JCB unveiled its new 3000 Series Fastrac high-speed tractors at Agritechnica 2011. The two models – the 3200 Xtra and 3230 Xtra – now feature Agco Sisu Power engines and meet the Stage IIIB emissions standards.
“These changes build on the P-Tronic Xtra transmission we introduced on these tractors last year to create one of the most sophisticated tractors available,” JCB Agriculture managing director Richard Fox-Marrs said. “These developments keep our most popular Fastrac models fresh and even more productive than before.”
The Agco Sisu Ppwer engines have been specially developed to give the sustained high power and torque levels demanded in a heavy draft tractor. On the flagship 3230, torque has increased from 949Nm to 1,015Nm, and the engines also feature a user selectable transport boost increasing the power output of 195hp for the 3200 Xtra to 230hp while the 230hp output 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 means a smaller cooling pack can be used, ensuring visibility to the front is maximised and service access is maintained.
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 wheel spin when turning into a field gateway or pulling away on loose ground. 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, while 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 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 GPS auto-steer system.
“This will be a welcome feature that improves precision and makes the driver’s workload less tiring,” Mr 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.”
The power and torque characteristics of the new engines are well matched to JCB’s own P-Tronic semi-powershift transmission, which was 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, which 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.
