Revamped John Deere 6M debut at dairy event

John Deere is presenting a range of equipment including its upgraded 6M utility tractor series, HarvestLab 3000 sensor and more at the Australian Dairy Conference held at the Gold Coast Conference & Exhibition Centre.

The conference is running from February 12 to 14, 2025.

Officially released in the second half of 2024, the upgraded 6M series offers plenty of customisation options and extra features such as faster travel speed and power of up to 200hp.

“By adding more optionality to the 6M range, we’ve built the tractor for the future based on the reputation we’ve built up over 100 years for quality and reliability,” said John Deere Australia and New Zealand Small Ag & Turf Marketing Manager, Erin Wagstaff.

“It has more power, more technology and new features like the reversible fan that makes the 6M the go-to machine for the vast range of tasks on the farm.”

For the first time in the new range of 6M tractors, four models are 200hp or above, and those wanting extra speed for transportation have the option of a 50km/h transmission. Another attraction is the intelligent power management, providing a 20hp boost for many typical operations that use rear power take-off in high-power applications or in transport.

The sloped hood design delivers enhanced operator visibility, while the option of single or dual rear wheels or larger tyres brings improved traction and power to the ground. There is also a digital cornerpost display in the cabin, featuring integrated connectivity and scaleable precision technology.

The name and numbering conventions have been aligned with John Deere’s 6R, 7R, 8R and 9R tractors, which display the series separately from the rated engine horsepower, and the sleek styling of the 6Ms includes a new flag design and louver shape.

Also on display at the Gold Coast Conference & Exhibition Centre is the HarvestLab 3000 sensor, which uses near-infrared technology to allow precision measurement and documentation of the nutrients available in different crop types, and inform decision making that creates the optimal feed for cows and higher milk yields.

HarvestLab 3000 gives dairy farmers a way to monitor and analyse silage quality, providing information such as moisture, dry matter, protein, starch and sugar within minutes. The technology, available on John Deere’s self-propelled forage harvesters and separately as a bench test kit, is built on millions of hours of in-field experience, typically making up to one million measurements per load, to provide data on the go.

All data is displayed and site-specifically documented in real time, so operators can adjust settings for machine optimisation in the field, rather than waiting for laboratory results.

“The range of John Deere tractors and data management sensors can assist farmers to monitor input costs like fuel through Operations Center, while AutoTrac ensures accurate sowing, mowing and raking, and HarvestLab assesses the quality of the crop, not only as it’s being cut, but the benchtop kit means you can assess silage quality at any time,” Wagstaff said.

The team also has the V451R Variable Chamber Baler on display at the conference for delegates to view.

Wagstaff said she looks forward to connecting with dairy farmers during the two-day conference and highlighting the equipment and technology available to support on-farm efficiencies.

“We know milk production is the key focus for dairy farmers, so complementing that with reliable equipment and precision agriculture technology in other areas of their operation can have a powerful impact on productivity, sustainability and their bottom line,” she said.

“Our team is excited to be part of this event for an industry that is so important to not only our economy, but our Australian way of life.”

John Deere’s new 6M 155 tractor is available to order from dealerships now.