Deutz-Fahr has entered the big league following the show-stopping launch of its AgroXXL tractor at this year’s Agritechnica. Still a prototype, the 600hp, eight-wheeled tractor has been developed in co-operation with German research company Deutsche Traktor Union.
Aimed at the Eastern European and CIS markets where large tractors with engines rated in excess of 400hp are required, Deutz-Fahr breaks new ground with the drive concept for its AgroXXL which, through use of an innovative eight-wheel-drive system, allows high engine power to be converted into effective traction – but not at the expense of excessive width.
The Deutz-Fahr AgroXXL has already been successfully used in an extensive range of testing trials, but is due to be subjected to many more rigorous tests in the ensuing months to ensure it meets the high quality and performance standards demanded by SDF.
The AgroXXL, has four driven axles and articulated steering. Both pairs of planetary oscillating axles are driven by propshafts and, to save fuel and tyre wear when driving on the road, drive to the rear pair of axles can be disengaged and re-engaged electronically. All four axles have differential locks to ensure maximum traction is always achieved.
An eight-wheel-drive system means that, depending on the type of tyres fitted, surface contact can match or even exceed that of a tracked tractor, reducing ground compaction and soil damage despite having a weight of 19.5t and a maximum permitted loaded weight of 32t.
The tractor’s articulated steering has a maximum angle of 40 degrees, which allows an inner turning radius of only 5.5m. Scuffing on the headlands is said to be negligible and, for those with narrow lanes to cope with, the AgroXXL has a maximum width of 2.85m. In the braking department, hydraulic, oil-cooled, multi-disc servo brakes are employed on all four axles.
Power for the AgroXXL is provided by a 16-litre, intercooled Deutz V8 turbodiesel engine rated at 600hp. Features of this engine include low noise emission, high torque of 2,800Nm at an engine speed of between 1,300-1,500 rpm, low fuel consumption and long intervals between oil changes.
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| Aimed at the Eastern European and CIS markets where large tractors with engines rated in excess of 400hp are required, Deutz-Fahr breaks new ground with the drive concept for its AgroXXL. |
The engine drives through a full-powershift transmission offering 18 forward and six reverse gears. In the main operating range of 5-13km/hr 10 gears are available, which can be changed seamlessly and smoothly. For rapid acceleration, there is a Kick-Shift function available which provides the option to jump gears. The maximum speed is 40km/hr and the gearbox is fitted with an electric parking brake.
The AgroXXL’s hydraulic system employs a load-sensing system and has four electronic auxiliary control units as a standard, with a further two available if specified. Oil delivery rate is 170 lit/min at an operating pressure of 200 bar.
With a three point hitch not part of the design – this machine is for pulling – implements are attached to an adjustable drawbar. The specification includes an automatic hitch and a ball hitch so that trailers can be easily attached and towed. A key feature of the AgroXXL, however, is a loading platform on the rear section – which can be used to carry seed, fertiliser or even a large sprayer unit – with a capacity of up to 12.5t.
For the operator, the cab offers a generous degree of space and furniture that is becoming of such a large tractor. The PowerCom control lever, iMonitor, air-conditioning and an ergonomically arranged layout of switches and levers helps to create a stress-free driving experience.
For more information visit: www.samedeutz-fahr.com.
