The familiar profile of a JCB tractor has long been a favorite of farmers seeking on-road speed, and versatility in the field. The company is upping the ante with the new 4000 Series launched recently. The company lays claim to the new line being the first fully suspended tractor, which now also features a roomy cab and it retains a range of popular base JCB features.

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

Schmidt notes JCB surveyed customers to learn more about what they wanted in a tractor, and they responded. “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 notes.

The top line 4220 features a new chassis, new cab, new axles and new transmission design, and a new fluid holding system. Garrett Neate, JCB agriculture product manager, adds: “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. 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.

The Fastrac 4000 Series is built to operate with implements in both front and rear positions for added productivity.  And the company makes productive use of the rear deck area behind the cab allowing an operator to carry up to 5,500 extra pounds of seed or fertilizer.

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. The JCB TM220 offers the versatility, visibility and maneuverability of a wheel loader, but with the pick and place characteristics of a telehandler.

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.

- John Hart writes for Southeast Farm Press