JCB’s new Fastrac 4000 Series of tractors tested

New tractor lives up to its name and boasts a host of advances which promise to create a more powerful, versatile – and comfortable – machine

The basic design of a tractor has changed little since Henry Ford perfected his Model F back in 1916 – big wheels at the back, small at the front and an integrated engine and transmission forming the backbone of the structure.

The only major change, apart from a heap of sophistication, came in the 1970s when four-wheel drive became the norm even though the front wheels mostly remained small. One of the few real breaks from tradition came with Mercedes-Benz’s MB Trac of the 1980s and its equal wheel configuration with the power train supported within a separate chassis, a rear load-carrying platform and front suspension. As someone who drove one for a few years, I can confirm that it was in many ways an excellent machine. Apart from anything else, the design allowed for a full width truck quality cab.

The MB Trac is now, of course, no longer in production but the concept lives on its modernised form in the allBritish JCB Fastrac. The latest 4000 Series incarnation has only recently been released and appears to take some major strides forward.

Richard Fox- Marrs, managing director at JCB Agriculture, said: “Our engineers have worked long and hard to develop this new Fastrac, which stays true to the original concept in layout and versatility but moves the game on as far as performance and capabilities are concerned.

“Compared with the outgoing 2000 Series, the new tractors are more powerful but more economical, stronger but more nimble, and more versatile yet easier to operate.”

Remarkably, although the Fastrac concept appears modern it is actually 25 years since the first rather underpowered versions appeared, but over the period the Staffordshire-based JCB team has gained a deal of expertise in design and development. They have built on the core features such as multiple implement mounting points, all-round suspension and a safe and stable braking system for high-speed work.

Four-wheel steering, available on more recent models, is again an important option but now there is a tighter turning circle, selectable steering ratio and bigger tyres for improved flotation and traction.

A more sophisticated suspension system can provide side-to-side selflevelling as well as front and rear, and the ability to ‘squat’ under demountable equipment for quicker and easier implement change-over.

The hydraulics system is new as well, delivering higher oil flows and with electronic spool valves providing finger-tip control of all functions.

Power has always been important especially for sustained high-speed road haulage and the new Fastracs now deliver up to 240hp in the range leading 4220. Clunky gear changes are now a thing of the past with CVT transmissions providing seamless acceleration and deceleration. Selectable modes that help the operator optimise performance and fuel efficiency.

Three new Fastrac 4000 Series models will be available, all powered by a 6.6-litre six-cylinder AGCO Power engine that meets latest Euro Stage 4/ US Tier 4 Final exhaust emissions rules using SCR technology.

The Fastrac 4160 delivers 158hp at 2,100rpm rated speed with up to 180hp available when the engine’s full performance potential is exploited under load. The Fastrac 4190 is next with 189hp rated, and 210hp maximum followed by the Fastrac 4220 with 218hp at rated speed and 240hp maximum.

Optional additions to the standard specification include the aforementioned four-wheel steering, a GPS ready option, an advanced suspension system and a powerful LED worklight package.

Mr Fox-Marrs said: “The Fastrac 4000 is designed from the outset to operate implements front and rear, and to make productive use of the rear deck area behind the cab.

“If you add in the productivity gains from fast road travel and being able to execute sweeping headland turns 40% quicker than a three-point turn for ploughing and cultivation, then we soon get to saving a significant number of days over a year.”

When undertaking heavy draft work with drawbar implements, the “Activ Traction” feature manipulates engine torque output to maximise pulling power with minimum tyre wear.

The Fastrac also lives up to its name with a distinctly speedy 60kph achieved at just 1,600rpm or 50kph at less than 1,400rpm.

Externally-mounted disc brakes all round provide safe and secure braking power, with the additional security of skid-free anti-lock braking on tricky field or road surfaces.

The steering is interesting especially where four-wheel steering is specified. On 540/65 R30 tyres all round, a Fastrac 4000 with four-wheel steering can turn in less than 10 metres, allowing quick sweeping headland turns for high work rates.

There are five steering modes as before – two-wheel steer; proportional four-wheel steer where the front wheels turn two degrees for every one degree at the back; true tracking where the rear wheels follow the front for row crop applications; delay four-wheel steer; and crab steering.

In addition, when the optional “RapidSteer” feature is specified, the operator can select standard steering ratio for road use and general field work or high ratio for just two turns lock-tolock when working on headland or with a front loader.

The three-point linkage is also uprated by 30% to give 8,000kg lift capacity at the rear and 3,500kg at the front.

The cab has not been forgotten with Mr Fox-Marrs adding: “The forwardraked cab structure not only adds to the tractor’s purposeful appearance, it also improves visibility and cab access. The windscreen is almost vertical, which reduces heat absorption on a sunny day.”

“The narrow bonnet, deep door glass and side windows, and wide lower windscreen glazing provide great forward and over-the-shoulder visibility.”