Comparison of 105hp to 115hp tractors sold in Brazil

We compared the construction characteristics of seven tractor models with engines between 105hp and 115hp sold in Brazil, a power range that is increasingly sought after by rural producers.

Due to the great attention that readers of Revista Cultivar Máquinas give to the comparisons that have been made throughout the magazine's history, we decided to compare tractors from one of the best-selling power ranges in our country. As a criterion for choosing the models, we decided on the declared maximum power. by the manufacturer, corrected to the ISO standard. To try to obtain a fair and appropriate framework for the current market, we took the entire national supply of tractors this year and divided it into categories, taking into account the power reported by the manufacturer, correcting the value to the ISO TR 14396 standard. classes and compare models that effectively compete with each other for the market, we consider the power variation by limiting the tractors in groupings that consider a dispersion of up to 20% between the lowest and highest corrected power and the ability to pull an equal number of lines of sowing, taking into account a power consumption reference value of 14 hp per row.

Applying this criterion, a uniform category was obtained with engine power between 105hp and 112hp, consisting of the models: Budny BDY-10540 and LS Tractor Plus 100 (105hp); New Holland 7630 (110 hp); John Deere 6115J, MF 6711 Valtra A114 (111hp) and Landini Landforce 120 (112hp). The power presented in parentheses is already corrected for the reference standard, and may be different from that published in commercial materials, which may use other standards as a reference, according to the option of the manufacturers and their engine suppliers. For classification in this class, the corrected power differences varied from 9% to 13%, between the highest and lowest engine power. All framed models are sized to pull eight sowing lines, according to the reference used.

The power values ​​were taken from the 2019 Tractor Yearbook of Revista Cultivar Máquinas, which is a compilation of commercial information on models manufactured and sold in Brazil and reviewed by the manufacturers themselves.

When the engine sets the purchase

The engines that equip the chosen models are the MWM model TD 229-4 of the Budny BDY-10540, the Perkins model 1104D-44TA of the LS Plus 100, the FPT model NEF MAR-1 of the New Holland 7630, which is the same as the Landini Landforce 120, but with emissions treatment, the John Deere model Power Tech 4045 PTE of the John Deere 6115J and the AGCO Power model MD 44CW3, which equips the MF 6711 and Valtra A114 models. All of these models evaluated have a four-cylinder engine.

Corrected power values ​​range from 105hp (Budny BDY-10540, LS Tractor Plus 100), 110hp (NH 7630), 111hp (John Deere 6115J, MF 6711 and Valtra A114) to 112hp (Landini Landforce 120). We reiterate that these values ​​are those published by the manufacturers, with the exception of Budny, which does not specify a standard for disclosing the result, but the engine manufacturer (MWM) discloses that its reference is the ISO TR 14396 standard. 

Unfortunately, the manufacturer Budny does not disclose the torque value. For many experts, this value is even more important than the power value itself, as in heavy operations the engine torque is decisive in a comparison. However, engine manufacturer MWM discloses that its 229-229-4T series engines, with 3,92 liters and four cylinders, have a power of 102,9 hp at 2.400 rpm and torque of 373 Nm at 1.500 rpm. 

The Budny's MWM four-cylinder engine has a displacement volume of 3.922cm3, the LS Tractor Plus 100, the MF 6711 and the Valtra A114 have 4.400cm3, the FPT engines that equip the New Holland 7630 and the Landini Landforce 120 have 4.485cm3 and the John Deere 6115J has 4.500cm3. All engines in this class use a turbocharger. Electronic fuel injection as standard equipment is present on the John Deere 6115J, the Massey Ferguson MF 6711 and the Valtra A114.
When analyzing engine efficiency parameters, it is seen that in terms of power per cylinder ratio, the values ​​are very close - Budny BDY-10540 and LS Tractor Plus 100 with 26,3 hp/cylinder, New Holland 7630 with 27,5 hp/cylinder, John Deere 6115J, Massey Ferguson MF 6711 and Valtra A114 with 27,8 hp/cylinder and Landini Landforce 120 with 28 hp/cylinder. 

