Taking its design and engineering cues from its bigger brother, the award-winning TS-A, the launch of the TL-A guarantees buyers the same levels of comfort, functionality and solid reliability from 72hp to 100hp that its larger sibling already delivers from 100-136hp.
A product of New Holland's long experience in mixed and livestock tractors, the TL Series has been the best selling tractor in the hotly-contested 70-100hp segment all over Europe for the past couple of years. With the introduction of the TL-A, the Series offers more than ever - providing the best solution in a wide range of applications.
Everyone wants the latest look and the TL-A range boasts a major facelift taking on the sleek, modern styling of New Holland¡¦s latest tractors. The changes are not only cosmetic, however. Under the skin, the TL-A shares many of the TS-A¡¦s advanced features, but in a more compact package which also offers cab heights below 2.5m.
The TL-A¡¦s Tier II 4.5-litre engines, rear axle and final drive design, and four-wheel-drive front axle casting are already proving themselves out in the field on the TS-A. And this advanced level of engineering is not going to waste on the smaller tractor, with its 90hp and 100hp models able to match the 5060kg maximum hydraulic lift capacity and 6200kg maximum payload of the entry level TS-A.
The TS-A¡¦s Horizon cab heralded new levels of operator comfort and the same degree of detail has been applied to the TL-A with the cab enjoying a range of enhancements. The cab noise level is down by 2.5db(A) to 75.5db(A), while an air swivel seat, improved air conditioning with an adjustable electronic thermostat, and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel also add to an already pleasant work space.
The driver also benefits from improved instrumentation and repositioning of controls. The TL-A now boasts a new instrument cluster, which features analogue and digital functions. Clear and simple to read it displays all the information needed right in front of the operator. Additional new functions include: digital tractor speed, digital PTO speed, digital clock, turn indicators with timed warning buzzer, low level fuel lamp and programmable maintenance intervals.
The TL-A¡¦s performance monitor has been moved and is now part of the main dashboard, situated below and to the right of the instrument cluster. As well as being easier to use, the performance monitor can now be specified with additional features. Used in conjunction with an optional radar unit, it will monitor wheel slip and adjust the draft settings automatically to keep the tractor operating within pre-determined limits. At its simplest level, with minimal set-up, the new keypad-style monitor provides a wide range of performance data.
Outside the cab, the new hood provides the operator with more forward visibility than before and also features a corner light unit that combines high and low beam headlamps and gives excellent forward lighting performance when working in the field. Telescopic mirrors allow better rear visibility when pulling a wide load.
Despite its many improvements, the TL-A remains a compact, light and powerful tractor. Weighing in at just 3,600kg for the 100hp, four-wheel-drive model, the range boasts class-leading flexibility. The high power-to-weight ratio means excellent fuel economy for light haulage work or loader duties, but ensures that there is sufficient power to be able to add weights to the tractor for use in heavier cultivation work. The TL-A is less than 2.50m high (2.446m with 16.9R30 rear tyres, 2.493m with 16.9R34 rear tyres) with a flat floor cab, giving easy access to low buildings. The turning circle is 3.95m. These features make TL-A compact and easy to handle anywhere on the farm, in buildings or out in the fields.
The power behind the TL-A comes from New Holland¡¦s new generation Tier II compliant engines. Meeting the latest emission standards, these units boast higher power outputs and greater economy. The same 4.5-litre engine is used across the whole range, with a mix of turbocharged and naturally aspirated units giving power outputs from 72hp to 100hp. Torque back up is also increased across the range with improvements of up to 37 per cent.
One consequence of the improved engines is a longer oil service interval. Even though the range uses standard oil - rather than synthetic, the TL-A now boasts a best-in-class 600 hours between oil changes. This will be a significant contributor to lower running cost.
Hydraulic performance has been improved. The tractor already had a dedicated pump for steering and lubrication and its capacity has now been almost doubled to 40 litres/minute. As well as protecting the steering from any loss of effectiveness during the hardest loader work, this means that all the main hydraulic pump¡¦s 60-litres/minute output is available for linkage and external applications.
Available in two- and four-wheel-drive, the TL-A is designed to suit every type of farm operation and working method. Transmission options start with the simple, mechanical 12x12 Synchro Command„· transmission with shuttle reverser, while a 20x12 creeper (300m/hr) or a super creeper (200m/hr) option is available for specific applications such as planting.
For extra comfort and convenience, the Dual Command„· transmission, with hydraulic power shuttle reverser and two-speed power shift, is the natural choice. This 24x24 transmission allows you to change direction without the clutch simply by moving the electro-hydraulic fingertip control. Whatever the ground speed and whichever gear is selected, direction changes are carried out in a smooth, progressive manner.
The TL-A continues to offer the simple and user-friendly Mechanical Draft Control fitted as standard, along with the exclusive Lift-O-Matic that allows the implement to be raised or lowered at the push of a button. Alternatively, Electronic Draft Control can be specified. This has additional functions such as fast dig, in-cab maximum height limit, lowering speed adjustment and automatic Dynamic Ride Control. Both systems provide an impressive 5,060kg lift capacity at the link ends.
Standard specification also includes electro-hydraulic four-wheel drive engagement. Electro-hydraulic diff-lock engagement on the front and rear axles includes 100 per cent locking at the front to optimise traction in difficult conditions.
To cover all applications, the TL-A series is available with a one, two- or three-speed PTO with ground speed operation.
New Holland has long recognised that many of its tractors have been fitted with loaders. The new TL-A is, therefore, available with a factory-fitted loader from the New Holland FL series. Three FL loader models, each available in non self levelling, mechanical self levelling or hydraulic self levelling formats, provide a choice of lift capacities and lift heights of up 2,582kg and 4.08m. This comprehensive offering provides a high-quality, factory-fit solution to perfectly match any requirement.
