Lambos electric arsenal
Lambos electric arsenal
Smithfield 98 saw Same Deutz-Fahr reshuffle its
120-150hp Lamborghini tractor range with the introduction
of the electronically-sophisticated Champion models.
Geoff Ashcroft gave the Champion 135 a work out
AT 135hp, the Lamborghini Champion 135 sits firmly in the middle of the three-model range unveiled at Smithfield 98. If you recognise the tractors basic appearance, it is because the cab frame comes from the Deutz Agrotron.
Same Deutz-Fahr (SDF) says the Champion 135 is unlike any Lamborghini of this size ever produced. It has a three-valves per cylinder engine, 27-speed powershift transmission, new cab, new hydraulic system and the option of front axle and cab suspension.
Surprisingly, it is the same horsepower as the current Lamborghini Formula 135.
"Formula 135 has been despecified to make the Champion 135 the sophisticated option for arable farmers," says Ian Morgan, tractor specialist at SDF. "It is also heavier and is ideally suited to cultivation work."
Flanking the 135 are the 120 and 150 models – horsepowers are as the numbers suggest at 120hp and 150hp respectively, and both are equipped with the same level of technology as the 135.
farmers weekly caught up with the UKs first Champion 135 as it arrived for work at EH Morris Jenny Grays Farm at Stonea in Cambs.
Climbing aboard the 135, the operator is met with a clean, uncluttered cabin which offers a bright, airy feel. Theres plenty of foot, knee and elbow room and the lofty seating position affords good all round visibility. And sloping engine panels help the view to the front.
For those who require extra brightness in the cab, a roof-mounted sunshade slides back to reveal a large glass roof panel.
The Champion uses an armrest-mounted multi-function joystick which is becoming an industry standard with powershift transmissions. It carries three thumb switches; one for changing up/down the ratios, another for direction changes and the third for raising/lowering the rear hydraulic linkage.
The joystick lever allows stepless changes through each of three ranges of nine powershift speeds. The main field speeds are arranged in two groups of nine gears. The remaining nine speeds are a creeper range which needs to be engaged manually using a floor-mounted gear lever before they can be changed on-the-move.
A neutral button resides on the front of the lever, while a consent button is located on the rear. The latter needs to be pressed to select direction of travel, and also to make a range change to move between the lower nine and the upper nine field speeds.
In addition to these main functions, the controller carries two memory buttons for setting engine rpm at two working speeds. To memorise rpm, the operator sets the throttle at the desired speed, then presses and holds the memory button to store the throttle setting. A dashboard-mounted light confirms memory selection. Pressing and holding the button again cancels this function.
Spool valve control levers are within easy reach, just beyond the right-hand armrest, while hydraulic sensitivity and draft controls are hidden below the armrest pad. Once set, they are covered and cannot be accidentally knocked.
Clearly, operator convenience was placed high on the list of priorities when designing the Champion range.
Wet conditions confined our test drive to road work with a loaded 9t scissor lift root trailer, and it was a chance to put the powershift transmission through its paces.
A twist of the key brought the six-cylinder turbocharged engine to life. Throttle response, for a diesel engine, is crisp and eager. With the engine started, the transmission defaults to 10th gear. This is indicated on the dash and were almost ready to pull away.
Pressing the consent button while simultaneously pushing the transmission shuttle switch to forward, puts the tractor in gear. From here, only a carefully-timed push of the throttle is needed to move smoothly away as the hydraulic clutch packs start to engage.
With an open throttle, progress is made swiftly by pushing upwards on the ratio switch to select higher gears. Gears cannot be missed – selection is sequential and the tractor makes the changes in a smooth, progressive manner.
Changing down is a reverse process until 10th gear is reached. To then access the lower nine gears, the consent button needs to be pressed while pushing down on the gear selection thumb switch. At this point, the tractor pauses momentarily in neutral, selects the lower set of gears, blips the throttle, then engages ninth gear.
Its still an effortless gear change, if a little clumsy. Under heavy draft load, perhaps when ploughing, the tractor gives the impression it could almost come to a standstill. But with low rolling resistance in the farm yard, momentum was maintained.
It seems that in the Champion 135, SDF offers a sophisticated, yet capable tractor which could suit the needs of many looking for a medium-power workhorse to handle primary cultivation and haulage work. *