New transmission a first for John Deere tractors

John Deere’s latest entry in its 5E Series tractor lineup represents a first for the company: an electronically controlled, clutchless eHydro hydrostatic transmission in a utility tractor.

Mark Davey, go-to manager for the 5 Series, says the 5E 3-cylinder tractor with optional eHydro — a transmission previously exclusive to Deere’s compact models — was designed to make any job intuitive.

“It just gives us a new, easy-to-operate transmission option in that bigger, higher capacity kind of tractor,” says Davey.

“We haven’t had that big of a tractor with that much weight and lift capacities be able to have that clutchless type of transmission.”

WHY IT MATTERS: Tractors that come with electronically controlled hydrostatic transmissions are generally considered easier for novice operators to drive, opening up a new avenue for producers struggling with labour shortages.

The three-cylinder 5Es (they also comes in four-cylinder models) — with horsepower ranging from 50 to 75 — include four models with a wide array of capabilities.

The 5050E, for example, is suitable for mowing, small loads and seasonal property tasks, while the 5075E is built for dairy and livestock operations.

The simplicity of the transmission’s controls introduces some notable flexibility, says Davey. Internal studies have revealed that novice operators driving tractors with the eHydro transmission master it 25 per cent faster than standard transmissions.

“You don’t have to clutch; just select the gear and use those two foot pedals.”

The tractor, which sports a hitch lift capacity of 3,192 pounds, particularly shines when applied to loader tasks, said Davey.

“It’s just so easy to go into a pile, pick up that load and just pivot your foot, go in reverse and go dump that load in a trailer or whatever you might be doing with moving material.”

The 5E 3-cylinder still features older transmission option,s including Sync Shuttle and Power Reverser.

“We’re not taking anything away, just adding to the options.”

More control

Deere says the eHydro contains several control features:

• TwinTouch pedals for “simplified and more comfortable” forward and reverse control.
• Car-style automotive cruise control for consistent speed.
• SpeedMatch to maintain a desired maximum travel speed.
• LoadMatch, which allows the engine and transmission to communicate with each other to prevent the tractor from stalling while lifting heavy loads.
• MotionMatch to adjust acceleration and deceleration response.
• Speed governance to ensure controlled operation and safety across operators.

The tractor has also been updated with a new digital display and an expanded menu of categories, including fuel level.

“You can see all the different health metrics of your tractor. You can connect to it via Bluetooth with your phone and use our equipment mobile app to be able to keep up with the hours on your tractor.”

The display also features the eHydro settings, allowing operators to be “very prescriptive” with tractor function.

“If you’re doing loader work and you want to quickly stop and go in reverse, you can set the controls on our MotionMatch to make it abruptly stop and … react very aggressively.”

Better lighting

The 5E 3-cylinder also includes new LED headlights and “go-home” lighting which, when parked for the night, stays lit for a programmed amount of time so the operator can exit the tractor safely in low-light conditions.

The company has also increased seat swivel in the premium cab to 15 degrees to the right and seven degrees to the left. This is meant to improve operator visibility and comfort during loader or rear implement work.

“There’s a lot of jobs where you’re looking behind and viewing some implement that you’re pulling,” says Davey.

“That swivel seat just makes it really comfortable and easy to operate.”

Davey projects the 5E 3-cylinder with eHydro will be ready to ship to dealerships in December. Until then, he encourages producers to visit their local dealerships and develop a tractor strategy that’s best for them.

“All of our one through four series compact tractors have these eHydro options in them as well. So, for very tight conditions — trying to get in in and out of barns, different things like that — these are still a great option across the board.”