John Deere has unveiled 12 new tractors in its best-selling 100hp to 220hp line-up.

Most significant changes have taken place in the engine department to ensure all models in the new 6030 and 7030 ranges meet Tier III emissions regulations.

This has been achieved by the addition of a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and the use of a variable output turbocharger on both 4.5-litre, four-cylinder and 6.8-litre, six-cylinder PowerTech Plus engines.

All models – rather than those previously with an “S” designation – now have a power boost function that increases output by between 10hp and 30hp as the engine comes under load during pto and transport applications.

On the transmission front PowrQuad and AutoQuad five and six-range, four-speed powershift boxes are offered across the full range alongside Deere’s stepless AutoPowr CVT.

Seven models make up the 6030 range – three four-cylinder and four six-cylinder.

In the looks department, a prominent ridge now runs along the centreline of the bonnet, gaping gill-like vents increase airflow for the new high capacity cooling package and light clusters are now surrounded by chrome trim, nothing radical here.

Cab changes

The cab sees a number of changes and is now claimed to be the quietest on the market at 70.6dBA.

Previous 6020-series four-cylinder tractors pumped out 74dBA and six-cylinder versions 72dBA. Deere assures us squeaky windscreens will not be a problem on these new models.

A centralised computer – Command Center – now handles all tractor functions from linkage and draft settings to pto speed selection and pre-programmed headland turnaround sequencing.

The dash still carries engine rpm, forward speed, fuel and coolant temperature on analogue gauges, while the operator can choose a number of other functions to be displayed on a colour monitor on the right-hand console.

On the options front, buyers can select a refrigerated cool box, Xenon worklights, CommandArm armrest controls and leather cab trim.

New middleweights

By its own admission, John Deere has had a glaring gap in its line-up in the 160hp to 200hp bracket since it dropped its 7010-series tractors in 2003.

This fast-growing segment accounted for 1250 units in 2004 and is expected to top 1800 by 2010.

At last the company has two lightweight, high horsepower offerings to fill this slot in the guise of its 7430 and 7530 models, rated at 165hp and 180hp, respectively.

Essentially a stretched version of the six-cylinder 6030, these new middleweight machines weigh in at about 7.5t and have a lift capacity of 9t. By borrowing the back-end from the original 7010s, the elongated wheelbase can accommodate 42in tyres along with a 385-litre fuel tank.

Top End 7030-series

Larger US-built 7030 models gain an extra 15hp over their predecessors and to comply with emissions regulations now use a 6.8-litre engine, which is said to consume between 2-5% less fuel than the 8.1-litre unit employed previously.

An EcoShift overdrive option for tractors equipped with the 40kph AutoQuad gearbox reduces engine speed to 1750rpm once the tractor reaches 42kph.

This feature is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% and is also available for the two smaller 7030-series models.