New cleaner, high-horsepower tractors for 2012

John Deere R Series: 6R

6R SPECS
Models: 6170R, 170 engine hp 6190R, 190 engine hp 6210R, 210 engine hp
Engine: 6.8-liter PowerTech PVX engine, or 6.8-liter PowerTech PSX engine
Transmission: AutoQuad Plus powershift transmission (standard) or Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) (optional)
Hydraulics: 41 gpm flow; 3 SVCs standard., 4 optional
Hitch lift capacity: 12,213 lbs.
Suggested list price: $145,800 to $161,300

John Deere launched an entirely new series of mid-size tractors for 2012 called the 6R Series. Designed as replacements to the John Deere 7430 Premium and 7530 Premium models, the new 6R Series includes three models ranging from 170 to 210 engine hp.

Due to a boost in power, the 6R will now be classified as “row-crop tractors with utility tractor maneuverability,” slightly reminiscent of the original 7000 Series tractors launched in 1992. Improvements include a full frame design, larger cab, three wheelbase options, increased lift capacity, and an integrated front hitch and PTO. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com.

John Deere R Series: 7R

Models: 7200R, 200 engine hp 7215R, 215 engine hp 7230R, 230 engine hp 7260R, 260 engine hp 7280R, 280 engine hp
Engine: 6.8-liter PowerTech PSX engine or 9.0-liter PowerTech PVX engine
Transmission: Powershift (standard) or automatic IVT (optional)
Hydraulics: Up to 6 SCVs
Hitch lift capacity: Up to 17,300 lbs.
Base list price: $168,419 to $219,641.00

Described as “part row-crop tractor, part utility tractor,” the John Deere 7R Series is new from the ground up. Models are structurally designed like the 8R Series launched in 2009, in which the drivetrain forms the frame. But a new fan design allows for a shorter tractor package that works for loader work and front hitch and PTO applications.

The five-model series runs from 200 to 280 engine hp. The largest model extends the power range by 60 hp into territory that would have taken an 8 Series tractor to fill. The tractors have 23% more hitch-lift capacity than the 7030 Series they replace. An optional integrated front hitch and PTO allows front-mounted attachments. For rear-driven equipment, a new three-speed economy PTO with power-assist PTO shifting is available as an option to save fuel.

A new CommandView II cab, carried down from the 8R Series, is equipped with electronic steering, a video-capable touch-screen display, knob-style controls, adjustable seat and extra storage space. Rear visibility is improved, and a new cab suspension option minimizes bounce. All models are offered in 2-wd, mechanical front wheel drive (MFWD), or TLS Plus front-axle-suspension configurations. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com.

John Deere Series: 9R

9R/9RT SPECS
Models: 9360R, 360 engine hp 9410R, 410 engine hp 9460R, 460 engine hp 9510R, 510 engine hp 9560R, 560 engine hp 9460RT, 460 engine hp 9510RT, 510 engine hp 9560RT, 560 engine hp
Engine: 6 cyl., 13.5-liter John Deere PowerTech PSX engine; PowerTech PSX 9-liter engine on 9360R
Transmission: 24-speed MST or 18-speed PST with Efficiency Manager, depending on model
Hydraulics: 4 SCVs standard, optional fifth and sixth
Hitch lift capacity: 20,000 lbs.
Suggested list price: $256,757 to $373,318 (wheel); $367,362 to $416,175 (track)

The new John Deere 9 Series 4-wd and track tractors are engineered for heavy-duty, large-scale field operations. The largest model, the 9560RT, extends Deere’s horsepower reach up to 560 hp.

A new cab called Command View II has 10% more volume, 7% more glass area, and four times more storage than the first Command View cab. ActiveSeat suspension can be ordered as an option.

CommandArm controls and a new GreenStar 3 CommandCenter Display let you run all precision farming applications. A remote monitoring system called Service Advisor Remote lets you monitor vehicles from your office.

The three smallest wheeled models come with a 24-speed PowerSync manual shift transmission. Growers can opt for an 18-speed PowerShift transmission, which automatically adjusts the transmission speed and engine rpm to the most fuel-efficient setting. For more information, visit www.JohnDeere.com.

