Two brands, two visions of farming
John Deere and New Holland are the two giants that dominate tractor fleets in France. Almost every farm has had one or the other (or both). But beyond green and blue, what really sets them apart?
Comparison by range
Compact tractors (40-80 hp)
| Criterion | John Deere (5 series) | New Holland (T4/T5 series) |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 5055E to 5100M | T4.55 to T5.120 |
| Engine | John Deere PowerTech | FPT (Fiat Powertrain) |
| Transmission | 12/12 manual or PowrReverser | 12/12 manual or Dual Command |
| New price | €28,000-55,000 | €26,000-50,000 |
| Strength | Simplicity, reliability | Compact, maneuverable |
Utility tractors (100-175 hp)
| Criterion | John Deere (6 series) | New Holland (T6/T7 series) |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 6100M to 6155R | T6.125 to T7.270 |
| Engine | John Deere PowerTech PVS | FPT NEF 6-cyl |
| Transmission | AutoPowr (CVT) or CommandQuad+ | Auto Command (CVT) or Dynamic Command |
| Cab | CommandCenter touchscreen | SideWinder II (swivel console) |
| New price | €65,000-130,000 | €60,000-120,000 |
This is the most contested segment. The John Deere 6R is the absolute bestseller in France. The New Holland T7 Auto Command is its direct rival with a cab renowned for comfort.
Large tractors (200+ hp)
| Criterion | John Deere (7R/8R series) | New Holland (T7 HD/T8 series) |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 210-410 hp | 200-400 hp |
| Transmission | e23 Powershift or IVT | Ultra Command (CVT) |
| GPS guidance | StarFire (proprietary) | PLM Connect (open) |
| New price | €140,000-350,000 | €130,000-320,000 |
Dealer network
John Deere: about 300 sales points in France. Historically the densest network in grain farming regions. Advantage: parts available same-day in most cases.
New Holland: about 250 dealers in France (own network + multi-brand). Strong presence in western and southwestern France. The network has strengthened with the CNH Industrial merger (which also owns Case IH).
In practice: the real question is "which dealer is within 30 minutes of my farm?" A good dealer makes all the difference during harvest when a cylinder fails.
Parts availability
John Deere: Parts Manager online platform, fast delivery (24h standard, express available). OEM parts often pricier than competition.
New Holland: Parts Online available, CNH logistics network. Some FPT engine parts are shared with Iveco/Case IH — easier to find aftermarket.
