When it comes to choosing a row crop tractor, the decision between the John Deere 6M and 6R models can be a tough one. The 6M Series tractors are versatile and highly maneuverable, but the 6R Series tractors offer powerful performance without neglecting efficiency and comfortability. Both tractors provide similar horsepower, enhanced productivity, and advanced technology, but which is right for your farming needs?
In this post, we will compare the key features and functionalities of the John Deere 6M and 6R Series tractors to help you make an informed decision.
What Is a John Deere 6M Series Row Crop Tractor?
The John Deere 6M Series tractors were built for enhanced visibility and maneuverability. With a shorter wheelbase and tighter turning radius, the 6M Series tractors move comfortably in tight spaces and are built with a sloped hood design and panorama roof, optimizing visibility. These versatile tractors can be used for many different purposes, from baling hay to roadside mowing.
What Is a John Deere 6R Series Row Crop Tractor?
The John Deere 6R Series row crop tractors enhance productivity and power without compromising comfortability and efficiency. The 6R Series tractors maximize power efficiency with an optimal power-to-weight ratio for a variety of situations. The 6R Series tractors are also equipped with a comfortable cab, improved visibility, ergonomic controls, and a smoother ride with less noise.
What Are the Different John Deere 6M Series Row Crop Tractors?
The John Deere 6M Series tractors have a John Deere FT4 PowerTech™ engine and PQT, AQT, or CQT transmission options. They vary in horsepower, starting with 145 hp in the 6145M to 195 hp in the 6195M.
6145M:
The 6145M uses a 145 hp engine and 108.9-in. frame, which is ideal for weight and stability with larger jobs on varying terrain.
6155M:
The 6155M boasts a 155 hp engine and a 108.9-in frame. It’s equipped with a 6-cylinder engine for greater displacement.
6175M:
The 6175M offers a 175 hp engine and is compatible with 680R loaders with a 176-in. lift height and 5,408 lb. lift capacity. The 6175M and 6195M are the largest 6M models with 6-cylinder engines and 110.2-in. (279cm) frames, making them ideal for larger feedlots and hay operations.
6195M:
At the top of the line, the 6195M offers the same capabilities as the 6175M, but uses a 195 hp engine, making it the most powerful offering in the John Deere 6M Series.
What Are the Different John Deere 6R Series Row Crop Tractors?
All 6R Series tractors boast a John Deere FT PowerTech™ 6-cylinder engine and Infinitely variable transmission (IVT™). They vary in their engine horsepower and loader compatibility. For each 6R model, the model number is also the engine’s rated horsepower. So, for example, the 6R 145 has a 145-hp engine, while the 6R 250 boasts the highest power of the series with 250 horsepower. The 6R 140 also has an ample amount of horsepower. For loader compatibility, The 6R 145, 6R 155, and 6R 165 use the 640R or 660R loader, the 6R 175, 6R 195, and 6R 215 the use 660R or 680R loader, and the 6R 230 and 6R 250 use the 680 R loader.
What Are the Key Features of John Deere 6M vs. 6R Tractors?
Both the 6M and 6R Series tractors offer high performance, convenience, and advanced technology. The 6M Series has innovative visibility features, while the 6R Series specializes in fuel efficiency and features that optimize its power-to-weight ratio.
Redesigned Hood
Both the 6M and 6R Series tractors provide clear visibility, but the 6M Series tractors feature a new sloped hood design and panorama roof so you can see everything — your front loader, attachments, and front-mounted implements.
Reimagined Cab
The 6M Series tractors are equipped with a comfortable cab and convenient features such as a digital corner post display and the compact CommandARM™. 6R Series tractors are outfitted with the quiet Premium Cab — fitted with air suspension seats, optional hydraulic cab suspension, and ergonomic controls.
Reduce Fuel Consumption
The 6R Series engines use a reversible fan, which improves fuel consumption and engine cooling performance compared to the 6M Series tractors.
Intelligent Power Management
Both the 6M and 6R Series tractors use Intelligent Power Management (IPM), which delivers rated engine horsepower with a 10% power bulge under load. IPM also provides a power and hydraulic boost when specific conditions are met, ensuring consistent performance without overloading the drivetrain.
Power-to-Weight Ratio
While both 6M and 6R tractors can boost power when needed with IPM, the 6R Series in particular offers an efficient power-to-weight ratio that helps you maximize production.
Reversible Fan
The 6R Series Tractor’s reversible fan not only improves fuel consumption and engine cooling, it keeps your radiator screens clear of chaff and debris from the field and from the cab.
Improved Visibility
Whereas 6M Series tractors use a sloped hood design and panorama roof for optimal visibility, 6R Series tractors improve visibility by placing common displays on corner post displays. 6R tractors also offer a larger windshield wiper sweep area.
Dynamic Weighing
The dynamic weighing feature on the 6R Series lets you weigh feed and bales on the go, saving you the cost of buying a separate feeder wagon scale. Eliminating the guesswork also saves time by enabling you to load weight accurately.
What Are the Key Specs of John Deere 6M vs. 6R Tractors?
The exact specifications of the 6M and 6R tractors vary from model to model, but it’s still possible to make some broad comparisons between the two series.
Engine Description
The 6M Series tractors are powered with the John Deere FT4 PowerTech™ engine, and the 6R Series tractors boast the John Deere FT PowerTech™ 6-cylinder engine.
Engine Displacement
For the 6M Series tractors, the 6145M has a 4.5 L (275 cu in.) engine, but the 6155M, 6175M, and 6195M use a 6.8 L (415 cu in.) engine. The 6R Series tractors use a 6.8 L (415 cu in.) engine.
Rated Engine Power
The 6M Series tractors start with 145 hp (107 kW) rated engine power in the 6145M and reach up to 195 hp (142 kW) in the 6195M. The 6R Series tractors start with 145 hp (107 kW) in the 6R 145 and reach up to 250 hp (184 kW) in the 6R 250.
Rated PTO Power
The 6M Series tractors start with 116 hp (85 kW) rated PTO power in the 6145M and reach up to 159 hp (117 kW) in the 6195M. The 6R Series tractors start with 113 hp (84 kW) in the 6R 145 and reach up to 201 hp (150 kW) in the 6R 250.
Rear Hitch Category
The 6M Series rear hitch category is 3N/3, with an exception on the 6145M whose rear hitch category is 3N. The 6R Series tractors’ rear hitch category is 3/3N with a weight capacity ranging from 9193 lb (4170 kg) in the 6R 145 up to 15,432 lb (7000 kg) in the 6R 250.
Base Machine Weight
The base machine weight for the 6M and 6R Series tractors varies significantly across models. The 6M Series Tractor ranges from 13,668 lb (6200 kg) in the 6145M to 16,534 lb (7500 kg) in the 6195M. The 6R Series Tractor varies from 15,212 lb (6900 kg) in the 6R 145 to 20,503 lb (9300 kg) in the 6R 250.
John Deere 6M vs. 6R: Find Your Perfect Match Now!
Both the John Deere 6M and 6R Series tractors offer powerful performance and efficient technology, but the right choice for your farm depends on your needs. The 6M Series tractors are suited best for farmers looking for optimal visibility and maneuverability. The 6R Series tractors take it a step further, providing additional features that enhance performance power, comfortability, and ease of use.
To learn more about which tractor is right for your agricultural operation, visit your local John Deere dealer.
