Fresh horses for 2023

Increased power and refinement, and greater connectivity and data management, are common themes among the latest tractors heading on-farm in 2023. Peter Hill gives a round up and finds out when the new ranges are coming to a dealer near you.

Deutz-Fahr 6.4

What’s new? Three Deutz-Fahr 6.4 Series tractors spanning 136-156hp are new from the ground up featuring SDF’s own engines, hydromechanical transmissions, axles and cabs.

They slot between the Treviglio-built 6C tractors of 120-143hp and the Lauingen-assembled 6 Series from 161-230hp as a light-weight platform capable of performing roles on both livestock and arable farms.

SDF’s own 3.85-litre FarMotion 45 engine is said to provide strong torque at relatively low revs, driving through the fully-stepless TTV transmission with cruise control, power zero (hill hold) and all the other characteristics of a CVT, or the lower-priced RVshift version that mimics a powershift with 20 forward, 16 reverse steps and a stepless creep option up to 5km/hr.

Three MaxiVision cab packages are available to which various SDF smart farming technologies can be added.

When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? Six to seven months.

Case IH Puma (LWB)

What’s new? Things to come for Case IH’s next Puma tractor upgrade are flagged up by the new range-topping Puma 260 CVXDrive with 280hp for draft work and up to 302hp for pto-driven implements. Stronger front and rear axles help cope with increased power and accommodate rear tyres up to 710/70 R42 standing 2.05m tall, increasing the contact patch by 18%.

It also sports a roomier cab with increased storage and better visibility, partly thanks to reprofiled mudguards, and there is regular semi-active hydro-pneumatic cab suspension or a new version that monitors rear hitch and front axle suspension activity to respond to changing surfaces. When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? Fourth quarter of 2023.

Deutz-Fahr 6.4

Model Max power - draft/boost

6130.4 136hp

6140.4 147hp

6150.4 156hp

Engine: 3.85-litre 4cyl SDF FarMotion - DOC, DPF, SCR - Stage V

Case IH Farmall A / Farmall C

What’s new? The most basic tractor series in the Case IH range has 90hp and 100hp additions to the current 55-75hp trio. A new four-pillar cab brings air conditioning as standard and 77dB(A) noise level, a wider roof window/sun-hatch, an air suspension seat, USB socket and a phone holder.

The newcomers sport a 600-hour serviced four-pot engine coupled to a 12x12 regular or 20x20 creep transmission with either a synchro or power shuttle. Hydraulic resources are especially generous for this size of tractor thanks to an 82l/min gear pump (plus steering pump) and up to three spool valves.

The same system features on revamped Farmall C models with the ManualDrive 12x12 powershuttle models now identified as Farmall C Selection to distinguish them from the higher-spec Advanced versions with the 24x24 ActiveDrive 2 unit.

There are modest increases in fuel and AdBlue tank capacity beneath the six-post cab with revised interior, and a heavier-spec front axle to support loader work with diff lock and disc brakes. Rear linkage lift capacity has grown from 4.4 to 5.0 tonnes. When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? Farmall A – due first-quarter 2023; Farmall C – first units due second quarter 2023; Advance versions at dealers now.

Case

A 90hp

100 A 100hp

100 C Selection 101hp

110 C Selection 110hp

Case IH Vestrum

What’s new? Improved CVT transmission ‘driveability’, more electric remote valves available, higher-spec AFS Pro 700 Plus display, greater ‘screen wiper coverage.

Case IH’s most compact stepless tractor has undergone a number of upgrades and enhancements, not least more refined driving characteristics as a result of tweaking the CVXDrive powertrain control software. This has resulted in greater forward/reverse shuttle and acceleration/deceleration response, more refined accelerator pedal and Multicontroller input and cruise control over-ride via the accelerator pedal.

