New Holland’s newly introduced Boomer compact tractors won a Silver medal in the 2009 Sima Innovations Awards for its EasyDrive continuously variable chain transmission.
Built in the United States, this range includes three models of 41, 46 and 51hp supplied by a ISM four-cylinder engine.
The continuously variable transmission fitted on those tractors allows infinite variation of the ground speed ratio. Fully mechanical, this system offers the smoothness and the infinite variation of a hydrostatic transmission, while providing the steady behaviour of a mechanical gearbox: The EasyDrive efficiency is 25% higher than a hydrostatic transmission.
Many automated functions are available on this new compact tractors generation, so they are as easy to drive as a hydrostatic model.
Indeed, thanks to the cruise control, the operator has the choice of fixed speed for fertiliser spreading as an example, or constant engine speed for soil preparation with a rotary hoe or for hedges trimming. In the first instance, the engine adapts to the load in order to operate at the most economical speeds. In the second instance, the transmission ratio decreases with high loads and resumes to the preset speed when the load reduces.
In addition, the speed selector offers three transmission modes – 0-9km/hr, 0-18km/hr and 0-30km/hr – according to the type of application. On the second transmission mode (0-18km/hr), the operator has also the possibility to adjust the maximum speed by increments of 0.5km/hr, thanks to a small switch located on the transmission console.
According to the type of application, the transmission reactivity is adjustable with six different modes – three slow modes and three fast ones – in order to optimise the work output and to protect the soil surface. The shuttle lever, on the steering console, provides smooth direction changes under load.
Further to the automatic ground speed setting according to the load, the Anti-stall system automatically disengages the drive in the event of a sudden overload, so the engine does not stall.
With a short bonnet, the Boomer 3000 are very manoeuvrable. New Holland exclusivity, the SuperSteer front axle is optional on those tractors. With a slightly more forward position than a standard front axle, the SuperSteer features one-degree pivoting while the wheels are steering three degrees. As a result, the maximum steering angle reaches 75 degrees, while a standard axle does not exceed 54 degrees. The resulting steering radius is 2.79m, a very useful feature in narrow passes or in tight turning situations. Further, the Sensitrak system automatically manages the front axle engagement in order to maximise traction without degradation of vulnerable surfaces.
The boomer 3000 features a standard fitted hydraulic pump with a 19.4 lit/min flow for steering and a 36.9 lit/min pump for the remotes and for the hydraulic lift with a maximum lift capacity of 1,600kg. Two rear remotes are standard fit and can be complemented by an optional third one as well as by two mid mounted ones, when a front loader is installed, for instance.
This range gets a SuperSuite cab as standard equipment and a ROPS should be available this next fall. The SuperSuiteTM cab receives air conditioning in standard and the high vision roof with the windshield glass extending to the roof. Then, when working with a front loader, the operator can follow the load from bottom to top of the stroke, without curbing himself. The full panoramic visibility is also excellent, thanks to the four slim cab posts. The flat deck and the adequate positioning of the controls are adding to the overall ergonomics of the cab. With the large room available in the cab, the curved glasses significantly contribute to the reduction of the in cab noise level. Tinted, those glasses are filtering sun rays for the best operator’s comfort.
For more information visit: www.newholland.com.
