What to look for in a used 200hp CVT 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

What to look for in a used 200hp CVT tractor

Continuously 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.

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.

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 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 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.

Points to look out for

- Check smoothness from 0-50kph, as worn synchros on the four ranges can cause jumpiness, and it is a £6,000, box-out repair

- Any ‘creeping’ when stationary is caused by a failed stepper motor in the transmission

-Early electric spool failures needed the entire block to be swapped. Later models allowed for individual spool replacement

CASE IH

CASE IH’s original CVT design came from Austrian manufacturer Steyr, acquired by Case IH in 1996. It was one of the first on the market.

The first of the firm’s CVX models in this power bracket came with the introduction of the CVX 1190 with a 6.6-litre Sisu engine, which evolved into the Puma CVX 195 introduced in 2009, featuring a Stage 3, sixcylinder 195hp CNH engine.

The CVT was made up of four mechanical ranges, with all range changes done automatically through a pair of clutches. Able to be changed on the move, range changes can be felt in use, but should not be aggressive or clunky.

The Puma 185 CVX added a Stage 3b 185hp (234hp maximum) FPT engine with SCR and began production in 2011, so expect to find a high-houred – 6,000 hoursplus – model in our price bracket.

The popularity and reliability of this tractor means many seem to be kept as a backup, though it means values are well-held. Specification levels were generally high. Expect 50kph with air brakes, front axle and cab suspension, front linkage or weights and four spool valves. A highly effective exhaust brake also helps to boost service brake longevity.

Cotswold Farm Machinery salesman George Pople says: “Oil and filter changes are key. They are largely bomb-proof gearboxes and are simple to operate. They should accelerate and decelerate smoothly.”

If needed, the transmission unit can be withdrawn through the side of the tractor to avoid splitting. damaged the synchros leading to more fault codes and eventual failure.

Points to look out for

- Early models had solenoid failures on the transmission stepper motor, which caused the tractor to lurch when coming to a halt

- Multicontroller joysticks do wear, and stick position gets out-of-step with transmission setting, causing the tractor to jump and rock with lever movement during the last 5kph when slowing to a stop

-Front axle suspension can be costly to repair if poorly maintained, and fading red

- Noisy, worn brakes could impact on transmission longevity n Active fault codes should be investigated n If the front windscreen will not open past the bonnet, the cab has sunk on its mounts

Typical used prices

- 720: 2012, 10,907 hours, front linkage and pto, £49,750

- 820: 2008, 6,620 hours, £48,000

- 820: 2009, 9,000 hours, c/w Quicke loader £47,950

- 820: 2010, 14,000 hours, £33,000

These models pre-dated the Varioterminal, so a basic console with F-keys was fitted. For our £40,000 base budget, expect to see about 10,000 hours on the clock.

Shaun Baker, service manager at R.W. Crawford, says expect this age of tractor to require some attention on the transmission.

Longevity

“Oil and filters are cheap, but around 6,000 hours, budget for a transmission replacement. Find out as much as you can about how it has been looked after. A sympathetic operator is key to longevity, but a Vario transmission should be viewed as a wearing part.”

Active fault codes should be investigated. Where field/road transmission ranges have been selected on the move, this may have damaged the synchros leading to more fault codes and eventual failure.

Transmission repair is costly – the Vario gearbox is a cassettetype and these have to be removed and sent back to the factory for inspection and rebuild, typically costing £8,000-10,000.

“Drive the tractor and check the brakes for noise,” he says. “If badly worn, they can also damage the transmission, as it all sits in the same oil. And those who ignore the filter bypass warning light are asking for trouble.”

Intercooler pipes in front of the radiator could also leak, but are harder to spot without removing the radiator, while cab mounts simply wear out.

DEUTZ-FAHR

DEUTZ-FAHR’S more recent CVT model would be the 194hp (maximum power) 6190 TTV and buyers could probably secure a 2014/2015 model with high hours for about £40,000.

