The New 5ML Specialty Tractor: A Game-Changer for Orchard and Vineyard Growers

Smart and strong:
New 5ML leads the way

Whether you need a tractor to glide under the low-hanging branches of an orchard or squeeze through the narrow rows of a vineyard, the new 5ML specialty tractor will ease you through tight spots without sacrificing power, torque or lugging ability.

From Tamworth in the north to Cobram and Yarrawonga in the south, many of our customers with specialty crops are outgrowing their machinery. The tractor solution that established their operations no longer provides the versatility they require to deal with mature trees and substantial canopies. Enter the 5ML.

Specifically designed to meet the unique needs of specialty crop producers, the 5ML tractor helps you tackle long days in an all-new, cab that maximises operator comfort and safety.

Normally, John Deere gets input on new models from producers close to its factories but with this model, they looked to producers in different locations, facing different climates and with different row configurations. The machine was designed with d the involvement of farmers in Australia, South America and California. And the result is a machine with plenty of power and the technology needed to get the job done anywhere.

The M in 5ML stands for our mid-spec, which is the bread-and-butter spec of our highest volume tractor. It has a true chassis rail design, which is the backbone of the tractor, with the John Deere FT4 engine and a choice of transmission options: either the PowrQuad™ PLUS 16F/16R 34 km/h Transmission or the Powr8™ 32F/16R 40km/h Transmission with Creeper. The PowrQuad transmission is field-proven technology that’s been around for 20 years in multiple series of tractors, but this is the first time we’ve seen it in the 5M.

When we talk about strength, we need to mention the hydraulic system which is PFC – pressure and flow compensated – giving you more finite adjustability not to mention pressure and power on demand from the hydraulics. This is particularly important for those permanent planting applications, whether that be hydraulically driven motors or hydraulically driven fans that drive sprayers, or for the higher lift capacities in both front (1780kg standard lift) and rear (3080kg standard lift) hitch.

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY
When it comes to smarts, the 5ML has got you covered. Right from the premium cab you’ll find built-in precision ag technology, including Autotrac, front and rear ISOBUS and MTG, giving you live diagnostics and location and all the benefits of a telematics-capable machine. This is the first-time telematics has been available straight from the factory on the 5M. Because Autotrac is integrated into the 5ML instrument cluster, there’s no need for a second screen, which means a lower cost of entry for customers who don’t have screens or other tractors in this market. Just plug in the receiver to unlock the machine’s full potential without any outlay on separate components.

OPERATOR SAFETY
One of the big benefits of the M series is the ability to remove some of the joints in the glass that limit visibility. With floor-to-ceiling glass, the operator has an unobstructed view and improved safety. Safety is also improved with the option to install Category 4 air filtration, which is a chemical grade cab filtration important for those fixed plantings when you’re spraying misting sprays among the tree canopy. There’s also the ability to install a Limb Lifter Kit to protect both operator and machine with a factory bundle, saving farmers from having to source their own from local suppliers. The Limb Lifter Kit is compatible with the Cat4 filtration system and there’s also an option to add in underbelly protection (skid plates).

Orders on the new 5ML are being taken now, with demo units arriving next April and customer machines set to land next July. With plenty of pent-up demand, we expect availability will push out, so get in quick. For customers looking to maximise machine uptime, we have service plans and maintenance agreements to make ownership hassle free. Contact your local Sales rep to start the conversation today.