In autumn 1997 John Deere introduced an updated 6.8-liter PowerTech engine in the six-cylinder models of the new 6010 series. Power was increased by 5 hp over the 6000 series, with the exception of the naturally aspirated 6510. Injection pressure was raised, the piston-crown shape was redesigned, the crankshaft was strengthened, and the intake air was given a swirl inlet. The constant-power range was 420–460 rpm, and peak power was 4 hp above the published rated output.

The 6510 and 6610 featured 24 forward and 24 reverse gears, while the larger models’ heavier-duty gearbox offered 20+20. The reverser could be mounted either on the right side console or, more conveniently, electrically on the steering column to the left. The latter arrangement was standard on the PQ Plus version, which automatically selected the appropriate range-shift notch based on road speed when shifting the range gearbox. On the top-of-the-line AutoQuad model, the powershift automation chose the correct step according to the position of the accelerator pedal or hand throttle and the engine load. Both the PQ Plus and AutoQuad models featured digital displays for travel speed, engine and PTO rpm, and gear position.

Except for the very first imports, tractors delivered to Finland were fitted with the optional higher-capacity 96 l/min hydraulic pump (standard was 60 l/min). The three-point hitch gained oscillation damping and increased lift capacity. A new option introduced was hydraulic front suspension. Braking performance was significantly improved compared with the previous series. The 6810 and 6910 used stronger rims in which the disc and wheel flange were fully welded together.

Cab noise in the six-cylinder models dropped to 72 dB, among the best in its class at the time. However, in terms of interior fit and finish the cab was more austere and plastic-heavy than the most modern competing designs, and JD stubbornly stuck with the brown color scheme that had been popular in the 1980s. The list of optional equipment was extensive, but fully tricked-out tractors became expensive. By contrast, many other brands in this power range were already offering air conditioning, powershift automatics, and air-suspended seats as standard.

The JD 6910 was the best-selling tractor model in Europe in the late 1990s. In 2000 the 6910 S was introduced, featuring a power boost function above 15 km/h or when strong PTO demand engaged.

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