As 2023 ended, one trend has been evident in tractors: they’re getting bigger. For a while, it seemed, horsepower growth was replaced by increasing technology in machine cabs. Advanced telematics and precision farming features grabbed the spotlight for a few years. While technology remains central to new tractor releases from manufacturers, the number of ponies stuffed under the hoods of models in nearly every brand has started to creep up once again.
We’re now well past the 700 horsepower mark, something that seemed unimaginable only a decade ago. Conversely and interestingly, most of the autonomous machines that are starting to appear are well down at the low end of the power scale.
How much more growth will we see in tractor horsepower ratings? It’s hard to say, but here’s a look at what’s out there as we head into winter and get ready for another growing season.
Highlights by Brand
- Case IH: Case IH’s AFS Connect line of high and very-high horsepower tractors has brought improved levels of telematics capability and connectivity to the brand’s flagship Magnums and Steigers. But a Steiger Quadtrac has stolen the industry spotlight this year with the release of the Giant Steiger 715“.
- New Holland: New Holland had new tractors to showcase in 2023. Most notably, it, too, pushed the horsepower limits of the T9 Series, boosting the flagship model to 645 rated engine horsepower.
- John Deere: This is the second model year that John Deere’s JDX14, 13.6-litre engine is the main power for the brand’s flagship 9 Series tractors. In the 8 Series tractors the all-new electric variable transmission made its debut in select models for 2023.
- Versatile: In July Versatile announced it had begun a collaboration with Saskatchewan-based tech startup Mojow with the aim of developing a fully autonomous four-wheel drive tractor. For decades now, Versatile has chosen Cummins engines to power its tractors, and that partnership looks like it will continue. In an announcement in 2022, both companies revealed they are working together on developing a hydrogen-powered, high-horsepower tractor.
- CLAAS: Claas’ Axion 900 Series tractor line was first introduced to Canada in 2019, joining the two-model Xerion line of unique four-wheel drive tractors the brand had been offering. In 2022, the Axion 960TT Terra Trac half-track tractor joined the Canadian lineup. This year the brand made yet another high-horsepower model introduction, debuting its new 12 Series Xerions.
- Massey Ferguson: In the past three years AGCO has been updating the MF tractor line with the newly-named S Series models. At Agritechnica 2023 it introduced the all-new 9S Series, which pushes at the top end of the horsepower range previously offered in the MF brand. They will soon replace the 8700S MF models, which currently offer three models above 300 horsepower using the brand’s CVT transmission and 8.4-litre diesel engine.
- Fendt: The Fendt line of tractors has grown significantly over the past few years, partly because it has adopted what were formerly Challenger brand models. In 2023 AGCO revamped the visitors centre known as the Intivity Center at the Jackson, MN., assembly plant and made it the “Fendt Lodge”, further highlighting now important the pale green brand has become to the company’s North American presence.
- Deutz-Fahr: The Germany-based Deutz-Fahr brand has one tractor model that tops 300 horsepower available in Canada, the 9340TTV Agrotron. A low-revving Deutz diesel engine and a ZF-built CVT transmission combine to deliver power to the wheels in this tractor.
- Challenger: AGCO’s Challenger brand still offers two-track tractors from 380 to 673 horsepower in two different model lines, the MT 700, which tops out at 431, and bigger MT 800. Together, they offer a total of seven different models across that horsepower range.
- JCB: At JCB improved connectivity and control are what’s new for the brand’s unique line of high-speed Fastrac iCON ag tractors. The new technology won the brand a prestigious Tractor of the Year award in Europe in the “Sustainable” category in 2023.
- McCormick: The McCormick brand, now owned by ARGO of Italy, has one model available in Canada that tops the 300 horsepower mark, the X8.680. This MFWD model sports some high-end options and is fully compatible with ISOBUS controlled implements.
- MTZ: The St. Petersburg-built Kirovets K-744 has been a low-cost, alternative to more familiar high-horsepower tractors on the North American market for several years. Despite the war, parts and tractor availability remains good, according to the Canadian distributor.
Continue below for Scott’s full review by brand…
Case IH
In early 2020, Case IH introduced the updated AFS Connect Steiger tractor line, which followed on the introduction of the AFS Connect Magnums introduced a year earlier. In 2021, the AFS Connect Optum line debuted.