First introduced in 2012, the 6190 TTV offered an updated ZF transmission, which featured the Power Zero function, capable of holding the tractor and a trailed weight at a standstill – useful for pulling away on a hill without holding the footbrake.

Trailer stretch mode was another improvement, maintaining engine speed to run the pto for powerhungry jobs such as baling, but allowing the transmission speed to be maintained on a downhill gradient without using the brakes.

Richard Houghton, service manager of A.T. Houghton, says: “The ZF Ecomm box is a great transmission, but the electric parking brake needs to be checked and adjusted in the early stages of the tractor’s life to remain effective.”

A high standard specification included air braking and air cab suspension on all but the earliest models. They were also supplied ‘precision farming ready’ with the firm’s i-monitor screen.

On a tighter budget, the 223hp (maximum power) TTV 630 is also worth a look, although, given the age – it was produced from 2008- 2011 – many will have high hours. The TTV 630 also has the older i-monitor with eight-inch screen.

With a similarly high standard specification, this model used the ZF S-matic 240 transmission, available in two versions. The HD version was aimed at heavy draft work and the HS at high speed roadwork, with different software to produce 50kph at 1,250rpm on the latter.

Typical used prices

- 6190 TTV: 2014, 3,700 hours, 50kph, air brakes, four spool valves, £55,000

- 6190 TTV: 2014, 6,580 hours, front linkage and pto c/w MX loader, £45,000

- 6190 TTV: 2014, 5,377 hours 40kph, front linkage, front axle suspension, air-con, air system, load sensing hydraulics, £43,585

- TTV 630: 2010, 4,506 hours, front linkage and pto, front axle suspension, air-con, cab suspension, load sensing

Points to look out for

- Service history is key and the 1,000-hour services are essential

- Electric parking brake control cable can need adjustment to ensure it releases properly

- The pto pack sits in its own housing and is easy to remove for repair without splitting the tractor

JOHN DEERE

AT this price point in the John Deere camp, options include the AutoPowr-equipped 7930 or an early 6210R, built at Deere’s Waterloo and Mannheim plants respectively.

The 7930 was produced from 2007-2011 and used Deere’s own continuously variable transmission, with the 6210R (2012-2014) benefitting from a ZF transmission. The 7930 was powered by a Deere 220hp 6.8-litre common rail engine, while the 210hp 6210R used a Stage 3b power unit.

Expect to find a 7930 with 4,000- 5,500 hours for £40,000, although rare; a 6210R with 4,500-6,000 hours would be closer to £50,000.

Early models of the 6210R were offered with the CommandArm armrest control and electronic spools as an option rather than today’s standard fitment, so this is worth looking out for.

Many gained front axle and cab suspension, and came guidance-ready with headland management, with front linkages and ptos a less common option.

Scott Barclay, managing director of Sharmans, says: “The transmission oil change interval is essential with a CVT. And any form of service history will back up how either of these models have been looked after – but, in short, the CVT is pretty robust.

hydraulics, £39,937

Points to look out for

tey are becoming increasingly

Typical used prices

front axle and cab suspension, front linkage or weights and four spool valves. A highly effective exhaust brake also helps to boost service brake longevity.

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 modification and are generally viewed as robust.”

“That said, buying an older CVT tractor will also cost more to fix than its non-CVT equivalent.”

It is also worth checking if the seller had an extended warranty and service package.

In addition to supporting the tractor’s maintenance regime, those with fewer than 5,000 hours could see warranty transferred to the new owner.

Points to look out for

- Look for an extended warranty and service package which can be transferred

- Transmission oil change intervals hold the key to longevity. Make sure they have been done

- Check transmission functionality, smoothness and controllability

Typical used prices

- 7930: 2010, 8,560 hours, suspended front axle, front linkage, £44,000.

- 6210R: 2012, 8,000 hours, 50kph, front linkage and pto, front suspension, £46,000

- 7930: 2010, 5,117 hours four spools, Greenstar 3000 screen, £54,950

- 6210R: 2014, 5,568 hours, front axle and cab suspension, 40kph, AutoTrac ready, air brakes, Command arm, £56,000