JCB debuted its new line of Fastrac 4000 Series tractors to farm editors at its North American headquarters in Savannah, Ga. March 5, heralding features engineered for efficiency, productivity and farmers’ preferences in mind.

“We built this tractor around key elements with what traditional ag customers appreciated most,” said Dan Schmidt, JCB vice president of sales, North America.

JCB is marketing the Fastrac 4000 Series as the world’s first fully suspended tractor. Schmidt said JCB surveyed its farmer customers to determine what they wanted in a tractor. “Our customers came back with a few key components,” Schmidt said.

“They said they wanted a large, combine-style cab, CBT transmission throughout the entire range and best in class engines. We are very pleased that our engineers were able to take these concepts and wrap them up into one efficient package,” he said.

Schmidt said the Fastrac 4000 series builds on core Fastrac features such as multiple implement mounting points, sophisticated all-round suspension for fast operational speeds, and a high-specification braking system for safety, stability and comfort.

Demonstrating the benefits of the JCB Fastrac 4220, Garrett Neate, JCB agriculture product manager, said this top of the line tractor includes a new chassis, new cab, new axles and new transmission design and a whole new fluid holding system.

Neate said the full suspension system, both front and rear suspension, sets the JCB Fastrac 4000 series apart from the competition. He said operators will quickly notice the smooth ride when they are behind the wheel.

“Full suspension enables the tractor to go fast on the road and it enables us to go fast in the field. The tractor can travel at fast speeds across rough ground because of the suspension,” he explained. “And because we have a cab that’s mid-mounted it also gives the operator excellent ride comfort.”

The Fastrac 4000 series tractors are powered by a 6.6-liter six-cylinder AGCO Power engine that meets latest Euro Stage 4 / U.S. Tier 4 Final exhaust emission rules using proven, fuel-efficient SCR technology, the company said.  Power ratings run up to a maximum 235 horsepower and the tractor can travel up to 38 miles per hour.

“The combination of the suspension, the braking and control system enables us to run at that high speed safely and legally,” Neate said.

Richard Fox-Mars, JCB agriculture managing director, said the Fastrac 4000 Series is designed to operate implements in both front and rear and to make productive use of the rear deck area behind the cab.

“Carrying an extra 5,500 pounds of seed or fertilizer has a significant impact on productivity; the same goes for increased spray tank capacity,” he said. “If you add in the productivity gains from fast road travel and being able to execute sweeping headland turns 40 percent quicker than a three-point turn for plowing and cultivation, then we soon get to saving a significant number of days over year.”

JCB also debuted a new line of small articulated telescopic handlers which company officials believe will draw interest in the North American market as more farmers have expressed interest in using articulated telescopics, rather than fixed length wheel loaders with loading arms.

JCB introduced its new JCB TM220 which has a lift capacity of 4,410 pounds. Fox-Mars said the JCB TM220 offers the versatility, visibility and maneuverability of a wheel loader, but with the pick and place characteristics of a telehandler.

 “These attributes are ideal for a machine working in the confines of a dairy yard, a hog farm, a small feedlot and horse stables,” he said.

JCB also introduced its Loadall 525-60 Agri, Loadall 527-58 Agri and Loadall 560-80 Agri Super farm material handling machines to the farm editors.

The JCB 525-60, the smallest model for the North American market, offers full-size telescopoic handler performance with an engine that needs no exhaust after-treatment to meet EPA Tier 4 Final emissions. The machine offers lift  capacity up to 5,500 pounds from ground level and 3,000 pounds  can be raised to the 20 foot  lift height.

Tim Burnhope, JCB chief innovation and growth officer, said the JCB 525-60 is a good fit for poultry and hog farms and works well in small buildings and “traditional” and modern farm yards.

“The two-stage hydrostatic transmission provides working and travel speed ranges up to 18 miles per hour while ensuring the 525-60 Agri is easy to drive,” he said. “Particular attention has been paid to rearward visibility - sight-lines have been carefully considered and the low boom pivot is at a seated driver's waist height, so the view to the right rear three-quarters is exceptional.”

Ray Bingley, JCB Agriculture product and sales manager, said the new JCB Loadall 560-80 Agri Super is targeted to large farms and commercial bulk storage enterprises wanting higher productivity for stockpiling and loading of trucks.

“The Agri Super is powered by a 125 horsepower or 145 horsepower JCB Ecomax Tier 4 Final diesel engine and has a range topping lift capacity of 12,000 pounds,” Bingley said.