The AFS Connect Steigers are available in Quadtrac, Rowtrac and wheeled configurations with six updated models from 425 to 645 rated engine horsepower for 2024, and these models get power from an 8.7 or 12.9 litre FPT diesel. Buyers get two transmission choices, the CVXDrive CVT or a 16F X 2R powershift. Both are 40 km/h capable.
In all, though, the Steiger line includes 14 models ranging from 370 horsepower to the recently introduced , range topping 715 Quadtrac. For now it’s the most powerful production tractor on the market, with 715 rated engine horsepower and 778 peak horsepower.
The 715 Quadtrac uses a slightly larger track than the other Steiger models so it stands on a larger footprint. It gets power form a 16-litre FPT diesel and routes it through the brand’s 16-speed PowerDrive transmission, giving it a top road speed of 26.5 m.p.h. (42 km/h).
The AFS Connect Steigers offer up to 113 g.p.m. (427 l/m) hydraulic flow.
An AFS Pro 1200 display can allow for remote viewing from anywhere. The AFS Vision Pro operating system it uses is intuitive and similar to a smartphone or tablet. AFS Connect Steigers come standard with a subscription to the AFS Connect farm management portal.
In the MFWD Magnum line there are four models topping 300 horsepower, the 310, 340, 380 and 400, with engine horsepower ratings matching their model numbers. All four use an 8.7-litre FPT diesel that boasts a 14 per cent power growth in tough conditions. The engine in the 380 mates up with the brands CVXDrive CVT transmission, while the smaller models also offer a choice between that transmission or the 18- or 19-speed full PowerDrive powershift, depending on the model. The 400 comes with a 40 or 50 km/h capable 21-speed PowerDrive
The big Magnums, except for the model 310, can be configured as a regular wheeled tractor or as the brand’s RowTrac with a rear track and front wheel. An optional suspended front axle and dual front wheels are available.
These Magnums can be equipped with a hydraulic flow rate of up to 75 g.p.m. (284 l/m), 44 g.p.m (166 l/m) is standard, and five or six rear remotes. Rear three-point hitch capacities range from 15,900 pounds (7,210 kilograms) to 19,00 pounds (9,026 kilograms) depending on the model.
Two of the two AFS Connect Optum models are at or above the 300 horsepower mark, the model 300 and the 340, which is new for the 2024 model year. They use an FPT 6.7 litre diesel. It uses a 50 km/h capable CVXDrive CVT transmission. It offers a little lower hydraulic flow rate, with a standard 43.5 g.p.m. (166 l/m), which can be upgraded to 58.9 g.p.m. (223 l/m).
The Optums put more horsepower in a smaller package with a lighter footprint than an equivalent Magnum The 300 Optum weighs in on average with a standard front axle at 24,603 pounds (11,160 kilograms), compared to 28,800 pounds ( 13,082 kilograms) on the 310 Magnum.
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New Holland
At the top of New Holland’s tractor line is the T9 with PLM Intelligence Series. The latest model of those four-wheel drive T9s introduced in August of 2023 pushed at the upper horsepower limits of the line. The T9 Series now covers the 425 to 645 rated engine horsepower range.
Of the six models for 2024, the T9.470, T9.520 and T9.580’s 12.9 litre engines have been changed to an electronic variable geometry turbo (eVGT) to boost horsepower, improving fuel economy by 2 per cent. The three other models, which are wide-frame models (the T9.615, T9.655 and T9.700) also use the 12.9 diesel but sport two-stage turbocharging — fixed geometry, first stage and wastegate second stage.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) has been increased across all six of the new T9 models: 56,000 pounds (25,401 kilograms) for the smallest three and up to 67,000 pounds (30,391 kilograms for the T9.700.
Buyers get a choice of two transmissions for all but the top two models, which are only available with: the Ultra Command 16 X 2 powershift. The others can be ordered with the optional Auto Command CVT as well.
Total T9 hydraulic flow rates can be boosted up to 113 g.p.m. (427 l/m). A large coupler is available for very high flow demands and tractors can be equipped with up to eight remotes. The remote valve controls on the Sidewinder Ultra armrest are customizable and can be arranged to control whichever remotes the operator prefers.
The Genesis T8 with PLM Intelligence series offers five models above 300 rated engine horsepower, the T7.380, T7. 410 and T7.435. There are also the T7.410 and T7.435 Smattrax models in the half-track configuration.
