The year’s Farmers Weekly Ultimate Guide to tractors is notable for the first-time listing of a mainstream electric model and a driverless tractor range, and the removal of two familiar brands – ArmaTrac and Landini.

See also: On test: Time-proven John Deere 6M 155 finally gets 50kph

AgXeed

The Dutch manufacturer of AgBot autonomous tractors that can undertake field tasks from mowing turf grass to heavy cultivation and ploughing under remote supervision are listed for the first time.

Unlike several prototype machines still under development, the three-model range has brought commercial use of driverless tractors, with GB dealers SoilEssentials at Brechin, Angus and ASC Autonomy at Great Staughton, Cambs having supplied examples.

The line-up comprises the three-wheel AgBot W3, four-wheel W4 and twin-track T2, the latter now seeing the notably more powerful 230hp 7 Series being introduced to succeed the 156hp 5 Series.

All models have a diesel-electric powertrain – another first for the Ultimate Guide.

ArmaTrac

After several years of high-profile promotion for the 80-120hp tractors built by Erkunt in Turkey, the importer has decided to call it a day.

Parts and service will continue to be available to users during a transition period while the manufacturer scours the market for an alternative approach to the market.

Case IH

Numerous changes within the Case IH line-up, mostly signalled by a change to the latest family styling, kick off with revised specs for the higher horsepower models in the Farmall A “utility” tractor range.

The Synchro Shuttle transmission options are dropped to make the Power Shuttle 12×12 standard fare alongside the optional 20×20 creep box, and there is now a choice of 64- or 82-litre/min hydraulic gear pump alongside a 37-litre/min steering pump.

And a 110hp version joins the 90hp and 100hp models to add another performance level.

Farmall C 110-117hp tractors with the 12×12 ManualDrive have fallen by the wayside to standardise on ActiveDrive 2 models with the more flexible 24×24 configuration and two powershift speeds.

Meanwhile, the Farmall M ActiveDrive 4 is a new line that marries those power outputs with a 16×16 transmission with four powershifts.

Further up the power rankings, revised 170-226hp short wheelbase Puma tractors have only the stepless CVXDrive transmission (for the time being at least), while the Optum XL moniker now adorns a trio of more powerful tractors that encroach into Magnum territory.

The Optum XL brings together a CVXDrive stepless transmission with 50kph and 60kph capability and FPT’s 8.7-litre Cursor 9 engine.

The outputs of 360hp, 390hp and 435hp match what’s available from a Magnum, which has had a light makeover with engine and transmission updates and digital technology upgrades.

The Magnum’s PowerDrive 18×4/18 full powershift now allows operators to use just the brake pedals to come to a halt and move off again, a feature normally reserved for much smaller tractors.

The management software has been revised with more opportunities for fine tuning acceleration rate, target speed, up-shift sensitivity and response settings.

Quadtrac power and capability continue to rise with the new 785, which channels its 853hp through a 16×2 PowerDrive powershift transmission.

Claas

Updates to the smallest and least powerful models in the Claas line-up sees the Axos 200 line replaced by the forthcoming Axos 2.95 (92hp) and 2.105 (103hp).

Meanwhile, the Arion 400 range and feature packages have been much simplified into Trend (with 16×16/4 Quadrishift) and Comfort (Quadrishift or 32×32/6 Hexashift) models.

The single-model Arion 6 CMatic makes its debut in the guide as a preview to a revamped range of 145-205hp tractors, while the new Axion 9 replaces the 900-series with a tad more power – 360hp and 448hp – for wheeled and two wheels plus tracks variants.

A retuned version of FPT’s Cursor 9 diesel is said to deliver peak power and torque outputs lower down the scale and across a wider engine speed band to add performance, reduce noise levels and lower fuel consumption – also thanks to a 650rpm idling speed.

Automatic trailed equipment braking, already available on Arion 500 and 600 CMatic tractors, can engage on descents prior to the tractor brakes being applied.

Also, there are significant service interval, cab and digital technology updates, with sources of noise – such as transmission pumps – tackled as well as through increase insulation.

Deutz-Fahr

There is more power and torque on offer among the lower-spec Keyline variants of the Deutz-Fahr 5 Series, the newcomers providing 116hp and 126hp from their SDF Farmotion four-pot engines in a package that includes 55-litre/min (plus 35-litres steering etc) gear pump hydraulics and 4.5t of rear lift capacity.

Grabbing the headlines, though, are the new 8310 and 8340, which sport an boxier-shaped cab and 6.7-litre FPT NEF series engines under their shapely hood.

Specs continue with cab and front axle suspension, 220-litre/min load sensing hydraulics, 12t rear lift and 5.4t front linkage all standard.

Fendt

While a handful of battery-electric compacts have been around for a while now, Fendt’s e107S Vario is the first full-size tractor to make it into the Ultimate Guide.

