Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 2020 Operator Review

The Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 has earned a solid reputation among farmers and contractors for its ease of operation and efficiency. It's a model that combines all of Deutz-Fahr's best assets, from its advanced tech, robust frame, and high-horsepower diesel engine, to its integrated driveline and ground-gripping all-wheel-drive axle options.

In fact, what attracted Yencken Pastrol Company manager, Euan Bell, to the Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 is its intricate blend of brains and brawn.

"Today we need a tractor that is smart, efficient and reliable," he said.

"The clients who engage our services want accurate data on the amount of product we spread and where it was spread.

"We also need tractors that are reliable and robust enough to endure the rugged conditions we have in the steep hills of north-east Victoria."

Bell said operating the Agrotron TTV 610 might be a completely different experience for older farmers more acquainted to old-school clutches and gears, but it won't take long for anyone to feel comfortable in the cab.

"The cabin layout, thoughtful colour coding and convenient location of the controls make adapting to this high-tech machine relatively easy," he said.

In fact, the inbuilt smarts of the Agrotron TTV 610 is capable of taking care of most of the engine and transmission functions to produce the power required, allowing the operator to focus on the task at hand.

The Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 is powered by a six-cylinder liquid-cooled turbo-diesel engine featuring the Deutz-Fahr common-rail fuel delivery system (DCR), delivering 157hp and producing up to 606Nm of torque.

Two fuel pumps work in tandem to deliver extremely high fuel injection pressure of up to 1600bar to ensure reliable, constant fuel supply to the engine under all conditions.

The twin fuel pumps are constantly lubricated with engine oil instead of diesel fuel, further enhancing reliability.

It also features the Deutz-Fahr power control (DPC) system which combines the DCR with electronic engine control (EMC) to supply maximum power and torque when required while keeping engine revs and fuel consumption low.

Deutz-Fahr worked closely with European transmission specialist ZF to develop what they've dubbed an "infinitely-variable transmission" or TTV, which is standard fitment on this particular tractor model.

Operators can select from three modes of operation on the transmission. Automatic mode lets the tractor do all the thinking while the PTO mode allows for economical operation of the tractor at constant engine speed. The Manual mode, meanwhile, gives the operator full control of the machine.

Expanding on the simplicity of the transmission, Bell said putting the Agrotron TTV 610 to work is as simple as selecting the desired working speed and then sitting back and letting the tractor do the work. The tractor's on-board computer adjusts the engine revs accordingly to achieve the desired speed in the most fuel-efficient manner.

When the going gets tough revs increase, and as conditions ease the revs decrease accordingly.

As different tasks require different speeds, the Deutz-Fahr Agrotron has fitted an acceleration speed potentiometer that controls the rate of acceleration.

"I found working with a front-end loader in a tight space required much slower acceleration," Bell said.

"When baling or cutting hay this function also prevents too much load being placed on the machine too quickly.

"On the other hand, when carrying out farm duties where it is important to reach optimum speed as quickly as possible, or for on-road travel, I simply rotate the acceleration control knob fully clockwise for maximum response."

The standard fitment on the Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 includes an independent 30l/min steering pump and a 120l/min load-sensing pump.

There are four double-action remote control valves available as standard. These valves are proportionally controlled and an additional three valves can be fitted if required to take the total to seven.

Two valves are dedicated for operations using the optional front hitch. All the remote-control valves can be locked in either the lifting or floating position and also used as single or double acting.

The timing and flow of all valves can be adjusted. Each of the control levers is characterised by colour and can be individually programmed to operate various hydraulic attachments.

The Power-Beyond facility allows operators to directly connect the oil flow from the pump to the attachment, which is extremely useful for when the implement is equipped with an independent control unit that requires a high oil flow capacity, such as a potato harvester elevator or self-loading forage box.

The load-sensing pump continuously adjusts to the hydraulic power requirement. Once demand for hydraulic power is not required, the pump enters a 'Standby' mode, hence minimising power dissipation and reducing fuel consumption as well as ensuring the hydraulic components have a longer operating life.

The Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 is fitted with a Trima +5.1P loader which offers enhanced forward vision and ease of operation.