Depending on the model, T8s offer a choice of an 18 X4, 19 X 4 or 21 X 5 Ultra Command full powershift transmission or the brand’s CVT. T8s have the 8.7-litre FPT Cursor 9 engine under their hoods.
Of course just like the T9s, the T8s with PLM Intelligence offer the highest level of digital connectivity the brand has ever offered. PLM Intelligence allows for remote tractor diagnostics, remote viewing, data collection and sharing, among a host of other functions.
Two tractors in the T7 Series now break the 300 rated engine horsepower mark, the T7.315 and T7.340 Heavy Duty with PLM Intelligence models. Both use the 6.7-litre FPT engine mated to the brand’s 50 km/h-capable Auto Command CVT transmission.
For those who want their tractors to have a little bling, the brand offers its optional custom Blue Power package on T7 models equipped with the Auto Command CVT transmission.
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John Deere
John Deere currently offers three tractor ranges with models rated above 300 engine horsepower, three in the 7 Series offering 310 to 350 horsepower, and 12 in the 8 Series, all of which use the brand’s 9-litre diesel.
All the flagship articulated 9 Series tractors now get power from Deere’s latest high-horsepower engine, the 13.6-litre JD14X diesel. This engine produces 13.5 per cent more power than the 13.5-litre engine it replaced, takes up less space under the hood, runs significantly quieter and drinks seven per cent less fuel. That engine gets mated to the brand’s e18 (18F x 6R) 40 km/h-capable power shift transmission.
The JD14X engine features a 500-hour oil change interval, hydraulic fan drive, and a high-pressure common rail fuel delivery system for increased fuel atomization, efficiency and power, along with faster start times.
8 Series tractors get Deere’s 9-litre diesel for power. They use the brand’s Intelligent Power Management system to boost output by up to 35 horsepower during PTO or transport work.
The 2023 model year and newer 410 horsepower 8R, 8RT and 8RX models will be available with a new step-less electric variable transmission (EVT). Deere says that design enables precise speed control and enhanced drivability.
The EVT uses electric motors instead of hydrostatic motors to improve transmission performance and to the operator it will feel much like an Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), only much quieter. Deere says it will provide better overall tractor control, along with easy serviceability and diagnostics
Deere expects electricity will almost certainly soon see increased importance in a variety of systems beyond just the transmission, and in the future the EVT will likely be the transmission of choice for customers, it says.
In the future the EVT will be available with optional electric power generation, capable of off-boarding electricity to power implements. Deere says the EVT can generate up to 100kW of electricity. This would allow it to power implement fan drives, take the place of implement hydraulic pumps, or assist the tractor by powering an implement’s axles. It is similar to the technology John Deere currently uses on some of its construction machines.
Other transmission options in the 8 Series include the brand’s 40- or 50-km/h capable IVT, as well as the e23 and 16-speed power shifts. The optional CommandPRO control is available on 8 Series tractors equipped with the EVT or IVT transmissions.
The three largest 7 Series models, the 7R310, 330 and 350 also break the 300 horsepower mark. They use Deere’s 9.0-litre diesel as well and the 330 and 350 are available with the choice of an e23 (23F x 11R) or IVT transmission. Buyer of the 7R350 will have to take the IVT, as it’s the only option on that model.
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Versatile
Winnipeg-based Versatile continues to offer six wheeled and three tracked Delta Track versions of its articulated four-wheel drive tractors. The wheeled models span the 405 to 620 horsepower range, with the three smallest tractors getting power from an X12 Cummins. While the three largest tractors in the series, which includes the three Delta Track models, get an X15 Cummins.
Behind those Cummins diesels is a Caterpillar 16 X 4 powershift transmission. The X12 mates to the TA19 Caterpillar, and the X15 routes power through a larger TA22. All use the brand’s trademark outboard planetary final drives for ease of maintenance and durability.
Versatile four-wheel drives are equipped with a standard 53 g.p.m. (201 l/m) pump or an optional 106 g.p.m. (401 l/m) high flow hydraulic system. Six rear half-inch hydraulic remotes are standard with two additional, optional three-quarter inch types available. Flow rates can be varied through the in-cab monitor.
