Easy rider safe in the fast lane

When the JCB 8310 Fastrac was launched in WA recently, the impressive machine drew an interested crowd.

About 30 dealers from across the State spent a day or two at The Vines Resort in the Swan Valley looking over the new Fastrac and learning about what makes it stand out from other tractors on the market.

JCB Australia regional manager John Smith said it was a unique tractor with many features not seen in other tractor brands, the most notable being the speed at which it travels.

"You can drive this at 70km/h comfortably and safely," Mr Smith said.

"That's because it has all-round suspension with an integrated chassis. The suspension also allows it to travel faster and reduces compaction of soil, so there's less slippage."

The Fastrac has been around since 1991 and has been refined over the years to become a highly sought after piece of agricultural machinery.

"When it was first released it revolutionised the market," Mr Smith said. "JCB has a policy of continual improvement - we're constantly looking for ways to improve.

"This one (the 8310) is the largest we've produced."

The higher speed of the Fastrac means different safety features are needed. The 8310 model has plenty, including anti-roll bars, external brake discs with twin callipers and ABS.

Mechanical steering takes the place of hydraulics and the cab is mid-mounted, improving centre of gravity and weight distribution.

The JCB 8310 Fastrac is also GPS ready and tier 4 compliant.

"All our tractors will now be tire 4 compliant," Mr Smith said. "That means farmers are not polluting the environment and are also saving 10 per cent in fuel costs."

Gary Sobey, of Narrogin Farmers Centre, said the JCB Fastrac had a good reputation among his customers.

"We've got some of the previous series, we're always looking for more to sell," he said.

"They've got some good features, like suspension and speed, and they're comfortable. Guys doing air spraying and spending a lot of hours in the tractor like them because they don't get out completely knackered."

The JCB 8310 Fastrac will spend the next few weeks rolling around the State to various areas and orders will soon be taken.

The tractors will be available for delivery early next year.

See your local JCB dealer to find out more.

At a glance *

·Sisu 8.41 6-cylinder engine

·All-round suspension with integrated chassis

·V-TRONIC transmission

·SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology

·Perfect weight distribution

·Large external disc brakes with ABS

·Mechanical steering system with power assistance and GPS autosteer preparation

·Dynamic axle mounting system

·High capacity 10,000kg rear linkage and rear hitch camera

·Spacious cab with full size passenger seat