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When the comparison is made by the relationship between the volume displaced by the engine and the corrected power, the best values, therefore numerically smaller, are 37,4cm3/cv for the MWM engine of the Budny BDY-10540, 39,6cm3/cv for the models Massey Ferguson MF 6711 and Valtra A114, 40,5cm3/hp for the John Deere 6115J, 40cm3/hp for the Landini Landforce 120, 40,8cm3/hp for the New Holland 7630 and 41,9cm3/hp for the LS Tractor Plus 100. 

This analysis of efficiency in power production only means that more power is being obtained from the engine in relation to the number of cylinders and the volume displaced, without evaluating whether the engine is close to its mechanical resistance limit or not.

Choosing by transmission

The type of clutch varies between the models compared. The John Deere 6115J and Valtra A114 tractors use an oil-soaked multi-plate clutch. The set works inside the transmission oil, which is why it operates more smoothly and has a longer useful life. The MF 6711 and Landforce 120 models have a simple dry disc, that is, just one disc in direct contact with the engine plateau and flywheel, inside the dry cover. Type information is not available for LS or New Holland models.

The BDY 10540 model clutch is double, also known as dry double stage, that is, one disc serves the clutch and the other the PTO. As for the drive, the vast majority is mechanical, only the 6115J tractor has a hydraulic drive, PermaClutch clutch, and the Valtra model is electro-hydraulic, called HiShift. Regarding the diameter and material of the clutch disc, there is little information. The Plus 100 models from LS Tractor and Landforce 120 from Landini are 330mm in diameter and the 7630 model from New Holland is 356mm. The materials vary: organic in the standard version of the Plus 100 and ceramic as an option; organic or cerametallic on the 7630 tractor; and sintered metal on the John Deere 6115J tractor.

When analyzing the transmissions used by the tractors in comparison, with the exception of the BDY 10540 model, which has a sliding gear transmission, known as a dry box, the other models have synchronized transmissions. Some brands assign commercial names to transmissions: Synchro Shuttle from LS, SyncroPlus from John Deere, Syncromesch from Massey Ferguson and Valtra.

All transmissions are mechanical, but in the synchronized type, gears can be selected while the tractor is moving, as synchronizer rings adjust the angular speed of the gears to be coupled. In the dry box, with simpler engineering, but quite efficient, the gear is selected before starting work, requiring the tractor to stop to change gears.

The number of gears varies between models, but three tractors (LS Plus 100, MF 6711 and A114) are available with 12 forward and 12 reverse gears. These models have what we call a reverser or mechanical inverter, which provides the same number of forward and reverse gears, which seems to be a current trend. Landini's Landforce 120 model also has a reverse gear, but with 16 forward and 16 reverse gears. Also, regarding the number of gears, the Budny tractor has ten forward gears and two reverse gears, but has the option to increase to 20 forward gears and four reverse gears. The New Holland 7630 model has eight forward and two reverse gears, also with the option to increase to 16x4 with the use of the Dualpower transmission, which are synchronized gears independent of the clutch pedal, but with a button. The 6115J model has 12 forward gears and four reverse gears, fully synchronized. As an option, the manufacturer offers a hydrostatic transmission, called PowrQuad, with 16x16. In this type of transmission, it is possible to change gears without the need to stop the tractor or operate the clutch pedal, due to the clutches made up of several discs, which come together when oil arrives under pressure.

The way to activate the reverser of these tractors seems to be a consensus among manufacturers. They all have a mechanical drive, that is, by means of a lever, generally positioned on the left side of the tractor panel. As an option, in almost all models, except the Landini tractor, this drive becomes electro-hydraulic, which eliminates the need for a clutch. In addition to the reverser or inverter, as an option, almost all manufacturers offer a so-called reducer or super-reducer or creeper in their models. It is a system that increases the number of gears on the tractor, plus pairs of gears, which makes it move at very low speeds, less than 1km/h. In some cases, such as horticulture and fruit growing, this device is very useful.

Hydraulic system for all services

The hydraulic system in a tractor refers to the system of transmitting force and movement through a fluid, in practice oil (almost incompressible fluid). The physical principle is based on the transmission of energy from the combustion engine, from a hydraulic pump to one or more drive actuators (cylinders, engines). In tractors, there are two basic constructive ways of supplying hydraulic energy to the actuators, the so-called open center or closed center.

