JCB's latest version of its Fastrac has many extra features, reports MARK SAUNDERS
JCB'S new Fastrac Xtra features several major upgrades to the popular high-speed, multi-purpose farm vehicle.
On display in Victoria for the first time at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days recently, the Xtra 3230 has a 172kW Cummins diesel engine and a top speed of 65km/h.
JCB dealer Terry Michael from Michael's of Donald said the Xtra had received a warm welcome at the field days.
"The Fastrac is a high specification machine which is very popular with contractors," Terry said.
"The Xtra is the latest version and its hydraulics and transmission have been upgraded. The new model has certainly found favour with the people who have looked at it so far."
There are two models of Xtras available in Australia: the 3230 and the 3200.
The 3200 has a 150kW engine.
Both models now have the same transmission and closed centre hydraulics featured on JCB's 7000 and 8000 series tractors.
Terry said the closed centre hydraulics allocate hydraulic oil "on demand" or as power is required to use various implements.
"That load-sensing ability makes it much more efficient than an open centre design which has oil running all the time.
"The new transmission adds to the Fastrac's efficiency as it provides a smooth delivery of the tractor's power to its wheels."
The transmission is a 24-speed gearbox with six speeds in each of four ranges.
It's described by JCB as a P-tronic transmission which has a semi-power shift function that provides the driver with the ability to drive the Fastrac just like an automatic transmission car.
In Xtra Drive mode, the Fastrac will move forward by taking a foot off the brake and putting it on the accelerator.
The Xtra will then automatically run through all the gears changing gear depending on engine load.
There are two other driving modes for added flexibility and control for hitching implements.
A headland turn assist function has also been added which allows up to 15 tractor operations to be linked at the touch of a button.
"By programming a range of functions you can perform several tasks such as raising implements at the touch of a button.
"When you match the new transmission and hydraulics with the famous Fastrac centre-mounted cabin design and equal-sized wheel concept, you have a high powered machine for spreading, spraying and a multitude of hauling jobs," Terry said.
In the cabin there is plenty of room for two people with a dedicated passenger seat.
Cabin entry and exit can be made from both sides and the P-tronic transmission control is located in an ergonomic armrest as is a joystick which places control of the tractor at the driver's fingertips.
A large monitor is part of the arm rest to display all the tractor's key indicators and allow changes to them.
The airconditioning system has also been revised to improve de-misting performance and air flow in the cabin.
The airconditioning controls have been upgraded and have been relocated to above the driver on the right-hand side of the roof.
Terry said the high speed of the Xtra is matched with plenty of stopping power from four-wheel disc brakes that have dual callipers.
"The braking and handling is second to none and the Xtra comes standard with high output alternators, ample lighting options and air trailer brake couplings.
"The hydraulic oil flow rate is 132 litres a minute and the power take off has 1000 and 540rpm as standard."
The 6.7 litre Cummins diesel engine uses electronic fuel injection and Terry said it delivered plenty of torque throughout the rev range.
"You get plenty of grunt with a smooth power delivery. It really is very user friendly and loaded with modern features."
A rear-hinged bonnet provides easy access to the engine and cooling system and a 350-litre fuel tank allows plenty of time between refills.
