John Deere rejuvenated its simpler M-series tractors four years ago, with the range restructured into short-, small-, mid- and large- chassis categories that contain a total of 10 models spanning 100hp to 216hp.

With the reshuffle came a new sloping bonnet for the four short-framers, which run from the 6090M (100hp max, 114hp boosted) to the 6120M (133/145hp).

See also: Video: John Deere 6120M Command Quad tractor on test

Robin Samways and Mike Curry © MAG/Oliver Mark

Power is the only real difference between them, as they all pack Deere’s four-cylinder, 4.5-litre engine and can be had with the time-proven PowrQuad gearbox, auto-shifting CommandQuad or stepless AutoPowr.

And, 18 months ago, it was a 6120M PowrQuad that appealed to farm manager Robin Samways and operator Mike Curry.

They have now clocked 1,387 hours feeding and bedding 470 head of cattle and 130 ewes across 260ha on the Dorset coast.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

Why a John Deere 6120M?

The farm owners, the White family, like to get their money’s worth from machinery, but the oldest of our three Valtras, a 2012 N121, had clocked 8,000 hours and we felt it was time for a change.

We were open-minded about the options, so size, cost and dealer backup were the priorities.

Before committing to anything we tried a new Valtra, two Masseys, a Case and a Kubota, but none were quite as comfortable and easy to drive as the 6120M.

Surprisingly, there was only a few quid between them all.

It also happened to have the perfect proportions.

It’s a foot shorter than the old Valtra, so we can get really close to bale stacks to maximise loader reach, and it safely fits through the passageways of our small buildings.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

What extras did you opt for?

A loader was a necessity, as we don’t have a telehandler. We opted for the simpler 623M version with “soft ride”, which has been fine. However, I do worry that the headstock is a bit short of bracing.

As there’s not a flat field on the farm, and the Valtra tended to be light on the back, we also added 150kg wheel weights on each side. In hindsight, I’m not sure we needed them.

One of our best decisions was to spec LED lights. They were expensive, but we often start and finish work in the dark, so being able to see what you’re doing is a massive help.

An extra beacon would have been nice too, but £400 seemed a bit much.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

As well as having suspension on the loader, we bit the bullet and went for front-axle and cab suspension, and the “premium” seat.

They sound like luxuries, and we hummed and hawed about it, but it was as much for the tractor as it was for us.

We don’t like to cane the kit and we hope that having something to soften the worst of the bumps might save a few repair bills in the future.

The other decision was to go for two manual spools, rather than electric ones. The tractor lives outside in the rain, sea mist and fog, so we didn’t want more electrics than necessary.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

How has it performed?

The best thing is probably the power – it can drag a 2,000gal tanker or 12t muckspreader up steep hills that put most tractors on their knees.

The brakes are sharp too – they almost had us through the windscreen early on – and it’s light enough to make very little mess in the field.

If we could change anything, it would be the cab. It’s a bit small, particularly as Mike and I have collies, and both the door and steps are narrow compared with the Valtra.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

We were slightly concerned about visibility as the exhaust looks massive from the outside, but it’s actually pretty good – especially with the sloping bonnet and panoramic roof window, which offer far better views to the loader than we’re used to.

The two engine speed memories are also handy for chopping silage and straw, but the loader controls could be improved by putting the third service button on the back, rather than the top, of the joystick.

As for breakdowns, we’ve had only one – and it was nothing to do with John Deere. An iffy drumful of AdBlue mucked with the sensor and put the tractor into limp mode, but Hunt Forest had us a replacement within three hours.

That kind of service goes a long way, so much so that we’ll probably buy another 6120M in the spring to replace an 18-plate Valtra N124.