It is impressive how little information Brazilian manufacturers offer in their promotional materials in relation to what is disclosed in Europe. It is very strange to find information summarized in a specification sheet without identifying the details of a model, just providing excessively commercial and non-technical information.

Even with these difficulties, it appears that the tractors under analysis have many similarities in their hydraulic system. As for the constructive form, whether open center or closed, it appears that all tractors compared have an open center hydraulic circuit and only one model, the John Deere 6115 J, offers a closed center as an option, while the Budny model does not mention nothing about this aspect.

The system flow varies from a minimum of 49 liters per minute to a maximum of 100 liters per minute (as optional on the John Deere 6115J model). Information is not available for the Budny model. The maximum pressure maintains a similar general behavior between the compared models, around 195 bar to 200 bar, this information being unavailable for the New Holland and Landini models.

All models compared have hydrostatic steering. Only the Budny tractor model BDY 10540 clearly states that it has an independent oil tank for the steering circuit, with a capacity of 1,4 liters. The rest of the manufacturers do not inform about this aspect, assuming that they all use transmission oil in the steering circuit. Most manufacturers use a separate pump to power the steering circuit. The flow of this pump is similar for all tractors that specify it, ranging from 24 liters per minute for the LS Tractor Plus 100 to 35 liters per minute for the NH 7630. This information is not available for models from Budny, John Deere, Massey Ferguson and Valtra.

Regarding the hydraulic lift, manufacturers must be asked to provide in their information how the lifting capacity was calculated. It is not valid to provide a value if it is not clear how this measurement was carried out: if the mass used for the measurement was placed on the kneecap or 610mm from the kneecap or if the number corresponds to a sector of the lifting circumference or on the contrary, it happened during the entire route.

It is worth mentioning that the New Holland 7630 and Valtra A114 models offer values ​​for lifting capacity at the ball joint and 610mm. John Deere mentions lifting capacity in accordance with NBR 13145, although in reality this standard has been canceled and replaced by NBR ISO 789-2, 2014. In short, trying to compare lifting capacities without knowing how they compare were measured is a useless task, because it would not be fair, especially with those manufacturers who detail the methodology used. As general information, lifting capacities on the three-point hydraulic system on the ball joint range from 2.500kg on the Budny model to 4.950kg on Massey Ferguson and Valtra models with four-cylinder engines. 

There is a common denominator in the elevators, as they are all category II, except the LS model, which is category III. Another common point, strange for today, is that none of the models have quick couplings on the horizontal arms. It is worth noting that only John Deere offers the option of purchasing the tractor without a rear lift, with the option, if the customer is interested in assembling it later, at an authorized dealer. The elevator control has the usual functions: position, depth and mixed. And only AGCO group models, the Massey Ferguson 6711 and Valtra A114 offer external control from the right rear fender flap.

As for remote control valves (VCRs) for external services, there is a lot of similarity between all the models compared. All offer two or three double-acting outlets, with mechanical valve control. 

Operating station

The correct arrangement and dimensioning of components at the operating station of agricultural tractors have proven to be important items to improve the ergonomic quality and comfort offered to the operator, reducing the occurrence of accidents and occupational illnesses, in addition to increasing productivity at work. .

Regarding the operating station and what it offers in terms of comfort to the operator, the models compared are mostly of the platform type with optional cabin, however, the New Holland model 7630 is the only one that features an operating station of this type. semi-platformed. Therefore, it also differs from the others in terms of the position of the gear and group levers, which are located between the operator's legs. It is worth mentioning that for the 7630 and BDY 10540 models the cab is not an option offered by the tractor manufacturers.

The models belonging to the AGCO group (MF 6711 and Valtra A114) present similarities in the constitution of the operating stations. When cabined, the main controls are located on the operator's right side, differing from platform-type models in terms of the position of the group lever, which is now located on the operator's left, the same location chosen by LS Tractor in the Plus 100 model. .

Another change that occurs from cab models to AGCO group platforms is the position of the hand accelerator, which moves from the right fender to the dashboard, on the right side of the steering column, just like in the New Holland 7630 model. The hand throttle positioned on the right fender is present on the Budny BDY 10540, John Deere 6115J, Landini Landforce 120 and LS Plus 100 models.