Operators can now have up to four electric spools (previously, only mechanical or a mixture was possible) for the 110l/min hydraulics, which delivers a 5.6 tonne rear lift and 2.3 tonne front lift performance. In the revamped cab, fit and finish is said to be improved and the latest AFS Pro 700 with sharper display, mark-resistant glass screen, increased memory and faster operation improves access to precision farming and other functions. Other new kit includes a monitor rail with two USB sockets and optional RAM mount and/or mobile phone holder, while wiper performance is improved by a 65% increase in coverage. When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? Expected April/May 2023.

Case IH Vestrum

Model Max power - draft/boost

100 110hp

110 120hp

120 130hp

130 140hp

Engine: 6.7-litre 6cyl FPT NEF; DOC, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: PowerDrive (Puma 185 to 220) - CNH 19x6/18 or 29x12/18 50km/hr; CVXDrive (Puma 240 to 260) - CNH stepless 50kph

Hydraulics: Variable flow piston pump 150 or 170l/min

Transmission: RVshift - SDF 20 x 16 40/50km/hr (stepless creep optional) or TTV - SDF stepless 40/50km/hr

Hydraulics: RVshift - Gear pump 90l/min or piston pump 120l/min plus steering pump; TTV - piston pump 120l/min plus steering pump

120 C Selection 117hp

Engine: 3.6-litre 4cyl FPT F5 - DOC, DPF - Stage V

Transmission: ManualDrive - CNH 12x12 40km/hr or 20x20 creep

Hydraulics: Gear pump 63- or 83l/min plus 36l/min steering pump

Engine: 4.5-litre 4cyl FPT NEF - EGR, DOC, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: CVXDrive - CNH stepless 40km/hr

Hydraulics: Piston pump 110l/min plus 36l/min steering pump

Fendt 700 Vario Gen7

What’s new? Pretty much everything except the cab – ie engine, cooling system, transmission – on the seventh generation Fendt 700 Vario, a ‘mini me’ package reflecting the style and technologies pioneered by the 1000 and 900 Vario. But there is also exclusive new tech in the form of AgcoPower’s all-new Core 7.5-litre six-cylinder engine, with 203-303hp outputs.

Fendt’s low-speed concept aims to save fuel by running the engine at low revs; rated engine speed is only 1,700rpm (rather than the more common 2,200rpm), with peak torque for the 283/303hp 728 Vario generated at just 1,300rpm and the new 60km/hr top speed at 1,450rpm, 50km/hr at 1,200rpm. The integrally-managed powertrain also includes a single-stage Vario transmission that drives the front wheels only when needed and with automatic variable torque delivery to the front and rear axles.

When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? Third quarter of 2023. Driving impression – see profi November 2022.

JCB Fastrac Icon

What’s new? Invisible updates for the 4000 and 8000 tractors include a new fully auto driving mode – Smart Transmission Control – and the ability to switch from joystick to pedal speed control without preselecting, just by using either input.

But inside the cab, there is the very visible upgrade of the all-new Icon seat-mounted control console complete with 12in touchscreen display for tractor settings, ISObus implement set-up and control, GPS guidance and numerous other functions. Individual operators can set-up their own profiles for multiple implements and recall those settings from memory, and there is flexibility in allocating spool valves to different controls.

When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? Some dealers have stock, otherwise around six months.

Driving impression – see profi July 2022.

John Deere 5ML

What’s new? With lots of tech and equipment options for a high-spec orchard tractor, the new John Deere 5ML complements the narrower 5G series machines updated recently, with the stand-out novelty being an AutoTrac guidance display integrated into the instrument panel behind the steering wheel.

The separate Gen 4 display is an option, though, for owners wanting to access more precision farming functions, including documentation, and the option to use the new 1ClickGo AutoSetup function first seen on the latest 6R tractors.

Individual tasks set-up in John Deere’s Cloud-based Operations Center include a location so the details (such as product and spray rate) automatically pop up on the in-cab display when the tractor enters the field or orchard.