With outputs of 68hp, 75hp and a time-limited 90hp available to suit different applications and work scenarios, the newcomer is an alternative to the oil-burning 207 S Vario.

And despite its near-£200,000 list price it’s reckoned to offer favourable cost-of-ownership figures over time.

Further up the line, the new-generation 500 Vario series serves up mechanical and digital technology from its bigger siblings, the 134-174hp range, sporting a VarioDrive transmission that separately powers the rear and front axles, with torque apportioned according to need.

VarioGrip integrated tyre inflation adjustment is also now available to optimise pressures.

The 188-246hp 700 Vario Gen6 range has now been withdrawn after running alongside the clean-sheet Gen7 with VarioDrive for a while, and this line is now labelled Gen7.1, thanks largely to an upgrade for the Agco Core75 motor that provides the DynamicPower feature across all models.

In essence, rather than extra power being available when a certain transmission gear or the pto is engaged, Fendt’s “boost” system progressively compensates for any power drag, whether from the cooling fan, air conditioning, work lights, and so on, in addition to the traditional triggers.

Likewise, the all-new 800 Vario Gen5 series comprising three models from 260-343hp has DynamicPower and VarioDrive and all the characteristics those features bring.

As does the latest-spec 1000 Vario Gen4, with power output now peaking at 550hp – which, if too much for the power harrow or power tiller, the gearbox can be detuned to the same level as “lesser” models in the series with a mere tap of the touchscreen.

JCB

New Fastracs don’t come around too often, so JCB’s Fastrac 6000 series unveiling has been met with much intrigue and interest as a package that neatly slots between the 178-235hp 4000 and the bulkier now single-model 348hp 8000.

The newcomer has all the familiar Fastrac features – suspension at both ends, load or implement space behind the cab, and 70kph legal top speed – but adds a fully-integrated tyre inflation management system, digital tech upgrades and up to 335hp.

Moreover, there’s a change of powertrain – from an Agco engine/transmission combination to a 6.7-litre FPT motor and ZF CVT pairing.

John Deere

Apart from dropping two transmissions and the models built around them, the primary news in the John Deere line-up relates to the incoming more powerful additions to the 8R series.

With the 8R 540 pumping out up to 594hp across the board and up to 634hp with Intelligent Power Management (IPM) boost triggered, Deere comfortably regains the title for the most powerful “conventional” tractor with large rear wheels and smaller front wheels.

There are another two power levels – 484/524hp from the 8R 440 and 539/579hp from the 8R 490 – with all three powered by the 13.6-litre six-pot motor, and both wheeled and 8RX four-track versions.

All come with the eAutoPowr stepless transmission, which combines electric motor and mechanical power paths, plus 100kW for implement pto drive.

Lower down the power scale, 308-388hp 8R tractors with the 16×5/16 full powershift transmission have been dropped, as have the 160-260hp 6R models sporting the DirectDrive transmission, a 24×24 unit with eight-speed powershift featuring double-clutch technology.

Kioti

A subtle change in model numbering – from 20 series to 30 series – highlights updates to Kioti’s 50hp and 58hp DK tractors, including a new-style engine hood incorporating LED lights, plus optional LED work lights front and rear.

Tweaks in the cab comprise a new joystick lever with thumb-operated engine speed dial, rubber-covered non-slip pedals, and both 12V and USB ports.

Meanwhile, a second 73hp RX variant comes with a higher level of standard equipment than the continuing “GE” version.

For starters, the RX8040PC-EU has three-speed pto with the addition of 1,000rpm and an extra double-acting spool valve.

And a host of “GE” options are standard, including auto rear linkage lift upon reversing and turning, LED work lights, an air suspension seat, telescopic mirrors, front axle swivel mudguards and a “buddy” seat.

Enhanced specs are also evident with the “03” versions of the 130hp and 140hp HX tractor, which have increased implement lift capacity to 4.9t, plus a liquid crystal instrument display and rear-view camera amongst the equipment.

Landini

With Italian manufacturer Argo Tractors having decided to simplify its operations in Britain by concentrating on its McCormick brand, Landini equivalents are no longer generally available other than by special order.

Massey Ferguson

The 105-145hp MF 5S tractor series has been extended with the addition of Dyna-VT versions sporting an Agco-built single-range stepless transmission.

Providing seamless speeding up and slowing down, plus the opportunity to set the “perfect” ground speed for a given task, the new option complements the existing 16×16/4 Dyna-4 and 24×24/6 Dyna-6 semi-powershift drives.

In contrast, the Dyna-7 transmission, a 28×28 unit with seven powershift steps, has been dropped from the 208-285hp models in MF 8S line-up, leaving Dyna E-Power and Dyna-VT stepless as the sole options –the latter being exclusively for the 285/305hp and 305hp flagship machines.

