JCB has unveiled its new 3000 Series Fastrac high-speed tractors, offering customers even more productive and fuel efficient machines. The two new models are the 3200 Xtra and 3230 Xtra that feature: more fuel-efficient Stage IIIB engines; GPS Auto-steer preparation; a new Road Performance Package and ABS braking system; larger tyre size options; a rear hitch camera; new fender–mounted auxiliary spool control; and a new fender design to keep the cab windows cleaner.
The new 3200 and 3230 will be powered by Agco Sisu Power engines that have been specially developed to give the sustained high power and torque levels demanded in a heavy draft tractor. On the 3000 Series flagship 3230, torque has increased from 949 Nm to 1015 Nm. The engines feature a user–selectable ‘transport boost’ increasing the normal maximum power output of 195hp for the 3200 Xtra to 230hp, while the standard 230hpoutput of the 3230 Xtra is increased to 270hp).
The engines feature high–efficiency combustion with after treatment limited to SCR, avoiding the need for particulate filters. This technology also adopts the efficient use of the cooling pack, ensuring visibility to the front is maximised and service access is maintained. The most significant benefits for the end user are the improvements in fuel consumption and the reduced in-cab noise levels.
The machines feature a new Road Performance Package including Traction Assist and Hill Hold. A new anti-lock braking system (ABS) fitted to latest-spec tractors also makes life easier for the driver. The new braking system gives a proportional and smoother response to give greater control on firm, loose or icy surfaces. The new Traction Assist feature uses torque and brake control to prevent wheelspin when turning into a field gateway or pulling away on loose ground, for example. This new system works to maximise grip and minimise tyre wear on the road.
Hill Hold is another new feature that keeps the brakes on when the driver presses and then takes his foot of the brake pedal; they are automatically released when the tractor moves off, which makes hill starts easier to handle.
Both Fastrac models are being upgraded to 540/65R34 tyres all round as standard and a 600/70R30 with the same rolling circumference becomes the widest and tallest factory-fitted tyre option. New mudguards front and rear cover more of each tyre to reduce the amount of water and mud sprayed on to the cab and windows.
A new light–action bonnet with removable panels and right–hand, low–level service door provide effortless access for service and daily checks. For operator access, new larger steps make it even easier to get in and out of the cab.
While retaining the mechanical connection that gives the Fastrac positive steering control, the 3200 and 3230 Xtra now come Guidance Ready so that operators can easily add a full-feature auto-steer system.
“This will be a welcome feature that improves precision and makes the driver’s workload less tiring,” JCB‘s Richard Fox-Marrs said. “It will be especially useful for farmers and contractors who exploit the Fastrac’s unique qualities for spraying and spreading, as well as cultivation and sowing, and the Fastrac’s mid-mounted cab and smooth-riding suspension make it an ideal platform for the precise and reliable use of this GPS application.”
Auto-steer integrates with other automated features available through the touch-screen terminal introduced with the ‘Xtra’ specification last year. These include Headland Turn Assist, that allows up to 15 different control actions to be assembled and linked for instant or delayed reaction (determined by time or distance) into sequences for five different implements.
Adjustable flow rate and timing for remote hydraulic cylinders is available for both outward and return strokes – to help control big grass mower combinations, for example – using oil from a hydraulic system upgraded to load sensing status with a variable flow 60cc pump.
The new 3000 Fastracs will offer the option of a rear hitch camera, making it even easier to hitch up and monitor close coupled implements. In addition, a new fender-mounted auxiliary spool control option makes control of the new optional hydraulic top link a breeze.
JCB LiveLink will be available on Fastrac tractors and other JCB agricultural vehicles in the coming months to securely collect machine status and other data that owners can access online by computer or smart phone.
“With useful data on fuel usage, engine hours, time spent at idle and under load among the information collected, LiveLink will be a useful management tool, especially for operators running a sizeable fleet,” Mr Fox-Marrs said. “It will also be possible to call up a trace of a machine’s movements and set up a geo-fence that transmits an email and/or text alert if the machine moves out of the designated area – a welcome security feature.”
LiveLink can help compare the performance of similar machines, which could result in more timely replacement or changes in manpower and the way field and transport operations are organised.
With the owner’s consent, a nominated dealer can access selected information in order to monitor the machine’s well-being and alert the operator to an impending service deadline. Also, faults can be diagnosed remotely before a service van with the necessary tools and parts is dispatched to the machine’s current location.
“We’ll also be asking JCB users to play a part in future new product development,” Mr Fox-Marrs added. “Allowing us to collect selected data to create a more comprehensive and accurate picture of machine usage, duty cycles and maintenance requirements, will help JCB engineers even better products with greater levels of durability and productivity.”
The power and torque characteristics of the new engines are well matched to JCB’s own P-Tronic semi-powershift transmission, which was introduced on the 3200 Xtra and 3230 Xtra Fastrac in mid 2010.
It provides a progressive arrangement of 24 forward and nine reverse ratios, with six powershift steps (rather than just three with the previous transmission); automatic road and field shifting if required and a power shuttle for easy changes between forward and reverse.
Three different transmission settings give operators a choice of manual and two auto–shifting modes, including Drive, which is engaged for road travel to automatically shift between all 12 speeds available in the top two ranges. With Manual selected, the operator shifts through the powershift steps and ranges using the power shuttle joystick that comes as part of a seat-mounted control console also carrying electric remote hydraulic valve switches.
Engaging Autoshift for field work will automatically select the best ratio from the six powershift steps within any range. It reduces the driver’s workload and can result in greater productivity by ensuring the best transmission ratio is used at all times.
Further assistance on the road is provided by Xtra-Drive that allows the operator to ignore the clutch pedal once underway, even when slowing and stopping at a road junction. Only the brake pedal is needed – the transmission automatically controls the clutch; it then smoothly re-engages drive again when the accelerator pedal is pressed.
“It’s just like driving an automatic car,” Mr Fox-Marrs said. “But when precision control is needed to help hitch up an implement, using the clutch pedal over-rides the Xtra-Drive system.”
For more information visit: www.jcb.com.
