Deutz-Fahr 6135C RVshift the Perfect All-Rounder

Why the Deutz-Fahr 6135C RVshift is the 'Perfect All-Rounder' for Mark Philpot

On an expansive 3,500-acre estate managed across two farms, a place named 'World's End', the machinery must be as robust and dependable as the landscape is challenging. Here, amidst the steep topography and rolling hills of a diverse beef and sheep operation, the main workhorse is a Deutz-Fahr 6135C RVshift tractor, purchased from trusted local dealer Huw Evans and Sons.

For Farm Manager and Head Stockman Mark Philpot, who has dedicated 22 years to the farm, the relationship with his Deutz-Fahr tractor began with a handshake. "I went to an open day at Huw Evans and Son, drove the tractor on the road, and really liked it," Mark recalls. "For the tractor of its size and power, it felt like the perfect fit for us. I shook hands on the deal there and then."

The farm's diverse operation, which includes 282 head of cattle (a mixture of pedigree Highland, Aberdeen Angus, British Shorthorn, and commercial stock) and 1,000 ewes, demands a tractor of exceptional versatility. A key part of the operation involves fetching bales from silage ground six miles away and bedding cows in wood chip, a task requiring at least 125 hp to turn the chipper. The 6135C RV shift, with its robust power and nimble design, handles it all with ease.

What truly sets the tractor apart for Mark is the confidence it inspires on the farm's demanding terrain. "For its horsepower, the tractor is so close to the ground and nimble," he explains. "Across our land, you have to have a stable tractor for the slopes, and this does that. I have 100% faith in it when I'm riding on steep ground; there aren't many places I won't take it."

That confidence is matched by an exceptional level of comfort and efficiency. Mark’s observation that the tractor makes a long day easy with "no aches and pains" is a direct result of its advanced engineering. "The transmission is super smooth, it’s great. Lovely to drive," Mark says, referring to the RV shift's full powershift capabilities that provide seamless, clutchless shifting and uninterrupted torque. This, combined with the cushioned ride from the full cab suspension and suspended front axle, significantly reduces operator fatigue. For loader work and precise manoeuvring, the Stop & Go system also proves invaluable, allowing Mark to stop and start using just the brake pedal, eliminating clutch use.

The tractor serves as the farm's main all-rounder, effortlessly pulling a 22ft livestock trailer with 16 cattle, a 22ft bale trailer with 18 bales on a full load, and a West 1600 dual spreader. This versatility is a testament to the RVshift transmission's ability to switch seamlessly between field and road tasks. On the road, it can reach its 50 kph top speed at reduced engine revs for efficient transport on those 6-mile journeys to the silage ground. In the field, the Automatic Powershift (APS) function ensures the perfect gear is always selected for the task, whether topping on steep ground or pulling heavy implements.

Mark sums it up perfectly: "It is the perfect all-round farm tractor. There’s no job it cannot do."

For Mark and the team, the relationship extends far beyond the tractor itself. The after-sales support from Huw Evans and Sons and Dave Jefferson from Deutz-Fahr is invaluable. "They are amazing," he says. "If you need anything, they are there. Something rarely goes wrong, but if it does, they couldn’t be more helpful."

The 6135C RVshift is the fourth Deutz-Fahr tractor the farm has bought, a brand loyalty that began in 2013. Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Mark’s sentiment is clear: they haven't looked back since.