Enhanced 5EN delivers power, precision and comfort in narrow tractors

New Zealand orchard and grape growers will be impressed by John Deere’s new 5EN specialty narrow tractors, which enable operators to work with more power through narrow vineyards or tree rows in a cab built for comfort. Erin Wagstaff, Australia and New Zealand Small Ag and Turf Marketing Manager, said the 5090EN and 5105EN specialty tractors were purpose-built for vineyard and orchard operations and build on the success of John Deere’s 5ML orchard tractor.

She said this development continued John Deere’s focus on delivering specialty tractors for the High Value Crop sector, which remains a key priority for the business.

“We launched the 5ML in 2023 to make a statement to our nut and larger orchard customers and leverage some of the technology from our broadacre business like AutoTracä,” she said. “The 5EN now caters for customers who need a machine that is purpose-built for narrow rows, so it’s perfect for vineyard and citrus operations. We have also recently acquired the semi-autonomous sprayer system, GUSS and further integrated the LiDAR-enabled SmartApply intelligent spray system into our business, so they’re complementary to our tractor portfolio.”

Erin said the new 5EN models offered more horsepower, advanced precision and a significant leap forward in cabin comfort. “The 5ENs used to have a 75 and 90 HP engine and we’ve now moved to 95 and 105 HP to meet that demand, which is really popular with our customers,” she said. “In terms of technology, the 5EN Series also have options for the G5 Universal Display and StarFireä 7500 Universal Receiver to enable systems like AutoTrac which really minimises operator fatigue.”

The cab includes a new digital dash display, an enhanced right-hand console with optimised throttle placement, USB-C ports for modern connectivity, an Electro-Hydraulic Hitch and an integrated armrest for ergonomic support. Lighting has also been upgraded with LED work lights, headlights and rear hitch lights fitted as standard and side work lights available as an option.

The cabin introduces further improvements to reduce operator fatigue and increase comfort, supported by advanced filtration that extends filter life. “With the new 5ENs, the Category IV filtration system is now built into the cab rather than being an aftermarket kit, meaning it’s available directly from factory,” Erin said. “There’s a switch inside the cab that you can easily transition between Cat II or Cat IV filtration as needed, which is fantastic for our customers who do a lot of spraying work, but then they can switch it off when they are doing non-spray activities, so they’re not over utilising their filters. The other really great thing about the cab is that it has been designed with a flat floor for optimal comfort to help reduce fatigue, especially for those growers who may spend 8-12 hours in the cab at peak times.”

Growers now have a choice of transmission to support speed control, with both options available with an optional creeper. Operators can select either a 12F x 12R PowrReverser or a 24F x 12R PowrReverser Hi-Lo, which Erin said was ideal for those requiring additional operating ranges for field work and demanding applications. “In our older model we only had 12F/12R transmission, but with these new models we also offer a splitter option so that will give customers 24 forward and 12 reverse gears to help with finer speed control when operators want to go ultra-slow for harvest or for certain spray or planter applications,” she said.

Along with the improved transmission offering, the 5EN delivers 94 l/min hydraulic output, 1,390 kg maximum lift capacity behind lift points, an optional underbelly protection shield and a camera mount field kit for A&I camera integration.

The 5EN Series has been built to provide power, dependability and durability for growers working in confined orchard or vineyard environments. Demonstration models will soon be available for viewing in dealerships across New Zealand, with orders now open for delivery in early 2026. Customers are encouraged to contact their local John Deere dealership to learn more through the Global Dealer Locator.