Buyers guide: New Holland TS115 tractor

In this buyer's guide we focus on a popular high power-to-weight ratio workhorse, the New Holland TS115 New Holland's TS115 was first produced in 1998 at the firm's Baslidon plant, with many seeing it as a replacement for the 7840.

It sat at the top of a four-model TS portfolio, which also included the TS90, TS100 and TS110 models, until the TS-A series arrived in 2003.

During its seven-year life cycle, the TS115 proved to be the most popular in the range, with more than 12,000 sold.

While there was a two-wheel-drive option, most UK tractors would have been delivered with four-wheel drive. New Holland's powered front axle offered a 55-degree steering angle, an electro-hydraulic differential lock and the ability to automatically engage four-wheel drive at speeds above 6kph when braking.

Its popularity was boosted by the simplicity with which a turbocharger could be retrofitted. Upgrade While the manufacturer frowned upon such behaviour, many of its dealers happily supplied and endorsed the upgrade, lifting power to about 125hp.

It was this mix of strength and versatility which soon made the TS115 a desirable high power-to-weight ratio workhorse.

Engine

In standard guise, the 7.5-litre, six-cylinder PowerStar engine was free of power-strangling emissions control systems for the first few years of production.

In 2001, New Holland emissionised the PowerStar engine and the TS115's power and torque curves were altered to suit. This gave a maximum power increase by about 5hp (see specification panel, bottom right), with torque increasing by about 10 per cent at PTO speeds.

The engine was a fairly robust unit capable of a lot of hours. Expect slight oil weeping on high-hour engines, but it will be the exception rather than the rule - engines should be clean and dry.

Check the engine breather - more so on turbocharged models - to look for blow-by.

More accurate fuel injection, compared to the 40-series, should mean a clean exhaust when warm.

Exhaust manifold cracking under the silencer mounting is easily identified resolved. However, you must lift off the exhaust stack to fully open the rear portion of the bonnet. 

Injection

The engine featured a viscous cooling fan, single poly V-belt with auto tensioner and a Lucas DPS fuel injection pump. No complicated common rail here making the PowerStar engine a fairly low-maintenance motor.

Transmission

WITH the transmission, New Holland was anxious to get over issues it had experienced with the 40-series tractors, and as a result, made sure the Dual Command transmission was free of any major concern.

The 24 by 24 transmission, Dual Command gave two powershift speeds in each of its 12 gears. A clutchless synchronised shuttle was also included, and located in the right-hand console along with the rest of the transmission controls.

When the 16 by 16 Electroshift transmission (pictured below) arrived at the beginning of 2000, the shuttle control was relocated to the left of the steering column, and became more convenient to use.

Using the firm's Shift Logic system, Electroshift gave speed matching and the convenience of four powershift speeds in four ranges.

More often than not, many TS 115 tractors were mostly used in ‘high' range, so the cable control used to shift between high and low could easily stiffen or seize, the problem often lying with the lower cable shroud.

Shuttle synchronisers have been known to give trouble so listen for any undesirable noises when switching between forwards/reverse with the tractor stationary.

Gear lever control buttons are also known to fail and any jumpiness in clutch-packs should be easily sorted with recalibration by a New Holland dealer.

Synchro Command is the basic 12 by 12 gearbox. While tough as old boots, its dry clutch can take a hammering, so be wary of any excessive wear.

All three transmissions provide a 40kph road speed however.

Hydraulics

Fixed displacement pumps gave a combined hydraulic flow of 69 litres/minute, while two spool valves controlled by joystick, offer adjustable detents and float control.

Electroshift versions came with a variable displacement load-sensing pump and more flow, up to 73 litres/min.

Option

Four spool valves were an option on all TS115 derivatives, as was ground speed radar and slip control.

Lift capacities varied. Dual Command and Synchro Command models could have category two linkage with single assistor ram and would lift 4.9 tonnes. Twin assistor ram models had Walterscheid hook ends and a higher 6.5t lift capacity.

Some Electroshift models could be found with optional electronic draft control, offering more lift. With two assistor rams, lift was 6.9t, and functionality included height limiter, dynamic ride, adjustable rate of drop and external linkage control.

There was a change in couplers early in production to improve flow. However, slight leaks from couplers was commonplace.

Cab and condition

The TS came with a six-post deluxe cab, providing a flat floor and suspended pedals, the same as the TM Series.

Air conditioning was an option, as was an air-suspension seat and the use of analogue/digital or digital instrumentation.

A bracket on the right-hand B-post made it easy to install control boxes, using a mixture of 12V sockets and bare wire connectors.

Frameless cab doors arrived in 2001, ahead of the first round of emission regulations.

Cosmetically, you may struggle to find a TS115 with a great paint finish. It is common to find the blue top coat missing, with black base coat showing through and it is much the same with the finish on wheel centres.

As with all used machinery, condition is everything and a thorough test of the tractor will confirm if everything works just as it should.

New Holland TS115 specifications:

Engine: 7.5-litre PowerStar 6-cylinder

Maximum power: 117hp @ 2,070rpm (naturally aspirated)

Maximum torque: 450Nm @ 1,200rpm

Transmissions: 12 by 12 Synchro Command, 24 by 24 Dual Command, 16 by 16 Electroshift

Rear Lift capacity: 4.9/6.5/6.9 tonnes

Typical used prices:

2002 TS115, 16 by 16 Electroshift, two spools, TB turbo kit, 6,200hrs, £18,000

2001 TS115, 24 by 24 Dual Command, four spools, air con, 7,500hrs, £16,000

2000 TS115 16 by 16 Electroshift, 9,000 hrs, £16,950

1999, TS115, turbo, three spools, air con, 8,800hrs, £16,500

Retail parts prices (+VAT):

Range change cable shroud: £30.66

Rear window glass: £166.90

Window rubber: £67.33

Window handle: £48.83

Brakes - friction plates: £28.24 each (eight required)

Brakes - steel intermediate plates: £21.03 each (two required)

Starter motor: £178.98

FG Buy and Sell lists the best deals on used tractors for sale from top brands like New Holland. Browse our listings of used tractors of all types and sizes, including compact tractors, utility tractors, and large tractors. We also have a wide selection of used tractor trailers, attachments and implements for sale. Whether you're looking for a used tractor for your farm or business, FG Buy and Sell has the perfect tractor for you.