JCB two main events

1) SCOT AGRI SHOWCASES NEW JCB MACHINES AT ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW

The new 335hp, all-wheel steer Fastrac 6300 will take centre stage at this year’s Royal Highland Show as JCB dealer Scot Agri showcases a comprehensive line-up of JCB farm equipment at Ingliston, Edinburgh from June 18-21.

Features include a new engine and stepless transmission combination, which is performance-matched to deliver smooth speed transitions and efficient power and torque delivery; and a comprehensive suite of factory-installed precision farming functions, including high-accuracy guidance.

The latter includes a choice of automated headland turn patterns and a unique twin satellite receiver installation that provides reliable accuracy, especially over rolling terrain.

The newcomer builds on JCB’s long-established formula for a tractor that can tackle field work as effectively as it can travel at high speed on the road, using its unique combination of suspension at both axles, powerful outboard disc brakes, four-wheel steering agility and 50:50 weight distribution to deliver high levels of productivity across a wide range of tasks.

For operators, the icing on the cake is the way all Fastracs – from the 235hp 4220 to the 348hp 8330 – provide an unparalleled level of comfort, both in the field where it encourages fast working speeds over rough surfaces, and on smooth and potholed roads, where the Fastrac 6300 can legally travel at up to 66kph.

Alongside the Fastrac 6300 and 4220 tractors, Scot Agri will illustrate the breadth and depth of the industry’s most comprehensive range of agricultural materials handling machines, with four JCB Loadall telescopic handlers destined for the Highland Show stand, ranging from the 1.4 tonne/4m 514-40 to the 4.2 tonne/7m 542-70.

Three examples of the Telemaster line-up are also being exhibited, including the diminutive but highly capable TM110, the smallest of its type in the range, yet capable of lifting 1.1 tonne at full articulation to 3.5m, and also the TM420S, the most powerful in the series at 173hp with a choice of 40kph or 50kph eight-speed powershift transmissions.

JCB’s newly-introduced mid-range TM280 is also set to make an appearance.

This 2.75 tonne to 4.8m machine comes in two guises – with a 109hp engine and three-speed 30kph hydrostatic drive or to ‘S’ spec with 130hp and a DualTech VT transmission.

The DualTech VT provides an effective and efficient combination of hydrostatic low-speed and direct mechanical high-speed drive up to 40kph – all in a highly agile package standing no more than 2.6m tall so that it can work in and around “traditional” farm buildings with low access.

2) JCB ROLLS OUT HIGH-PERFORMANCE LOADERS AT WALES GRASS EVENT

Farmers and agricultural contractors will get an insight into the latest grass harvesting machinery at the Royal Welsh Grassland Event on Friday, June 12, where techniques for bringing home quality forage for sheep and cattle winter feed will be in the spotlight.

The event is being staged at Cwmbrynich Farm, Sennybridge by Gethin Havard, President of the Royal Welsh Show, as Brecknock is this year’s RWAS featured county.

It will showcase live silage-making demonstrations across newly reseeded grassland, sown using both conventional and direct drilling techniques, together with grass variety plots, a soil structure and health clinic, and the latest guidance on effective and sustainable weed control.

At the silage clamp, where chopped forage is preserved for the winter, two of JCB’s most productive loaders will be in action – the 435S wheeled loading shovel, a contractor favourite, and the TM420S, the largest and most powerful model in JCB’s Telemaster line-up.

Alongside, mid-south Wales JCB dealer J E Lawrence will exhibit a Fastrac 6300.

This will be the first chance for many visitors to see the dynamic new tractor, so walk-round explanations of its features, new digital technologies and performance attributes will be running throughout the day.

The dealership has a number of on-farm demonstrations lined up for farmers to experience the new Fastrac first-hand but has already taken orders without a demo because users familiar with other Fastracs know what it can do, in terms of performance and comfort.

With farmers and contractors always wanting more power – the 4220 goes to 235hp – but in a relatively compact and agile package, the new Fastrac 6300 ticks a lot of boxes.

It certainly has the right credentials with a unique combination of power, traction, speed and four-wheel steer agility, together with the machine’s signature axle suspension front and rear, which not only provides the best operator comfort over long working days but also ensures sure-footed field work and road travel.

Back at the silage clamp, the latest-spec JCB 435S loading shovel will demonstrate its recent performance and productivity boost with engine power increased by 12% to 282hp for a class-leading power-to-weight ratio, a new ‘eco’ output of 230hp for light work and road travel, and a comprehensively uprated driveline to make full use of the increased power and torque.

Also in action will be JCB’s TM420S featuring a telescopic boom for extra versatility that can take 4.1 tonne to a lift height of 5.45m, and a high-performance powertrain comprising a 173hp JCB DieselMAX engine and a 40kph or 50kph JCB eight-speed powershift transmission.