New Holland’s local tractor offering is ready for 2024 and beyond – expanding its T7 long wheelbase range while upgrading its T9 SmartTrax selection
Upgrades and expansion to its T7 and T9 tractor ranges have New Holland ready to deliver to a wider section of Australian buyers.
The new machines were first showcased to New Holland dealers at a preview in March before making their public debut at April’s FutureAg expo in Melbourne.
New Holland’s Precision Land Management Intelligence (PLMi) is a standout on the next-generation T7 and T9 tractors, along with a host of other features and new models designed to broaden the appeal of these already-popular tractors even further.
Seventh heaven
The first of New Holland’s moves has been the revised T7 PLMi Long Wheelbase range, headlined by a new flagship model – the T7.300.
This new model ticks all the boxes Australian farmers look for in a new tractor – more power, more technology and more comfort.
It delivers best-in-class power to weight ratio, the manufacturer says, while still maintaining the dimensions and manoeuvrability of other models in the series.
New Holland’s ag product and portfolio manager Ben Mitchell says the T7.300 was introduced following customer requests for a heavier and bigger framed tractor with more power but the same manoeuvrability.
“We took up their challenge and developed the new T7.300 which delivers greater engine power with larger tyres for increased traction, while maintaining the same overall dimensions of the existing T7 models,” Mitchell says.
“It’s designed for operators accruing high operating hours each season, looking for an efficient and reliable all-rounder, with the latest in cutting edge technology.
“Features of the latest model include a FPT six-cylinder engine that delivers 280hp maximum power for draft work and 300hp for Power Take-Off (PTO) and haulage tasks.”
An 18 per cent increase in fuel capacity will mean more time in the field for farmers and contractors.
It is also the first New Holland tractor to be fully ISOBUS Tractor Implement Management certified, which allows two-way communication between the tractor and implement and for the implement to control the tractor.
Integrated large square baler control helps optimise interaction between the tractor and a baler, resulting in a more consistent PTO speed along with a 15 per cent reduction in cabin movement and a 12 per cent reduction in fuel consumption while baling.
The T7.300’s efficiency is further bolstered by an upgraded version of the manufacturer’s popular Auto Command transmission, while the operator experience has been considered.
“It also offers new levels of comfort, such as the Horizon Ultra cab, the quietest on the market with 66dBA, featuring easy to use technology such as the IntelliView 12 monitor and the SideWinder Ultra fully adjustable armrest for ergonomic intuitive operation,” Mitchell says.
“A new Comfort Ride suspension coupled with the active electro-hydraulic system decouples the cab movement from the chassis with a ‘skyhook’ control logic to deliver a supremely smooth ride.”
The T7 is available in four distinct models ranging from T7 Long Wheelbase with PLM Intelligence through to T7 Tier 3 models, and Mitchell believes this selection appeals to a wide customer base.
“We now have a vastly expanded offering from the high-hours operator wanting a fully connected machine with all the specifications and innovations, right through to the beef cattle or dairy farmer wanting a basic tractor producing great horsepower to run a feed mixer,” he says.
Right track
Offering high horsepower plus the reduced soil compaction provided by tracks, New Holland’s improved T9 SmartTrax with PLMi is another tractor the manufacturer is excited by.
Available in five models – T9.520, T9.580, T9.615, T9.655 and T9.700 – the T9 Smart-Trax gives farmers a variety of options to suit their specific needs.
“Australia has a large farming footprint with many different applications that farmers face,” New Holland’s crop harvesting product and portfolio manager Marc Smith says.
“The enhanced T9 SmartTrax models will offer 475 to 645 rated horsepower options, so there is now more choice for farmers who need a lower horsepower machine for the applications they are running.
“The SmartTrax system offers a lot more traction with less slippage, particularly in lighter soil conditions, where wheeled tractors tend to struggle.”
Improved speed and manoeuvrability are two of the biggest benefits which SmartTrax operators will notice, according to the manufacturer, with a top speed of 40km/h helping farmers with more efficient field-to-field transportation.
“Australian farms can be spread out across kilometres, so any time that can be saved keeping the operation moving more efficiently between paddocks that aren’t necessarily linked together is a bonus,” Smith says.
“The improved T9 SmartTrax tractors will also offer a 47 per cent increase in fuel capacity due to the inclusion of twin rear saddle tanks, with the design of the SmartTrax system having a lower profile on the tractor.
“Fuel capacity is now at 1,700L, which means extended run time and reduced refuelling stops that align with what we offer in our wheeled machines.”
Multiple track belt options are available plus two width choices – 30-inch (76cm) and 36-inch (91cm) – to give farmers the perfect option for their individual applications.
Swinging cab entry steps are another feature incorporated into the T9 SmartTrax design.
These automatically pivot as the tractor is articulated, which keeps the ladder from extending beyond the tracks and allows for easier and safer entry and exit.
The track system also streamlines maintenance and optimises belt tension by eliminating manual adjustments with its automatic track tensioning system.
New Holland says this update over the previous design can contribute to lengthening the lifespan of the track belt.
The T7 and T9 tractors are available through New Holland’s dealer network, with the full tractor range online at www.agriculture.newholland.com