Aiming for greater comfort, safety and productivity during the workday, the manufacturers of the A114, MF 6711, Landforce 120 and Plus 100 models feature electro-hydraulic drives for auxiliary front traction (TDA) and differential lock. The 7630 and 6115J models feature electro-hydraulic activation only for the TDA, with the differential locking carried out through mechanical activation via a pedal. The BDY 10540 model is the only one of the analyzed tractors that features TDA and mechanical differential lock activation, via lever and pedal, respectively.

Furthermore, the electro-hydraulic drive is present in the power take-off (TDP) of the A114, MF 6711, 6115J, Plus 100 and Landforce 120 models. The BDY 10540 and 7630 models feature a mechanically driven TDP via a lever, which are located, respectively, on the right and left side of the operator's station. Furthermore, most models have a TDP with angular speeds of 540rpm and 1.000rpm, and some models such as the MF 6711 and A114 can have an economical TDP. The economical TDP is characterized by its activation at a lower rotation speed in the tractor engine, resulting in a reduction in fuel consumption.

Another point to be highlighted is the control position of the hydraulic lifting system. All models have controls arranged on the right side of the operator's station, in the form of levers for models BDY 10540, Landforce 120, Plus 100, 7630 and in the form of electro-hydraulic controls for models 6115J, MF 6711 and A114. The same occurs for the remote control valves (VCR), activated by means of levers and located on the right side of the operator's station in all models of compared tractors.

The parking brake on most models analyzed is independent and is located on the left side of the operator's station. On the BDY 10540 and 7630 models, the parking brake is related to the tractor's brakes, and is activated by means of levers and pressing the brake pedals. On the BDY 10540 the lever is positioned below the steering wheel and on the 7630 it is next to the groupset lever. To release the parking brake, simply press the pedals and return to the lever position. The 6115J's parking brake is connected to the tractor's reverser lever.

All models have a simple panel, with good visibility, featuring a tachometer, hour meter, light signals that serve to indicate the activation of lights and the parking brake, oil pressure, temperature, TDP in operation, hazard lights, front-wheel drive activation, differential lock, among other functions. The side for operators to go up and down is on the left, strongly highlighted in the models, although the BDY 10540 model has access stairs on both sides. It is clear that each tractor model has its own particularities, however, in general, one can highlight the designers' concern with offering ample, comfortable space and a wide viewing area for operators and users of their products.

Embedded technology for all tastes

The manufacturer John Deere offers the ATU 6115 autopilot as an option for the 200J model, with a standard accuracy level of ± 23cm or ± 3cm, both using the StarfireTM antenna and repeatability for up to nine consecutive months. The Greenstar™ GS2 1800 (with an 18cm screen) and GS3 2630 (with a 26cm screen) monitors provide complete machine monitoring and operation management, with features like AutotracTM autopilot management, section control, variable rate, among other diverse features. It can be equipped with the MPA 2500 monitor, controlling up to 30 seed and fertilizer lines, managing speed, productivity and area worked. 

The Surface Water PROTM software allows you to trace contour lines, terraces, rammed earth, channels and dams using the tractor's automatic pilot, without the use of lasers, theodolites or manual markings. 

LS Tech Unit Control is the engine protection and machine monitoring system in the field from the company LS Tractor, and was the cover story of Revista Cultivar in the April 2018 edition. Developed in partnership with the Argentine company Colven, it is available as an option the Vigia engine protection system and the Gestya Telemetry system were added to the Plus 100 tractor. 

LS Tractor is at the forefront of offering a product that is not fixed, that is, it is possible to purchase a tractor from LS Tractor with Vigia and Gestya, or just the technology to be installed on harvesters, trucks and other existing equipment in the ownership, being able to manage them all in the same system. Its main differences are the monitoring and recording of data from small tractors, generally with engines with mechanical injection, on par with modern electronic injection systems. This allows a tractor work history, in addition to the possibility for the fleet manager to monitor the location, machine parameters and driving in real time.