All 8S variants have an enhanced “Xtra” specification, which includes active mechanical cab suspension as standard, an LED 360deg lighting option, revised cooling fan control (plus a reversible option) for greater temperature control efficiency, and spool valve decompression on Efficient models for easier hydraulic line removal and coupling.

New Holland

Now with Intellishift automatic shifting amongst eight speeds, the latest-generation New Holland T5 tractors benefit from several upgrades over their predecessors, which are highlighted by the new “family” styling.

Intellishift is available for road transport and is reckoned to improve fuel efficiency by continuously monitoring engine load and ground, engine and internal transmission speeds to determine the most favourable ratio at any one time.

It will then automatically shift between ranges three and four, and the four powershift steps, to effectively create an eight-speed auto transmission.

Cab suspension has become standard equipment with front axle springing still optional; the Terraglide set up can be locked out for maximum stability when deep ploughing or lifting heavy implements and it can be manually adjusted to help when hitching to front-mounted attachments.

Hydraulic output and lift capacity are unchanged at 80-litre/min (plus 43-litre/min for steering and clutches) and 5.2t.

Having previously made available only one T5 Auto Command stepless drive tractor, New Holland now offers a complete line-up once more, comprising four models with power outputs from 110-140hp.

There is also an extra model in the T6 series, the 125/145hp T6.145 being available just with the Electro Command 16×16/4 transmission and its 32×32 creep variant.

Model variants within the long wheelbase T7 Power Command full powershift line-up have been simplified to lower-spec Classic variants only, while standard wheelbase Auto Command models have received a number of updates in addition to the latest family-look styling.

There are four models now (up from three), thanks to realigned power outputs that start with the 179/181hp T7.180 and culminate in the 211/226hp T7.225 with a tad more draft work power than its predecessor.

Revamped power and torque curves aim to provide more muscle lower down the rev range for greater economy and lower noise levels.

A new suspended front axle, available in 6t and 9t capacity guises, is reckoned to have reduced the turning circle by up to 2.4m for greater agility, and the permitted gross vehicle weight has been increased to allow more ballast and/or heavier implements.

A number of cab upgrades are evident too, with a greater choice of feature and equipment combinations, improved forwards visibility and uprated climate control.

The T7 moniker is also extended beyond the current T7 HD 288-340hp range to the additional T7 XD line, comprising three models peaking at 360hp, 390hp and 435hp from FPT’s 8.7-litre Cursor 9 engine.

Equipped universally with an Auto Command stepless transmission, these machines slot in beneath the larger T8 Genesis models that cover much the same power band but can be had in SmartTrax form with tracks in place of rear wheels.

Same

Two additional models extend the lower-spec Explorer Natural line up, providing 116hp and 126hp in combination with 20×20 creep, 20×20 with two-step powershift and 40×40/2 creep transmissions and either synchro or power shuttle.

At the top of the Italian range, the Virtus RVshift tractors from 116-143hp now come equipped for 50kph as standard.

TYM

The South Korean TYM line-up has gained a 75hp model; the Series 4 T78C sports a Deutz 2.9-litre diesel under its freshly-style hood and drives through a 16×16 creep power shuttle transmission.

Valtra

A number of updates for Valtra’s 105hp A105 and 115hp A115 tractors sees the GL base versions with a 12×12 or 24×24 creep manual transmission dropped in favour of the more sophisticated HiTech4 setup.

This power shuttle transmission, said to have slicker range shifting than previously, provides four manual or auto powershift steps in each of four ranges for a 16×16/4 configuration, or 32×32/4 when the optional creep box is added.

Autotraction brake-to-stop is included (though it can be disengaged), along with fully electronic operation.

Increased fuel capacity, higher-powered heating and ventilation, bigger mirrors and an all-LED work light array are also introduced, along with several digital technology options.

Fans of stepless transmissions will welcome the addition of a single-stage CVT as an option for Valtra’s four-model 105-145hp G5 series as an alternative to the 24×24/6 power shuttle.

Mechanical remote valves and standard controls come with the Active variants that can also have a reversible seat.

The high-spec SmartTouch models have touchscreen operation of various functions and electronic rear spool valves compatible with Valtra’s U-Turn headland guidance.

Isobus, section control and task documentation are also available.

Zetor

As Czech manufacturer Zetor prepares a new generation of Proxima tractors, first examples of the new 6 Series are beginning to reach customers.

There are four models to replace the Forterra and Crystal ranges, with power outputs from 4.4-litre Deutz engines comprising 131hp, 140hp, 150hp and 171hp.

A power shuttle transmission is standard, available in a 30×15 configuration with six powershift steps, and a creep variant providing 54×27 speeds in all.

Load-sensing variable flow hydraulics using a 120-litre/min pump, and 7.2t rear linkage are also part of the 6 Series package.