When can I order one? Now

When can I expect delivery? Expected mid-2023

Kioti HX

What’s new? The three model Kioti HX series is South Korean manufacturer Daedong Group’s largest and most powerful tractor to date. All are powered by an in-house 3.8-litre four-pot engine tuned for maximum outputs of 91hp, 101hp and 116hp for draft work and road travel, automatically increasing to 100hp, 111hp and 127hp when powering a pto-driven implement.

Power and torque go through the manufacturer’s own transmission –a power shuttle, two-speed powershift design with creep giving 32 speeds in both directions – and axle assemblies.

When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? First orders have arrived; dealer stock arriving January 2023 onwards.

Driving impression – see profi February 2023.

Engine: 7.5-litre 6cyl AgcoPower AP75 - DOC, DPF, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: VarioDrive - AGCO Fendt single-range stepless 60km/ hr with variable power/torque delivery to front and rear axles

Hydraulics: Piston pump 165 or 220l/min

Engine: 4000 - 6.6-litre 6cyl AGCO Power; 8000 - 8.4-litre 6cyl AGCO Power. DOC, DPF, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: AGCO AVT two-range stepless - 4000 60km/hr, 8000 65km/hr

Hydraulics: 4000 - Piston pump 195l/min; 8000 - Piston pump 178l/min

Engine: 4.5-litre 4cyl Deere PowerTech; EGR, DOC, DPF, SCRStage V

Transmission: Powrquad - Deere 16x16 36km/hr or Powr8 - Deere 32x16 40km/hr

Hydraulics: Gear pump 117l/min

Kioti HX Series

Model Max power - draft/boost

HX 9010 PC 91hp / 100hp

HX 1001 PC 101hp / 111hp

HX 1201 PC 116hp / 127hp

Engine: 3.8-litre 4cyl Kioti - Stage V

Transmission: Kioti 32x32/2 creep 40km/hr

Hydraulics: Gear pump 74l/min plus 46l/min steering

Kubota M6001 Utility

What’s new? More options enhance the spec and capabilities of Kubota’s M6001 Utility tractors, which replaced the MGX-IV in 2022 with a fivemodel range from 104-143hp.

Front axle suspension, previously available only for the most powerful model, is now available on all, while a 2.8 tonne front linkage and 1,000prm pto package add to versatility and productivity. The two smallest sit on a 2.54m wheelbase and use Kubota’s 3.8-litre diesel, while the 123hp, 133hp and 143hp models have the 6.1-litre four-pot and a 2.68m wheelbase, powering through Kubota’s Intelli-Shift transmission with eight powershift steps in three ranges.

When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? Available from dealer stock, subject to spec requirements.

Kubota M6001 Utility

Model Max power - draft/boost

M6-101U 104hp

M6-111U 111hp

M6-121U 123hp

M6-131U 133hp

M6-141U 143hp

Engine: M6-101U and M6-111U - 3.8-litre; M6-121U to M6-141U6.1-litre. 4cyl Kubota - EGR, DOC, DPF, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: Intelli-Shift - Kubota 24x24/8 or 32x32/8 creep 40kph

Hydraulics: M6-101U and M6-111U - Gear pump 71l/min; M6-121U to M6-141U - Gear pump 77l/min

Kubota EK1-261 / LXe-261

What’s new? The 24hp EK1-261 is the result of an Indian joint-venture between Escorts Group and Kubota, while the LXe-261 is the Japanese manufacturer’s first electric compact in Europe.

A Lithium-ion battery pack said to be good for three to four hours of continuous run time and a one-hour top-up charge powers the LXe-261 through a hydrostatic transmission with forward and reverse selection and speed control through a rocker pedal.

The EK1-261, meanwhile, has a three-cylinder diesel engine serving up 24hp to drive a 9x3 constant mesh dry clutch gearbox, two-speed 540/540E power take-off and a hydraulic system serving the 750kg capacity rear linkage and one double-acting spool valve.

When can I order one? EK1-261 – Now; LXe-261 – Not yet.

When can I expect delivery? EK1-261 available from dealer stock; LXe261 – beyond 2023.

