JCB Fastrac iCon 4000
JCB's 4000 iCon series has evolved the range into a more rounded package, with horsepower ranging from 178hp to 235hp. The mid-range 4190 delivers 189hp boosting to 210hp. The most notable change to the range is the new iCon operating environment, which allows operators to assign dedicated control choices through each joystick.
IsoBus control for front- and rear-mounted implements can be assigned to the auxiliary and main joystick. The Novatel-provided GPS allows variable rate and section control options to be delivered through the 12-inch touch-screen.
The 70kph Agco-sourced transmission allows the operator to set a forward speed, leaving the tractor to balance both engine speed and gear ratio.Field Pro and Pro Line option packs allow the fitment of a heated and ventilated air seat. The fully automatic climate control system uses solar load sensing and in-cab ambient air monitoring to maintain a specified temperature.
Hydraulics delivers a flow rate of 195 litres per minute, with the rear lift providing a capacity of 7,000kg and the option to upgrade to 8,000kg.
Deutz Fahr 6 Series
The Deutz Fahr 6 series has three models - the 6180, 6190 and 6210 - providing six-cylinder options in varying wheelbases, ranging from 2,767mm-2,848mm.Three transmission choices of mechanical with powershift, automated RCshift full powershift and the TTV constantly variable transmission cover the range.
A Deutz TCD 6.1-litre Stage V compliant engine delivers the power with the manufacturer highlighting almost all of the maximum torque can be produced at 1,000rpm. This allows the tractor to tackle most tasks at low engine speeds, providing fuel savings.The VVT transmission provides forward speeds of up to 60kph compared to 50kph in the powershift models. The MaxiVision cab has three variants of Basic, Plus and Pro, the basic offers mechanical spools, working through to fully electric spools and the optional 12-inch iMontor enabling IsoBus and guidance in the Pro model.
The 6180 is fitted with an 85 litres per minute pump as standard, with 120- and 160-litre pumps as options. Both the 6190 and 6210 models fit a 120-litre load sensing pump as standard, with the option to upgrade to a 160-litre pump.
Powershift ranges come with a 6,200kg rear lift capacity as standard, with the option of a 9,700kg lift capacity which is standard with the TTV range. Deutz Fahr's Warrior Edition gives the choice of five colours, an improved lighting pack, comfort seat and automatic air conditioning.
New Holland T7
New Holland offers an array of different T7 range options, historically made up of two options - short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB). The T7 now comes in five variations, including the standard range, of which the T7.195 S and 215 S provide 190hp and 214hp. Aimed at delivering the bare essentials, a 40kph Power Command transmission is fitted in these two models. Offering manual spools, a 120 litres per minute pump and 8,647kg lift capacity linkage.
Comfort Ride cab suspension, Terraglide front-axle suspension and SuperSteer steering axle are all offered as options in this range. The recently introduced T7 LWB range with Precision Land Management, which will be available later in 2023, will provide a long-awaited cab update for operators. New Holland claims the cab is the quietest on the market and features a new cab suspension system. This aims to improve ride quality through an electro-hydraulic system which separates cab movement from the chassis.
The larger cab also sees the introduction of the new IntelliView 12-inch monitor into the T7 range. Currently, New Holland still offers the T7.210 and 225 (SWB), T7.230 and T7.245 (LWB) in this horsepower bracket.
Fendt 700 Vario Series
Fendt currently offers two six- cylinder 700 Series models side by side in the UK market, with the previous Generation 6, 718 Vario providing 181hp from a Deutz power plant. Generation 6 and 7 models offer a 720 Vario in their range, delivering 201hp and 203hp, respectively, with the newer Gen 7 using a Agco Power 7.5-litre engine. Forward speeds of up to 50kph for the Gen 6 and 60kph for the Gen 7 are delivered through the continuously variable transmission. Fendt fits its interactive armrest across both the Gen 6 and 7 models, allowing the operator to customise the multifunctional joystick to suit operation.
A 12-inch touch screen allows for multiple screens to be configured customising user profiles. Power Plus and Profi models allow for the optional three-litre joystick on the armrest allowing for third and fourth service control.
The Gen 6 range offers three variable flow pump options, delivering 109, 152 and 193 litres per minute and a maximum rear lift capacity of 10,360kg. The FendtONE operating system aims to create an in-cab office system, linking office computers to the tractor-sharing information collecting field data and documenting work schedules. In time, the Gen 6 models will be superseded by the expansion of the Gen 7 range, but as it stands there are currently plenty of options available in the Fendt range.
Claas Arion
Claas offers the Arion 650 with a maximum output of 185hp and the larger 660 with a boosted output of 205hp. Both machines are available in CIS, CIS+ and CEBIS specifications, with powershift and constantly variable transmissions available. The entry-level CIS version uses the HEXASHIFT 24x24 transmission, with an auto-shift function. Spool control is mechanical with rotary pressure controls and two engine speed memories.
CIS Plus gives the option to specify a 50kph CMATIC CVT transmission alongside an upgraded A pillar display giving greater transmission detail. Optional electronic spool valves, front axle suspension and a headland management system are offered.
The higher spec CEBIS specification machines include the CMOTION multifunction control lever. This provides control over all the tractor's main operating functions and works in conjunction with the 12-inch touch-screen terminal. CEBIS also acts as the main IsoBus terminal, allowing implements to be controlled, and can accept multiple camera feeds.
