The IPM feature for 6RC Tractors is used for many typical farming operations that use the rear power take-off (PTO) in high-power applications, or when the tractor is used as a transport vehicle. Producers looking for more power in non-stationary PTO and transport applications will take full advantage of this feature.
In high PTO power applications or where heavy trailers, carts, or implements are moved to various locations, this feature provides significant additional capabilities:
- Improved productivity
- Quicker acceleration
- Better holding of desired transport speeds
Tractor applications
PTO application
Transport application
How it works
There are specific operating parameters when the Intelligent Power Management system is activated to boost engine power. It is the intelligent part of the system that provides seamless operation while adjusting the engine horsepower, depending on how the tractor is being used.
For engine-horsepower boost activation, the tractor must already be running an application that is using the full power capability of the tractor.
PTO activation
PTO application
Operational conditions for activation:
- Power must be sensed going through the PTO drive clutch by the tractor electronic systems.
- The tractor must be moving faster than 1 km/h (0.62 mph). Then gradual stepless performance ramp up starts. At 2,5 km/h (1.6 mph) full IPM power is available.
- Engine rpm needs to be at least 70 percent of rated speed
NOTE: If the tractor is equipped with a front PTO, additional Intelligent Power Management power will transfer through the front PTO. However, Intelligent Power Management activation is only sensed through the rear PTO. Adequate load must be sensed on the rear PTO in order to activate Intelligent Power Management.
Transport activation
Function in transport mode
During transport applications with IPM the engine responds seamlessly as load changes, such as when going up and down hills.
Operational conditions for activation:
- Engine rpm at least 70 percent of rated speed
- Tractor operation speed 15 km/h (9.3 mph), gradual stepless performance ramp up starts
- At 20 km/h (12.4 mph), full increased rated engine performance available
Power boost levels other than at rated rpm
Some operators will run the tractor at full loads and/or run transmissions in auto mode in transport. This means the engine most likely will not be operating at rated rpm. As the engine is loaded, it will eventually drop off of rated rpm and use the power bulge as rpm slows. This is the way every John Deere PowerTech™ Plus engine operates when loaded to maximum power and torque.
Intelligent Power Management provides additional engine horsepower from rated engine speed down to approximately 1300 rpm.
Horsepower levels are increased above base equipment power bulge values.
If the PTO is engaged and the engine rpm stays near the rated speed of 2100 rpm, the full additional power potential for the tractor model will be available for use to handle additional load from the implement or changing terrain.
If the PTO is not in use and in transport operation and the rpm has dropped off of rated speed, usable additional power boost of Intelligent Power Management will taper off as rpm decreases.
Tractor compatibility with additional power
Intelligent Power Management has been thoroughly tested by John Deere engineers to be compatible with the tractor's base equipment with no impact to reliability. John Deere provides Intelligent Power Management as opposed to unapproved aftermarket devices that boost power without regard to engine, transmission, axles, drawbar, or hitch capability.
This feature provides optimal utilization of tractor components. For example, with PTO operation, power goes through the axles to move the tractor along the ground and turn the PTO shaft and implement.
Adding power to both of these systems does not overload either one individually. At transport speeds, drivetrain torque load decreases significantly from levels seen at low field speeds. Adding power at transport does not overload transmissions or axles.
Aftermarket devices are not selective when power increases are available. Great amounts of power increase are promised with these devices. Large power changes are not compatible with the tractor's base equipment.
NOTE: The tractor's base equipment changes as power increases. Larger parts, like hitches, drawbars, tire size, drivetrain components, axle diameters, and engine calibrations for emission performance and cooling, ensure durability of the total vehicle as power increases. Operating outside of the design capabilities of the tractor's base equipment will have an impact on durability and reliability.