The Fastrac concept Since it started production in 1991, the JCB Fastrac has been continually evolving to meet new market demands. However, the original Fastrac principles remain firmly intact: Full suspension – The JCB Fastrac is still the only draught tractor with full front and rear suspension. This system not only offers unparalleled ride comfort for both the operator and implement, but also improves traction without the need to add dead weight. Disc brakes – Any vehicle capable of high speed needs to be able to stop. Fastrac is no exception. With truck standard braking on all models you can be confident that you’re going to stop when you need to, time and time again. The external disc brakes offer excellent heat dissipation and dramatically outperform the oil-immersed systems found on conventional tractors. The ABS system* offers unrivalled control in all conditions. Full chassis construction – Another feature unique to Fastrac, this means that unlike a conventional tractor the engine and transmission are not stressed, loadbearing components. All of the above, combined with mechanical power-assisted steering on the 3000 Series and 8000 Series, allow Fastracs to travel at high-speed, up to 80kph (50mph) where laws permit. In fact, in many territories the Fastrac is still the only true agricultural tractor legally capable of such high speed.
Suspension and chassis The Fastrac’s unique, vibration-free suspension system increases the efficiency of both operator and implements. Meanwhile, the dynamic axle mounting system ensures implements remain stable and isolated from jolts for higher in-field operating speeds and greater productivity. All Fastracs feature load-compensating, self-levelling rear suspension. The chassis is lowered in relation to the rear axle as weight is applied. Then the ride height corrector valves allow oil flow in, pressurising the hydraulic cylinders and steadily restoring original ride height as well as stiffening the suspension to accommodate the extra weight. As load is taken off the deck, ride height corrector valves are displaced in the opposite direction, restoring height to the pre-set level. So when water empties from a de-mount sprayer, for example, the suspension continually corrects itself, maintaining a constant height between spray nozzle and crop. All Fastracs feature a chassis designed for strength, stability and load carrying ability. The fully welded, Z-section design copes with stress without excessive increase in weight. Together with improved weight distribution, this makes it better suited to carrying large implements than a more conventional, stressed heavycasting design. On 8000 and 3000 Series machines, the chassis design also ensures optimum visibility to the front while a stiffened front end improves handling on the road. Finally, heavy-duty front suspension on the 8000 and 3000 Series incorporates the twin calliper braking system. On 3000 Series machines add to this optional heavy-duty rear suspension for an increase in gross vehicle weight of up to 12 tonnes depending on tyre equipment, whilst the 8000 Series has a standard GVW of 16 tonnes.
Engine innovation 8000 Series and 3000 Series machines both feature Sisu 6-cylinder engines - 8.4 litres on the 8000, 7.4 litres on the 3000 - offering more power and torque at low revs, combined with fuel efficiency and low noise levels. The result is machines that are kind to the environment and to your wallet, supplying exactly the right level of power to keep running costs low for enhanced profitability. Plus, they increase your output, with the ability to power even the largest implements and perform in the toughest conditions. The wet cylinder sleeve design and advanced piston rings can reduce oil consumption by up to 30% and ensure uniform quality. Protecting your investment and maximising your revenue. With some engines around the world still working, without any major overhaul and with in excess of 32,000 hours, you can be sure of the consistent performance and proven reliability these engines will deliver. 8000 and 3000 Series machines also use SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to achieve Tier 4 interim (Stage IIIB) compliance. SCR uses AdBlue®, a urea-based solution, injected into the exhaust gas to drastically reduce NOx and particulates. This helps protect the environment, reduce input costs and lowers fuel consumption. By separating engine timing and exhaust after-treatment, SCR also optimises combustion. 2000 Series machines are powered by a Cummins 6.7-litre engine which, like the Sisu, uses 4 valve per cylinder technology and air-to-air cooling. The Cummins also features a rear-driven geartrain which dramatically reduces external engine noise.
2000 Series machines all feature the Smoothshift transmission with Selectronic
and Autoshift.
The Smoothshift system features a multi-plate, oil-immersed wet clutch which
requires exceptionally low driver effort, either with the clutch pedal or the
Autoshuttle button.
With its ability to combine range and direction changes, Selectronic is totally
unique to JCB. Speed range is pre-selected by twisting the steering-columnmounted
selector lever, while moving the lever forward or backwards selects
direction. Actual engagement does not take place until the clutch pedal is fully
depressed or the Autoshuttle button is pressed and travel speed has fallen to
3kph or less. This prevents inadvertent range or direction changes occurring
at speed.