The Massey Ferguson MF6711 and Valtra A114 tractors feature the AgCommand® system, which is telemetry software, using a GPRS cell phone signal, focused on the machines, allowing you to know when your machine needs maintenance or is approaching a maintenance interval. review next. Plus, you can quickly identify and begin addressing malfunctions as soon as they occur. Fuse® is a system that encompasses all rural property operations, managing machines (with AgCommand® data) from these companies and third parties. It presents solutions for managing agronomic data, synchronizing the entire harvest cycle (sowing, phytosanitary treatments, harvesting), as well as storage solutions (product drying, monitoring, etc.). Launched at Agrishow 2019, the AGCO group's new project called Farm Solutions, is a service offered by dealerships, designed to transform data related to agricultural machinery into information to manage crops and make the process more profitable and productive. It allows you to apply the main concepts of precision agriculture, from fertilization according to the needs of each area, to even designing traffic lines, to increase productivity and reduce compaction. But all these solutions would have no relevance and functionality without the Auto-Guide™ 3000, which is the group's guidance and steering system (autopilot), through satellite signals or RTK transmission towers, reaching up to 2,5cm in diameter. precision. It is available for installation from the factory or after-sales at dealerships.

PLMTM (Precision Land Management) is the name for New Holland's precision agriculture solutions, with the 7630 model being available with the EZ-Steer electric pilot and the monitor with integrated GPS and EZ Guide-250 light bar. The monitor is compatible with free DGPS and has border, point, line, freeform and area mapping functions. The electric pilot features T3™ terrain compensation technology that continuously corrects roll, pitch and change of direction, using three-axis solid-state inertia sensors to provide correct position on the ground.

Other technology items to highlight are the activation of the lift and PTO system in the Valtra A114 fender, as well as the Vision Hoof, which is the glass roof developed to facilitate operations with front implements; engine speed memory to resume work after headland maneuvers; engine and transmission integration; safety modes for electronic engines and rev limiter; VCR oil collector and transmission oil level display, without dipsticks. On the Massey Ferguson MF6711, it is interesting to highlight the engine speed memory to resume work after headland maneuvers; engine-transmission integration; safety modes for electronic engines and rev limiter; VCR oil collector and transmission oil level display, without dipsticks. Also notable on the John Deere 6115J tractor are the free return kit for vacuum seeders; the standard cabin; It uses a chassis with rubber cushions, absorbing vibrations and minimizing noise.

Dimensions and capacities

The lightest tractor in this comparison is the LS Tractor, Plus 100 model weighing 3.140kg, in the platform version, considering the shipping weight. The heaviest tractor is the New Holland model 7630, with 5.900kg, and this same tractor has the highest maximum permitted weight capacity, with 6.600kg.

The capacity of the fuel tank is one of the factors that affect the operational performance of the tractor. Among the models compared, the 6115J, from John Deere, presented the largest capacity, with 240 liters, however, the model that presented the smallest volume is the tractor from manufacturer Budny, model BDY 10450, with 160 liters.
Regarding the dimensions of the tractors, the wheelbase varied between a minimum of 2.375mm and a maximum of 2.540mm, respectively, for the Plus 100 and Landforce 120. 

However, not all brands make this information available. The free clearance is the distance from ground level to the lowest part of the tractor, and, again, the same models presented the limit values. The first model has the lowest minimum value in the comparison, 465mm, and the second model has the highest value, 507mm.

The gauge can be adjusted to different needs, varying between models, where the minimum found on the front axle is 1.651mm on the Plus 100. On the front axle, the maximum values ​​found are on the MF 6711 and A114 models, with 2.004mm. This last model also has the maximum rear gauge value, at 2.582mm. 

The turning radius is one of the factors that affect the ability to maneuver in a small space, improving operational performance. The smaller the turning radius, the faster the maneuvers will be, and, in this case, the Plus 100 tractor has the lowest values ​​among the compared tractors, which is 3.500mm, and the MF 6711 model has the highest value, 4.300 mm. The MF 6711 model is the narrowest and shortest tractor, measuring 1.925mm and 4.305mm. The tractor that is wider and longer is the Landforce 120, at 2.104mm and 4.790mm, respectively. The length of this last tractor includes counterweights.

Depending on the activities that are carried out with the tractor, high or low machines are needed. The latter is the case of the New Holland 7630 tractor, which has the lowest height among the compared models, which is 2.545mm. However, the tallest tractor is the BDY 10450, at 2.950mm, this value even considering the awning.