 L/min) is base equipment for 6110M-6145M.
• 35 ccm pump (80 L/min) is not available for 6155M-6195M models.
• 45 ccm pump (114 L/min) is available for all models (including OOS) and base equipment for 6155M-6195M.
• The 45 ccm pump is required with cold start package II (code 8301).

Oil take-out capacity with/without additional tank

Overview

Overview:

The 6M cabs are designed with functionality and operator comfort in mind. While in the cab, the operator will experience various features that will make the operator’s task easier.


Benefits:

Four different cab packages, including a low-profile cab, are offered on the 6Ms to match the operator’s needs. Protection from elements such as wind, dust, sun, rain, or hot and cold temperatures improves an operator’s efficiency and productivity which leads to greater performance.


Details:

The four cab packages are broken down in the table below.

Additional factory-installed options include:

Overview

Modular concept

Modular transmission

1. Differential housing
2. Range module
3. Option box
4. PowrQuad module
5. Mechanical front-wheel drive (MFWD) clutch module
6. Power take-off (PTO) module

Benefits

• Reliability
• High efficiency
• Low noise levels
• Convenient operation
• Long service intervals

Details

• The PowrQuad PLUS and AutoQuad PLUS family with four PowerShift gears combines technology with well-proven design features.
• Pressure lubrication that is filtered and cooled under all conditions ensures a long service life. Long life design for all clutch and brake components.
• The de-clutch button is included on cab configurations.
• The engine speed reduction can go down to 1880 rpm, depending on tractor model and tires.

Synchronized range module

Overview

Fully synchronized range modules with high contact helical gears provide large-tooth contact for greater torque transmission capability and quieter operation. A park lock is integrated as standard.

Creeper module option

For the 6110M-6135M the slowest gear is down to 0.25 km/h (0.15 mph) at 1000 engine rpm.
For the 6145M-6155M the slowest gear is down to 0.15 km/h (0.09 mph) at 1000 engine rpm.

Declutch button

Benefits

• Enabling shift ranges on the go without pressing the clutch pedal
• Useful in start stop situations

Left-hand reverser

Overview

The left-hand reverser with the neutral position is located in an ergonomic position to the left of the steering wheel. This allows quick, convenient, and smooth forward reverse shuttle shift at any speed. The forward, reverse, and neutral positions are also displayed on the dashboard.

PowrQuad PLUS or AutoQuad PLUS module

PowerQuad Plus transmission

Speed control

Overview

Gear shifting on transmission lever

Benefits

• Ergonomic and ideal position of the range lever for the operator
• Diagonal shifting possible with automatic centralizing of the range lever making shifting between ranges easier
• Park lock engagement integrated
• Button for automatic PowerShift on AutoQuad transmissions
• Declutch button integrated in the range lever on cab configurations
• Two push buttons on the top of the lever for changing PowerShift gear on cab configurations
• PowerShift gears switch beside the hitch control for simultaneous working on cab configurations

Transmission declutch button

Overview

The transmission declutch button feature is base equipment on AutoQuad PLUS and PowrQuad PLUS transmissions on 6M Cab Tractors. This gives the operator convenient range shifting and increases comfort in all operations.

Left-hand reverser

Benefits

• Clutchless movements from forward to reverse
• Highly convenient on front loader work

FieldCruise™ engine controls

Overview

With FieldCruise, the operator limits the engine rpm to a minimum of 1200 rpm engine speed and a maximum of 2100 rpm engine speed.

Benefits

• The operator does not have to make small adjustments to the hand throttle when pushed to maximum the rpm stops at the FieldCruise setting

AutoQuad transmissions — button on the speed lever

Overview

The AutoQuad button is included in the lever to activate automatic shifting of the four PowerShift gears. The engine rpm at which the automatic power shifting shifts up or down can be infinitely set within a range to improve productivity in all load conditions.

Auto mode activation button

Benefits

• Automatically shift between PowerShift gears within the range

Overview

The CommandQuad PLUS gearbox is an option on all 6M Cab Tractors. The CommandQuad PLUS maintains the impressive reliability of an AutoQuad™ transmission while enhancing operator convenience and productivity through increased automatic shifting capabilities.

The transmission is equipped with 20 forward and 20 reverse (20F/20R) speeds for the 6155M-6195M and (24F/24R for the 6110M-6145M models), a left-hand reverser, and four PowerShift™ gears in five fully synchronized ranges. The selected gear is displayed on the digital display (1 to 4).

