With good technological packages, the New Holland T6.110, Case Farmall 110A, John Deere 6125J, Massey Ferguson 6712R Dyna-4, Valtra A124 HiTech and LS H125 tractors present features and configurations that will certainly meet the needs of producers looking for models between 120hp and 128 hp.
For the readers of Cultivar Máquinas Magazine, in this edition we bring a technical comparison of medium-large tractors. The range we chose for this comparison is the central one of the entire offer, representing the average power of engines between 120hp and 128hp, from six different brands, with the models New Holland T6.110, Case Farmall 110A, John Deere 6125J, Massey Ferguson 6712R Dyna-4, Valtra A124 HiTech and LS H125.
To choose which models would be included in the comparison, we chose to consider the maximum engine power declared by the manufacturer, correcting it to the standard established by the ISO TR14396 standard. That is, if a tractor is presented with the ISO reference power, the value informed by the manufacturer was used, however if its power was reported with reference to another standard, we used a correction factor to equalize the standards, since the methodology measurement varies from one standard to another, favoring the obtaining of higher values in measurements in which power consumers are removed.
Furthermore, we took the information on the current offer and divided it into categories, taking into account the power reported by the manufacturer, in the ISO standard, and divided it into classes so that we had tractor models that compete with each other for the market. To do this, we apply the standard traction demand of 14hp per sowing line, looking for the capacity to pull an equal number of lines.
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Finally, it was decided to compare only one model from each brand, opting to consider the model with the best specification, from the four-cylinder, turbocharged engine offering. Applying this criterion, a uniform category was obtained with engine power between 120hp and 128hp, comprising the models New Holland T6.110, Case Farmall 110A, John Deere 6712J, Massey Ferguson 6112R Dyna-4, Valtra A124 HiTech and LS H125 .
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Therefore, the corrected power already contains the correction due to the standard adopted in relation to the reference, and may be different from that which companies choose to provide in their promotional materials. For classification in this class, the corrected power differences presented a variation of 2,4% to 6,2%, between the highest and lowest engine power, with all models included being sized to pull nine sowing lines, by the reference used.
Power values were obtained from the manufacturers' websites.
Tractor engines are essential for providing energy for other components to function properly, whether mechanical, electrical or hydraulic. As mentioned previously, the powers disclosed by a manufacturer may be different depending on the technical standard chosen, as in Brazil there is no requirement to adopt standards that certify this information. In this way, this allows two tractor models that use the same engine to report different power values, adopting different references.
The tractors included in this comparison are classified in class III, with powers ranging from 120hp to 128hp at nominal speed, with four-cylinder engines, equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler, generally equipped with an electronic fuel injection system.
The New Holland T6.110 tractor uses the FPT brand engine, NEF series, N45 four-cylinder model, with 4.400cm3 of displaced internal volume, adopting the mechanical fuel injection system. This engine is equipped with a Garret turbocharger and intercooler with a nominal power of 120 hp at 2.200 rpm and maximum torque of 550 Nm at 1.400 rpm. The information is not available, but, as it is from the same CNH Group, it is assumed that the Case IH Farmall 110A model uses the same engine, but reporting a maximum power value of 123 hp at the same speed and equal torque value in these two models.
In the case of the John Deere 6125J tractor, it has an agricultural engine manufactured in-house by John Deere, a four-cylinder Power Tech 4045H model, a turbocharger and intercooler system. It has 4.500cm3 of displaced internal volume, common rail electronic injection system and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system for emissions control. This tractor's engine produces a corrected power of 120,5 hp at 2.300 rpm and maximum torque of 504 Nm at 1.500 rpm.
The A124 HiTech and 6712R Dyna-4 tractor models share the AGCO Power 44CWC3 four-cylinder engine, 4.400cm3, common rail electronic injection and turbointercooler system. To meet the national standard for pollutant emissions, they have an iEGR system, very similar to the traditional EGR, but with some changes to internal components. They report corrected power of 120,5 hp at 2.000 rpm and maximum torque of 510 Nm in the Massey Ferguson 6712R Dyna-4 and 528 Nm in the Valtra A124 HiTech, both at 1.400 rpm.
The LS H125 tractor is equipped with a four-cylinder engine from the manufacturer Perkins, model 1104D-E44TA, common rail electronic injection system, 4.400cm3 displacement volume and EGR system, exhaust gas recirculation technology, which reduces pollutant emissions. without the need for urea-based additives. It also has a turbocharger and intercooler. It has a nominal power of 128 hp at 2.200 rpm, maximum torque of 526 Nm at 1.400 rpm.
