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John Deere’s new 5R series.
Many older tractor operators will shout “just give me plain vanilla; I can live without all this technology”.
But younger drivers like ‘bling’, as seen in more tractors in the all-important 100-140hp sector, using technology taken from their larger models.
2017 will see industry giant John Deere introduce the new 5R series to New Zealand, heralding a marked lift in specification from the current 5M range and featuring technology from the 6R models.
The four-model range contains the 5090R, 5100R, 5110R and 5125 tractors (90, 100 ,110 and 125hp respectively).
Power is from a 4-cylinder, Tier3B, 4.5L John Deere PWX engine, with the maker’s Transport Power Management that delivers an extra 10hp at speeds over 15km/h.
Three transmission options include a Command Quad Manual or Command Quad Auto, both offering 16 forward and 16 reverse speeds via four ranges and four powershift steps. Topping the range is the Command8 Auto offering 32F and 16F speeds, with the same four ranges but with 8 powershift steps, and an ECO option with 40km/h delivered at 1759 rpm. All options feature a gate located park lock function.
In the cab, a major re-work of the right-hand console tidies things up for an uncluttered look, and the option of the 6-series style CommandArm makes control a breeze. The replacement of multiple gear levers with a stubby gear shifter will be well received by loader or livestock users, who will also welcome the new auto-declutch function which works when the brakes are depressed.
Forward visibility is enhanced by a smaller central binnacle, with more information being moved to the right-hand A pillar, a one-piece windscreen and the front of the engine hood being lowered by about 7cm. Driver comfort and access is improved by a tiltable steering column and 15 degrees of seat swivel.
A re-work of the cast steel chassis allows a tighter turning lock, and it has a new integrated engine sump. A new front suspension option with individual control arms offers +/- 45mm of suspension travel from the central position, offering auto, manual or lock-out functions, and can be complemented by a new optional cab suspension system with mechanical actuation and twin shock absorbers.
Wheelbase is 2.25m and kerb weight 4.3 tonnes; the maximum permissible load rating of 8.6t results in a 4.3t payload. Lift capacity is 4.7t, delivered with the standard 96L/min open-centre hydraulic system or the optional closed-centre PFC set-up delivering 117L/min.
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