Reviews, Tractors

REVIEW: New Holland T6080 tractor

Jaiden Drought tests out New Holland’s T6080 Elite with full specs and a large range of features.

We test a New Holland’s T6080 Elite with full specs and a large range of features

New Holland’s Electro Command transmission was first released in 1994, in the original 40 series SLE models and has since been though through the TS, TSA and now T6000 series “Plus” tractors.

The T6000 has recently had a major revamp with the Delta, Plus and Elite models being shuffled around.

The Delta models are being scrapped and the lower spec’d models are named Plus, but you can add options like front and cab suspension, for example, to the six model-line-up in both four and six-cylinder configurations.

The Elite models will stay the same (top spec version), but in addition to this a new model has been added to the range. The 165hp T6090, which peaks at just over 200hp with power boost, will take the place of the T6080 as the range topping model, with five six-cylinder models available that benefit from common rail fuel injection and 36hp of boost available.

A new bonnet and exhaust stack will grace the T6030, 6050, 6070, 6080 and 6090 Range Command or Power Command models. In addition to this, the soon to be released Auto Command option will add a CVT transmission into the range – a useful option for crop farmers and contractors on precision jobs.

 

New Holland T6080 Elite: The Machine

New Holland T6080 Elite Tractor 2

Marc Gopperth’s 169hp (boosting to 193hp) T6080 Elite has had the fuel system remapped (once out of warranty), which turns the boost on permanently. There is just over 190hp on tap for when the going gets tough.

In addition, the front blade and weights add up to over two tonnes on the front linkage to keep the nose on the ground. I thought it performed very well on the power harrow in both virgin and worked ground.

 

New Holland T6080 Elite Engine and transmission

New Holland T6080 Elite Tractor Engine

All five new models in the Elite range inherit New Holland’s six-cylinder NEF engine complete with common rail electronic fuel injection and four valves per cylinder to achieve Tier III compliance. New Holland engines have two features that improve efficiency and consistency.

The first is Electronic Power Management (EPM), where the common rail engine ensures each individual injector unit runs at maximum efficiency. Coupled with electronic engine management, this allows for the boost feature to offer an additional 34hp in PTO or transport applications.

The second key engine feature is engine speed management (ESM). This allows the operator to set a desired engine speed using the boost feature, which will keep that speed constant even when conditions change.

The test tractor had the top of the line range command transmission with 19 forward and six reverse gears. The 19/6 transmission is available in either 40km Eco or 50km versions. In this case it was the 50km version, which comes standard with Terraglide front axle suspension (with internal hub braking) and Comfort ride cab suspension.

The flexibility of the transmission is very good. With the Power Command version you have unobstructed shifting from gear one through to 19; and with the auto feature the transmission does all the work for you.

 

New Holland T6080 Elite cab and controls

New Holland T6080 Elite Tractor Controls

The large four-pillar cab is open, light and well laid out.

I liked the armrest. It is basic, uncomplicated and practical, and incorporates the transmission control, throttle, draft controller and a cup holder.

The transmission controller is in a very comfortable position, and you have the linkage raise and lower switch, gear shift up and down and headland management button all under your thumbs control.

Our test tractor was equipped with the “Intelliview II” monitor, which is also ISO BUS ready.

I have a couple of gripes about the cab – the light grey colour could be prone to marking quickly, and the air conditioning controller is tucked away on the back left-hand pillar.

The revamped T6000 series gives you the option to spec your tractor with the SideWinder II armrest, with a touch screen IntelliView III monitor, shuttle shift, gear change, linkage, headland management and two electronic remotes at your fingertips.

 

New Holland T6080 Elite PTO and Hydraulics

New Holland T6080 Elite Tractor Back

Changing your PTO speed between 540, 540E and 1000 is easy and quick using the stick on the right-hand side at the rear of the cab.

Auto PTO is another great feature that automatically engages or disengages the PTO as the rear linkage is raised above a pre-set point. This protects the PTO shaft and tractor. The system will also re-engage drive as the linkage is lowered.

A solid 113L/min hydraulic pump is standard along with a maximum lift capacity rated at just over eight tonnes.

I liked the fact the linkage arms are longer than most other tractors, which allows you to get between the rear wheel and the implement to safely adjust and hitch successfully.

The four rear remotes are operated by Electro hydraulic remote valves. Each lever has individual flow control and timing to each valve can be adjusted from in the cab.

 

New Holland T6080 Elite Suspension

The “Terraglide” front suspension and “Comfort Ride” cab suspension both come as standard on all 50km Range Command T6000 tractors, however by having the higher speed transmission you negate the ability to have the super steer front axle. In this instance the cab suspension still remains.

New Holland needs to up its game in the front suspension department, as until the four-tonne power harrow was placed on the back the front axle hadn’t moved even when on the road.

This was also the case with the T7050, however the Styer-based T7500 series front suspension is very good.

 

New Holland T6080 Elite Servicing

Six-hundred-hour service intervals is double some of its competitors, which means lower running costs and down time. Access to the engine and all service points including the radiator were very easy, with the one-piece bonnet lifting high to make daily checking light work.

The rear transmission oil level is observed with a site glass. The engine oil level doesn’t have a traditional dipstick, instead it is mounted inside the filling cap.

 

The Verdict

  • Smooth cab suspension
  • Excellent visibility
  • Full power shift transmission
  • Long linkage arms allow easy and safe hitching of implements
  • 600-hour service intervals
  • Excellent power to weight ratio of 28kg/hp

 

New Holland T6080 Elite Specifications

Engine type: New Holland (Developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies – FPT)

Number of cylinders: 6

Engine power (hp) Rated: 155hp (Max Boosted 174hp)

Max torque (Nm): 690 @ 1400engine rpm

PTO speeds: 3 speed

Transmission type: Full Powershift

Speeds: 19F x 6R

Speed range (km/h): 40kph, 40kph Eco, 50kph

Hydraulic system: Closed Centre Load Sensing (CCLS)

Pump type: Variable Displacement Piston Pump

Max L/min: 113L/min + 40L/min Steering Pump

Three point linkage: CAT 2/3

Brake type: Wet Plate Disc / Hydraulic Action

Steering type: 2 x Rams Balanced

Rear axle: Flange std (Bar axle optional)

Front axle: Class 4 axle (4500kg Capacity)

Height (mm): 3140mm

Wheel base (mm): 2662mm

Turning circle (mm): 5450mm (std axle & suspended) – 4950mm SuperSteer

Min width (mm): 2180mm

 

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Photography: Jaiden Drought

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