SCOTTISH FARMERS became some of the first in Europe to see the latest six-cylinder T7 tractor range from New Holland at last week's AgriScot event at Ingliston - while those on the continent got their look-see at the Agritechnica show in Hanover, Germany, just the week previously.

Featuring New Holland's latest 'family' tractor styling, the T7 Series has the ECOBlue and HI-eSCR technology to allow compliance with Tier 4B emissions standards. The eight-model range has had added to it a handy-weight new standard wheelbase model, with peak power of 225hp, and a 'normal rating' of 180hp.

These new T7s instantly stand out due to their aggressive new styling and housed in the new engine hood are New Holland's trademark 'cat eye' lights, which now include LED signature lighting.

But, the new design is more than just good looks as extended side panels stop dirt and debris from entering the engine compartment, while new side vents add a further styling element. Service access to filters and the cooling package comes via an integrated release handle in the left side of the grille. The roof line has a distinctive gullwing profile and has an array of adjustable powerful LED working lights.

Rated power of the long wheelbase version increases by 5%, while the standard wheelbase model climbs by 9% to 180hp. Add 45hp of Engine Power Management to this and the T7.225 becomes a mighty powerful tractor for its dimensions and weight.

To maximise the potential of this package tyres as large as 710/70R38 are now available on the standard wheel base.

Using the power management feature, all New Holland T7 models offer a pretty huge power boost across the range ranging from a 35hp lift to 45hp in other models.

A new second generation Headland Turn Sequencer II is an option. Controlled through the standard IntelliView IV touch screen this enables complex headland turns to be created by recording a turn 'live' or creating one by selecting actions and trigger points from a menu.

Everything from selecting the target speed of the Auto Command transmission to switching to an implement camera view is programmable and editable. It's then placed under the control of a single button and the new T7 also comes with ISObus Class III architecture, allowing any compatible implement to control the tractor, including its speed.

Available on the T7.230 models and above, new advanced braking technology of the award-winning anti-lock system (ABS) - which uses truck-style technology - manages the brakes of each wheel individually, increasing vehicle stability when braking on greasy surfaces, a useful option for those with high levels of road transport work.

At the top end of the range, though, New Holland has broken through the 300hp barrier with the launch of two range toppers - the T7.290 and T7.315, which will be built at Basildon, in Essex.

"These new models are perfect for farming operations that need the power of a large-frame tractor with the versatility of a medium-frame unit," explained Sean Lennon, head of tractors, telehandlers and PLM product management for New Holland.

"They can take on tasks that you would usually associate with a larger tractor while having the features to deliver great efficiency for pto implements and transport work. They are ideal for farms and contractors whose tractors have to multi task."

The T7.315 has a nominal power of 300hp, with a 13hp boost, while the 270hp T7290 gets a power boost of 20hp when needed.

Their SRC Tier 4B emissions motors enables the big tractors to have larger group 48 and 49 tyres (2050mm and 2170mm diameters), with a rear tyre width up to 900mm for better traction and lower compaction levels. The driver can monitor the tyre pressure on the IntelliView IV display and can set the ideal pressure for the job he is performing and monitor the pressure on up to 16 tyres and receive a warning if the tyre pressure moves away from the set values.

In keeping with family values, they feature the latest Auto Command controls, with continuously variable transmission (CVT) and four direct drive points with 100% mechanical efficiency.

They also have a four speed rear pto and a two speed front pto for added flexibility and the chance to deliver fuel savings.