Australia-New Tractor from JCB.

AUSTRALIA-NEW TRACTOR FROM JCB.

NEARLY 20 years after JCB garnered global attention for its eye-catching Fastrac tractors, its design engineers have come up with new look models guaranteed to snare more headlines.

Fundamentally different cabs are the stand-out feature of the new 7000 series machines, which have taken four years and an investment programme totalling millions of dollars before being unleashed to producers across a range of continents, including Australia.

Enthusiasts quickly will be able to spot the traditional centre-mounted work station has been moved rearwards to give them a more conventional look, enhanced by new axles, transmissions and hydraulics.

But Staffordshire-based product sales training manager Hayden Bale, who has been criss-crossing the country to put the newcomer through its paces, underscores the point the new marque retains all the features and benefits of the original Fastrac concept.

Pointing out that moving the cab rearwards makes for more engine space, he says potential customers also immediately notice the cavernous size of the uncluttered cab which is enhanced by an armrest which houses the transmission control joystick and key switches, plus an ergonomically-positioned touch screen.

Meanwhile, in the cab, JCB’s new four-range, six-powershift transmission gives the tractor a fingertip-controlled power shuttle and 24 speeds in forward and 12 in reverse mode.

Different operating modes can be selected using the tractor’s touch-screen monitor, with manual shifts made using a seat-mounted joystick.

And auto-shifting, triggered by changing engine load makes life easier in the paddock and on the road.

Drawing attention to the cab’s rear pillars now being positioned well ahead of the rear axle, Hayden Bale says this is "the most comfortable place to have a cab", which also benefits from JCB’s full suspension on both its front and rear axles.

"We’re getting very positive comments from customers who had not considered a Fastrac because of their utilitarian looks," he said.

"But they are attracted by the more conventional appearance, getting in the cab and asking for demonstrations," Mr Bale added.

Certainly, the ride is impressive when thundering down a farm track sitting in the newcomer’s second seat, even though we were short of the maximum 70kph travel speed.

Interestingly, ride-height sensors trigger a response to quickly pump up or soften the suspension whenever there is a change of load.

It maintains full suspension travel at all times, preventing front-end lift when carrying a heavy implement on the rear linkage and nose-lowering when lifting heavy front implements.

And the brakes are impressive.

This looks to be a top-selling feature of the 7000 series and there is a purposeful look about four twin calliper discs – one on each wheel – braking system.

In short, it has to be, when hauling chaser bins and the like across undulating country.

Having slipped off the steps of a rival tractor, plus a self-propelled sprayer in recent months, I liked the solid look about the vertically-positioned stepladder that is equipped with satisfyingly wide rungs.

The new JCB 7000 Series Fastracs are powered by 6.7L Cummins six-cylinder engines, which are also in the 3200 and 3230 models.

For the record, the three-strong 7000 Series have capacities ranging from 129kW (173hp) to 165kW (220hp)

The all-new chassis is beefy enough to handle the 9100kg rear and optional 3500kg front implement linkage systems.

Users can also get to grips with bigger capacity hydraulics with the choice of 132L/minute or 187L/min maximum outputs per valve combined with high flow valve blocks, plus an up-rated 9100kg rear linkage.

Little wonder that JCB Ag Equipment Australia’s dealer network manager, David Moselen, has high hopes for the latest Fastracs which are strong contenders for mainstream farming applications, including cultivation and other draught work.

"The 7000 Series Fastracs not only will appeal to existing Fastrac users but also to farmers and contractors who use traditional front-wheel assist tractors and who are looking for greater comfort, performance and productivity,’’ he said.

Footnote: Graham Fuller was a guest of Ag Equipment Australia’s at the Moree, NSW, launch of JCB’s new 7000 series tractor.

*www.jcbag.com.au