It wasn’t at the show last week, but New Holland used Agritechnica to announce that its five-model line-up of T9 Series tractors are now available with Auto Command. Developing maximum outputs ranging from 429 to 605hp with the range-topping T9.600 AC, the ZF-developed CVT is the same as that used in the Case IH Quadtrac CVXDrive tractors.
New Holland says the T9 AC never operates with less than 60% full mechanical drive, which says the firm, makes it extremely power efficient compared to other designs of CVT, while double clutch control further enhancing efficiency. Automated features allow the operator to simply dial in the desired working speed and the tractor will then take care of the rest, automatically optimising engine speed to reduce fuel consumption.
A PTO mode ensures that shaft speed is maintained through varying load conditions while the Cruise mode takes the T9 up to the target speed at the push of a button. During transport, the tractor quickly reaches a top speed of 40km/hr at a low-running 1650rpm engine speed. Auto Command also offers the Active StopStart safety feature that prevents the tractor moving backwards or forwards when it is brought to a standstill on a gradient, even with a heavy load.
“The ability to utilise full power at speeds as low as 500m/hr or with PTO applications, delivers possibilities that were previously not conceivable in this power class,” said Sean Lennon, head of the tractor product line. “This means a wide array of tasks such as slurry injection, bed tilling, grading, chaser bin operation, wood chipping, heavy cultivation, drilling and loading silage clamps can all now be performed with one machine.”
We understand the company is doing its best to bring a model to LAMMA in January. Failing that, expect to see it in the UK sometime towards the middle of next year.
