As the name suggests, this is designed to give a smoother gear shift, while at the same time offer better protection of the transmission. It can be turned on or off, or used in auto, which sees it turn off when the pto is engaged.
‘Dynamic Stop/Start' is a useful function too, which, when engaged, will automatically pull the clutch in when the brakes are applied.
Clutch disengagement/engagement is progressive too and can be set to one of three levels of aggression. When combined with automatic transmission mode, this allows the tractor to be driven virtually, like an automatic car. It is also useful for loader work and when round baling, for example.
Finally, a ‘Memory Shuttle' function allows you to set a difference in gears, by up to three gears, between travelling forwards and backwards. For example, for loader work, you might want a slower gear going forwards and a faster gear in reverse.
It will also remember different forward and reverse startoff gears, ideal when tipping trailers. And if you specify the IntelliView IV terminal, you can use a scroll wheel on the main control lever to set a target speed.
Much like a CVT, ‘Ground Speed Management' will allow you to dial in a speed, leaving the engine and transmission to work out the most appropriate revs and ratios.
Rear-end
At the rear, the T5 DCT can be fitted with up to 600/65 R38 tyres. However, because the tractor uses the same cab as seen on the manufacturer's larger tractors, it has had to fill the gap between the top of the tyre and the mudguard with a bit of plastic filler.
It is quite a neat job and the tractor does look well-proportioned with it.
Practicalities
Certainly, the screen would allow greater control and setup over tractor functions, as well as the ability to have automatic steering, IsoBus control and section control. However, you can also mix and match the spec.
For example, if you wanted a basic tractor but needed automatic steering and section control for some fertiliser spreading, you could opt for the basic SideWinder with mechanical spools, but instead of the DOG screen, have a touch-screen terminal.
As for the main CommandGrip control lever, this puts all primary controls to hand. And, if fitted, features a four-way pad for control over electric spools.
Gear changes are easily made by plus and minus buttons on the lever, but you can also specify a moving lever to change through the gears by nudging it forwards and backwards.
Shuttle lever
As well as by buttons on the stick, direction changes can be made by using a left-hand shuttle lever. The latter is a return-to-centre-type lever, meaning it always goes back to its middle position when a direction has been selected, which can catch you out sometimes as there is no physical way to ‘feel' which direction is selected. This said, clear arrows on the dash and DOG screen do show this.
As mentioned, the basic spec will probably have everything you need for 90 per cent of jobs, with much of the tractor's set-up, the transmission in particular, able to be done through the dash. Judging by New Holland dealer feedback, this spec will probably be the most popular for this tractor. It is also quite satisfying being able to grab hold of a spool lever.
Verdict
The T5 Dynamic Command is a great addition to New Holland's line-up and perfectly fills the gap left behind by the old short wheelbase T6s.
While there is lots of competition in this segment, its compact stature married to big tractor features, primarily the Dynamic Command transmission, makes this tractor stand out in the market.
Yes, there are lots of good semi-powershift transmissions out there, but this is head and shoulders above the rest in this class.
Useful As well as its simple operation, the transmission is also packed with lots of useful features which are not there just for the sake of an engineering exercise.
Overall, this tractor and its flexible specification should appeal to a wide customer base.
As for its loader capabilities and what some of its other options and extras bring, we look forward to trying these out in the future.
The T5 Dynamic Command is a great addition to New Holland's line-up and perfectly fills the gap left behind by the old short wheelbase T6s.
While there is lots of competition in this segment, its compact stature married to big tractor features, primarily the Dynamic Command transmission, makes this tractor stand out in the market.
Yes, there are lots of good semi-powershift transmissions out there, but this is head and shoulders above the rest in this class.
Useful As well as its simple operation, the transmission is also packed with lots of useful features which are not there just for the sake of an engineering exercise.
Overall, this tractor and its flexible specification should appeal to a wide customer base.
As for its loader capabilities and what some of its other options and extras bring, we look forward to trying these out in the future.
