Two manufacturers introduce more comfortable tractor cabs
Best-in-class visibility and sound levels are claimed, and the cab’s full air conditioning directs cool air being fed to the operator’s upper body and warm air to the feet for optimum comfort.
There’s a full passenger seat, and the ergonomically situated controls include a newly-designed multicontroller to operate the transmission, hydraulic linkage, front linkage and some remote valves. The range comprises the four-wheel-drive 99hp 95U Pro, 107hp 105U Pro and 115hp 115U Pro.
A key feature is the new four-step, 32 x 32 Eco Powershift transmission which incorporates a true Powershuttle facility and was exclusively developed, designed and produced by ZF for Case IH. It provides 32 forward and 32 reverse ratios, including an Eco facility for travel at 40kph with the engine turning at just 1730erpm, for maximum fuel economy.
The Powershuttle, controlled by a steering column-mounted lever, enables safe and predictable manoeuvring during loader work or tight headland turns. As an option to the standard 60 l/min open centre gear hydraulics pump, buyers can specify a high-capacity 100l/min version.
The chassis-mounted, fully-integrated front linkage can lift 2250kg, and the tractors have a 1000rpm front PTO. They can be ordered ‘loader-ready’ from the factory.
Other features include a turning radius of just 4.05m.
Available to order from June, with deliveries scheduled to start in September, Farmall U Pro models are priced 10%-15% above equivalent Farmall U, which range from about €58,000 to €66,000.
nAnother tractor manufacturer working on cab comfort is John Deere, re-designing the cab of their 5E Series three-cylinder utility tractors which will be available this spring, and was shown recently for the first time in the UK at the LAMMA 2013 show.
The 5055E, 5065E and 5075E models from 55hp to 75hp (97/68 EC rating) can be ordered with two new cab options, equipped with either basic roof-mounted heater/ventilation outlets and controls or a higher specification air conditioning and heating system. The cabs also feature opening front, rear and side windows for extra visibility when required. Another feature is a digital instrument panel, as featured on the bigger 5M Series tractors from 70hp to 100hp. The synchronised nine forward/three reverse inline transmission follows an H pattern and can be shifted on the move via side-shift levers within the range.