Fendt 900 Series

SPECS
Models: 924 Vario, 200 PTO hp, 240 engine hp; 927 Vario, 225 PTO hp, 270 engine hp; 930 Vario, 250 PTO hp, 300 engine hp
Engine: Deutz 7.8-liter, 6-cyl., Interim Tier 4-compliant engines
Transmission: CVT
Hydraulics: 6 rear, 2 front hydraulic valves; 41 gpm flow rate
Hitch lift capacity: Rear lift capacity, 19,800 lbs.; front lift capacity, 9,000 lbs.
Wheelbase: 3,050 mm; 120 in.
Glass area: 59 sq. ft.
Suggested list price: $255,945 to $330,060

This year, Fendt revamped its 900 Series Vario tractors with Interim Tier 4 engines. The latest 900 Series tractors deliver up to 7% greater fuel economy compared to previous models, according to Fendt. The company credits this fuel savings to a new Deutz 7.8-liter, 6-cyl. engine, now equipped with SCR technology to meet Interim Tier 4 regulations.

All tractor and implement functions can be controlled with a multi-function joystick and 10.4-in. display monitor called the Varioterminal, now offered as standard equipment. The monitor has up to four split screens to see multiple operations at once. Data on the display can be recorded, stored and transferred to an office PC.

New features include integrated guidance, 22 equipment connections, including six rear and two front hydraulic valves; a rear PTO; factory-installed front and rear 3-pt. hitches; tinted windows; and an air-conditioned cool box. Visit www.fendt.com/us.

Massey Ferguson 7600 Series

SPECS
Models: 4 models, 170 to 225 engine hp (140 to 180 PTO hp)
Engine: 6-cyl., 6.6- or 7.4-liter AGCO Power diesel engine with second-generation e3 SCR clean-air technology
Transmission: Dyna-6 (24-speed, partial-powershift) or optional Dyna-VT CVT
Hydraulics: 29 gpm standard; 39 gpm optional
Hitch lift capacity: 12,500 lbs. for Dyna 6 models; 11.500 lbs. for those with Dyna-VT
Wheelbase: 117 in. (117.8 in. on MF7624)
Glass area: 61 sq. ft.
Base list price: $106,415 to $159,878

The new Massey Ferguson 7600 Series tractors are modeled after the 8600 Series launched in 2010 and replace the 6400 and 7400 Series. Four new models range from 170 to 225 engine hp.

These tractors are designed for everything from planting and tillage to baling and loader work. A 7.4-liter AGCO Power diesel engine, equipped with e3 selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, meets Interim Tier 4 emissions standards. The 114-gal. diesel fuel tank and an 11-gal. diesel exhaust fluid tank reduce time between fills.

Two transmission options are available: the Dyna-6 (24-speed, partial-powershift) or the Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT incorporates a system called Dynamic Tractor Management (DTM), which coordinates the engine and transmission for consistent power and fuel economy.

Cabs on these tractors have been redesigned and offer wide-angle visibility. A new option called OptiRide cab suspension controls for bounce.

Inside the cab, a right-hand control armrest, new multipad control and new multifunction joystick give drivers control of all tractor and implement functions. Settings can be monitored and adjusted on an updated Datatronic CCD display. For more information, contact your local Massey Ferguson dealer or visit www.masseyferguson.us/products/tractors.

Challenger MT500D Series

SPECS
Models: 4 models, 170 to 225 engine hp (140 to 180 PTO hp)
Engine: 6.6- or 7.4-liter AGCO Power 6-cyl. engines with Generation 2 e3 SCR technology
Transmission: TechStar CVT or an AutoPower VI (partial-powershift) transmission
Hydraulics: 29 gpm standard; 39 gpm optional
Hitch lift capacity: 12,500 lbs. for AutoPower VI models; 11,500 lbs. with TechStar Wheelbase: 117 in. (117.8 in. on MT585D)
Glass area: 61 sq. ft.
Base list price: $137,153 to $159,864

The new Challenger MT500D Series tractors share the same basic design with tractors in the Massey Ferguson 7600 Series but have a more upscaled base configuration. Standard features include a TechStar CVT transmission with Power Management and OptiRide Plus hydraulic cab suspension.

Four redesigned models from 170 to 225 engine hp are equipped with 6.6- or 7.4-liter AGCO Power 6-cyl. engines with e3 SCR technology to meet Interim Tier 4 emissions requirements. Challenger says SCR technology allows the engines to run better, stay cooler and last longer.

Cabs have been revamped and now share the same design found on MT600D and MT600C Series cabs, with a cleaner six-post construction for panoramic visibility, and a curved rear window to allow for a three-quarter view in back. A new feature called OptiRide Plus hydraulic cab suspension works with an air-suspended seat to control bounce, rolling and pitching for a smoother ride. The suspension system consists of an electronic control unit that relays leveling information to hydraulic cylinders and automatically adjusts the tension.

The cab comes prewired for autosteering and a new telemetry system called AgCommand that lets you remotely monitor your vehicle fleet. For more information, contact your local Challenger dealer or visit www.challenger-ag.com.