MACHINERY AND TRACTOR Used CVT tractors can be cost-efficient for farmers who like the idea of the benefits such a machine can bring. Jane Carley and Geoff Ashcroft look at typical options.
What to look for in a used 200hp CVT tractor
C
ontinuously variable transmissions (CVT) are now a popular choice for what has become the ‘workhorse’ on many a farm – the 200hp tractor. And an increasing number of popular models are now available on the
second-hand market for a keen budget of £40,000-£50,000, for those not prepared to spend a six-figure sum on a new model. At the lower price tag, tractors are likely to be first-generation higher powered CVTs, and this could see little in terms of extra
sophistication. Though do not let it put you off – they will still be a comfortable and convenient second tractor to newer models in the fleet. Like all used machinery, there are a few things worth looking out for, particularly if costly surprises are to be avoided further down the
line. And a few pointers from those in the know could help you secure a well-cared-for example. It would not be a CVT round-up without the stalwart of CVTs, Fendt, while Case IH, Deutz-Fahr, New Holland and John Deere have all left their mark on the sector.
FENDT INTRODUCED in 2006, the 820 Vario was considered a step forward from its 818 predecessor. As one of the first of the lighter-weight 200hp models, it used a 207hp Deutz Stage 3 engine offering generous torque. Fendt’s CVT offered a two-range unit (low and high), with manual change between the ranges. Standard specification was generous, including 50kph, air brakes, front axle and cab suspension, four spools, clever engine speed control, air conditioning and a heated driver’s seat. Options were few, but comprised front linkage and pto, plus a choice of wheels.
NEW HOLLAND PRODUCED from 2007-2011, AutoCommand versions of the T7040 are relatively rare, but the diligent buyer should find a decent example in our £40,000 budget. It was replaced by the T7.235 in 2011, which brought a Stage 3b, 6.7-litre FPT engine, though it needed AdBlue. Expect nearer to 10,000 hours for £40,000, or up to £50,000 for a lower-hour example of the T7. Options worth looking for are front linkage and pto, 50kph and air brakes, plus good tyres to put the power down, preferably 650/710 R42. T7.235 models also gained the Intelliview IV monitor and were often guidance-ready. Both the T7 and the T7040 used the same four-range transmission to give a blend of hydrostatic and mechanical drive, taking the tractor from 0-50kph without interruption. It nears 100 per cent mechanical 16 | JULY 2020
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Typical used prices n T7.235: 2012 5758 hours, front linkage and pto, 50kph, air brakes £42,500 n T7.235: 2013 7617 hours, front linkage and pto, 50kph, air brakes £38,750 n T7.235: 2013 5150 hours, air brakes £38,750 n T7040: 2011 5700 hours, air brakes £35,000 drive at about 5kph, 8kph, 12kph and 45kph, though there are no ranges for the operator to select. Richard Evans, of Battlefield Machinery, says: “T7040s used a circlip to hold selector forks on the transmission shift rail and they could fail, preventing range selection. Though, all should have been roll-pinned as a
Points to look out for
modification and are generally viewed as robust.” The CommandGrip joystick controller provides active stop feature, auto, pto and cruise control driving modes, and has been designed to appeal to the Fendt and Deere CVT operator by using a combination of joystick and thumb roller for transmission management.
n Check smoothness from 0-50kph, as worn synchros on the four ranges can cause jumpiness, and it is a £6,000, box-out repair n Any ‘creeping’ when stationary is caused by a failed stepper motor in the transmission n Early electric spool failures needed the entire block to be swapped. Later models allowed for individual spool replacement
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14/07/2020 15:02
