Increased power and performance, a new cab providing class-leading levels of comfort and all-round visibility, and a fully hydrostatic steering system – a first for a high-speed tractor – were among key features of the new 348hp JCB Fastrac 8330 that made its European debut at the Sima Show.
Together with the new 306hp Fastrac 8290, the flagship of the JCB Fastrac high-speed, high-productivity tractor range represents a significant increase in performance with heavy draft equipment, demanding PTO-driven implements and heavy trailers, tankers and spreaders. The 8330 is clearly the most productive Fastrac ever built, and thanks to new Type Approval compliance it can be supplied to all EU markets without its 70km/hr top speed being restricted.
The new-look machines share their styling and a number of features with the highly successful Fastrac 4000 Series tractors, which have maximum power outputs from 175hp to 235hp, but are clearly in a different performance league.
Both tractors are powered an 8.4-litre six-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers. In the Fastrac 8290, it develops peak output of 306hp, while the 8330 offers 348hp and 1,440Nm of torque at just 1,500rpm, enabling the tractor to hang-on when faced with an increasing load.
A multi-mode CVT transmission with bespoke JCB control software provides the operator with different powertrain control strategies for maximum performance, economy or consistent ground or PTO speeds. There’s even a choice of seamless speed adjustment or the unique powershift mode that adjusts ground speed in steps.
During heavy draft applications, JCB Activ Traction draws information from a radar speed sensor, hydraulics position control and cruise control to manipulate engine torque and maintain traction for the most cost-efficient performance, making the most of the Fastrac’s unique balanced weight distribution. In other situations, selective brake actuation prevents one wheel from spinning on a loose or uneven surface.
The tractors also feature JCB Hill Hold, which automatically keeps the service brakes applied after the operator has brought the tractor to a halt (at a road junction, for example, or on a hill in a field or on a farm track) and releases them only once the transmission is activated again and driver accelerates to move off.
Among new features is a unique dual-circuit hydrostatic steering system – another first for the Fastrac – that replaces the previous hydraulically-assisted mechanical design. In normal use, the new steering requires less effort at the wheel during low-speed manoeuvres without diminishing the precision required for high speed road travel. A transmission-driven emergency pump provides essential fail-safe protection.
The new steering system is compatible with satellite guidance for precision hands-free bout matching and comes with JCB Rapid Steer, which halves the number of steering wheel turns lock-to-lock when selected to make the operator’s life easier during headland and other manoeuvres below 10km/hr.
Other features such as the suspension on both axles and four-wheel external disc anti-lock (ABS) braking enable the JCB Fastrac 8290 and 8330 to operate securely on the road at up to 70km/hr. They’re the first agricultural vehicles – together with the three 60km/hr Fastrac 4000 Series tractors – to meet Europe-wide T1B Type Approval, which means they can now be supplied to all EU markets without their top speed being restricted – although operators are still obliged to observe national speed limits for such vehicles.
The new Command Plus cab introduced on the Fastrac 8290 and 8330 provides space, comfort and practicality in abundance, with deep door glass and side windows, and wide lower windscreen glazing, providing good visibility all round, as well as natural ventilation through the opening rear three-quarter windows.
Being able to swivel the driver’s seat 50 degrees to the right and 20 degrees left will be welcomed by operators needing to keep an eye on rear-mounted and trailed equipment, while the forward-raked cab structure not only adds to the sense of interior space but also improves visibility and cab access.
The JCB LiveLink telematics system is standard on the new Fastrac 8000 Series tractors, providing valuable location and operating information, as well as proactive service scheduling, remote fault finding and anti-theft features.
For more information visit: www.jcb.com.
