Howard Shanks•12 Feb 2018

REVIEW

JCB Fastrac 3185 – used tractor review

Name: JCB Fastrac 3185 – used tractor review
Brand: JCB

There are few tractors in production today that have stood the test of time like JCB’s Fastrac 3000 series. Howard Shanks tracked down a 3185 in the Victorian high country to find out what makes them tick

If you are seeking a versatile tractor in the 200hp range to handle a wide variety of paddock work in steep undulating country, then a used JCB Fastrac 3185 should be on your shortlist.

The Fastrac 3185 was introduced over two decades ago and has become an exceptionally popular model during its long production run.

The reason they’re so scarce in the second hand market is because they’re so reliable and flexible that owners who purchased them new are reluctant to part with them.

Look up JCB Fastrac 3185 tractors for sale

Machine overview

A Cummins B 5.9-litre engine with 95-amp alternator (114.8kW PTO), coupled with a Smoothshift 54 by 18 transmission powers the Fastrac 3185, and it boasts a top road speed of 80km/h with its 495/70R24 tyres.

The addition of a triple link front suspension system greatly improved its turning circle, as well as ride and handling characteristics compared to previous models.

The 54 by 18 Smoothshift transmission and clutch are reportedly backed by JCB for about 6000 hours, hence instilling customer confidence in its durability.

An Eaton six-speed transmission, coupled to a three-speed powershift with high, medium, low and reverse gears ensures there are a wide variety of ratios to suit all tasks.

The two axles use outboard planetary drive with steering via the front axle. Front and rear differential locks are standard and include a soft engage system.

The Fastrac 3185 features JCB’s full suspension system which utilises coil springs with dampers and an anti-roll bar up front. A hydro-pneumatic self-levelling system keeps the rear at a constant ride height.

The hydraulic tank capacity of the Fastrac 3185 is 75 litres. The hydraulic flow rate is 108L/min at a pressure of 214 kg/cubic-centimetre. Two sets of spool valves are standard but this model features an optional four sets of valves.

The rear three-point linkage category III and PTO come standard and the lift capacity is 7000kg. The 3185 has 1000rpm PTO at 2195rpm and 540rpm PTO at 2118rpm. Fuel capacity is 350 litres, more than ample for a day’s work.

Happy customer

Euan Bell oversees the plant and equipment operations at Yencken Pastoral Company in Mansfield. He mainly uses the JCB 3185 for spraying and spreading operations primarily because the machine is capable of travelling at higher speeds in the paddock than any other tractor, he claimed.

“Because the cabin is centre-mounted, the ride inside is far smoother than a traditional tractor where the cabin is located over the rear axle,” Bell explained.

“The suspension package in this machine allows for extensive axle travel and the coil springs really iron out the bumps you find in most paddocks.

“In the steep going where we are working today, you really get a good opportunity to see how sure footed this machine is.

“With the flick of a few switches the diff locks are engaged, and then it will climb up the steepest hills without any problems.”

“Reliability wise, the little Cummins B-series engine is terrific, all we do is change the oil and filters at the recommended interval and it just keeps going,” Bell said.

“This 3185 has done over 7000 hours and it’s pretty much bullet proof,” he said.

“It all comes down to how you look after them. Fuel economy wise, it’s one of the more economical machines in our tractor fleet.”

Buying second-hand

Bell’s extensive knowledge of the JCB Fastrac 3185 means he is the perfect candidate to advice buyers on what to look for in a used machine.

Check service history

“As I said earlier, the Cummins B-Series 5.9-litre is a reliable engine and if it’s been serviced regularly there shouldn’t be much wrong with it, so pay particular attention to its service history,” he said.

“These engines are popular in light trucks and buses, which ensures parts availability and price competitiveness from many truck and tractor dealers.

“If the machine has high engine hours, it’s worthwhile inspecting the exhaust silencer as these are prone to blow holes after extensive use.” The replacement cost can range from $800 to $1000.

“The Eaton transmission is very reliable,” Bell added.

“However, some of the actuation is by air cylinders at the back of the gearbox working with micro switches. When the shifter linkages have excessive wear, the micro switches will not recognise a shift and fault codes will appear on the dashboard.

“The cost to replace these linkages, if worn, should be factored into your purchase costs and decision.”

Seat and dash wear

The Fastrac 3185 cabin has changed little over the years. It is a wide but short-backed cab with a central driving position. However, there could be issues for taller operators seeking extra legroom, because when the seat is pushed fully back, one will hit the rear window latch.

The multifaceted dashboard offers a wealth of information; from service details to fault codes, and performance to tractor data; but interpreting all the information might require frequent referrals to the manual.

“On some machines with high hours, one might encounter cracked dashboards where buttons are repeatedly pressed,” Bell warned.

“We are fortunate with our machine that we have good operators and our dash is still in good condition.”

“While in the cabin, check the front of the seat base as it can suffer from excessive wear,” Bell added.

“That’s because the steering column is not user friendly when it comes to moving it out of the way, which means bigger operators have to squeeze themselves in or out between the steering wheel and seat,” he added. “Mind you, most local upholsters will be able to recover the seat relatively cheaply.”

Suspension and PTO

“This might come as no surprise, but due to the complex nature of full coil suspension, there are a lot of shafts and linkages within the Fastrac 3185 chassis,” Bell said.

“It will pay to get underneath and give everything a thorough inspection, looking for wear, lack of grease and general wellbeing.”

The brake pads have a groove through the middle of them, which is an easy way to check wear.

“Some later versions have electronic Bosch spools that can suffer from condensation affecting the valves’ circuit board,” Bell cautioned. “There is no cure and replacement is costly, so search for error codes.”

Rear PTO system is run directly off the gearbox, however, a front PTO can be easily retro-fitted using shaft drives with speeds available at 540rpm and 1000rpm.

“The rear axle location linkage is by a V-link which sits on top of the diff casing, extending forward into the chassis,” Bell explained.

“It uses a large ball socket to enable oscillation and its rubber seals can sometimes deteriorate, allowing dirt and grit to enter the ball and socket.

“There is a seal kit available, although by the time most operators have noticed there is axle movement, the ball will be worn to the point where a new V-link is required, so keep an eye out for this one.”

Conclusion

The JCB Fastrac 3185 is renowned for its excellent operator comfort and wide range of options. While the tractor’s initial purchase price is dearer compared to equivalent conventional tractors, its versatility and high transport speed makes it more than worth it.