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New Holland’s T8 AutoCommand tractor reaps top prize at Agritechnica

New Holland’s T8 series tractor has been awarded the “Machine of the Year 2014” title at the recent Agritechnica trade show in Hanover, Germany.

The world’s largest agricultural trade fair ran from November 12-16.

The highly sought after award aims at recognising technological advancements in the machinery industry which will translate to immediate practical benefits for farmers.

The judges, a panel of leading farm machinery journalists from across Europe assessed the T8 420 Auto Command as being able to offer ultimate in-field performance in high speed cultivation tasks.

They also assessed that the tractor is ideal for large scale cash crop farmers, hay and forage contractors together with large dairies and transport intensive operations.

New Holland Agriculture ANZ Sales and Marketing Director Simon Vigour says the award showcases the hard work and dedication of New Holland’s staff in the development of the T8 Auto Command.

“This important industry award is great recognition of the innovative approach we take globally to product development and the benefits this has for our customers and moreover of our commitment to developing state of the art technology, which improves the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of the world’s farmers,” he says.

The six model T8 series line-up with outputs ranging from 273 hp to 419 hp is powered by efficient ECOBlue SCR Cursor engines that are Tier 4A emissions compliant.

According to New Holland High Horsepower Tractors Product Manager Don Forrester, about twenty marketing prototypes of the New Holland T8 series tractor have been actively working in North America over the last twelve months returning extremely pleasing results to New Holland’s research and development team.

Forrester adds the award winning tractor evolved from New Holland’s existing T8 series that has been on the market since 2008.

Improvements on the new release include the introduction of the AutoCommand transmission –  a CVT transmission designed and engineered by New Holland.

“The AutoCommand transmission is a very nice thing to use suited to farmers and operators working in multiple and varying types of applications,” he says.

The transmission comes standard on the highest horsepower model – the T8 420 while it comes as an option along with the full power shift transmission on the other five models.

In addition, a longer wheelbase that exceeds others in the industry provides the T8 series tractors with improved traction and comfort.

“”We have had advancements with tyre technologies but this longer wheelbase allows you to put power to the ground a whole lot better than a short wheelbase,” Forrester says.

“At the same time we have not lost any manoeuvrability due to the way the front of the tractor is sculptured, we’ve preserved a very tight turning circle.”

Other improvements include Active seat, cabin and Terraglide front axle suspension to provide maximum operator comfort. The sidewinder armrest has even won New Holland a few awards in past trade shows.

“It’s a very innovative armrest that aims to reduce the amount of functions that the operator is performing throughout the day,” Forrester says.

New Holland will commence full production for the new T8 series later this year for the global market.

Forrester says the range is expected to arrive in Australia in March 2014.

Click here to find New Holland tractors for sale.

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