Some subtle changes and a few surprises for new 6020 series
Some subtle changes and a few surprises for new 6020 series
Pokier PowerTech engines,
a wider transmission choice
and a raft of refinements
form the backbone of the
new mid-range John Deere
6020 series. Andy Moore
took the 6820 model out
for a test run
FOR a tractor range mirroring the image of the original 6000 series, it takes an eagle eye to spot the differences on John Deeres latest 6020 series.
Yet underneath its newly restyled bonnet and within the familiar full-frame chassis, the companys new volume selling range has a few surprises to offer.
Replacing the 6010 series, all models apart from the 6120, 6220 and 6320 sport higher horsepower PowerTech engines to provide more poke for pto, draft and transport work, says John Deere.
The 6420 has been up-rated from 105hp to 110hp, while an S version has a 120hp, four-cylinder PowerTech block.
For the remaining six-cylinder models, the 6520 offers an extra 5hp; the 6620, 6820 and 6920 models providing another 6.3hp, 6.8hp and 7.5hp on tap respectively.
To complicate the model choice further, the 6920 also comes as an S model which offers 160hp rather than the standard 150hp.
So what is the 6020 series like to drive?
John Deeres headquarters at Langar, Notts, provided a suitable location to put a 6820 through its paces.
Despite being a twin brother of the 6010 range, the 6020 series now wears a cleaner look composite bonnet and openable corrugated side panels.
Pulling a latch at the front of the tractor allows the one-piece bonnet to swing open on gas struts, exposing the six-cylinder, 135hp PowerTech engine.
The most striking revelation is an absence of radiators in front of the engine which should make cleaning and maintenance less taxing.
To help meet strict emission regulations, the American manufacturer has developed a Dual Temperature cooling system designed to allow cooler combustion.
This has been achieved by fitting the main radiator with a larger fan, plus a high and low temperature cooling circuit and a Charge Air cooler which reduces temperature from 130C to 60C after being compressed by the turbo.
Further boons under the bonnet include a new vacuum aspirated cyclone air cleaner which is said to remove 93% of incoming dust, while engine oil and filter service intervals are now 500 hours.
At the back of 6020 tractors, more muscle has been added to the three-point linkage to carry on average an extra 700kg, says John Deere.
Gone is the standard SynchroPlus and PowerQuad transmission, making way for an improved 20/20 or 24/24 PowerQuad Plus version.
The main changes of the new 40K PowerQuad Plus version include electrically operated valves rather than mechanical, while larger gears are designed to handle the extra power going through drive lines.
All 10 models come as Premium models, while 8000 series operators should be pleased to know that a Premium Plus spec is available with CommandARM which integrates all main controls in the armrest. These controls are intended for use with John Deeres new AutoPowr stepless transmission which offers infinitely variable speeds up to 40 or 50kph independently of engine rpm.
But transmission choice does not stop there. There is an optional 40 or 50kph AutoQuad II semi powershift for use in more demanding field operations, spraying and transport work.
Fitted to our 6820 test tractor, the AutoQuad II transmission produced mixed results during a road test.
While speed shift buttons on the range lever allow smooth sequential changes to be made on the move, range selection is a different story.
Bearing in mind the AutoQuad II has a semi-powershift, the lever has to be forced brutally to select each of the five ranges after dipping the clutch.
That said, the left-hand power reverser shuttle allows snappy and jolt-free clutchless direction changes to be made.
All in all, the transmission offers 20 forward and reverse speeds plus a hat-full of neat transmission control functions such as speed matching. This facility works well when changing from one range to another.
Simply dip the clutch, shove the lever into the new range and wait for the transmission to match one of the four shift speeds automatically with the tractors forward speed.
Another nifty function is an in-field Power mode that shifts automatically up and down the speeds depending on engine rpm and load.
For less gruelling work, an economy setting provides automatic shifting at lower rpm to help cut fuel and engine noise.
Up in the cab, those spending long days behind the wheel should welcome the new cab suspension which is optional on the 6320 to 6920S models.
Designed to work only in combination with front axle suspension, the electronically controlled hydraulic cab suspension (HCS) enables 100mm of travel.
And the result? It must be said the HCS system provides superior levels of comfort when combined with the front axle TLS suspension – even when driving roughshod over potholes and bumpy surfaces at 40kph. *
8000 series drivers welcome… CommandARM controls are available for use with John Deeres new AutoPowr stepless transmission.
John Deere 6020 models feature a cleaner look one-piece composite bonnet which houses more powerful PowerTech engines.
JOHN DEERE 6820
• Engine: 135hp PowerTech
• Trans: 20/20 or 24/24
• Hydraulics: 961t/min
• Lift cap: 84kN