When analyzing the torque values, the tractors that have the highest observed values in descending order are the Case IH Farmall 110A and the New Holland T6.110, both with 550Nm at 1.400rpm. Soon after, the Valtra A124 HiTech tractors appear with 528Nm at 1.500rpm, LS H125 with 526Nm at 1.400rpm, Massey Ferguson 6712R Dyna-4 with 510Nm at 1.500rpm and John Deere 6125J, with 504Nm at 1.500rpm.
As mentioned previously, all tractor engines in this comparison are supercharged with a turbocharger, plus an intercooler. The supercharging system is connected to the tractor's exhaust manifold, taking advantage of the exit velocity of gases from combustion to drive a turbine that is directly connected to a rotor that is connected to the intake air line. This leads to an increase in pressure and air volume in the intake, providing greater combustion efficiency, consequently increasing power and fuel economy, compared to naturally aspirated engines. The intercooler consists of a radiator that acts as a heat exchanger, with the purpose of reducing the temperature of the air pressurized by the turbine, making it denser, allowing an increase in the volume of air admitted.
Regarding the electronic fuel injection system, it is present in the John Deere 6125J, LS H125, MF 6712R Dyna-4 and Valtra A124 HiTech models. Although it is a more modern system, it is more sensitive and has a higher maintenance cost, having advantages over mechanical injection, such as greater fuel economy and thermodynamic efficiency, resulting from the increase in fuel injection pressure. Furthermore, it provides a reduction in the emission of polluting gases, allowing engines to better adapt to current emissions standards. They are also susceptible to reprogramming and adjustment to particular situations. The New Holland T6.110 and Case IH Farmall 110A models are equipped with a mechanical injection system. According to the manufacturers, choosing this type of injection system allows for simpler and more accessible maintenance, in addition to having a lower cost when compared to electronic injection, allowing for longer oil change intervals.
The internal volume of the engines of the compared tractors is very similar, with the FPT N45 having the largest displacement volume, with 4.485cm³, very close to the Power Tech 4045H, from John Deere, with 4.482,9cm³. The smallest volume engine is the Perkins 1104D-E44TA, with 4.398,7cm³, followed by the AGCO Power 44CWC3, with 4.397,2cm³.
When we look for a comparison of efficiency and compare the internal volume in relation to the power produced, the values resulting from this quotient become interesting, demonstrating that the LS H125 has the best ratio, with 34,37cm³/hp, followed by the Massey Ferguson 6712R Dyna -4 and Valtra A124 HiTech with 36,49cm³/hp, John Deere 6125J with 37,20cm³/hp and, finally, the New Holland T6.110 and Case IH Farmall 110A models, with 38,01cm³/hp.
Following the same line of reasoning, another parameter that we can apply to check the efficiency of engines is the one that relates the power generated per engine cylinder. As all models compared have four cylinders and the values are very similar, it was observed that the LS H125 tractor obtains the best ratio, with 32 hp/cylinder, followed by the John Deere 6125J, Valtra A124 HiTech and Massey Ferguson 6712R Dyna-4 models. , with 30,13 hp/cylinder, and by the Farmall 110A and T6.110, with 29,5 hp/cylinder. It is worth noting that the efficiency analyzes carried out, considering the power production per displaced volume and per cylinder, do not consider whether the engine is operating close to or far from its mechanical resistance limit.
The type of clutch, as well as the drive system, varies between the manufacturers of the models evaluated, ranging from simple elements such as the ceramic disc combined with a mechanical drive system, to the most modern and complex ones, formed by sintered metal discs, of electro-hydraulic drive.
The New Holland T6.110 tractor has an 8x8 version of a dry ceramic metal clutch, where the disc comes into direct contact with the plateau and the engine flywheel, with the drive being carried out mechanically. In the optional 16x8 version, the clutch is of the multi-disc type soaked in oil, with hydraulic actuation. In the case of the LS H125 tractor, the clutch is also ceramic-metallic, but hydraulically operated in the standard version.
The John Deere 6125J model features a hydraulically driven clutch called PermaClutch, made up of oil-cooled sintered metal discs. The set works immersed in oil, allowing longer useful life and smooth operation, thus providing greater comfort to the operator.
Following the same trend, the Massey Ferguson 6712R Dyna-4 and Valtra A124 HiTech tractors offer a wet, electro-hydraulic multi-disc clutch. This system presents, in addition to its smooth operation, high durability of its components. As for the Case Farmall 110 A tractor, this type of information is not included in the manufacturer's technical specifications.
