FWA tractors debut on controlled traffic

And the final pieces of equipment to complete the machinery line-up were recently delivered to their property - three 8310 JCB Fastrac tractors on the required three metre spacings, delivered by Staines Esperance.

But there are no "cotton reels" for the extra axle width.

Each tractor is equipped with specially-made axles heralding a predicted rise in prominence for front wheel-assist (FWA) tractors as seeding tractors in controlled traffic farming.

The 8310s boast a new Sisu Stage IIIB/Tier 4i, 8.4 litre engine boosting power to 228kW (306hp) and torque by 15 per cent to 1310Nm.

And according to JCB this delivers up to 10pc fuel savings.

But the salient point is that 10 years ago, you would probably have bought a lower end 4WD tractor to pull a 12.2m (40ft) bar and a 12,300 litre capacity air seeder.

JCB upped the ante in releasing the 8310 with a purposeful bid to increase its market share in major broadacre farming applications.

Until recently, FWA tractors were seen as the versatile workhorse around the farm employed for spraying, spreading, hay-making, chasing, front-end loader work and other general duties.

But horsepower restrictions meant major tillage and seeding operations were confined to 4WD offerings.

That has all changed, particularly with CTF.

The Curnows will employ two 8310s to pull the seeding rigs while one will be used as a spray tractor.

The tractors also will be rotated for spreading gypsum and lime and at harvest, two will be used as chase tractors, accompanying two headers and one will be used as a dedicated sprayer.

The Curnows are well attuned to the abilities of the JCBs having used older models as utility tractors and employing a 4WD for the seeding operations.

So it was an easy choice as they moved to CTF.

"The transmission and suspension really stand out with these tractors," Daren said. "You don't have the back end pulling down because the suspension is self-levelling so it's easier on the gear you're pulling, particularly when you get up a bit of speed."

Apart from the new axles the Curnows also are hoping the Trelleborg tyres will do the job at pressures between 11 and 13psi.

"Being on tramlines we should be getting the power to the ground without the need for extra ballasting or duals," Daren said.

The brothers also are happy the engine service interval has doubled from 250 hours to 500 hours and they have no complaints about the AdBlue requirement for the Sisu engine.

"For every two litres of AdBlue we're saving about five litres of fuel," Kym said. "And generally the JCBs are pretty reliable when you put them to work."

According to JCB, the engines are significantly quieter than previous models, reducing in-cab noise levels 68.7dBA, an improvement of five dBA.

A heavier duty Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) incorporates a number of enhancements for smoother gear changes as well as improved functionality.

Road cruise control speeds are between 20km/h and 70km/h and enhanced in-field cruise controls also reduces operator effort.

The 8310 Fastrac also comes GPS guidance-ready and the new patented option, developed in conjunction with Trimble, offers up to 2cm (0.75in) RTK guidance.

The mechanical link steering system also has been retained.

New high-flow, load-sensing auxiliary hydraulic services are now standard with flow and time in both directions and a rear camera option improves rear and towing hitch visibility.

JCB's one-touch headland management system now has additional functionality, including distance-based delay, GPS activation, engine speed and travel speed, while additional wheel equipment options also are offered to cater for the new Fastrac's increased power.

Another neat improvement is a cabin pressuriser for the air-conditioning to prevent air leakage and a larger filter and air vents.

The suspension geometry has been tweaked to ensure an even more responsive feel and greater control at speed.