New Holland is previewing a rear rubber-tracked version of its T8 tractor at SIMA 2015. Called SmartTrax, and shown on a T8435 (380/435hp), the option has been developed to fulfil the needs of customers who believe that track systems are right for their farming operation, but possibly see limitations in the twin track concept. SmartTrax combines the tractive advantages of track units with the manoeuvrability control of a front axle, and the ride comfort advantage of front axle suspension. A limited number of models will be evaluated in Europe this season ahead of a planned commercial launch for the new option at the end of the year. In North America, the SmartTrax option is also available on the T8.380 and T8.410. New Holland is also looking into the possibility of a track option for its T9 tractors. Speaking at the company’s SIMA show press conference, head of tractors Luca Mainardi  “We have a tracked solution for the T9 in North America (SmartTrax II), but it is not a big segment this side of the Atlantic,” he says. “The main focus in Europe is on the T8, which is a much bigger market, but there may be an opportunity for a rubber-track option on the T9 for the European market sometime in the future.”