New Holland: Upgraded T8 tractors offer powerful performance and fuel efficiency

New Holland exhibited its upgraded T8 Series tractors, with EcoBlue Hi-eSCR technology for compliance with Stage IV emissions standards, at Sima 2015.

The entire range is more powerful than its predecessor and has maintained its excellent fuel efficiency. The upgrade also introduces a host of improvements to the operator’s comfort and convenience with enhancements for machine setting and maintenance.

The Cursor engine from FPT Industrial is at the heart of every T8 Series. Utilising the latest technology in engine design, Cursor delivers fuel efficient, responsive power. The rated and maximum powers have been increased on all five models of the range, significantly improving productivity.

For demanding hydraulic, PTO and transport applications, Engine Power Management delivers up to 71hp extra. For example, the T8.320 is rated at 250hp, but with EPM will produce up to 320hp when it’s needed.

With EcoBlue Hi-eSCR technology, the engine breathes clean fresh air, so that its reaction times when placed under load are significantly faster than that of Stage III equivalent models. This means the tractor can maintain a constant speed in changeable conditions such as when pulling a heavy trailer, never slowing down, with a consequent boost to productivity.

This improvement in performance has been achieved while maintaining operating costs and fuel consumption at the low levels of the previous Stage IIIB T8 Series. In fact, fuel use is still 10 per cent better than it is on T8000 Stage III tractors, while low total fluid consumption and long 600-hour service intervals keep operating costs down. As an evolution of the existing EcoBlue SCR system, EcoBlue Hi-eSCR technology presents customers with the great advantage of no change in operating practices, as they are already familiar with this technology.

The Cursor engine is tuned to work in harmony with the Auto Command transmission. With four points of full mechanical drive, and never less than 50 per cent mechanical drive, coupled with the four automated operating modes, Auto Command delivers the operating simplicity that today’s drivers require from a continuously variable transmission.

The upgrade to the T8 Series introduces a host of improvements that result in greater comfort for the operator and reduce their fatigue when working long days. The Intelliview IV monitor, now standard on T8 tractors, introduces setting improvements that enhance operating convenience, such as simplified setting and adjustment of the pull away gear, and the provision of pop-up messages to confirm adjustments made.

The new Multi Function Handle has more responsive, reduced effort keys that are backlit for better nighttime visibility. On Ultra Command models, Ground Speed Management target speeds are set with a thumb wheel.

For working after dark, operators will greatly appreciate the two new optional LED field light packages that significantly increase the intensity of the lighting all around the tractor and, most importantly, at greater distances. This means that the operator will be able to continue working in the evenings with much less fatigue and won’t have to slow down on account of diminishing daylight.

The upgrade has also introduced a number of changes that result in greater convenience for the operator. Access to the right-hand window is now very easy, with conveniently placed steps and grab handles. The toolbox and service points have been moved, so that daily maintenance operations are easy and quick. The air filter and air intake have been relocated to the left side of the tractor, where incoming air is cleaner, resulting in longer life for the filters.

New Holland also previewed the new T8.435 SmartTrax at Sima 2015. This option has been developed to fulfil the needs of customers who believe that track systems are right for their farming operation, but possibly see limitations in the twin track concept.

New Holland SmartTrax combines the tractive advantages of track units with the manoeuvrability control of a front axle, and the ride comfort advantage of front-axle suspension. A limited number of European configuration units will be worked and evaluated this spring, in preparation for the full launch of the option planned for late 2015.

For more information visit: www.newholland.com.