Landini 6H T-Tronic

What’s new? Stage V emissions requirements prompted Argo Tractors to replace Deutz with FPT power for the Landini 6H, which now comes with two rather than three power outputs, and with more torque and 10% better fuel consumption, according to Argo. Further spec upgrades include a near-12% increase in fuel tank capacity and a switch from a 66l/min gear pump to 110l/min piston pump hydraulics – partly for livelier loader operation – plus a larger 38l/minute steering gear pump. New electronics infrastructure, meanwhile, accepts a selection of guidance solutions, ISObus implement controls, and telematics data collection.

When can I order one? Now

When can I expect delivery? Dealer stock and retailed units from April.

Landini 6H

Model Max power - draft/boost

6-125H 119hp

6-135H 126hp

Engine: 3.6-litre 4cyl FPT F5 - EGR, DOC, DPF, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: Argo Tractors 36x12/3, 48x16/3 creep, 12x12 or 16x16 creep 40km/hr

Hydraulics: Piston pump 110l/min plus 38l/min steering

Massey Ferguson 8S

What’s new? Higher horsepower editions of the 8S series tractors are now coming through the production pipeline, with the 285hp 8S.285 boosting to 305hp available with Dyna-7 28x28/7 and all-new 28-speed Dyna E-Power transmissions. It can also be had with the established Dyna-VT two-stage stepless drive, which is the sole transmission available in the new 305hp 8S.305 range-topper.

In all cases, there is a choice of 205l/min piston pump hydraulics output at engine rated speed, or an Eco option delivering that flow at a lower engine speed for greater economy.

When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? 8S.285 is in dealer stock, new orders six to seven months; there are limited 8S.305 Dyna-VT stocks at dealers and more on order; new orders sometime in 2024.

Tractor Test (8S.265) – see profi October 2022.

Massey Ferguson 8S

Model Max power - draft/boost

8S.205 205hp / 225hp

8S.225 225hp / 245hp

8S.245 245hp / 265hp

8S.265 265hp / 285hp

8S.285 285hp / 305hp

8S.305 305hp

Engine: 7.4-litre 6cyl AGCO Power - EGR, DOC, DPF, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: 8S.205 to 8S.285 - Dyna-7 AGCO 28x28/7, Dyna

E-Power AGCO 28x28/28 50km/hr; all models - Dyna-VT AGCO AVT two-stage stepless 50km/hr

Hydraulics: Piston pump 150l/min or 110l/min; or 205l/min at rated engine speed or Eco reduced engine speed

New Holland T7 PLM (LWB)

What’s new? With 280hp at its disposal for all draft work, and up to 300hp from auto ‘boost’, the T7.300 PLM Auto Command is now the most powerful model in the T7 line-up. It highlights numerous upgrades for the T7 LWB (long wheelbase) Auto Command models, including the more spacious and quieter Horizon Ultra cab with steering wheel instrument display, and new Comfort Ride active suspension option. PLM Intelligence precision farming applications and connectivity also feature, including ISObus TIM (implements can operate certain tractor

McCormick X7

What’s new? Latest McCormick X7 VT-Drive tractors come with Smart Power Zero, enabling the ZF stepless transmission to automatically hold the tractor on a slope. It automatically applies the brakes on any trailed equipment to ensure a secure hill hold and releases them as the tractor moves off when prompted by the accelerator pedal or multi-function joystick. EazyGrip tyre pressure monitoring and inflation management is a new option operated by ISObus through the X7’s Data Screen Manager display; likewise, the central greasing system that lubricates all locations from a single inlet.

When can I order one? Now

When can I expect delivery? Stock arriving now; new orders April.

McCormick X7

Model Max power - draft work

X7.418 Premium 166hp / 175hp

X7.618 Premium 166hp / 175hp

X7.621 Premium 200hp / 210hp

X7.623 Premium 215hp / 225hp

X7.624 Premium 230hp / 240hp

Engine: X7.418 - 4.5-litre 4cyl; X7.618 to X7.624 - 6.7-litre 6cyl; FPT NEF - DOC, SCRof - Stage V

Transmission: VT-Drive - ZF four-stage stepless 50km/hr

Hydraulics: Piston pump 160l/min plus 52-litre (X7.418) or 44l/min (X7.618 to X7.624) steering gear pump functions) and new IntelliField information sharing among up to six tractors in the same field.