CommandQuad™ PLUS Transmission video

6M right-hand console with CommandQuad PLUS transmission

CommandQuad PLUS transmission

CommandQuad PLUS transmission

Operating the CommandQuad PLUS transmission

Once the tractor is started, the operator selects a range by pressing one of the range buttons on the control center. The ranges are labeled as letters: A, B, C, and B-E. The operator has the choice to select MultiRange, which allows seamless gear shifts and automatic range shifts without the use of a clutch or declutch button.

The gear speed can be selected by using the transmission control lever to shift to a desired gear. After setting the desired throttle position, the operator can move the left-hand reverser to the forward or reverse position to start movement. The operator can shift up or down through the gears in the selected range(s) as needed.

Initial start gear can be programmed through the digital display controls. Any two start gears may be stored.

CommandQuad PLUS transmission

A: Thumbwheel located on gear selector lever – sets maximum tractor speed
B: Park brake lever
C: Gear range selection – change on the go
D: Gear lever – right-hand side for automatic, left-hand side for manually shifting
E: Engine speed scroll lever
F: Speed 1 or speed 2 selector

Two operating modes: AUTO mode and manual mode

CommandQuad PLUS features two different ways to operate transmission range and speed selections. In manual mode, the operator has the ability to shift through speeds and ranges without clutching by moving the control lever forward, toward the + indicator, or backward, toward the - indicator. In AUTO mode, the tractor shifts automatically at present shift points depending on engine load.

AUTO mode and manual mode

Full AUTO mode

Depending on load, full AUTO mode will optimize both the engine and transmission by selecting the appropriate gear and rpm to optimize fuel efficiency. The only input needed from the operator is to set the target ground speed by using the thumbwheel.

Load anticipation feature

A load anticipation feature is standard equipment on all tractors equipped with a CommandQuad PLUS transmission. The load anticipation feature allows the CommandQuad PLUS transmission to predict how much load the engine expects from the activation of the hitch or a particular selective control valve (SCV) function.

• Full AUTO mode — load anticipation always engaged
• Custom mode — operator can engage or disengage load anticipation (hitch, power take-off [PTO], or selective control valves [SCVs])

Load anticipation is activated when

1. An SCV is commanded to flow more than 25 percent, or when it is in continuous flow, the tractor will boost the fuel economy engine speed. 
2. If the hitch is lowered (at a rate greater than 6 percent) or raised, the system will increase engine rpm if the engine speed is below 1500 rpm.

NOTE: The load anticipation feature also activates when using SCV or hitch functions programmed within iTEC™ application sequences.

NOTE: Refer to the operator's manual for complete instructions.

Soft shift

Soft shift

This electronic engine-transmission communication smoothens the four-speed power shift steps. During upshifting, a slightly lower engine rpm than the current one is commanded by the transmission for a few milliseconds to match the right speed.

For down shift, the rpm is raised quickly and lowered again after the shifting has been completed. Soft shift is an intelligent system varying the degree of engine rpm reduction and increase depending on tractor load. The soft shift system can be turned off if required, for example during baling.

Speed matching

Overview

• The speed-matching control unit selects the next appropriate PowerShift step after shifting a range up or down, depending on the current speed.
• The operator can adjust in the dashboard if speed matching should be on, off, or off when PTO is engaged.
• Speed matching is available at more than 4.4 mph (7 km/h).

Benefits

• Provides the operator with a seamless transition between range changes

AutoClutch™ feature - effortless operation

The clutch automatically separates when the brakes are actuated and engages when the brakes are released. However, AutoClutch is deactivated if single-wheel braking is used while engine speed is higher than approximately 900 rpm. This means if single-wheel braking is used to make a turn (for example), the clutch is not activated while engine speed is higher than 900 rpm.

Changing the sensitivity setting of the AutoClutch alters the way in which the clutch separates automatically. This changes the time-lag between initiation of braking and the point in time when the clutch separates. If set correctly, this has a positive effect on braking characteristics when driving with a trailer. The lower the sensitivity, the greater the actuation of the trailer brake so that the hitched-up unit remains stretched. This also implies that more force is required to actuate the foot brake.

AutoClutch sensitivity may be adjusted between four different settings – low, medium, high, and off.