Two cab comfort packages are available, the Deluxe and Deluxe Pro, which includes upgrading the monitor from the standard 10-inch to a 12-inch. Three different lighting packages allow for upgrades from a 14 halogen package to 19 LED and 2 halogen with a total output of 47,500 lumens.
Farther down the horsepower line, three of the brand’s MFWD tractors top 300 horsepower, the 315, 335 and 365. As Versatile’s long-standing exclusive engine supplier, there are Cummins engines under the hoods of these tractors too. This time a QSL9 mated to a 16 X 9 powershift for all five tractors in the series. All have a total hydraulic flow of 55 g.p.m. (208 l/m), or 72 g.p.m. (272 l/m) with the optional hi-flow hydraulic system.
To make hooking up to implements a one-person job, the drawbars on MFWD tractors are equipped with an auto hitch pin that will automatically drop into place when hitches line up.
Versatile’s CBX telematics package now coordinates data from both the tractor and Cummins engines, offering advanced diagnosis and remote machine management functions on a single dashboard.
In 2022 Cummins and Versatile jointly announced they are working together to develop a hydrogen-fuelled high horsepower tractor using a modified version of the Cummins X15 engine.
At the Ag in Motion farm show in July, Versatile demonstrated the progress of its partnership with tech company Mojow in creating a fully autonomous four-wheel drive tractor. That project is continuing as well. Although the brand has not said when it expects either of the two R&D efforts to be completed, they remain under development.
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CLAAS
The Axion 900 line includes three models above 300 horsepower, the 940, 950 and 960. There is also a variation on the 960, the 960TT Terra Trac half-track tractor. Together, those models offer 334, 357 and 391 advertised PTO horsepower.
Under the hoods of all 900 Series models is an 8.7-litre, six-cylinder FPT diesel engine. Mated to that engine is a CMATIC four-range continuously variable transmission.
CLAAS has also been offering the unique rigid-frame four-wheel drive Xerions, which until this year were available in just two different models, the 517 horsepower 5000 or 476 horsepower 4500. Both use a 12.8-litre Mercedes OM 471 LA diesel. Behind the Mercedes diesel, is a ZF-made CVT transmission, making them capable of travelling at 50 km/h, even in reverse.
But this year the Xerion line was expanded to include two new 12 Series models, the 12.650 and 12.590, which offer 650 and 590 horsepower, respectively. They’re available in both wheeled and tracked versions.
Behind the 15.6-litre Mercedes diesels that produce peak torque at just 1,300 r.p.m. is a “purpose built”, in-house design CMATIC Eccom 5.5 CVT transmission that offers the precise settings and easy speed adjustments typical of a CVT, and it can move the tractors down the road at 40 km/h on the Terra Trac versions and 50 km/h on the wheeled models
The Terra Trac models use a unique track module, which was designed by Claas and Camso for the high-horsepower demands of the 12 Series. The wheeled versions come with 42-inch, 800-70R42 duals, which Claas claims is the largest tire currently available in the industry for production high-horsepower ag tractors.
The new Xerions can deliver a high hydraulic flow, which maxes out at a whopping 142 g.p.m. (537 l/m) with the optional three-pump system. Four priority remotes can be used to keep essential systems like air drill fans running at optimum speed. The base, single-pump hydraulic system delivers 58 g.p.m. (220 l/m).
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Massey Ferguson
AGCO has given its Massey Ferguson brand the “straightforward and dependable” marketing tagline, positioning Massey as the go-to option for those not looking for the same high level of technology its sister brand Fendt offers.
But that isn’t to say Massey’s are all bare-bones and low tech. In fact, far from it. Along with those models that can be ordered with more basic features, there is a lot of technology that can be packed into many of the brand’s traditional red and grey tractors as well. They offer buyers a wide range of technology levels. So, the flagship 8700S Series tractors can still easily compete with most competitor brands on that front.
There are three models in the 8700S Series that top the 300 horsepower mark, the 8735S, 8737S and 8740S. They offer 320, 340 and 370 horsepower, respectively. The 8.4-litre AGCO Power diesels under their hoods can push those ratings 30 horsepower higher when necessary, allowing them to deliver that much more power on hard pulls. The automatic low idle system slows down the engine when the tractor is idling to save fuel and keep noise levels in the cab low.
Engine power gets routed through the brand’s Dyna-VT, dual-range, 50 km/h-capable CVT transmission. The Dynamic Tractor Management System can automatically maintain tractor speed by adjusting r.p.m. to match changing load conditions. The transmission and hydraulic fluid reservoirs are separate to avoid cross contamination.
