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When the 6M series made its appearance in 2019, the 5R, a series built in America, was quickly done for in Europe. Many buyers preferred the 6M models produced in Mannheim (D), especially after they could be delivered with a stepless transmission a little later. But this left a gap in the lineup: buyers looking for a light tractor (under 5 tons) with sufficient power could no longer turn to John Deere for that. The new 5M has more features and can be equipped ex-factory with GPS and Isobus. That the series is not called 5R is due to the lack of a suspended front axle and additional electronic ingenuity, such as electric valves and load sensing.

Simple

The top model in the series is the 5130M, which delivers maximum power of 99 kW (135 hp). The engine is the familiar, 4.5-liter DPS PWS engine. To meet Stage V emissions requirements, the tractor has exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst, a particulate filter and SCR technology. The smallest model (the 5075M), with an output of 55 kW (75 hp), falls into a lower power class, so SCR is not required. All models have a turbocharger with wastegate. Maximum torque is at a fairly high speed: 1,600 rpm. There is no boost.

In terms of transmissions, you can go either way with the 5M series: Powrreverser (manual 16/16), Powrreverser Hilo (manual 32/16 with high-low under load), Powrquad Plus (manual 16/16 with four-stage powershift) and the Powr8 gearbox: a manual 32/16 with as many as eight stages. On the top-of-the-line 5130M model, there is only a choice of the latter two options. On the one we drove was the Powr8 Ecoshift with optional creeper. You shift the groups with a gear lever, the eight powershift stages by push button. 40 km/h the tractor travels at a slightly reduced engine speed. In reverse, half of the powershift steps do not participate.

As in the past with the lighter tractors, the shift lever is not at the front of the side console, but comes out of the floor just beside the seat. The shifter sits a bit low, but within easy reach. The smoothness of the gear lever on the brand-new tractor could be better, as far as we are concerned. At first, it takes some searching for the groups. On the gear lever itself are two buttons for operating the eight-speed Powershift and a release button. So using the foot clutch is not always necessary when shifting to another group. John Deere is complimented for the smoothness of the powershift, which shifts buttery smooth even when not under load. This is not always the case. There is also speed matching: when changing to a different group, the electronics automatically search for the powershift stage that best suits the current travel speed.

The powershift of the new 5M Series shifts buttery smooth in the idle state

What is missing is some form of shift automation. This would not have been out of place with so many stages, but unfortunately is not available. Especially in transport operations, it means frequent pressing of the powershift buttons. By the way, these buttons are also on the optional (mechanical) joystick for the front loader.

Autotrac

Hydraulically, there is only one choice for the 5130M: a gear pump that delivers 73 liters of oil per minute. So no loadsensing or power-beyond connections. A 100-liter loadsensing pump would not have been out of place. A maximum of three double-acting valves are available. Only the first valve has flow control and adjustable arrest. The Category II lift lifts 5,045 kg as standard (in the balls). Thicker lift cylinders are available as an option, making the tractor lift 5,677 kg. That's fine for a tractor that, according to the brochure itself, weighs only 4,400 kg.

What is new is that the tractor is optionally available with Autotrac preparation. This option costs 3,490 euros and includes isobus preparation, wiring harnesses, steering angle sensor, steering valve and holder for the GPS receiver on the roof. The package also includes software for the new digital dashboard (standard is analog) to work with gps. You will still need a GPS receiver, for example the Starfire SF7000-SF1 of 3,300 euros. So for a total of 6,790 euros you can already drive on GPS. For Autotrac Basis, moreover, you don't need a license. However, the GPS is not that comprehensive and is really only suitable for driving straight using an AB line. You can store up to ten AB lines and set the machine's working width.

For the more demanding arable farmer, there is the G5 screen. This comes on the B-pillar and offers the ability to operate and control isobus machines (in the case of a section-controlled fertilizer spreader, for example). Those extra features do make the system pricier: This screen costs 2,500 euros, an Autotrac license costs 2,500 euros, and if you want section control that costs another 1,700 euros. If we add it all up, we come to a sloppy 13,500 euros.

Weight and price

The 5M series is an excellent successor for those who now have a 5820 or 5100R in the barn: simple technology, yet some useful functions and especially a low weight. The brochure mentions a weight of 4,400 kg. In practice, this is often more. The weight of the tractor with all options is 5,240 kg with a quarter-filled fuel tank (totaling 159 liters). Still, that's about 1,200 kg lighter than a 6120M with Commandquad transmission that we had in the 2020 tractor test. The weight includes front loader preparation with heavy attachments and front hitch. So the tractor has about the same power-to-weight ratio as the earlier 5020 series. The kinship is still visible at the rear fenders and cab frame, among other things.

The 5130M starts at 102,000 euros. With all options like GPS preparation with G5 screen, front loader preparation, front hitch and 540/65R38 tires, the driven version cost 138,000 euros.

Under the hood is the familiar 4.5-liter engine from Deere Power Systems. It delivers 99 kW (135 hp) in this configuration.

The hitch lifts 5,677 kg according to specifications with thicker lift cylinders. The hydraulic output (73 l/min) could be a bit more generous.

John Deere mounts a handy button to bypass the seat sensor when PTO is engaged. The PTO then continues to rotate.

Simple and convenient

The cab on the compact 5M Series is modest in size and especially cramped on the passenger seat. The operating logic is as we have come to expect from John Deere: fat. No armrest controls are available. Whether there will be a more luxurious 5R - possibly with stepless transmission - remains guesswork. A nice detail is that the 5M is also available without cab for some types. A 5095M without cab costs 70,453 euros. The 5130M is only available with cab.

The group stick takes some getting used to. It also has buttons for eight-stage powershift and electronic clutch.

The digital dashboard can display the GPS with Autotrac preparation. All you need then is a receiver.

The reverser under the steering wheel is different than on the larger tractors but otherwise works well. The park position is on the gearshift.

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