Review: Deutz-Fahr 5 series 5120

By: Mark Fouhy

Date: 29.08.2014

Excellent visibility is still a key feature on the new Deutz series.

Revised cab layout, more operator-friendly.

New radiator slide-out design for easy cleaning.

Solid well-appointed rear end, twin lift rams, four rear remotes, four-speed PTO, with fender linkage and PTO controls.

Excellent visibility is still a key feature on the new Deutz series.

Revised cab layout, more operator-friendly.

New radiator slide-out design for easy cleaning.

Solid well-appointed rear end, twin lift rams, four rear remotes, four-speed PTO, with fender linkage and PTO controls.

The all-new Deutz-Fahr 5 Series range of tractors has hit our shores. We couldn't wait to see for ourselves just what was on offer and how it performed.

To make things nice and simple for you, the digits of the 5120 stand for '5' Series and '120' horsepower.

The 5 Series range of Deutz-Fahr tractors are fitted with 3.6L common rail Deutz-Fahr engines, designed to give maximum power through 1200-1900rpm, where most tractor engines operate for a range of farm jobs. With the power available at lower revs you can make full use of the two economy PTO speeds, saving you fuel and offering quieter engine noise levels.

These engines are Tier 4i compliant, still offering the dust extractor system on the air filter used on previous models. Deutz Fahr engines meet emission levels by using exhaust gas recirculation and a DOC filter, which is similar to the catalytic convertor fitted to the cars you and I drive. It lasts the life of the vehicle and requires no maintenance.

This new range of tractors also has a new radiator cooling package. I have to admit, I did like the old Deutz-Fahr system, but the slide-out screen and main radiator system on the new series does work well.

The variable rate fan is another fuel-saving feature offering more or less cooling as required.

Transmission

I am going to cut straight to my favourite function on the transmission — the new 'stop and go' feature. Selected with the push of a button, you can now simply put your foot on the brakes to stop the tractor, similar to an IVT transmission, but with a manual gearbox.

My basic understanding of the system is that there is a solenoid connected to the brake pedal that activates the clutch, similar to what you have on the gear stick to change gears. It seems like a very simple system.

A four-range, five-speed gearbox is offered on the new 5 Series. First gear position has been moved over to the left and down, leaving second and third in the middle as they are going to get used the most, I would assume.

Although Deutz-Fahr has stuck with the three-powershift system, gear changes are still smooth. The only problem I did have was when changing the gear it took you to the same powershift in the next gear, so it could be a higher gear than you wanted. You can get around this with quick manual movement (up or down) of the powershift as you change gear.

Hydraulics

Another new steering function has been added to make headland turns and repetitive loads easier for the operator. This is in the form of a dual pump system selectable with the push of a button on the dash. This almost halves the number of turns required. For safety it is automatically disabled at speeds over 20kph.

An impressive 6600kg of lift is available at the hook arms, with the twin lift rams fitted as standard on tractors in the 5 Series brought into New Zealand. Four rear mechanical service valves are fitted, which should be ample for most operators — two on single lever operation, and the others on a cross gate-type setup.

Connection is push/pull, with oil bottles to catch any spillage. Deutz-Fahr has made the maximum hydraulic flow rate available at a low 1600rpm, providing further fuel savings. This feature also works very well for the loader-type work we were doing during the test.

PTO

A more convenient and easier-to-operate PTO button is the main improvement in this department. With four speeds and stop/start controls on both rear fenders, the Deutz-Fahr ticks all the boxes here.

Serviceability

Serviceability is very good on the 5120, particularly thanks to its clear sight glass for hydraulic oil at the rear. As well as that, the engine-oil dipstick and filler is around the right-hand side of the tractor, but can be checked without lifting the bonnet.

The radiator system is all new, with an easy to clean large filter screen. I just don't like the little bit of panel that needs to be removed to get it out. The one-piece bonnet provides good access to check the radiator fluid level.

The 500-hour service intervals are also good, minimising downtime and allowing you to get on with the job.

Cab/comfort/styling

The 5 Series Deutz-Fahr range has been designed by Giugiaro, in Turin, Italy. The look of the tractor was seen in the Deutz-Fahr 7 Series and 6 Series released last year. The tractor has a stylish and aggressive look, along with a new E-class cab. The six-pillar cab is comfortable with plenty of glass and great visibility.

I like the overhang Deutz-Fahr has around the top of its cabs, which incorporate cab filters and help keep the sun off the operator while keeping the cab cooler.

Improvements inside the cab aren't limited to just new styling, but are as much about design and placement of the different controls to make operation of the new Deutz-Fahr easier.

The lighting package also looks pretty impressive, although we didn't get to test this out, it should keep the night from invading your days' work. For me personally, I am not a fan of the extra decorative LED lights in the front and rear, which may possibly be useful if travelling along the road in fog. The small lights to illuminate the steps in the dark, however, could be quite useful.

Power Farming is bringing in all its 5 Series tractors with mechanical suspension, which is a nice extra to have on a tractor within this horsepower range. As well as this, you get a comfortable air seat and an adequate passenger seat which will soften the blows caused by the dry, hard ruts still scarring the land after last winter and placing strain on both the tractor and the operator.

The air conditioning unit has 10 vents located throughout the cab to keep you cool on even the hottest summer day, and with winter only just around the corner, they're sure to keep you warm when the chill arrives.

Loader

Mark had got the guys back at Power Farming to kit up the 5120 with a Trima X56 loader and Pearson silage grab for our test. The loader control was well placed, making the most of the armrest to alleviate unnecessary reaching for the controls. With the third service valves for the grabs we made quick work of loading James's McIntosh silage wagon.

Visibility proved to be very good. Although not directly related to the tractor, it's interesting to note that ALO, manufacturer of Trima loaders, has produced a new loader coupling that keeps the pressure even on both sides of the hydraulic rams. This allows much greater control of the loader, with loads able to be raised or lowered with accuracy.

Verdict

The new Deutz-Fahr 5 Series has proven to be a very good package, combining updated modern styling with some excellent new features and functions, including my favourite — the stop and go function — which I think farmers will quickly appreciate once operating the Deutz-Fahr.

The 100hp-130hp bracket has fast become a popular area of the market in terms of tractor sales in New Zealand, so it's great to see Deutz-Fahr producing something of this spec for this range.

Pros

• Transmission 'stop and go' impressive for tractor in this class and price range
• Mechanical cab suspension standard
• 55-degree steering angle with dual steering pump function for great manoeuvrability 
• New truck-like park brake, positive lock on or off position
• Cab layout including PTO, hand throttle, and park brake. 
• Lots of works lights

Cons

• Changing gears – you automatically move into the same powershift as the previous gear
• When accessing the radiators you have to remove a small, awkward panel from the side of the tractor which is fiddly and could eventually be lost
• Small LED lights have no real purpose

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