Hydraulic flow rate hits 54 g.p.m. (204 l/m). 8700S models can be equipped with up to 6 rear remotes.
The new Datatronic 5 touchscreen is fully ISOBUS compatible and allows the operator to control tractor functions on the nine-inch screen. It can also store several headland management turn profiles as well as an unlimited number of user settings and configurations. The brand’s AgCommand telematics system allows for the typical fleet performance and machine management.
8700S tractors can also be ordered with both a front and rear three-point hitch as well as both a front and rear PTO. And a suspended front axle improves both traction and operator comfort.
But having said all that, it appears the 8700S Series is about to go extinct, replaced with the updated 9S Series, which brings their model numbering in line with the smaller, updated S Series tractor models already in the MF stable.
Introduced at Agritechnica, the 9S line will include six models in the 285 to 435 horsepower range, giving the largest model 25 more ponies than the largest 8700S model has. Two pumps will provide a maximum hydraulic flow rate of 340 l/m. It will have the same overall styling cues as its smaller sister line, the 8S models.
Launching first in Europe, the 9S is expected to make its way to North American shores by September 2024.
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Fendt
AGCO has now clearly established Fendt as its premium equipment line, and Fendt tractors incorporate the most sophisticated, high-end features of any AGCO brand.
AGCO’s Fendt brand had a lot of news to talk about for the 2022 model year. The updates introduced then in its high-horsepower wheeled tractor group delivered what the brand called “unprecedented fuel efficiency, uptime and agronomic benefits”. The Fendt 900 Gen 7 Series tractors, with five models from 296 to 415 horsepower, and 1000 Gen3 Series tractors, with four models from 396 to 517 horsepower, made their North American debut at the U.S. Farm Progress show in August that year.
A key feature introduced on those tractors is the FendtONE operator station. It provides individually customizable control arrangement for the tractor and implements to meet the specific needs of the operator.
The 1000 Series models use two separate hydraulic pumps, with a maximum combined flow rate of 430 l/m. And the tractors can supply two different pressure and flow rates simultaneously from each one. A self-cleaning air filter system uses on-board compressed air to periodically blow out the filter, extending filter life by up to 15 times compared to standard intakes.
The wheeled 900 and 1000 Series tractors get power from six-cylinder MAN engines (a 9-litre in the 900 Series and a 12.4 in the 1000s). Equipped with the Fendt iD low engine speed concept that works with the tractor management system (TMS) and Fendt’s signature VarioDrive continuously variable transmission, the tractors have a maximum engine operating speed of just 1,700 RPM. That, according to Fendt, means less fuel consumption and reduced wear on engine components.
The high horsepower, two-track tractor designs originally introduced under the Challenger brand were made available to Canadian farmers wearing Fendt colours in 2020. There are now four models in the 511 to 673 horsepower range in the 1100 Vario MT Series, powered by a 15.2 litre engine; and there are three others in the smaller 380 to 431 horsepower 900 Vario MT Series, which use the seven-cylinder 9.8 litre diesel engine.
In October of 2022, AGCO introduced a completely new line of engines, the CORE models, which the brand says will eventually be configured to run on a variety of alternative fuels. They use what AGCO calls a “simplified design” with fewer moving parts than previous engines. The first CORE engine to see production is the 7.5 litre, which can deliver up to 300 horsepower. It delivers maximum torque at just 1,300 r.p.m. AGCO says other CORE engine sizes will be introduced in the future. The first tractors to get a CORE engine under their hoods are the Fendt 700 Gen7 line.
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Deutz-Fahr
The 9 Series TTV Agrotron models in Deutz-Fahr’s lineup break the 300 horsepower mark. But only the largest model, the 9340 gets imported into Canada. It has a rating of 336 maximum horsepower. Behind the 7.8-litre Deutz TTCD diesel engine is a ZF-built CVT transmission, which offers 40, 50 or 60 km/h capable versions, along with precise speed selection from 0.2 to 60 km/h at reduced engine speed.
The Deutz engine delivers 90 percent of its available torque at just 1,000 r.p.m. And maximum torque remains relatively constant from 1,200 to 1,600 r.p.m.
