Farms running big trailers and operators who like to get a firm grip on spool valve operation will appreciate updates to the Deutz-Fahr 6 Series TTV stepless drive tractors.

This range combines four- and six-cylinder models from 161hp to 188hp using 4.1-litre and 6.1-litre Deutz TCD engines coupled to a ZF Eccom transmission as the basis for the TTV system.

There are separate oil supplies for the transmission and hydraulic services to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.

See also: On test: John Deere’s 6R 185 tractor

To avoid running short of oil when filling the hydraulic cylinders of a large tipping trailer, the reservoir, which is on the right side of the tractor beneath the cab, has been enlarged to increase the draw-out capacity by 50% from 40 to 60 litres.

This has been made possible by concentrating fuel storage towards the left of the tractor in one larger moulded tank rather than two. Still, overall capacity has increased; on the six-cylinder models it’s up by 70 litres (25%) from 280 to 350 litres for longer runs between refills.

In the Maxicab, buyers can choose a mixture of mechanical and electric spool valve operation for the first time rather than having to take up to five electric-only valves.

Apart from being a little cheaper, it seems some operators like to “feather” hydraulic flow using a lever, and some consider these better suited to drivers unfamiliar or inexperienced with electric valves.

Updated monitor

With the latest H5 software, Deutz-Fahr engineers report that the iMonitor touchscreen terminal is faster and smoother.

The graphics display has also been redesigned, and a “day mode” added for use in bright sunlight.

For precision farming applications there are said to be multiple improvements, such as better A-B line and flag point management, faster implement set-up, and simplified Tasks workflow, plus higher definition section control and the ability to run two variable rate maps at once.

With the 156hp four- and six-cylinder models dropped and, curiously, a switch to earlier generation model numbers being reused, the line-up now kicks off with the 6160.4 and 6160 with 161hp for draft work, 171hp for pto and transport applications.

This is followed by the 6170.4 and 6170 with a straight 171hp, and the six-pot only 6180 with 183/188hp.

The 6190, 6210 and 6230, spanning 192hp to 230hp with SDF’s own stepless transaxle, continue unchanged.