John Deere 5115ML Low-Profile Utility Tractor

Low-profile standard open operator station (OOS)

The standard OOS on 5ML Tractors was designed for low-clearance applications. It features a low-profile seat, a smaller-diameter steering wheel, protected controls, and a low-profile, rear-mounted rollover protective structure (ROPS). Combined with the sloping hood, this is beneficial to the operator’s visibility to the front of the tractor. Rounding off these standard features and incorporated into each operator platform is a shield which limits heat transfer from the hydraulics to the operator.

All of the most crucial operator controls are conveniently located within arms’ reach on the right-hand console control pod. The engine throttle control, selective control valve (SCV) levers, power take-off (PTO) engagement, and hitch-lift control levers are grouped together. On the 5ML, this control pod is positioned on the right-side fender, protected from low-hanging crops by a shield.

Transmission controls on PowrQuad™ transmission models:

A single transmission control is located to the right of the operator. This control features the ability to shift through gears within a range using the rabbit button to increase gears and the turtle button to decrease gears. A range change can be completed with this control, as well by moving through A-D ranges similar to a traditional range controller. To aide in ease of operation, operators can use the integrated declutch button rather than the foot clutch to change ranges.

A foot throttle with a platform pedal is located on the right side of the operator. The pedal is positioned for ease of use, yet does not clutter the floor. The hand throttle is easily accessible on the right hand console.

Engaged by either foot, the differential lock pedal is placed on the floor.

Hydraulics controls

The color-coded bands on the levers, which control triple rear SCVs, correspond to the color of the dust cap and the SCV valve they control.

Dash details:

• Cluster
• Controls
• Steering wheel

5ML Tractors also include the following features:

• Retractable seat belts
• Rear certified ROPS for OOS tractors
• Heat shield limiting hydraulic heat passed onto the operator
• Key-switch interlock prevents bypass starting
• Audible and visual PTO warning alerts when the operator leaves the seat with the PTO engaged
• Positive park position prevents the tractor from moving when the engine is off
• Four amber turn-signal/flashing warning lights for road transport (these are break-away)
• Slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign alerts other road users during transport
• Safety decals keep safety in the minds of new and experienced operators
• Left- and right-hand steps provide easy and convenient access from both sides of the tractor
• Fuel system is fully grounded to meet safety and fuel fill regulation requirements
• For convenience of operation, the fuel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) fill are both on the same side with clearly marked and color coded caps. The DEF tank has a capacity of 12.1-L (3.2 gal.), which is more than enough to sustain proper tractor operation and fuel treatment for more than one full tank of diesel. A field-installed lockable fuel cap is offered for protection and peace of mind.

Transmission controls on PowrReverser™ transmission models:

Gear and range shift levers are located to the right of the operator. The gear lever incorporates a declutch button enabling the operator to shift gears without the use of the foot clutch. Unique knobs also make it easier to distinguish between the two.

When the tractor is used in applications requiring the clutch and brake pedals to be used frequently, the operator will see the benefit of the suspended pedals.

The electrohydraulic forward/reverse direction lever is located on the left-hand side of the instrument console, connected to the steering column. There is also a guard for the reverser lever. Operated with the left-hand finger, the right hand is free to simultaneously run the loader, hitch, or hand throttle.

Power bulge and torque reserve pull through the tough spots

Putting more power to the ground translates to increased productivity in demanding conditions. Simply put, torque is the useable power that can be achieved. More torque leads to more lugging ability which helps the operator be more productive.

5M Final Tier 4 (FT4) engines feature up to a 4 percent power bulge when put under load. The power bulge feature of the electronically controlled engine delivers additional horsepower as engine rpm drops below rated speed. Additionally, a 30 percent torque rise provides the force that maintains horsepower as engine rpm drops below rated speed.

When the tractor is under load, power bulge and torque rise work together to get through the tough spots without having to downshift. Horsepower and torque are mathematically related.

As rpm drops, the only way to maintain or increase horsepower is to provide additional torque. The output horsepower is greater than or equal to rated horsepower as the engine is pulled down to 1750 rpm.

The peak torque rise also occurs near the rated economy power take-off (EPTO) speed.

• Wet clutch
• Platform-mounted shift levers (four gears, four ranges)
• Declutch button on the gear lever
• Left-hand reverser
• Constant-mesh, helical-cut gears
• Pressure-lubricated top shaft
• Positive park pawl
• Neutral start switch

All tractors have economy PTO (E-PTO), a fuel saving feature that allows producers to operate rear implements at 540 PTO rpm but at lower engine rpm. The result is lower engine vibration, reduced noise, less wear and tear on the engine, reduced fuel consumption, and increased operator comfort.

NOTE: See PTO functional area for more information on E-PTO.

Ranges on the transmission control can be selected by moving the controller in an H pattern. The lever selects ranges A, B, C, or D. Ranges C and D are fully synchronized. That means, when upshifting, operators can move from range C to D without stopping the tractor. On the downshift, operators can move from D all the way to B without stopping.

Maximum productivity is achieved with clutchless hydraulic shifting between forward and reverse and is ideal for loader work and any other applications that require frequent directional changes in tight spaces. An electrohydraulic fingertip directional lever control allows the operator to effortlessly switch directions with a small finger motion.

This control is located on the left side of the instrument console and selects forward, reverse, and neutral positions. It also allows the operator to steer and shift direction with the left hand, freeing the right hand to operate other tractor controls, such as the loader, rear implements, or hand throttle.

NOTE: A neutral start switch requires the directional lever be in the neutral position to start the engine.

PowrQuad transmissions include:

• Wet clutch
• Ergonomically mounted transmission lever controlling both gear and range changes
• Declutch button on the range lever
• Left-hand reverser
• Constant-mesh, helical-cut gears
• Pressure-lubricated top shaft
• Positive park pawl
• Three-speed PTO
• Neutral start switch

Reversible stub shaft

All 5ML Tractors equipped with a PowrQuad or Power 8 transmission  have a reversible stub shaft with six splines and 21 splines (38 mm [1.5 in.]). To switch between 540 and 1000 speeds, simply remove the snap ring, flip the PTO shaft, and reinstall the snap ring. The tractor PTO operates at 540-rpm speed when the six-spline end of the shaft is visible, and at 1000 speed when the 21-spline end of the shaft is visible.

The reversible 540/ 540E/1000 PTO stub shaft is located in a dry cavity to allow changing from 540/540E rpm to 1000 rpm or vice versa without any oil spillage. This interchangeability allows the matching of different implements. The reversible stub shaft improves uptime as no bolts are needed for removal, just a simple snap ring.

A = snap ring
B = snap ring groove
C = bore

NOTE: See PTO functional area for more information on economy PTO.