Hydraulic flow rate is 160 l/m, but that can be increased to 210 l/m as an option. Flow rates and activation time of the flow to remotes can be adjusted from the operator’s seat independently for each circuit. Up to six rear and two front remotes are available. Hydraulic oil uses a separate sump from the transmission fluid to avoid contamination.
The 9 Series tractors offer what the brand describes as “unique operating comfort”. The MaxiVision cab 2 gets a lighting package using LED work lights. Inside the cab is a colour 12.8-inch iMonitor 2.0 and upholstered leather seating. And for a smoother ride, pneumatic cab suspension is standard on these tractors.
The 9 Series come equipped with a suspended front axle too. It offers a tight 50 degree turn angle with power disc brakes for improved stopping capability.
Rear three-point hitch lift capacity comes in at 12,000 kilograms. Front hitch lift capacity is 5,000 kilograms. The 9340 includes with a built-in guidance package, and its fully ISOBUS compatible. So it’s TIM (Tractor Implement Management) ready. A fold-out cooling package and easy access to filters make maintenance chores a little easier.
The tractors’ appearance is the result of styling developed in collaboration with the design studio Italdesign Giugiaro. And if you want to look under that stylish hood, no heavy straining is necessary. A button in the cab lifts it electrically.
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Challenger
The number of tractor offerings in AGCO’s Challenger brand have been pared down over the past few years. It now only offers two model lines of two-track tractors, the MT 700 and MT 800.
The three models in the MT700 Series cover the 380 to 431 horsepower range, using an AGCO Power 9.8-litre, seven-cylinder diesel for power. They can deliver 1,416 foot-pounds of torque at 1,450 engine r.p.m. Behind those engines is the brand’s Accu-VT CVT transmission that is 40 km/h capable. A CVT is the only transmission option for both the MT 700 and MT 800 tractors.
The MT 700s offer adjustable track spacing options, up to as wide as 120 inches to accommodate any row crop need. And tracks are available from 16 to 34 inches (40.5 to 86 cm) wide. A two-point cab suspension system allows for four inches of vertical travel at the rear to help smoothen out the ride for the operator.
Higher up the horsepower ladder is the MT 800 Series. There are four models in it that cover the 511 to 673 horsepower range. The MT 800 line was given its last redesign in late 2020, that included changes to the powertrain.
The smaller three 800s get their muscle from a MAN 15.2-litre, six-cylinder engine, while the largest model, the MT867, has a MAN 16.2-litre version under its hood. That larger engine can supply up to 2,300 pound-feet of torque. Both engines route power through an AccuDrive-VT CVT transmission.
Standard hydraulic flow is 58 g.p.m. (220 l/m), with an optional dual-pump system that can be upgraded to 116 g.p.m. (440 l/m). On drawbar-only models, four rear remotes are standard, but that can be upgraded to eight. On three-point hitch equipped models, six remotes are standard.
Track options on the MT 800s range from 18 to 36 inches wide. Three-point hitch equipped MT 800s get a steerable hitch arrangement, allowing for 12 degrees of movement on the three-point hitch and 11.5 degrees on the drawbar. Drawbar-only models get a controlled drawbar with 28 degrees of movement. It has three selectable modes, fixed offset, offset and float, which can be controlled from the terminal in the cab.
The MT 800 tractors can be equipped with two different track suspension systems. The Smart Ride or Smart Ride Plus. The Smart Ride uses a hard bar with coil spring suspension, the same design used on the MT 700 tractors. Smart Ride Plus includes a hydraulic load-levelling system to raise or lower the nose of the tractor for better traction and ride.
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JCB
In JCB’s unique line of high-speed ag tractors, the 8330, the brand’s largest model, offers 335 horsepower in a tractor that can hit 70 km/h (43 mph) on the road. For safety, they use a dual-line hydrostatic steering system, and the Rapid Steer option reduces the number of steering wheel turns from lock to lock by 50 percent to make field operations easier. To bring the tractor safely to a stop, it uses external brakes on both axles and has an ABS system to help maintain steering control during hard braking.
The 8330 uses an 8.4-litre SISU Power diesel engine matched with an dual-range CVT transmission.
Auxiliary hydraulic flow rates hit 178 l/m (47 g.p.m.), with up to five rear and two forward remotes. Rear three-point hitch lift capacity is 10,000 kilograms, and the optional front linkage capacity is 3,500 kilograms.