The robust construction and enhanced hydraulic functionality maximise the load capacity and minimise spillages during bucket operation. This is achieved through significant development of the implement cylinders to optimise operation, meaning that the bucket can crowd up to an angle of 55 degrees even at a lifting height of 0.9 metres.

You can manoeuvre the bucket to be almost exactly in balance at this height, which significantly reduces the risk of losing any material. A thumb-controlled joystick allows for fast and efficient operation of the loader.

Other features include the unique Loader Control System (LCS) valve program that has been specifically developed for the requirements and functions of the front loaders, giving precision implement control.

To save fit-up time, an integrated multi-coupler comes as standard. Trima claims all these new features enable entirely new levels of loader control, user-friendliness, efficiency and safety.

While Bell didn't have an implement connected to the three-point linkage to demonstrate the TTV 610's capabilities, he did spend a few minutes explaining the ease of operation from inside the cabin and how the controls worked.

"The colour-coded levers make it very easy to operate," he said.

"Two yellow levers control the PTO functions; the closest lever allows the tractor to operate in 'normal' or 'economy' mode, depending on conditions; while the furthest lever is the PTO selection of either 540 or 1000rpm.

"To get the PTO shaft to activate is as simple as flicking the electronic button on the control panel. The hydraulics (blue buttons) and the linkage (green buttons) are all activated through simple touch buttons on the PowerComV joy-stick.

"Adjusting oil flows to these functions and setting lifting heights can all be fine-tuned from the control panel," Bell added.

"These functions can also be easily controlled from outside the cab via conveniently placed buttons on the rear mudguards."

The combination of Deutz-Fahr's efficient load-sensing hydraulic system with large-dimension lifting cylinders gives the Agrotron TTV 610 a remarkable lifting force of 9200kg at the rear and 4000kg at the front.

Deutz-Fahr's focus on driver visibility is evident. The large side doors are hinged on the rear pillars situated behind the head and shoulder line of the driver.

The narrow front support pillars allow for panoramic vision to the side as well as the front of the machine. All gauges and screens feature unobstructed anti-glare vision while the levers and dials are within easy reach.

A combination of hydraulic suspension on the front axle, mechanical or pneumatic suspension on the cab and pneumatic seat suspension all come together to provide a smooth ride for the operator and reduce driver fatigue.

Most common tractor functions can be controlled via the PowerComV joystick, which affords easy one-handed operation. Repetitive functions can be programmed into the tractor's memory using the joystick and the Comfortip function. From there, individual operating sequences can be installed and reactivated by simply pushing the operating lever.

For example, when approaching a headland, the tractor can be slowed, implement raised, the direction changed, implement lowered and normal working speed restored all just by tapping the joystick to the left. Driving made easy!

One nicety that Bell found very useful was the sunroof, which allows him to closely monitor the loader when stacking hay, for example.

"This means I no longer need to lean forward over the steering wheel and strain my neck to see how close the loader is to the roof, such as when I'm stacking hay in the shed," Bell said.

"Now I can sit back in comfort with full control of the machine and have exceptional visibility."

Look up Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 tractors for sale

While Bell admits the Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV 610 is not a top of the range model that offers plenty of bells and whistles that some other makes and models do such as the JCB Fastrac 3185, it did come with a much more affordable price tag and offers good value for money.

"It's got all the features for you to do what you need to do," he said.

"If you're a contractor and sitting in the tractor 14 to 15 hours a day you probably want a bigger one with more technology and comfort in it, but if you're just a farmer wanting to feed out a few bales, it's pretty good for that."

Make and model: Deutz-Fahr Agrotron TTV 610

Engine: Deutz DCR Teir-3 6-litre

Power: 157hp (115kW)

PTO torque: 447ft-lb (606Nm)

Fuel capacity: 305 litres

Transmission: Infinitely variable TTV

Hyd/linkage: CatII/III hook ends, 9200kg lift

Front tyres: 480/70R28

Rear tyres: 580/70R38

Wheelbase: 2767mm

Length: 4757mm

Total height: 2997mm

Ground clearance: 570mm

Turning radius: 5125mm (1900mm track)

Total weight: 6525kg

Loader weight: 721kg

Lift height: 4.25m at pivot pin

Lifting force (ground level): 2790kg (195bar/2828psi)

Lifting force (lift height): 2440kg (195bar/2828psi)

Tractor weight: 6000kg