While CNH has improved its suspension performance, those with older tractors can also benefit from more comfort by swapping the standard mechanical setup for a pneumatic arrangement. British firm Superglide Suspension makes such a kit which can be fitted on farm, and this is how
Over the last 20 years tractor drivers have had the benefit of both front axle and cab suspension becoming commonplace. Taking the bumps, jolts, clanks and bangs out of both road and fieldwork, such systems have made long hours in the saddle infinitely more bearable. But it’s not just a comfort factor for the bum in the seat, by smoothing the ride they’ve also made life easier on the machine, reducing shock loads and fatigue on components upstream of the dampers. And crucially they’ve also made higher travel speeds possible, increasing workrates and efficiency.
Naturally how different manufacturers have approached the suspension conundrum has differed and over time various systems have evolved through various stages employing air, oil and mechanical springing to cushion the ride on rough, undulating terrain.
While some makes’ approaches are reckoned by operators to be better than others, ride quality is still very much a subjective thing based on the ‘feel’ of how a tractor handles. Dorset farmer, Jamie Hawkins has been a long-term fan of both front axle and cab springing for many of the reasons outlined above. Having always run blue tractors on the family farm (it would be hard not to when your brother owns a (the local) New Holland dealership) since suspension has been available on Basildon-built tractors he’s opted
for it.
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