Visbek-Rechterfeld, Germany — The company Rebo Sonderfahrzeuge GmbH has converted a John Deere 6R 250 into a fully equipped firefighting tractor with water tank and pump system for the volunteer fire brigade of Wiesmoor (East Frisia, Lower Saxony).
The project’s goal is to develop a high-mobility, modular vehicle system based on a modern tractor chassis, capable of handling multiple disaster-response roles. The machine can be adapted for forest and field fire suppression, flood protection, and even standard firefighting operations.
At the heart of the vehicle is a 12,000-liter water tank and an additional 410 liters of foam concentrate. A high-performance pump delivers up to 6,000 liters per minute, powering two electrically controlled roof monitors at the front and one rear-mounted cannon. For crew protection, the tractor is equipped with a thermal shielding system that creates a water curtain around the cab in emergency situations.
Additional features include a sandbag filling machine, an 80-meter winch, a front hose reel with 800 meters of fire hose for work in difficult terrain, and a front-mounted blade for clearing obstacles. The tractor also carries standard firefighting extras such as blue-light sirens, digital radio, and underbody protection.
Currently, the firefighting tractor — complete with its specialized trailer — has entered a year-long testing phase with the Wiesmoor brigade. If proven effective, it could establish a new standard for multi-purpose disaster vehicles in rural regions.
John Deere 6R 250 – Key Technical Specs
- Engine: 6.8L 6-cylinder John Deere diesel.
- Max Power: 270.9 hp.
- PTO Power: 229–241 hp with IPM boost.
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
- Hydraulics: Closed-center PFC, up to 194.9 L/min flow.
- Rear Hitch Lift: 15,430 lbs (7,000 kg).
- Front Hitch Lift: 9,700 lbs (4,400 kg).
- Operating Weight: 21,270 lbs (9,648 kg).
- Wheelbase: 114 in (2.89 m).
- Cab: Standard with A/C; firefighting version includes pressurized air and thermal protection systems.
About John Deere
Founded in 1837 in Illinois, John Deere is a global leader in agricultural machinery. Its green-and-yellow tractors have become symbols of durability and innovation worldwide, serving farmers in more than 100 countries. Today, the company combines tradition with cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies — and now, its machines are proving adaptable even beyond the fields, into the realm of disaster response.
