Reviews, Tractors

Top Tractor Shoot Out 2015 – Models revealed

The wait is over- we reveal the six tractor models that will face the ultimate showdown next week in the 2015 NFM-Farm Trader Top Tractor Shoot Out.

A tractor shootout simply cannot do without the presence of some big names; so we have called upon the industry big guns to put their best models forward for the shootout.

Over three days, four judges from Farm Trader and New Farm Machinery magazines will put these tractors through their paces and evaluate every single aspect of the machines; from the cab and engine to loading ability and pulling power. 

 

The brief:

6 cylinder tractors in the $140,000 price range

 

The contenders:

Case IH Puma 160

Puma CVXEP_3

This 160hp workhorse from Case IH allows for broadacre cropping as well as utility and livestock work. It comes with a Full Powershift Transmission that uses a patented torque-sensing system on the tractor flywheel to measure engine speed and transmission torque loading.

More recently, Case IH released the line-up with continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Case IH takes pride in its in-cab environment which the company claims to be one of the most comfortable on the market, as well as the quietest in its class.

Other features:

  • 6.7L FPT engine with Engine Power Management, Efficient Power and SCR
  • SurroundVision cab
  • MultiControl armrest and handle for an ergonomic operation

 

Massey Ferguson 7615 Dyna 6

Masseyferguson _mf 7600series _6

This model from Massey Ferguson’s multi award-winning 7600 series looks set to be a serious contender. It features a maximum horsepower of 175hp, supplied by an advanced 2nd generation Agco Power engine with SCR technology.

Its Dyna-6 semi-powershift transmission features 24 forward gears and 24 reverse gears to give farmers maximum efficiency.

A new Speedsteer function aims to reduce operator effort and provide faster turns at headlands. It enables the operator to adjust the steering ratio and select the number of turns of the steering wheel required for a given amount of steering angle turns.

Other features:

  • Diesel Oxidation Catalyser, working with the SCR technology to reduce emissions
  • Redesigned Panorama cab with side-opening windows.
  • Agcommand telemetry system fir fleet and vehicle monitoring

 

John Deere 6150M with Triple-link suspension (TLS)

JD6150M

Relatively new to the market, John Deere’s 6150M tractor features a 6.8-litre US EPA Interim Tier 4 compliant John Deere PowerTech PVX engine offering 150hp.

The tractor’s unique Triple-Link Suspension (TLS) reduces operator fatigue by minimising vibrations while the tractor is travelling. 

In addition, John Deere has designed the cab to offer increased comfort for the operator, with features such as an air-suspension operator’s seat, radio, backup alarm and storage.

Other features:

  • Full frame design with 2.765 mm wheelbase
  • Optional John Deere GreenStar display
  • PFC hydraulic system with 114 L/min of flow to the remotes

 

Claas Arion 630 CIS

Claas Arion 630CIS

German ag-machinery specialist Claas will be putting forward its Arion 630 CIS model with 150 maximum horsepower for the shootout. Featuring a DPS 6-cylinder Common Rail engine, Claas promises the Arion 630 CIS to be the ultimate companion on the farm.

The Quadrishift transmission on the model offers four powershift speeds to carry out tasks around the farm with minimal loss of power. In addition, this model features the Claas Information System (CIS)that controls the transmission, engine speed and electronic spool valves automatically.

A four-point suspension cab on the machine that is fully isolated from the chassis means the impact and vibration from the drive will not reach the driver, ensuring optimum comfort.

Other features:

  • Long wheelbase for high traction
  • Up to ten work lights
  • Air conditioner

 

Deutz-Fahr Agrotron M600

Deutz -Fahr -Agrotron -M600-Summit -1

Also hailing from Germany, the Deutz-Fahr Agrotron M600 offers a maximum power of 141hp from its Tier 3-compliant Deutz engine with common rail electronic fuel injection. It is B100 compatible, meaning it can use mixtures of standard diesel and biodiesel fuel or 100 per cent biodiesel. 

It is equipped with the ZF Powershift transmission with 40 forward and 40 reverse speeds; and can achieve a maximum speed of 50km/h.

The hydraulic system on the Agrotron M tractors is a permanent open centre system with an 83 l/min gear pump feeding external applications via eight-way distributors with detent, kick-out, float and flow regulator functions.

Other features:

  • Panoramic cab with mechanical cab or air-sprung suspension systems.
  • Four PTO speed modes – 540rpm, 1,000rpm, plus ECO modes for both.
  • Multifunction armrest with PowerComS joystick for all primary functions of the tractor

 

New Holland T6070 elite

New _holland _t 6000cab _8

Last but not least, the famous tractor brand of blue and yellow- New Holland will be entering its T6070 Elite 141hp tractor for the 2015 Top Tractor Shoot Out.

The largest in its range, the T6070 Elite features the ElectroCommand semi-powershift transmission  with cluthchless gear changes designed to reduce fatigue. With the addition of the Active Electro Command, gear shifting is automatically taken care of.

The Elite range features electronic common rail engines as standard with engine power boost for maximum efficiency and economy. An Engine Speed Management (ESM) feature precisely fuels the engine to accommodate fluctuations in load to maintain the desired engine speed; great for baling or yard work.

Other features:

  • Horizon cab with 360 degree view
  • Headland turn sequencing system that record and store up to 28 sequenced operations.
  • Closed centre load sensing (CCLS) hydraulic system that provides up to 113Lpm of hydraulic performance

 

The 2015 New Farm Machinery-Farm Trader Top Tractor Shoot Out will take place at the South Island Field Days in Kirwee, New Zealand from March 25 to 27.

In addition to an overall winner, several other awards including Best Cab, Best Innovation, Best Engine and Best Value for Money will be handed out to the deserving winners.

Stay tuned for all the action online, at the TradeFarmMachinery.com.au Facebook page, as well as in New Farm Machinery magazine. 

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