On-test: John Deere's new 6120M offers a big specification in a small package

Until recently, the most advanced transmission in the 6M tractors was the Command Quad Plus gearbox, and that is what was fitted to the test unit. Simple and intuitive to use, operators can set the transmission to their preference, be it nudging the stick for manual changes or using it in automatic shifting mode.

Offering six ranges with four speeds in each, speed matching to the job in hand is simple enough, with 24 gears to select in either direction. Five buttons on the armrest select which range is to be used; A, B, C or D are ideal for fieldwork such as mowing, tedding, raking and cultivations.

When a single range is selected, gear changes are limited to that range, while the fifth button allows speed changes from the B range, right through to the highest F range to be implemented.

An automatic function removes the need for pushing or pulling on the stick to change gear, with the tractor doing that itself. The aggressiveness of the shifting can also be adjusted, allowing for faster or slower gear changes, while there is a rocker switch which enables two different start-off gears, handy when towing a trailer.

While the gearbox is smooth in shifting, there was a noticeable lag in changing between the D and E ranges, which could be quite disconcerting when laden on the road. A 40kph road speed is achieved at an engine speed of 1,650rpm. While it is serenely quiet, the tractor feels as if it has more to give, and if you need more speed, the R Series is the route you will need to take.

A return-to-neutral, left-hand shuttle keeps things familiar, however, it lacks a parking detent. Instead, a traditional handbrake must be used to stop any creeping while the tractor is stationary. With many modern tractors now using an electronic or transmission brake, this takes some getting used to and can be frustrating when hopping on and off.

Conversely, the clutch pedal is almost redundant, except at start-off, instead depressing the brake pedal activates the clutch, both slowing the speed and disengaging drive. A scroll wheel on the top of the ‘gearstick’ allows for precise limits on speed.

Operators are graced with the same cab frame as the previous generation of M Series tractors, and the 30 Series before that. However, it has been reworked with new plastics on the external corners and a new sleek roof line.

Inside the six-post cab, controls remain simple and fall to hand easily. On the right-hand fender, a multitude of buttons are clearly labelled and grouped, allowing for shortcuts into the menu, along with climate controls, four-wheel drive and diff-lock engagement and lighting. Also, there are spool controls, either manual levers or, in the case of the test tractor, electric paddles.

Hydraulic functions can also be controlled via the integrated joystick on the armrest, however, the functionality of this is limited to three predefined modes, including loader mode and two modes which control either the front or rear hydraulics. We found this was limiting, as the choice to select a front and rear spool was absent, meaning controlling the front and rear mower set-up had to be done with the paddles, unlike on R Series where the joystick has more functionality.

However, for loader work, the joystick comes into its own, with a reversing shuttle activated by your thumb allowing for easy direction changes, while gear shift can be done with two buttons on the top.

The steering wheel has rake and reach adjustment, but the dash panel in front has been ousted. Instead, all machine information is presented on a sleek screen mounted on the right-hand A-pillar.

The screen is split in two, with the top two-thirds showing the usual information, such as speed, engine rpm, gear selection, fluid levels and temperatures, while the bottom third is the control terminal.

Although tiny, this screen displays relevant information with clarity. The operator can also select and customise five run screens, each displaying two pieces of information. This is selected by a simple scroll wheel on the fender, with the run screens rattled through with the same wheel. For instance, both front and rear pto speeds can be displayed, or linkage positions and fuel use per hour. The options are vast. Although not available at the time of the test, the mini screen can now also run basic auto steer functions. Instead, ours came fitted with the manufacturer’s 4640 plug-in screen, offering the full suite of functions, including section control and IsoBus capabilities.

Linkage position for the rear is done with the same position setter the manufacturer has used for years, offering good enough control over height and depth of the implement.

While most premium ranges have moved to a four-post design, the 6M keeps the short door and window arrangement, which is no bad thing. Access is acceptable, while two side windows allow for some air movement if you do not want a fan blowing all day. The front window also has a more pronounced bow to it offering more space.

However, while visibility for the most part is good, with the tractor’s edges easily identifiable, views to the loader headstock are poor. This is in part down to the loader’s staunch boom design, but also the wide bonnet – athough this slopes, it does not allow you to see within two metres of its front. Also, views to the hitch are shocking. Even though it extends, it is blocked by the trailer’s hydraulic braking block.

The cab is certainly a comfortable, quiet and easy place to work, well laid out and practical as would be expected for a tractor with a price tag of £135,422 as tested, not including the loader.

Hydraulic performance is rapid, with the optional 114 litres per minute pump. Up to four spools can be fitted at the rear and three in the middle. Opting for mid-mount spools also allows the front linkage to be operated, with an addition spool at the front. These are activated when the loader is removed, via a simple tap on the near side.

Fitted to the tractor was the manufacturer’s 623R loader. This mechanical self-levelling loader will lift 2,302kg to a maximum height of 4.09 metres. Loader functions are swift and precise; the joystick being a real boon. Cycle times are good, although there is little cushioning when dropping the loader down from anything more than a metre or so.

As alluded to, if swapping between multiple attachments each day, visibility to the headstock is severely hampered, meaning a make-do attitude to which attachment is used could become prevalent. This said, visibility to raised attachments is good, with a small window in the roof providing, for the most part, unimpeded views.

The R Series loader comes in at an extra £12,133 as tested, although the manufacturer has recently released a more basic M Series version, with narrower booms and a lower lift capacity, which could be a better match, with a lower price tag.

As is to be expected from a tractor with a 2.4m wheelbase, turning circle is impeccable, but not at the expense of stability, with the tractor reluctant to lift its rear wheels even with two Quadrant haylage bales on the front end.