Tim Gatcum runs a successful landscaping business in Hampshire with a growing list of clients requiring paddock maintenance for up to 15 acres of land at a time.
The power requirement from his only tractor is, therefore, not huge. But with a wide geographical spread of customers, plus a desire to recruit more, road speed is as important – if not more crucial – than horsepower.
From topping, rolling and harrowing to carting horse manure, the work is varied, so Tim has chosen a new 126hp John Deere 6M 125 with a 623M loader to do the job.
“We do a fair bit of roadwork – some of our clients are up to 30 miles away – so the 50km/h transmission was a big reason we chose this model,” Tim explains. “The previous 6100 M we had was limited to 40km/h. This one actually does 55km/h, and you really notice that difference when you’re sat on the A3 trying to get to a job.”
To suit the demands of his mixed workload, Tim opted for a carefully-chosen set of factory-fitted features when specifying the tractor. The AutoQuad Plus gearbox was key, but the front PTO and hitch will allow for front-mounting the mower in the future. He also specified triple link suspension, front fenders, and an increased payload option – all designed to improve road comfort, performance and efficiency. A John Deere 623M loader is also fitted for manure loading and moving bulky materials on landscaping jobs.
While the increase in top speed was the main selling point, Tim appreciated that he could upgrade without overcomplicating things. “We didn’t need all the high-end spec of the 6R, and the 6M offered the right balance. It's simple, reliable, and doesn’t overwhelm you with features we don’t use.
“I tend to use it the most, but because it’s simple to operate there are no problems with one of the team jumping on it whenever required.”
The tractor sees regular use pulling a 2.5m Teagle topper, a light roller, and occasionally a 10-tonne trailer. “It hasn’t had a full load behind it yet, but it’s handled everything we’ve asked of it so far,” says Tim, who ordered the new 6M as soon as it was launched in June 2024 and picked up his machine in April.
Inside the cab, the updated corner post display has taken some adjustment, but overall, the setup remains familiar. “The only thing I’d change is the storage – they replaced the old box with a tray, which isn’t as useful. It’s a small thing, but I miss that.”
After more than 20 years in business, Tim knows what works. “The 6M 125 is quick, comfortable, and does everything I need it to without the fuss. For what we do, it’s spot on.”