A new hydraulics circuit reduces connections by 30% and introduces high flow electronic remote spool valves that can be disconnected under pressure, along with test ports for more rapid fault finding.

When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? First units should now start arriving at dealers.

Driving impression – see profi December 2022.

New Holland T7 LWB PLM Auto Command

Model Max power - draft/boost

T7.230 200hp / 225hp

T7.245 220hp / 245hp

T7.260 240hp / 260hp

T7.270 260hp / 270hp

T7.300 280hp / 300hp

Engine: 6.7-litre 6cyl FPT NEF - DOC, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: Auto Command - CNH four-stage stepless 50km/hr

Hydraulics: Piston pump 150-litre or 170l/min plus 60l/min steering gear pump

New Holland T5S / T5 Utility

What’s new? A pair of T5S tractors join New Holland’s varied ‘utility’ line-up below revamped versions of the T5 Utility Powershuttle, and despite being lower-spec in base form, the T5S models can be kitted out with ISObus, telematics and guidance.

All share a 2,350mm wheelbase, a base weight of around 4.0 tonnes and FPT’s 3.6-litre F36 diesel motor but differ in overall dimensions, maximum operating weights (6.5 versus 7 tonnes), and the T5 Utility’s heavier-duty axles and taller tyres. A new 82l/min gear pump (plus 26l/min for steering) is shared, giving 4.4 tonne lift on the T5S and an increase from that figure to 5.0 tonnes for the T5 Utility.

When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? T5S – second or third quarter 2023, some units in dealer stock first quarter; T5 Utility Powershuttle – fourth quarter 2023; some dealer stock from second or third quarter.

Valtra Q

What’s new? The Q Series of five models from 230/250hp to 305hp fills a significant gap in the Valtra range between the T and S series, using an AGCO powertrain and a hefty hydraulics package with 10 tonne rear lift and optional 4.8 tonne front assembly.

Connectivity is a major focus – guidance is a given but there is also U-Pilot headland management initiation triggered by the headland location and SmartTurn, which automates headland steering as well, with different turn patterns selectable. Connect telematics, ISObus, TaskDoc Pro documentation and Agrirouter (a universal data transfer link) are also available, while Valtra Unlimited offers factory-fitted accessories and specialist equipment, and Unlimited Studio such kit as auto central lubrication, ISObus tyre inflation management, LED light bars and cab interior fixtures and accessories.

When can I order one? Now.

When can I expect delivery? Available from dealer stock. Driving impression – see profi October 2022

New Holland T5S / T5 Utility Powershuttle

Model Max power - draft/boost

T5.90 S 90hp

T5.100S 100hp

T5.80 Utility 80hp

T5.90 Utility 90hp

T5.100 Utility 100hp

T5.110 Utility 110hp

T5.120 Utility 117hp

Engine: 3.6-litre 4cyl FPT F5 - EGR, DOC, DPF, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: T5S - CNH synchro or power shuttle 12x12 or 20x20 creep 40km/hr; T5 Utility - CNH power shuttle 12x12 or 20x20 creep 40km/hr

Hydraulics: Gear pump 82l/min plus 36l/min steering gear pump

Valtra Q

Model Max power - draft/boost

Q225 230hp / 250hp

Q245 245hp / 265hp

Q265 265hp / 290hp

Q285 285hp / 305hp

Q305 305hp

Engine: 7.4-litre 6cyl AGCO Power - EGR, DOC, DPF, SCR - Stage V

Transmission: AGCO Power AVT two-stage stepless 50km/hr

Hydraulics: Piston pump 200l/min at engine rated speed or at reduced engine speed with Eco option