New Holland expands specialty offering

New Holland has announced the release of its first ever compact specialty tractor range – the T3F which has been specifically designed to manoeuvre the tightest of spaces in specialty applications.

The series features four models with power outputs ranging from 50 to 72hp. It completes New Holland's specialty offering, which includes the T4F/N/V range.

According to New Holland Product Manager for Tractors under 100hp, Mark Crakanthorp, the new range offers an affordable solution for specialty applications without compromise on features.

"The overriding theme of the T3F is to provide a basic, economical specialty tractor that has some high-end features and design," he says.

"They are fairly feature packed in standard form –rather than a basic base tractor that can be optioned up with all the fruit (excuse the pun)."

Measuring only 1350mm in width, the T3F models have been designed to work in the narrowest rows without damaging crops. The short wheelbase of 1860mm, combined with the 45 degree turning angle, delivers a 3.4m turning radius to ensure the T3F will be able to nip round the tightest row ends even faster, reducing the amount of turning time.

Three-cylinder, 2.9-litre S8000 engines power the T3F range, generating 50 to 72hp, depending on the model. The engines produce a maximum torque of 295Nm with 34 per cent of torque backup for maximum performance on demanding terrains.

All engines are fully compatible with B100 - 100 per cent biodiesel fuel.

A 20 x 20 synchro shuttle transmission comes standard on all T3F models, which offers a top traveling speed of 40km/h. The multitude of gear ratios allow operators to carry out a wide range of tasks, from high speed fertilising to hand planting. Creeper ranges can achieve speeds as low as 110m/h.

The differential lock and four-wheel-drive are both electro-hydraulically engaged at the touch of a precision placed button.

"For safety and stability, the T3F automatically engages four-wheel-drive when the foot brake is touched – even if two-wheel-drive is selected," Crakanthorp says.

Two fixed displacement hydraulic pumps deliver a total of 84l/min of flow for tractor functions. A 52l/min pump is dedicated to implement functions, while a 32l/min service pump ensures the steering is light and responsive.

"The 52l/min implement pump puts the T3F up there with some comparatively high priced specialty tractors and certainly well ahead of the direct competition," Crakanthorp says.

The rear lifting capacity of the T3F range is 2277kg.

New Holland’s Lift-O-Matic system is standard throughout the entire range. This enables operators to lift and return rear mounted implements to a pre-set height by using an ergonomic rocker switch.

The T3F is fitted with a fully independent PTO system offering two speeds – 540 and 540E with proportional groundspeed as standard. When the tractor is turned off, the PTO will automatically disengage for safety purposes.

"The operator’s platform benefits greatly from the ergonomic advances of the industry-leading T4F/N/V series, with an intuitive layout to offset fatigue," Crakanthorp says.

The entire platform has been constructed with premium materials to offer a weather-resistant finish. The platform is suspended on isolation mounts to cushion the operator from harsh shocks. A generously sized seat with back rest adjustment and a telescopic steering column adds to operator comfort.

All controls are ergonomically clustered and placed within easy reach. The tractors are fitted with a mid-mounted ROPS which is easily foldable for operating under low branches and vines.

New Holland's T3F compact specialty tractor range will be available in Australia from March 2017. Pricing for the range starts from $41,790 excluding GST (T3.55F).