Just like the clutch, the models analyzed have different types of transmissions, with some brands assigning commercial names to their transmissions. Furthermore, we observed a varied range of gears in the evaluated models, maintaining a standard scaling, thus enabling a better adjustment of speeds depending on the particularities inherent to each operation. To make this possible, manufacturers provide the so-called super-reducer, also known as a creeper, as an optional item in these transmissions. This system increases the number of gears due to the availability of more pairs of gears, allowing movement at extremely low speeds. The use of low speeds is necessary and indispensable in certain agricultural operations, such as, for example, in the production of silage, horticulture and fruit growing.
The New Holland T6.110 and Case Farmall 110 A tractors share the same synchronized transmission, with the Hi-lo Dual Power system as an option. It has a Synchro Shuttle reverser with a gear combination of eight forward and eight reverse, with mechanical drive, and a Power Shuttle with a gear combination of 16 forward and eight reverse, and hydraulic drive. This model also has a super-reduction gear as an optional configuration, which provides 32 forward gears and 16 reverse gears.
When we analyzed the John Deere 6125J tractor, we observed that the manufacturer offers two types of transmissions, SyncroPlus and, as an option, PowrQuad. In the case of the SyncroPlus transmission, it is synchronized, providing 12 forward gears and four reverse gears. The PowrQuad transmission is a hydrostatic type, with 16 forward and 16 reverse gears, with gear changing occurring without the need to stop the tractor or operate the clutch pedal. This is possible because the clutches are made up of discs, which come together under oil pressure. Furthermore, the manufacturer offers the creeper as an option.
For AGCO models, in the Massey Ferguson 6712R Dyna-4 the transmission system is called Dyna-4 Semi-Powershift, with automatic configuration, featuring the option of 16 forward and 16 reverse gears, and with a Super-creeper system ( optional), which consists of a speed reducer that provides a configuration of 32 forward and 32 reverse gears. Valtra offers the same transmission with the name HiTech 4 Semi-Powershift and electro-hydraulic reverser, in the Valtra A124 HiTech model.
In the case of the LS H125 tractor, two types of transmissions are available, one synchronized, considered standard, called Synchro Shuttle with 12 forward and reverse gears, with the possibility of being increased by a super-reducer (creeper), changing to 20 forward gears. front and aft. The transmission alternative, offered as an option, is the Power Shuttle, with a hydraulic drive inverter with 24 forward and 24 reverse gears, which can also be added to the super-reducer, for 40 forward and 40 reverse speeds.
For the compared models, we highlight some particularities regarding the drive and power take-off (TDP) configurations, which may be mentioned. However, based on parameters considered standard and standardized, related to this system, many of these characteristics are similar between the models analyzed.
In agricultural tractors, the hydraulic system is characterized as a force and movement transmission system through the pressurization of a fluid (oil), divided into two distinct systems: the three-point hydraulic lifting system and the hydraulic control system. remote.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight that hydraulic systems differ in terms of their mode of operation, in other words, they differ in terms of the way in which hydraulic energy is supplied to their actuators (cylinder or hydraulic motor). In this way, hydraulic systems can be divided into open center hydraulic circuits (gear pump) and closed center hydraulic circuits (piston pump).
In general, the open center hydraulic circuit is formed by a constant displacement pump (gear pump), providing constant flow and variable pressure, that is, it operates uninterruptedly. The closed center hydraulic circuit is made up of pumps with variable displacement (piston pump) and constant pressure, that is, the oil flow varies on demand, keeping the system pressure within a narrow range of variation.
Thus, the majority of tractor models evaluated have an open-center hydraulic circuit (gear pump), with the optional closed-center hydraulic circuit (piston pump) in the case of the John Deere 6125J and 6712R Dyna models. 4 from Massey Ferguson. The New Holland T6.110 model is the only one of the analyzed tractors that features a closed center hydraulic circuit.
The flow rate of the hydraulic system, for tractor models with open center hydraulic circuit, varies from 65L/min (minimum), for the John Deere 6125J tractor, to 112L/min (maximum), in the case of the LS Tractor H125 model. . For Case Farmall 110A and New Holland T6.110 tractors, manufacturers offer a flow rate of 100L/min as an option, providing an increase of 20L/min in the standard flow rate of these tractor models.
The maximum flow of the hydraulic system of the MF 6712R Dyna-4 and Valtra A124 HiTech models is 98L/min. The hydraulic circuit of these two tractor models from the AGCO group is composed of two gear pumps and provides a flow summing function, which allows up to 98L/min of maximum flow for remote control. When equipped with a piston pump, the flow rate of the MF 6712R Dyna-4 is 105L/min, so the flow sum function becomes non-existent.