In August of 2022 the brand announced the introduction of its iCON models, which feature a configurable control system. That allows for a fully customizable operator environment. The new seat-mounted control arm is the heart of the iCON models. It has an all-new joystick and available auxiliary joystick along with a mounted 12-inch touchscreen.
The iCON models are available GPS-ready and compatible with aftermarket guidance and precision farming functions. It also has configurable hydraulic controls. Up to 50 programmable implement and operator control profiles can be stored in the tractor’s memory, and it can store up to 50 different headland turn sequences. And, of course, full ISOBUS touchscreen implement control integration is available.
The Smart Transmission Control is new and allows operators to set the required forward speed and leave it to the tractor to automatically balance engine speed and gear ratio to achieve that speed under changing loads.
The cab interior has been given an upgrade too, with the addition of a heated and cooled operator seat, more storage compartments and more connections for digital devices.
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McCormick
Topping out McCormick’s flagship X8 model line is the 301 horsepower X8.680. It gets that muscle from a 6.7-litre six-cylinder BETAPOWER engine that breathes through a variable geometry turbocharger, so it can deliver up to 945 pound-feet of torque.
Behind that engine is the brand’s 50 km/h-capable VT-Drive continuously variable transmission, which has four programmable “virtual” operating ranges. Built for McCormick by ZF, the VT-Drive has three operating modes, automatic, manual and PTO. It can even be set to maintain speed and engine settings by automatically adapting to changing load conditions.
The closed-centre hydraulic pump provides 56 g.p.m. (212 l/m). An additional 30 g.p.m. ( 115 l/mn) pump supplies dedicated flow to the steering system. Tractors can be equipped with up to six electronically-controlled rear remotes, as well as two more at the front. The transmission and hydraulic fluids are kept in separate sumps to prevent cross contamination and help ensure driveline oil levels remain at the proper levels.
The rear three-point hitch has a lift capacity of 26,450 pounds (12,000 kilograms) and a front hitch is also available. It gets a lift rating of 11,000 pounds (5,000 kilograms). A front PTO is also an option.
A suspended front axle is standard equipment on the X8s and the tractors are compatible with the brand’s L88 front-end loader.
The McCormicks have fully compatible ISOBUS connectivity to make digital communications with implements seamless. Operator interface is through a 12-inch touchscreen colour monitor.
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MTZ
Arie Prilik, the vice president of MTZ Equipment, the North American distributor of MTZ and Kirovets tractors, said the tractors and replacement parts, which originate in Belarus and Russia, still enjoy good availablity.
The brand’s current flagship model, the 435 horsepower Kirovets K-744 four-wheel drive tractor gets its power from an OM 470 Mercedes diesel and routes it through the Power Quad 16 X 8 transmission.
The tractors use a Bosch hydraulic system capable of 74 g.p.m. (280 l/m) and provides four rear remotes. They also have a Category IV rear three-point hitch with a 9,000 kilogram lift capacity. A dedicated hydraulic pump provides a 21 g.p.m. (79 l/m) flow to the tractor steering system, and they are auto-steer ready.
Unique to the North American tractor market is the old-school front leaf-spring axle suspension used by the K-744. The tractors also have a suspended cab for improved operator comfort.
The K-744s use an air brake system, getting pressure from a Bendix pump. And it can also be used as external compressed air source. The tractors even include a 20-foot auxiliary air hose.
The K-744 will soon give up its flagship position in the brand to the 620 horsepower K8 four-wheel drive, which is now in the later stages of development. Its introduction date isn’t yet established, but Prilik said he expects it to debut in 2025
The unique 360 horsepower 3623 MFWD model isn’t yet available in Canada. It uses a diesel engine powering an electric generator which powers the electric drivetrain. It’s Canadian introduction date is also not yet established.
The brand emphasizes the tractors’ lower cost and simple design with the marketing tag line “Simple, dependable, profitable”.
RELATED: Check out The horsepower race is back on again by Scott Garvey on Grainews.
High Horsepower Tractors for Sale in Canada
High Horsepower Tractors for Sale in the USA
Other Editions:
2025 High-Horsepower Tractor Guide
2024 High-Horsepower Tractor Guide
2023 High-Horsepower Tractor Guide
2022 High-Horsepower Tractor Guide
2020 High-Horsepower Tractor Guide
