Manufacturers show off new tractor technology

Makers give away details ahead of Agritechnica exhibition in Germany

Tractor makers have begun revealing details of new models being showcased at the giant Agritechnica exhibition in Germany next month.

A further step in the emissions clampdown means all such machines must now meet European-only Stage V rules, which require a further significant reduction in particulates matter.

In some cases, this involves installing a DPF, a ceramic filter, into the exhaust system to capture the tiniest particles.

In others, it has been possible to enhance the existing SCR ammonia solution exhaust treatment system to achieve the required results.

While these measures add to engine costs and complexity, the good news is that they are often accompanied by longer service intervals, which reduces running costs for oil and filters.

On the four Case IH Puma tractors that cover the 200-260hp bracket, for example, the engine oil change interval is now 750 hours or 18 months, while the transmission oil change interval is extended to 1,500 hours.

The three versions equipped with Powerdrive full powershift transmission also have enhanced power delivery when in “transport boost” mode to better cope with heavy loads on the road without compromising fuel consumption.

It is a similar story with four new sixcylinder models for the Mccormick range from 180-240hp, which are equipped with a ZF stepless drive transmission.

In this instance, optimised fuel filters, a new oil specification and more effective filtration allows the engine service interval to be doubled from 600 hours to 1,200 hours – a lot more than most tractors of this size will clock up over 12 months.

Similarly, tweaking the existing SCR and diesel catalyst exhaust aftertreatment system, which allows focus on efficient combustion, meets the Stage V rules without resorting to a diesel particulates filter and its servicing requirements.

At John Deere, the latest tractor news is a range of 6M four and six-cylinder models that entirely replace the previous 6M, 6MC and 6RC line-ups.

The 100-133hp four-pot tractors are more compact than their predecessors and have a lower bonnet line to improve forwards visibility, while a shorter wheelbase helps with manoeuvrability – especially handy when used with a loader.

There is a choice of semi-powershift transmissions with auto-shifting options and those models with 100-155hp outputs for draft work such as ploughing get a boost of up to 20hp for the first time when engaged with a pto implement.

Latest four-cylinder 6M series tractors from John Deere are more compact than their predecessors but have up to 4.7 tonnes payload for heavy implements.