When compared to manual shifting, Selectronic and Autoshuttle both greatly
improve operating efficiency. For example, direction change can be preselected
when carrying out headland turns, leaving you free to concentrate
on plough turnover.
The 6-speed gearbox makes shifting through the gears easy, while priority
flow lubrication gives long-term reliability. An electronic control system helps
to ensure smooth gear changes under load - add in the Autoshift function and
you can make these changes automatically under any load conditions.
Autoshift allows you to automatically select between snail, tortoise and hare
whilst on the move. Autoshift also features five modes tailored to suit particular
job types: trailer, ploughing, 540 PTO, 1000 PTO and user mode.P-TRONIC transmission Designed and produced by JCB for the 3000 Series, P-TRONIC is a 24-speed semi-powershift transmission. In the field, the broad range of working gears means you always have the right gear for the job, enabling you to achieve the most efficient, productive performance. While on the road, the machine drives like an automatic car with speeds of up to 80kph* (50mph). In addition, Hill Hold gives effortless start/stop on an incline, while the Efficient Transport model runs at reduced revs at higher speeds to reduce fuel consumption. The P-TRONIC gearbox features a multi-plate, oil-immersed wet clutch for smooth, clutchless changes. Behind this sits the 6-speed powershift gears which offer a wide spread of shifts in each range. The compact gearbox reduces weight and saves space, while CAN-BUS technology communicates between engine and transmission to allow the tractor to select the most appropriate gear for the engine load and operation. The P-TRONIC is also extremely easy to operate, with a full-colour touchscreen giving access to three transmission modes, which allow you to get optimum performance from the machine: Powershift - full manual control, using the seat-mounted joystick to shift up and down gears and ranges. Autoshift - simply set the required gears and the tractor automatically shifts up or down depending on conditions and engine load, maximising fuel economy and productivity. Drive - in C & D range, engine load, speed, transmission status and position of the foot pedal are constantly assessed and the highest gear selected for optimum fuel economy, unless the system senses you need more power by the position of the throttle.
V-TRONIC transmission The V-TRONIC is a continuously variable transmission that allows you to fine tune engine speed to get implements working at optimum performance levels. It means you can run engines at lower speeds for greater fuel economy and reduced running costs to keep you more profitable. And it gives the operator a more comfortable ride, for daylong productivity. The V-TRONIC has two ranges: one for field operations, one for high-speed operations. The system offers effortless manual control using the armrestmounted joystick. Alternatively, a suite of automatic cruise control features allows you to achieve maximum performance and economy, simplifying the task and allowing the operator to give it his full attention. Plus, by allowing the transmission and engine electronics to communicate, the tractor can control both automatically if required, helping to achieve maximum performance or economy. The transmission has a choice of four modes selectable via the touchscreen: Drive – the transmission behaves like an automatic car, perfect for travelling between fields or for transport work. This includes an on-road cruise control for longer journeys. Manual – using the joystick controller the operator has full, extremely precise control of the transmission. Powershift – the transmission emulates a traditional powershift with 15 forward/12 reverse ‘gears’ in low range and 10 forward/7 reverse in high range. Ideal for operators who are used to conventional powershift transmissions as they require very little training. Flexi – the operator sets the engine speed and maximum forward speed that can be achieved. The foot throttle is then used to vary forward speed between zero and the maximum forward speed setting. Ideal for harvesting operations. V-TRONIC also offers two additional load-sensing cruise control modes: Auto 1 and Auto 2 – automatically maintain a set speed for field applications, just press and hold the green button to save the working speed and the tractor automatically reduces engine rpm to the most efficient point to minimise input costs. Rev hold mode – maintains revs and varies tractor speed up to the predefined limit to get maximum output. A brand new feature for the 8000 Series is Activ Traction: designed to minimise wheel slip, automatically slowing the machine down to regain grip and then speeding up again, to improve in-field traction. Activ Traction is included as part of the radar in the field performance package.
