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With a total of 14 models ranging in power from 70hp to 100hp, the new CELTIS range is RENAULT's new entry in the important mid-range power bracket and is the result of close collaboration between RENAULT Agriculture and RENAULT Group design teams.
Replacing the CERES and CERGOS ranges, with CELTIS the operator has come first and foremost when it comes to design. Two specification levels are available – RC and RX – both of which are stylish and relaxing to work in and set many new standards, including the fact that it features a flat floor cab but still has a minimum overall height of less than 2.50m on smaller models, up to 2.55m on the largest CELTIS 456.
Comfort
It is not uncommon for a tractor of this size to work 800-900 hours a year, so driver comfort was high on the design wish-list. In addition, for work in and around yards and buildings, the tractor needed to be low and manoeuvrable. Plus, because it is likely that the driver will have to get in and out regularly, for instance when working with cattle, the cab needed to be easy to enter.
Rising to this challenge, the design team have created a cab with a low noise level of just 73dB which, even though it has a flat floor and the spaciousness of a larger tractor, has an minimum overall working height of less than 2.50m. The sloping design of the bonnet provides excellent forward visibility, further boosted by the option of a lateral exhaust pipe.
Two types of cab are available. Standard RC and RX models are fitted with a low profile cab, for which an opening roof panel is standard on RX and optional on RC models. RX models also come as standard with a folding passenger seat. As an option a high profile cab is also available, which provides more space in the upper part of the cab and comes as standard with the opening roof panel.
For ease of access, CELTIS has retained the unique RENAULT feature of forward opening doors that can be locked open within the width of the tractor.
For optimum driver comfort, CELTIS is one of the first tractors to have a heating and ventilation system that is as efficient as that in a modern car. Unlike other tractors where the ventilation system is housed in the roof where it restricts visibility, in CELTIS everything is tucked away behind the dashboard, even the air-conditioning unit when fitted. This is placed in front of the heating unit, so air is dehumidified before heating to overcome the usual tractor problem of trying to demist with air as moist as the windscreen.
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All the controls are integrated into the dashboard, which allows simultaneous use of heating and air-conditioning for rapid demisting and air to be directed to windscreen, face or feet.
This arrangement also has the benefit that even low-profile cab tractors can be fitted with air-conditioning, again something usually not possible.
Engine
The new CELTIS range leads the way in engine technology in this power bracket and are powered by the latest TIER II standard DPS engines. Four CELTIS models are available with ECE R24 rated power outputs from 72hp to 100hp, governed by an electronic control unit controlled by a computer mounted on the left-hand side of the engine. In addition for maximum efficiency all models are fitted with a diesel cooling system.
All this means that not only is the engine extremely fuel efficient, but it is far more responsive and stable, and PTO speed is more consistent.
Model Drive Nominal power (ECE R24) Maximum power (ECE R24)
CELTIS 426 2/4 72 75
CELTIS 436 2/4 80 84
CELTIS 446 2/4 90 92
CELTIS 456 4 100 102
Rated speed has been reduced to 2200rpm and all the engines have a power reserve of between 2hp and 4hp when engine revs drop under load, with a constant power band from 1850 to 2200rpm, and use low energy viscous couplings on the cooling fan.
Transmission
All transmissions on the CELTIS range are based on RENAULT's well proven 5 gear/2 range transmission, for which there is also the option of a creep speed box. On 2-wheel drive models there is a total of 18 forward and 18 reverse gears, with a maximum roadspeed of 30km/h, whilst 4-wheel drive models have 20 forward/20 reverse gears and a top speed of 40km/h.
On RC specification models, the transmission incorporates a mechanical splitter with a dashboard mounted shuttle reverser. Higher specification RX models come as standard with the TWINSHIFT electro-hydraulic 2-speed splitter, controlled using two buttons on the gearstick. This is combined with the REVERSHIFT clutchless reverser, which uses a paddle control on the steering column for direction changes, but also for de-clutching, which can additionally be done using a button on the gearstick.
Hydraulic system
As standard, all RC models come with two double-acting spool valves, both of which have a float position and break-away couplings. In addition to this, one of the spool valves on RX specification models also incorporates a flow regulator that has priority over other functions to ensure a constant flow.
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As an optional extra, all CELTIS models can be fitted with a Cross-Control Joystick, which is ideal for use with equipment such as a loader. This controls two double-acting spool valves by moving the lever itself, whilst buttons incorporated into the lever allow auxiliary functions or loader attachments to be operated via an electronically operated diverter valve An additional lever controls a third double-acting spool valve.
Linkage system
All CELTIS models come as standard with a mechanically controlled, 60 litres/minute open centre linkage system, which incorporates an external linkage control lever mounted on the rear mudguard.
Maximum lift capacities at the ball ends are, on average, some 30% higher that for CERES and range from 4,500kg for the smallest CELTIS 426 to 7,600kg for the 100hp CELTIS 456, which to handle this is fitted with an uprated back-axle.
As an option RENAULT's TCE9 electronic linkage control system can be specified, which incorporates addition functions such as a quick entry facility, position lock, height limiting and lowering speed adjustment, plus it includes a transport shock absorber.
If required, a 2,800kg capacity front-linkage can be fitted, with or without a 1000rpm PTO.
PTO system
As standard CELTIS 426 and 436 models come with a 540rpm and 540 Eco rpm speed PTO, whilst the larger 446 and 456 have 540rpm and 1000rpm speeds, with the speed selected by a lever inside the cab.
Depending on specification, the PTO is either mechanically engaged on RC models or hydraulically engaged on the RX. A light on the dashboard indicates when the PTO is engaged and the digital display provides an actual speed reading.
Optional equipment
In addition to the optional equipment already mentioned, all models in the CELTIS can be fitted with a pneumatic trailer braking system in addition to the tractor's standard hydraulic braking system.
Other options include the INFOTRAC on-board computer previously only available for the ARES range. Amongst its many functions, this is able to provide information such as distance covered, area worked, working time and even outside temperature.
