John Deere FT4 PowerTech™ engine combines performance and fluid economy

Overview
All John Deere 6E Series Tractors feature the reliable and proven 4.5L (275-cu in.) engines. These engines deliver constant power over a wide range of rpm with a power bulge above rated power and excellent torque characteristics.
The 6E Series, while being value-featured and competitively priced, are built with John Deere’s long-standing reputation for reliability, durability, and maintainability.
Model | Displacement | Rated power take-off (PTO) power
2100 rpm |
Rated engine power
97/68/EC standard |
6105E | 4.5 L (275 cu in.) | 66 kW (89 hp) | 77 kW (105 hp) |
Rated engine horsepower ratings are included for reference to competitor’s gross or engine-only power ratings. There are several ratings systems used by other manufacturers. John Deere uses the horsepower-rating standard 97/68/EC, which is widely used in Europe for various regulations.
How is engine-only rated and maximum power determined?
John Deere engineering uses a precise procedure to measure engine-only power levels. The 97/68/EC standard is required in the European Union (EU) as an emission test, so there is some relation to the power a tractor has as a whole functioning unit; however, the procedure requires only that a production engine and radiator are used on a dynamometer test. Use the 97/68/EC horsepower ratings in the above chart to compare to competitor claims of engine-only power.
Benefits of PTO power and power bulge
The John Deere exclusive single-injector control, electronic fuel injection system, and other key engine parts work together to sense engine load and instantly respond as needed to pull through tough spots. This reduces engine rpm fluctuation, resulting in the reduced need to downshift the transmission. Fewer shifts result in fewer ground variations, providing more overall tractor productivity.
To match the engine power characteristics and improve economy of operation, the rated engine speed is 2200 rpm.
Feature and benefit overview
High-pressure common rail fuel system
- Higher injection pressures (up to 1896 bar [27,500 psi]), precise variable injection pressure, variable timing control, multiple injections
Four-valve cylinder head
- Crossflow head design provides excellent breathing from a lower-cost four-valve cylinder head.
Turbocharged
- In turbocharged engines, the air is pre-compressed. Due to the higher pressure, more air is supplied into the combustion chamber, allowing a corresponding increase in fuel injection which results in greater engine output.
Turbochargers
- Precisely matched to the power level and application, the 6Es are equipped with a wastegate (to divert exhaust gases) turbo.
Air-to-air intercooling
- This is most efficient method of cooling intake air to help reduce engine emissions while maintaining low speed torque, transient response time, and peak torque. It enables the engine to meet emission requirements with better fuel economy and the lowest installed costs.
Compact size
- 4.5 L (275 cu in.), 4 cylinders
Engine performance
- Power bulge feature
- Increased low-speed torque
- Multiple rated speeds to further reduce noise and improve fuel economy
- Higher peak torque ratings
- Faster torque rise
John Deere electronic engine controls
- Monitors critical engine functions providing warning and/or shutdown to prevent costly engine repairs; eliminates need for add-on governing components; all lowering total installed costs
- Snapshot diagnostic data that can be retrieved using commonly available diagnostic service tools
- Common wiring interface connector for vehicles or available OEM instrumentation packages; solid conduit and T-connectors to reduce wiring stress and improved durability and appearance
- Factory-installed engine-mounted engine control unit (ECU), wiring harness, and associated components; industry standard SAE J1939 interface which communicates with other vehicle systems, eliminating redundant sensors and reducing vehicle total installed cost
Additional features
- Self-adjusting, poly v-fan drive
- Forged-steel connecting rods
- Replaceable wet-type cylinder liners
- 500-hour oil change
Torque curves



24/12 hi-lo PowrReverser™ transmission
Overview
The 6E Series PowrReverser transmissions deliver unmatched performance. This transmission is ideal for working in tight areas where forward to reverse shifting is a primary occurrence such as in barns, feedlots, and loader applications.
Producers who operate power take-off (PTO) implements like a rotary cutter or baler will appreciate the additional working speeds with the 24F/12R PowrReverser transmission. High and low buttons are used to make fine adjustments in speed without needing to use the clutch, delivering improved productivity.
The 24F/12R PowrReverser transmission delivers 11 well-spaced ground speeds to match the correct speed for a haying or rotary cutter application with a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph).
Operator controls


Two levers, one for speed and one for range, with the addition of an electrohydraulic left-hand reverser, provide operators optimum control and maneuverability.
- Range lever (right-hand side [cab], left-hand side [OOS]) selects four ranges (A, B, C, D).
- Gear selection (right-hand side) selects speeds (1, 2, or 3) in the forward or reverse
- Electrohydraulic left-hand reverser allows for quick and convenient shuttle shifting between forward and reverse at any
- High and low buttons are located on the gear shifter for the 24F/12R PowrReverser
Benefits
Forward and reverse speeds
The high and low speeds on the 24F/12R PowrReverser transmission can be shifted without clutching while the tractor is under load. This makes for quick speed changes when operating a rotary cutter or baler.
To further enhance awareness of reverse tractor motion, a backup alarm can be field installed (BSJ10026).
The ranges (A, B) are not synchronized. This means the tractor must be stopped for the operator to select the range. However, with operator input, the speeds have been well spaced out to minimize the need to change ranges within applications. The ranges (B to C, C to D, and D to C) are synchronized. That allows the operator to shift ranges on the go in transport and high-speed applications like operating a mower-conditioner.
Wet clutch
John Deere has led the industry in the innovation of wet clutches. In this wet-clutch design, five 17-cm (6.7-in.) diameter clutch disks provide optimum clutch modulation for smooth operation; the disks are oil-cooled for a lifetime of service.
The biggest advantage of a wet clutch is its ease of use as the required force to depress the pedal is minimal. Also, with a wet clutch, the need for frequent adjustment and clutch mechanism changeover is eliminated.
540M Loader
- Superior strength and visibility
- For heavy-duty chores
- Parking stands are integrated on the loader
Concealed oil lines improve appearance and reduce damage




Over time, increased width in tractor hoods have caused issues with available space for running traditional oil lines of a loader along the boom, making them more susceptible to damage.
To improve this situation, the oil lines have been routed through the boom arm and the torque tube, improving line protection and the appearance of the loader.
Loader removal (parking) made easy


John Deere loaders are easily removed and reinstalled on tractors without tools. The parking system allows removing or attaching the loader to the tractor in minutes without the need for tools.
To remove or park the loader, apply slight down pressure to the loader boom with the bucket dumped at approximately a 30-degree angle. With the tractor in park, lower the parking stands and place the mast pins in the open position.
Removing or parking the loader




Utilizing the boom circuit with the tractor in neutral, rotate the mast forward until the mast has rotated past the pin location on the mounting frame by extending the lift cylinder. Now using the bucket circuit, roll back the bucket until the mast is removed from the pocket and will clear the tires.

With the tractor in park, shut the engine off and relieve the hydraulic pressure as indicated for the tractor (rotating the joystick). Disconnect or open the single-point hydraulic connector (or remove couplers if no single point is installed).


Store the loader half of the single-point connector or hoses, and back away from the loader.



A hydraulic shut-off valve is included with the M & R-Series Utility & Ag Loaders to ensure the loader does not lower suddenly. For example, this allows the boom to be locked out when someone is required to be located under the loader boom for service work on the tractor. It should not be used for extended periods of time unless an appropriate support stand is also utilized.