New Fastrac flagship adds grunt to JCB list

JCB has upped the ante in its drive for increased penetration into major broadacre farming applications in Australia.

It has launched a new flagship Fastrac tractor offering more power, torque and fuel efficiency as well as a host of other new features and improvements.

David Moselen, national Fastrac product manager with Australian distributor, JCB Construction Equipment Australia, said the new model 8310 Fastrac was set to be unveiled in WA in mid-November.

It would then be demonstrated in the Esperance region before the arrival of several units into the country from December.

Mr Moselen said the new Fastrac would continue to be the ideal machine for spraying, spreading, hauling and other utility applications and its extra grunt, efficiency and new features would increase its suitability for heavier draught operations, including implement work on bigger farms.

At the top of the list of new features is a new Sisu Stage IIIB/Tier 4i, 8.4-litre engine boosting power to 228kW (306 horsepower) and torque by 15 per cent to 1310Nm, while delivering up to 10 per cent fuel savings.

JCB recently announced an agreement with AGCO SISU POWER to supply engines for the JCB Fastrac range.

The Sisu engines feature high efficiency combustion with after-treatment limited to Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), avoiding the need for particulate filters.

"They are a much more efficient engine and run a lot cooler than those using an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, which other brands use," Mr Moselen said.

He said in addition to the fuel consumption benefits, the engines also were significantly quieter, reducing in-cab noise levels by 5dBA to 68.7dBA.

A heavier duty Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) incorporates several enhancements for smoother gear changes as well as improved functionality.

Road cruise control at speeds between 20km/h and 70km/h and enhanced in-field cruise controls also reduces operator effort and maximises flexibility.

Mr Moselen said the JCB 8310 Fastrac came GPS guidance ready to help further increase efficiency by eliminating any overlap, thereby reducing the waste of fuel, time, seed, fertiliser and chemical.

He said the new patented option was developed in conjunction with Trimble and offered up to 2cm RTK guidance.

The mechanical link steering system also has been retained.

New 'high flow' load sensing auxiliary hydraulic services with the 8310 Fastrac are now standard with flow and time in both directions and a rear camera option maximises rear and towing hitch visibility.

JCB's genuine 'one touch' headland management system now has additional functionality, including distance-based delay, GPS activation, engine speed and travel speed, while additional wheel equipment options also are offered to cater for the new Fastrac's increased power.

Mr Moselen said another important improvement was a cabin pressuriser for the air-conditioning to prevent air leakage and a larger filter and air vents.

Meanwhile, the new model retains the unique Fastrac benefits of full suspension, a chassis designed for strength and load carrying ability, ultimate braking and safety, high road speeds, equal weight distribution and excellent cab comfort.

The suspension geometry has been tweaked to ensure an even more responsive feel and greater control at speed.

Australian JCB dealers recently enjoyed a first-hand look over the new 8310 Fastrac during a tour of the manufacturer's facilities and products at Staffordshire in the UK.

James Morris, of JCB dealer Ag Implements Merredin (AIM), said the integration of the Sisu engine in the new JCB 8310 Fastrac allowed better communication and "feel" with the tractor's AGCO transmission.

"It is now a more refined fit-up. It is smooth to drive and it communicates more smoothly with the transmission," Mr Morris said.