More choice oof 300hp-plus tractors

Growers looking to replace their 300hp-plus tractors over the next 18 months will be spoilt for choice among a host of newcomers.

The incoming Deere 9R articulated four-wheel drive and 9RT twin-track series pushes to a peak of 616hp across four models starting at 451hp maximum. The tractors are said to be improved in most areas, with AutoTrac steering and JDLink telematics fully integrated, and a steering/ancillaries pump added to the track models to increase the hydraulic flow always available to implements.

Combustion tuning, exhaust gas re-circulation and particulates filtration deal with emissions and the operator gets a more spacious cabin, plus the Efficiency Manager 18-speed powershift transmission, will automatically set the best engine speed and transmission ratio combination for power and fuel efficiency.

In addition to the 483hp and 524hp Xerion tractors, Claas will return to the regular high horsepower sector with the Axion 900 range.

Comprising four models from 320hp to 410hp, they go head-to-head with the John Deere 8R Series, Case IH Magnum and Fendt 900 Vario SCR tractors using an 8.7-litre FPT Industrial engine mounted in a cast chassis frame.

This forms the sump to help install the engine as low as possible, so that the SCR exhaust treatment kit can all be squeezed in beneath the expansive hood. Drive is provided by a ZF Eccom stepless transmission (as in the big Xerion tractors), with the all-new four-post cabin mounted directly above.

Magnum fans will have a choice of powershift or stepless transmissions from late next year.

Also powered by FPT’s 8.7-litre diesel, the tractors get an in-house developed four-step CVT claimed to have a high level of mechanical power transmission efficiency across its speed range and easy control.

Case IH will take the opportunity to drive power outputs upwards to at least 419hp from the Magnum 370 newcomer.

Active Command Steering, which automatically helps stabilise the tractor when travelling along a rough track or at high speed on the road, is a new feature of the corresponding John Deere 8R tractors.

There are five models with fresh styling and Deere 8.9-litre engines from 286hp to 369hp; each model is 15hp up on its predecessor and has a power boost feature releasing more power and torque for pto and transport applications.

The transmissions choice is unchanged – 16-speed auto powershift or AutoPowr CVT with 50kph options; the 8360R range-leader is AutoPowr only.

A factory-installed 5.2t front hitch becomes available along with a larger number of electric remote valves.

Massey Ferguson 8600 Series tractors have moved to a second-generation selective catalytic reduction (SCR) exhaust treatment system, which includes a diesel oxidation catalyst.

A new assembly installed between the engine and cab means there are no externally-mounted components to impair visibility or become damaged, and the internal design manages airflow to achieve efficient use of AdBlue urea solution in rendering nitrogen oxides harmless.

The five models, which have the same 270-370hp outputs from AGCO Sisu 8.4-litres engines as before, also get an uprated front axle.

The biggest Fastrac will be powered by the same engine when the biggest model becomes two next year – while the 279hp 8280 has the same power as the current machine, the 8310 newcomer climbs to 306hp.

JCB engineers tap into the Sisu engine’s electronic management system for a new twist on traction control; as the tyres lose grip, engine power and torque are eased off until traction is regained. Field trials suggest the new engines consume up to 10% fuel than their predecessors.