When analyzing the maximum pressure of the hydraulic system, we observed that it maintains a similar behavior in all models compared, presenting values that vary from 180bar to 200bar, with this information only being unavailable for the New Holland T6.110 model.
The three-point hydraulic lifting system is essential for operating with mounted or semi-mounted equipment or implements, determining the relationship between tractor and implement, directly affecting the performance and quality of field operations. However, the lifting capacity varies depending on the brand, model and how it was measured.
All models analyzed present lifting capacity values measured at the eye, ranging from values of 3.030kgf in the Case Farmall 110A and NH T6.110 models, to 4.950kgf in the MF 6712R Dyna-4 and Valtra A124 HiTech models. The JD 6125J and LS H125 models have intermediate values of 3.800kgf and 4.700kgf, respectively.
It is worth noting that the Case Farmall 110A, MF 6712R Dyna-4, NH T6.110 and Valtra A124 HiTech models also offer values for lifting capacity at 610mm, these being 2.600kgf, 4.260kgf, 1.840kgf and 4.260kgf, respectively. .
Furthermore, we note that the CNH group offers as an optional item, for the Case Farmall 110A and NH T6.110 models, the use of up to two auxiliary cylinders in the three-point hydraulic lifting system, allowing the lifting capacity of its models to be increased. .
Regarding the arms of the hydraulic lifting system of agricultural tractors, they can be distributed into eight distinct categories that are classified according to the power of the power take-off (TDP) at the nominal angular speed of the engine (hp). In the tractors analyzed, this information is only available for the Case Farmall 110A and LS Tractor H125 models, both classified in category II.
Regarding hydraulic lift control, all models feature the usual position, depth and mixed functions. The Case Farmall 110A, LS H125 and NH T6.110 tractors feature hydraulic drive via lever, while the JD 6125J, MF 6712R Dyna-4 and Valtra A124 HiTech models are equipped with electro-hydraulic drive. It is noteworthy that only the AGCO group models, MF 6712R Dyna-4 and Valtra A124 HiTech, offer external control of the three-point hydraulic lift via buttons located on the rear fenders.
Another point to be mentioned refers to the remote control hydraulic system, which is used to activate cylinders and hydraulic motors located on the implement coupled to the tractor. The models analyzed offer two or three double-action remote control valves (VCR) with mechanical control, except for the LS Tractor model H125, which offers three remote control valves from the factory and four as an option.
As for the steering system, all models feature hydrostatic steering. Only the Case Farmall 110A and New Holland T6.110 models clearly state that they have an independent pump to supply the steering circuit. The flow of this pump is similar for both models, indicating a maximum flow of 35L/min. Furthermore, LS Tractor offers the steering system flow for the H125 model, which is 37,4L/min.
The operating station is responsible for ergonomic quality, providing the operator with the necessary comfort. This is only possible through the correct arrangement and dimensioning of the components and controls that make up the operating station. In this sense, tractor manufacturers are increasingly paying attention to ergonomic requirements, in order to reduce the occurrence of occupational diseases and increase the operator's performance, with as little wear and tear as possible, during long working hours.
The operating station of the evaluated tractors is of the cabin type, and only tractors from manufacturers belonging to the CNH group (Case Farmall 110A and NH T6.110) have two types of operating stations in their versions, platform and cabin. Therefore, some differences are present in both models, such as, for example, in the platform version the differential lock is mechanically activated, however, in the cab versions the activation occurs electro-hydraulically, and these controls are located to the right of the operator.
Following the same logic, the rest of the models also feature electro-hydraulic differential lock activation. However, the location of this control varies between models, and in the LS H125 it is to the operator's right, as well as the MF6712R Dyna-4 and Valtra A124 HiTech tractors, which still have an automatic activation option, both for the differential lock and auxiliary front-wheel drive (TDA). In the case of the JD 6125J tractor, this operation command is found between the brake and clutch pedals.
When analyzing the auxiliary front-wheel drive (TDA) drive mechanism, all models compared have an electro-hydraulic drive, located to the right of the operator. In this same operator access area are located the levers to activate the remote control valves (VCR) and the controls related to the hydraulic lifting system. For JD 6125J, MF6712R Dyna-4 and Valtra A124 HiTech tractors, the hydraulic lifting system is activated through electro-hydraulic controls, whereas in Case Farmall 110A, NH T6.110 and LS H125 tractors, activation occurs through of levers.
