The 6M Series Tractors up to 6140M offer an optional closed-center PFC hydraulic system with 114 L/min (30.1 gpm) of flow to the remotes up to 200 bar (2900 psi) of variable working pressure. This hydraulic system is base equipment on 6150M and 6170M Cab and 6150M Open Operator Station (OOS) Tractors.

The hydraulic system is load sensing, which means a valve on the pump immediately initiates pump flow, when required. When flow is no longer required, the pump returns to low-pressure, no-flow standby mode.

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

• 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.

John Deere transmissions family combine power-saving technology with well-proven design features to ensure:

• Reliability
• High efficiency
• Low noise
• Convenient operation
• Low service costs

For 6M Series Open Operator Station (OOS) Tractors, the following basic transmissions are available:

• SyncroPlus 12 forward/4 reverse (12/4) transmission - fully synchronized transmission, 30 km/h
  (19 mph)
• PowerReverser 16/16 transmission with mechanical power left-hand reverser-fully synchronized transmission 30 km/h (19 mph)
• PowrQuad transmissions-fully synchronized ranges with four powershiftable speeds in each range and a mechanical left-hand reverser

16F/16R - 30 km/h (19 mph)

24F/24R - 40 km/h (25 mph)

20F/20R – 40 km/h (25 mph) (only for 6150M OOS)

For 6M Cab-Tractors following transmissions are available:

• PowrQuad PLUS 16/16, 30 km/h (19 mph)
• PowrQuad PLUS 20/20 or 24/24, 40 km/h (19 or 25 mph)
• AutoQuad PLUS 20/20 or 24/24, 40 km/h (25 mph)

PowrQuad transmission

Modular concept

The full frame is designed to withstand heavy load and twisting applications, which allows the transmission and engine to be modulary designed instead of being an integral part of the frame.

Since the transmission is not used as a structural member, there is greater flexibility in manufacturing processes for integrating options such as a creeper or mechanical front-wheel drive (MFWD).

1. Differential housing
2. Range module
3. Option module (creeper)
4. PowrQuad module (or PowrReverser and PermaClutch 2™ )
5. MFWD - clutch module
6. Power take-off (PTO) module

PermaClutch 2

Helical cut gears

Helical cut gears

The helical cut gears provide large-tooth contact for greater torque-transmitting capability and quieter operation.

Pressure lubrication

The pressurized lubrication system delivers cooled and filtered oil under all conditions. A warning light alerts the operator if oil pressure drops, preventing damage to the transmission.

12F/4R SyncroPlus shown

Console shifting 

All gear shift levers are conveniently located on the right-hand console on both cab and open operator station tractors. The easy-to-use shift pattern allows precise shifting without confusion.

Single-fluid solution

Reliable and proven engine technology

John Deere 6M Series Tractors feature the reliable and proven PowerTech PVX engines.      

These air-to-air aspirated engines deliver constant power over a wide range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm) with a power bulge above rated power to provide good torque in demanding applications.

• Engines deliver a constant power range of percent with a power bulge of percent.
• High-pressure common rail (HPCR) fuel injection system and other key engine parts work together to sense engine load and then instantly respond as needed to pull through tough soil conditions.
• Engine rpm fluctuations are reduced to minimize the need to downshift the transmission.
• Fewer shifts result in less ground-speed variations, providing higher overall tractor productivity.
• To match the engine power characteristics and improve economy of operation, the rated engine speed is 2100 rpm.

The full-frame concept

Full-frame concept

• Eliminates engine block stress, because the engine is no longer a structural part of the tractor.
• Reduces noise and vibration transfer to other tractor components.
  

 Four-valve cylinder head

• Positions the injector in the center of the piston and combustion chamber for even piston loads and mixing of fuel
• Maintains cooler head temperatures through a high rate of airflow
• Raises the air-fuel ratio while reducing internal operating temperatures for improved reliability and fuel efficiency
• Valves and replaceable valve-seat inserts are designed to minimize flow restriction (engine uses special powdered metal valve-guide inserts with impregnated lubricant for proper seating and to prolong wear)
• Offers excellent pull-through characteristics delivered by constant high torque
• Allows faster field operating speeds

There is improved lugging ability throughout the entire working range with significant productivity improvements at low engine rpm.

The intake manifold is located above the exhaust manifold.

• Location allows intake air to go directly down through the head with minimal turning to aid in engine breathing characteristics.

The engine width is not changed greatly, allowing for a narrow tractor hood and excellent row-crop visibility.

Injectors

Injectors deliver the same fuel pressure level to cylinders from the high-pressure common rail:

• Magnetic valve provides fast and precisely metered fuel injection.
• Six-hole nozzles give optimum spray patterns and fine fuel atomization.

Performance-matched fuel consumption delivers reduced fuel costs per acre.

HPCR fuel injection system and engine control unit (ECU)

Every PowerTech PVX engine utilizes the HPCR fuel system to supply fuel to injectors.          

The high-pressure fuel pump instantly responds to requirements for more or less fuel flow or pressure. The pressure is generated by the gear-driven piston pump. This electronically controlled and
high-pressure pump delivers pressure on demand according to the application requirements.

Benefits:

• HPCR delivering exactly the same fuel pressure level at all of the injectors
• High responsiveness under all load and speed conditions, which extends the engine working range to lower speeds, delivering more power and productivity in the field at outstanding fuel-saving engine speeds
• Performance-matched fuel consumption, delivering reduced fuel costs per acre

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)
• A host of other control parameters to deliver peak fuel economy and engine performance

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. The ECU can sense engine speed and load changes at a rate of 100 times per second and respond instantly to them. 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 proper power levels at high elevations.

6M Series Cab Tractor shown

The 6M Series Cab Tractors provide room and great visibility, making row-crop and loader work easier while protecting the operator from environmental discomfort. These cab tractors combine form and function into an eye-pleasing combination with easy, uncluttered access to all tractor and implement controls.

The cab provides a comfortable working environment for those long days in all conditions with a low in-cab noise level. All-around visibility of 310 degrees from within the cab ensures accurate tractor placement, implement hookup, and optimum tractor performance.

Key features

• Integrated Roll-Gard™ structure
• Flat platform
• Visibility
• Entry/egress
• Instrumentation and controls
• Operator's seat 
• Signal interface socket
• Power outlet socket three pole
• Multi-power outlet strip
• Cigarette lighter and ashtray
• Backup alarm
• iTEC™ basic
• Storage
• Toolbox

Full-frame design

6M Tractors are based on three frame sizes and wheelbase:

Strong steel frame has been a John Deere industry exclusive since 1992:

• Unique solution achieves higher payloads without increasing tractor weight
• Bridge-type frame provides superior structural strength and allows compact modular construction of transmission units
• Full frame carries the load while the powertrain transmits engine power to the final drive
• All components have a dedicated function and are designed without compromise
• Larger implements and heavier loads can be accommodated, resulting in higher levels of productivity

Improved serviceability

• Operators have less downtime and more uptime with quicker turnaround for service
• Complete modular component replacement is allowed without splitting the tractor in half
• Frame mounting allows easier component servicing without disturbing other systems
• The cab tilts so the tractor does not have to be split to access key components