Supplied as an option on both models, the CEMOS self-learning tyre inflation system allows the operator to correct ballast and tyre pressure, depending on the task being carried out. The system can be operated using pre-set recommendations to optimise the performance of the tractor. Claas claim the CEMOS system can increase output and reduce fuel consumption by up to 12 per cent.
Massey Ferguson 6S and 7S
Massey Ferguson offers a broad range in this power bracket, with the 6700 S, 7700 S, 6S and 7S. The range provides users with the choice between four- and six-cylinder variants, giving choice and potential flexibility depending on the application. The four-cylinder 6S 180 delivers 180hp from a Stage V Agco power engine, with the 7S.180 and 7S.190 delivering 180hp and 190hp, respectively, from a larger six-cylinder variant.
Three specification options are offered depending on operator requirements. Essential provides a 40kph Dyna 6 transmission with an optional 50kph upgrade. Three load sensing mechanical spools are standard. Moving up the specification scale to the Efficient brings the introduction of Dyna-VT constant variable transmission as an option in both 40kph and 50kph speeds. It features 110 litres per minute closed centre hydraulics and both electric and mechanical spools, with options for the Datatronic five- or nine-inch touch-screen.
The screen can deliver GPS guidance, with the optional variable rate and sectional control for precision farming applications. The Exclusive package extends the range to include IsoBus connectivity as standard. Both models offer a 8,100kg rear lift capacity with an optional increase to 9,600kg. The ergonomic cab layout includes panoramic roof and built-in loader options.
John Deere 6M and 6R
John Deere has always been a strong market performer in this power bracket, with models spit between M and R specification levels. Topping the M range with a boosted output of 216hp, the six-cylinder 6195M is supplied on a 2,800mm wheelbase. A choice of transmissions, including the CommandQuad power shift and AutoPwer continuously variable transmission are offered.
AutoPwer delivers 100 per cent mechanical power at lower working speeds, which is claimed to improve transmission efficiency. The manufacturer states this transmissions converts more than 60 per cent of the available power mechanically. Running alongside the M series, the more popular R specification includes the 6R 185 and 195 models.
The 6R 185 offers a boost from 185hp to 234hp using intelligent power management. Similarly, operators can command an additional 49hp from the 6R 195, boosting output to 244hp. Both models offer the option of a rack and pinion bar-axle design to aid rear wheel adjustments. Included in the R specification, the 1-Click-Go auto-setup reduces in-field setup time by a claimed 50 per cent.
Tasks planned in the web-based operations centre automatically appear on display when the field location is detected. The operator confirms the details to start working. Unique to the R series, the Triple Link Suspension Plus is designed to improve traction and field performance, applying up to 10 per cent more power to the ground.
Case IH Puma
Case IH offers both the Puma 165 and 185, delivering 180hp and 209hp, respectively. Both options offer either the Multicontroller powershift transmission or CVX drive continuously variable transmission. The AFS Pro 700 plus screen offers a 12-inch full touch-screen control, which claims to be faster and more intuitive than its predecessor.
Multiple camera displays can be linked and operator control preferences can be set up and stored in the screen. Working in conjunction with AccuGuide GPS, headland sequencing can be memorised and stored for automatic manoeuvring. Data can also be shared across other tractors in the field using AccuSync. Its function is to synchronise Case IH machines that use both the existing AFS Pro 700 system and new AFS 700 Plus monitors.
Allowing farmers and contractors to exchange and apply real-time maps, field boundaries and way lines across several machines in the same field. Following the preview of the new Puma 260 CVX drive at the SIMA show, the manufacturer hopes to have an official rollout of similar AFS Connect technology and cab upgrades, in the long wheelbase Puma series, which comprises 185hp and 200hp options throughout 2023.
Valtra N and T Series
The Valtra N175, T175 and T195 models provide power options between 180hp and 200hp. The N series provides a high horsepower, four-cylinder model. The T195 delivers its power through a six-cylinder 7.4 Agco Power engine.
With a 20x20 HiTech powershift transmission and the optional 30 plus 30 transmission, which is provided as standard in the T series. Both models also offer the option of a continuously variable transmission with a top forward speed of 50kph.
Redesigned cabs with new smart displays allow for precision farming technology, both providing an A-pillar daily visual dial. In SmartTouch models, the right side of the cab has been redesigned providing an improved operator control panel. These models can be equipped with automated steering, auto guidance and additional smart farming features, such as section control and Task Doc, allowing data to be transferred between tractor and farm management software.
The option of Valtra's Auto U-Pilot combines the headland management system with Valtra Guide to create Auto U-Pilot controls, allowing the operator to save and store commands for easier headland turning.
McCormick X7
The X7 range from McCormick provides two models in this class - the X7.620 and X7.621. Two transmission choices are available in this range; the powershift P6-Drive and CVT VT- drive, in 40kph standard and 50kph optional forward speeds.
Both are available in the T7.621 model, but the X7.620 only offers a powershift option. McCormick has adopted a four-post cab providing better all-round visibility for the operator, with an in-cab noise level of 70dB. Two trim options are offered as Efficient and Premium. Manual spool valves and P6-Drive joysticks are mounted on right-hand console in the Efficient trim. The EasyPilot integrated armrest provides transmission and electric spool control, with a 12-inch touch-screen monitor provided in the Premium.
Cab suspension, along with independent front-axle suspension, can be optionally specified. A six-cylinder NEF 67 engine delivers 180hp to the X7.620 and 200hp to the X7.621, both with a 10hp boost. The manufacturer boasts a 1,000-hour service requirement on the engine, claiming to save maintenance costs and time. A rear lift capacity of 9,300kg is standard across both models specified with the Premium trim.