Furthermore, the electro-hydraulic drive is also present in the power take-off (TDP) of the compared models, except for the Case Farmall 110A and NH T6.110 tractors, where the drive occurs via a lever.
Regarding the arrangement of the operation controls in relation to the operator's seat, on the Case Farmall 110A, NH T6.110, LS H125, MF6712R Dyna-4 and Valtra A124 HiTech tractors, we find the parking brake on the left. It should be noted that on the LS H 125 tractor, in this same location, there is the lever for selecting the gear group. In the John Deere model 6125J, the parking brake is located on the same lever as the reverser, located to the operator's right, while the reverser for other models is located on the left in an easily accessible area on the steering column.
The models analyzed present the main indication elements on the tractor panel such as hour meter, tachometer, temperature marker, PTO activation, lock, TDA, parking brake, lighting system, among others. Furthermore, we highlight again that all models have good visibility for the operator, with excellent comfort, space and access to operating controls. Of course, each model has its own particularities, however, in general, the ergonomic and indication elements considered basic are fully met.
Some manufacturers do not present certain information about their products, for example, turning radius and free space. Therefore, the analysis was carried out only with the data available in the technical specifications of each model.
The maximum acceptable mass capacity in tractors gives us the limit of the mass/power ratio that the tractor can achieve. In this sense, the compared models have an average of 6.630kg, which results in approximately 53kg/hp. The Case Farmall 110A tractor was considered the lightest, with a mass of 6.120kg, with the LS H125 tractor having the largest mass (7.040kg), a difference of 13,07% between the two models.
Considering the capacity of the fuel tank, we have an idea of the machine's autonomy, with the average found being 227 liters. The LS H125 model has the largest fuel tank with a capacity of 300 liters, with the smallest tank volume observed in the Valtra A124 HiTech model, 220 liters.
The wheelbase averaged 2.574mm, varying between 2.400mm for the JD 6125J model and 2.650mm for the LS H125 model. In the same sense, the average maximum and minimum gauge of the models evaluated was 2.111mm and 1.963mm, respectively. The highest maximum gauge value refers to the LS H125 tractor (2.199mm), with the Case Farmall 110A model being the one with the smallest adjustable minimum gauge, corresponding to 1.714mm.
As for the maximum height with cabin, the compared models varied between 2.672mm in the case of the JD 6125J model, and 3.089mm in the LS H125 model, with 2.910mm as the average maximum height. It is worth noting that the turning radius directly affects the operational capacity of the machine, as it can increase maneuvering efficiency, however this information is not included in the manufacturers' specifications.
Both the New Holland T6.110 model and the Case Farmall 110A, which are manufactured by the same group, offer alternatives for precision agriculture in two versions. The first is predisposed, when the factory already sends the tractor with the harness (cable) for future connection and the hydraulic system valves for connecting the autopilot. The second version brings the entire package complete, with the Intelliview monitor, the antenna and the NAV converter. Another technological difference between the two tractors is the integration of the engine, transmission system and hydraulic system.
The John Deere model 6125J tractor, in addition to the integral chassis, also features agricultural management solutions, such as AutoTrac autopilot with two levels of precision (3cm and 23cm), the GS3 or GEN4 display for controlling tractor and operation functions and the antenna Starfire 6000. The system, when installed on the tractor, can manage the functions of seeders (Planting Monitor MPA 2500), distributors and sprayers and the Wtare Pro software can make contour or gradient curves, for terraces, mud, drains, among other applications.
As they belong to the same group, AGCO, both Massey Ferguson, in the 6712R Dyna-4 model, and Valtra in the A124 HiTech model also offer technology resources, such as the autopilot in three versions: the first only with preparation for automatic steering, the second with the Auto-Guide 3000 in which the precision is decimeters and the third, where with the same system centimeter precision is achieved, using an RTK antenna. Also available, as an option, is the telemetry system called AgCommand, in which the producer can remotely monitor all activities carried out by the machine.
The South Korean manufacturer brought telemetry and an engine monitoring system to the LS H125 model as an option. The telemetry package is a joint development with an Argentine company. The Gestya system provides access to information about the tractor's positioning and recording of operational information, and the user can access the information through the Gestya InfoWeb platform. The engine monitoring and protection system, called Vigia, issues an alert and shuts down the engine when there is a drop in oil pressure or the engine overheats.
The information contained in this comparison is important in decision-making by farmers when purchasing a new tractor, adequately meeting the needs of the different operations carried out on the property. Choosing the correct tractor model from those offered on the market represents gains in efficiency and operational performance, considerably reducing operating costs.
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