Hydraulics 8000 Series and 3000 Series Fastracs feature a load-sensing variable displacement auxiliary hydraulic pump as standard, with an optional maximum flow of 195 litres/min for the 8000 series and 126 litres/min for the 3000 series. 2000 Series models feature fixed displacement auxiliary hydraulic pumps that develop at least 99 litres/min of flow. On all models, further hydraulic pumps provide oil for steering, suspension, PTOs and difflocks. All Fastracs can be fitted with three or four 4-position, double-acting zero-leak spool valves, which feature a float position. Plus, a separate hydraulic system for auxiliary services means there is no danger of oil contamination. The 2000 Plus, 3000 Series and 8000 Series also feature electronically controlled spool valves which let you adjust time and flow for automatic control of implements. Optional on 8000 and 3000 machines is the load-sensing power beyond connection, suitable for implements that use their own spool valve control blocks. Priority flow is available as an option on these two models. On the 2000 Series, there is also the option of a hydraulic flow divider, ideal for powering the hydraulic motor on a drill or a sprayer. The rear linkage on all Fastracs uses Bosch Hitchtronic digital sensing to help maintain precise control of implement height, depth, lowering speed and general response. Plus, wheel slip control is available with the optional performance monitor, allowing maximum progress to be achieved even in the toughest conditions. All Fastrac models are now available with a category 2 front linkage. On the 3000 Series and 8000 Series this also has the luxury of electronic controls, with both single and double actuation at the flick of a switch, as well as height, depth and linkage operating speed controls.
3000 Series interior Thanks to our suspension system, conventional tractors simply cannot compete with the Fastrac on comfort and control. Every Fastrac cab comes with two full-size seats as standard, with the option for a deluxe heated suspension seat, and there are lots of added extras such as an optional fridge. Air conditioning, fitted as standard, excellent ventilation and a powerful heater add to operator comfort, while better heat isolation between cab and bonnet results in a cooler environment with less air con effort. Plus, optional solar glass treatment minimises solar load to improve air conditioning efficiency and, again, maximise comfort. Even in dry environments, a full dust filter provides clean fresh air. Sophisticated, informative and easy to use, the ergonomically designed controls are all positioned for maximum convenience. On all machines, the JCB Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) an easy-to-understand performance assessment of numerous machine functions to keep the operator up to date with machine productivity. In addition, an optional performance monitor displays fuel consumption, wheel slip and area covered, allowing the operator to maximise fuel economy and minimise tyre wear. For enhanced operator comfort, the cab is isolated from the chassis by four flexible mountings to reduce noise and transmission vibration. The new Sisu engine, which operates at lower revs, also results in lower in-cab noise levels for reduced operator fatigue. Doors are fitted at both sides, and wellpositioned steps and rails make entry and exit easy and safe. Visibility is also excellent. The main area of the front screen is laminated glass, with toughened glass lower screens giving a view of the front wheels and front-mounted implements. Meanwhile, the advanced optional Xenon lighting package replicates daylight and allows all lights to be used simultaneously; prolonging the working day with little risk of driver fatigue.
8000 Series interior This 8000 Series cab is the largest and most comfortable available. Bar none. It provides incredible legroom and more space for storing all the tools and equipment you need. For the operator, there is an incredibly comfortable air-suspension seat with a seat-mounted control panel and touchscreen monitor keeping all operations conveniently close to hand. Fully automatic climate control allows you to set the desired temperature which the system then works to maintain. Plus there is Fastrac’s unique full-size passenger seat. Ahead of the operator sits a slimline instrument panel with a combination of digital and quick-glance-analogue readings of key machine status information, plus an array of essential warning lights. Back on the armrest, operators can enjoy some of those little essentials of modern life, such as an MP3 player connection and mobile phone charge point. Options give customers the chance to further enhance comfort and performance by adding, for example, a performance monitor, headland management system, additional worklights, heated front and rear windscreens, driver’s seat and electric mirrors. This advanced cab also maxmises visibility, with a four-post instead of six-post design that eliminates side pillars, along with deeper doors and larger windows, giving a clear all-round view of implements, terrain and potential obstructions. At night, new optional Xenon worklights illuminate the surrounding area for longer potential working hours. Visibility has also been optimised by positioning the exhaust stack alongside the right-hand cab pillar. Plus, mounting the stack on the tractor chassis alone, with no brackets or other supports, helps to reduce noise and vibration to exceptionally low levels. The new Sisu engine which operates at lower revs also lowers in-cab noise.
JCB operates across all six continents, manufacturing at 20 factories in the UK, Brazil, Germany, China, North America and India. We have over 2,000 dealerships and depots selling and supporting our products in excess of 150 countries, we boast some of the finest engineering facilities in the world. We’re also renowned for producing some of the most innovative and popular farm machinery in the world, which includes the Fastrac and the world-beating loadall, along with wheeled loading shovels that are designed specifically for farming, not adapted from construction. Our dedication to innovation in agriculture is unceasing; we will never forget our roots.
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