A new business set up to carry out forward control conversions of the JCB Fastrac hopes to attract customers in forestry, utility, fire-fighting and airport runway maintenance sectors, in addition to agriculture.

Trac-Con is an affiliate of Suffolk-based sprayer manufacturer Landquip and completed its first conversion last year, turning a regular Fastrac 4220 iCon into a self-propelled sprayer with 6,000-litre stainless steel tank and 24/36m aluminium boom.

See also: Forward-control Fastrac ups spreading output by 30%

As with earlier conversions by AM Phillip and Knight Farm Machinery, the Fastrac’s ladder frame chassis is extended forwards so that the cab can be positioned out front.

On the Trac-Con version, this leaves a clear area in excess of 3m long, where a mounting frame can be installed for demountable sprayers and spreaders.

These can be swapped relatively quickly thanks to the ability of the double-acting suspension on both axles to “squat” the chassis beneath a demount unit while supported on parking legs.

Clear space – the 3m long deck for de-mount kit © Trac-Con

Broad range of uses

Richard Abbott of Trac-Con and Landquip envisages a timber carrying deck, fire-fighting packs for duty across especially difficult terrain, mobile workshop installations and runway de-icing kit for the converted tractor’s other potential roles.

“The Fastrac 4000 series has all the credentials to meet the needs of ever-increasing demands to scale up output and performance,” he says.

“High-speed, four-wheel steering giving a 9m turning circle, ABS outboard disc braking, outstanding active suspension, operator comfort and great all-round performance, on and off the road.”

The engine – giving up to 235hp – and stepless transmission are untouched during the conversion process, but the steering hydraulics, air conditioning, wiring harnesses and exhaust system are tweaked because of the cab move.

Other work includes installing a pneumatic mechanism to unlatch the 20t capacity pick-up hitch, and the 8t rear linkage and pto are also kept standard.

Tall row-crop wheels require new oil and diesel tanks © Trac-Con

The isobus-capable in-cab display is retained and can be used to show all spraying functions, as well as guidance, section control and so on.

There is room to fit tyres nominally 600mm, 650mm and 700mm wide for regular work, and 380/90 R46 row crop wheels for increased underbelly clearance can be accommodated once the tractor’s original diesel and oil tanks have been replaced with reshaped alternatives fashioned in stainless steel.

Prices for a conversion start at roughly £45,000.