AutoClutch sensitivity

• The option to adjust the sensitivity provides the operator with higher comfort and choice to optimize the tractor depending on what application it is doing. For example, high sensitivity for low speed yard work and low sensitivity or off for transport of heavy loads in hilly conditions.
• Allowing higher operator performance and uptime in the field, removing the need to depress the clutch – more time to concentrate on other important aspects of the tasks.

Details

Overview

The strong steel frame has been a John Deere industry exclusive since 1992, providing profound advantages over competitor solutions.

Loader bracket attached to full-frame design

Full-frame design

Below is a table demonstrating the available wheelbase measurements for all 6M models (mm/in.).

Benefits

• This unique solution achieves higher payloads without increasing tractor weight, thus increasing productivity.
• The engine is separated from the full-frame design using rubber bushings. This method reduces the noise and vibration from the engine, ultimately improving tractor uptime and operator comfort.
• Full frame carries the load while the powertrain transmits engine power to the final drive. This reduces stress on mechanical components thus improving uptime and reducing costs of operation. 
• Higher power density is delivered by separating the load carrying components from the power transmitting components, allowing optimized designs and operator performance.
• Loader brackets mounted directly to the full frame, therefore loader forces are not transmitted to the engine or transmission.

Improved serviceability

• Frame mounting allows easier component accessibility without disturbing other systems.
• Complete modular component replacement, such as transmission and engine is achieved without splitting the tractor in half.

Tractor-Baler Automation simplifies baling experience

A single manual action; system manages the rest

TBA awards

The optional Tractor-Baler Automation (TBA) makes baling easy. This exclusive system manages most of the baling process and gives the customer the following advantages:

• High baling comfort a single action to bale instead of four.
• Error proof baling - even after 10 working hours, the system does not forget any action; a true advantage for an inexperienced driver.
• Constant bale quality - same diameter bale after bale
• Constant productivity - no reduced efficiency due to operators fatigue.

When used with a John Deere ISOBUS tractor, electric selective control valve (E-SCV), and (IVT™) transmission, the system will be able to:

• Stop the tractor when bale size is reached
• Wrap the bale
• Open the gate
• Close the gate when bale is unloaded

The only action remaining is to forward reverser and manage the steering.

If the John Deere tractor is not equipped with IVT but has E-SCV and ISOBUS, opening and closing can be automated.

A single touch on SCV, brakes, or reverser will disengage the automation. In the same way, automated open/close can be momentarily stopped when unloading in hilly conditions.

Tractor-Implement Automation is an exclusive green on green advantage. This advanced technology option has won awards at SIMA and Agritechnica farm equipment show in Europe, a true cost/value guarantee.

NOTE: to run through fully automated mode, a John Deere Isobus tractor with E-SCV and IVT is required. A baler activation key and a tractor activation key (different) have to be ordered.

ISOBUS certified balers

Plug in and bale with ISOBUS

ISOBUS certified = compatibility guarantee

The 990 and 960 Balers offer ISOBUS compatibility as base equipment. This standardized communication not only allows the use of John Deere Greenstar2 1800, 2600, or 2630 Displays, but also the use of other ISOBUS conform competitive monitors.

Adapter harnesses for non-ISOBUS tractors are available.

User friendly interface

Main page with simple and clear pictograms

Bale or soft core density adjustments

The Baler interface displays information that is needed. The 900 Series monitors provide all required information:

• Bale shape and diameter
• Drop floor and knives position
• Variable core activation
• Tying process status
• Gate position
• Maintenance status

Adjustments can also be managed from the operators station:

• Bale size and density
• Variable core diameter and density
• Net and twine tying parameters
• Knife selection
• Automated lubrication
• Tractor-Baler Automation status
• Bale counter resets

Greenstar™2 1800 has the ideal display for baling application

Greenstar2 1800 Display ordered with the baler

The 900 Series Balers can be teamed with all ISOBUS certified displays. The Greenstar2 1800 monitor can be ordered with the baler to match traditional baling requirements. When not baling this display can be used for other functions such as guidance and spraying applications when connected to an appropriate receiver and implement.

All ISOBUS display will fit the 900 Series

GreenStar3 2630 fits the most demanding user needs

The 960 and 990 Balers can be ordered without a monitor for customers who already have an ISOBUS display, or for those who search more advanced application (field management). Displays other than John Deere Greenstar2 1800 can be purchased through Ag Management Solutions (AMS) pages.