As with most tractor launches nowadays, it was inescapable emissions limits that drove Deutz-Fahr to replace its 6120, 6130 and 6140 with very similar 6 C models in early 2022.

These compact machines, shoehorned between the standard 5- and 6-series, come in three flavours – the 6115, 6125 and 6135.

See also: Farm swaps new tractors for a fleet of Deutz Agrotrons

They run relatively diminutive 3.8-litre Deutz engines in different states of tune, with the smallest offering 120hp and boosting to 126hp, the middle model featured here rated to 129hp/136hp, and the biggest delivering 136hp/143hp.

With their launch, Deutz added a third transmission option, the 20-speed full powershift RVshift.

This offers a middle ground between the stepless TTV and simpler “Powershift” that can be specced with either two or four ranges for the five gears and three clutchless steps.

Two months ago, Dorset farmer Nick Read took delivery of a mid-range 6125 C Powershift, which is charged with working his 100ha of low-input permanent pasture and catering for 40 longhorns and 300 breeding ewes.

Nick Read © MAG/Oliver Mark

Why a Deutz-Fahr 6125 C?

My previous 105hp Deutz 5110 was small and agile, which I liked, and it had only done about 3,000 hours in four years.

But most of the fields and roads in this area are pretty steep, and I was increasingly aware of its modest power and limited braking capacity – particularly when towing a 20ft flatbed with a heavy load of haylage.

After a couple of hairy moments, I decided to look at the options. And it so happened that my local dealer, MJ Fry, had a 6125 C in stock.

It’s a couple of inches bigger all round, has a more robust chassis, a higher capacity hydraulic pump and better brakes.

I considered a few alternative brands, but the impression I got was that most below 130hp were comparatively small and weedy, and wouldn’t have been up to the job.

That would have meant going for an altogether bigger model that I didn’t really need.

In that respect, the Deutz was a Goldilocks tractor – it hit the sweet spot for me in terms of power and size, yet it’s still straightforward and workmanlike.

Plus, the machine is only one half of the package; the dealer is the other, and I get brilliant backup from Mike Fry at MJ Fry in Dorchester.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

What extras did you opt for?

The tractor was already in stock and had pretty much everything I needed, plus a few things I didn’t.

I’ve got a Stoll-built FZ 41-25 loader with cable-operated controls and the bigger 120-litre/min load-sensing hydraulic pump.

Given it does a lot of bale work, I specced 200kg’s worth of wheel weights and a small 70kg block on the front for balance when mowing, tedding and harrowing.

It’s also got wider 540mm tyres on 38in rims at the back (34in is standard).

It fits through the small gateways fine, just about gets into the sheds, and the bigger footprint helps spread the load – something that has come in handy given the weather over the past couple of months.

The other notable “extra” that was already fitted is mechanical cab suspension. It’s not something I would have paid for, but I’m glad to have it.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

How has it performed?

I’ve only had it for a couple of months so I’m still in the honeymoon period, but the extra power over the old model certainly makes most jobs easier.

It came with the “creeper” gearbox with four ranges on one gearstick, five manual ratios on the other, and three powershift steps, making for 60 speeds in total.

That’s far more than I need, so I tend to use only high and low range, which is basically what the standard version would offer. A speed-matching function for the powershifts is a welcome addition, though.

The cab is also far better and going from six pillars to four has generally improved visibility, albeit at the expense of side-opening windows.

However, the exhaust is big and the bonnet is wide, which leaves a gap of about an inch either side to see the headstock when picking up an attachment.

The only teething problem has been with the hydraulics, as the pump seems to be providing too high a flow and I’m at risk of putting the loader through the shed roof. Mike is on the case.

© MAG/Oliver Mark