The drawn-out overhaul of New Holland’s sprawling T7 tractor range has concluded with launch of four fresh “standard wheelbase” models.

Running from 180-225hp, these Basildon-built all-rounders are the last to get some NH loving, two years on from the 200-300hp LWB variants and four years since the big 288-340hp HDs got the ball rolling in 2021.

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Most of the improvements centre around comfort, fuel efficiency and spec flexibility, which the firm hopes will strengthen its hand in a very competitive sector.

There’s no change to the powertrain, with FPT’s generally reliable 6.7-litre six-cylinder engine remaining in service for this quartet – T7.180, 190, 210 and 225.

As ever, model numbers reflect boosted power. This includes the additional 20-25hp for transport, pto and hydraulic applications – an important point of note for anyone not au fait with New Holland nomenclature.

So same engine, but markedly different performance, say company bods.

For starters, tuning tweaks deliver a flatter power curve that frees all the ponies for longer, and from a lower 1,500rpm.

It’s a similar story for maximum torque, now delivered at just 1,300rpm so that every newton-metre of the T7.225’s 1,060Nm is available for heavy draft work.

Opting for the new 24-speed, twin-clutch Dynamic Command (DC) transmission – a heavier-duty 50kph version of the drivetrain used in the smaller T6s – should help cut diesel consumption further.

This delivered a best-in-class 243g/kWh in the DLG’s independent Powermix fuel efficiency test, bettering the 257g/kWh of the 55kph Auto Command (AC) CVT – itself the subject of some fettling to make it more fuel efficient.

As a cheaper alternative to AC/DC, buyers will be able to spec a three range, six-speed Range Command semi-powershift transmission from the middle of next year. It won’t be available on the flagship T7.225 though.

Tighter turning

As well as being faster and more frugal, these latest T7s should ride smoother and turn sharper thanks to a new suspended front axle.

Though the wheelbase remains at 2.79m – about the same as a John Deere 6R 215 – the engineers claim to have carved 2.4m off the turning circle, bringing it down to an impressive 11.4m.

The front axle is available in standard guise with a load rating of 6t, or as a heavy-duty version good for 9t.

Both come with dual accumulators to swallow neck jarring thumps, with the option of locking them during high-speed road travel to reduce body roll.

Carrying capacity has also been increased, with the higher 13.5t maximum permissible weight freeing it to be saddled with a more useful 5.5t payload.

The tractor with a full diesel tank weighs about 8t.

One other change of note is the 1,000-speed front pto, which is stronger and quieter – finally ridding it of the rattle that has irritated many a T7 owner.

Same frame, different switchgear

The cab frame remains as was – a shame in some respects – but the firm has given the controls a thorough going over.

Mercifully, this needn’t necessarily hit buyers in the wallet, as there’s still plenty of scope to spec the tractor according to budget.

As an extreme example, the flagship T7.225 can be opted with a slick Auto Command stepless transmission but manual spool levers and no Intelliview 12 touchscreen.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

Improvements across the board include better climate control, nicer materials and more storage. Multimedia must-haves, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, are conspicuous only by their absence – though apparently pending.

Visibility is better too, in part thanks to the narrower, slopier and rather chi-chi bonnet, and because of a lower, slimmer dash.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

For loader work, this can be enhanced by swapping the standard lid for one of two alternative roof options – either with a small window or “panoramic” glass.

Other changes include new plastic steps with an extra grab handle and illumination from a mirror-mounted light, and a 5-litre handwash tank – warmed by way of its proximity to the exhaust – slotted inside the offside storage box.

And at the back, implement connections are easier to access, the independent pick-up now goes without lift rods, and there are pressure release levers on the spools.

One look at the picture will also tell you there’s been some meddling in the paint department. A new “dynamic blue” hue is to be rolled out across New Holland’s tractor range, together with silver rims that share an uncanny likeness to Case IH equivalents.

No word yet on price, though it’s fair to expect some rise on the £175,143 quoted in FW’s April buyer’s guide for a T7.225 Auto Command.

Current models will remain on sale in the medium term as the newbies are feathered in.