A NEW specialist range of fruit and orchard tractors has been added to the New Holland line-up in the UK.

The T4 FNV specialist tractors feature a new cab which is claimed to offer the highest level of operator protection from dust, aerosols and vapours.

Launched at the recent Fruit Focus event, the updated specialist tractor range has more power, better economy and precision than the range it replaces.

There are four models, with a choice of engine ratings and three different widths.

Their biggest selling point is the Blue Cab 4 option, which exceeds the EN 15695 category 4 standard for filtration and pressurisation, which is required during spraying. The innovative double filtration system allows the operator to switch to category 2, when category 4 is not required, at the press of a button. This prolongs filter life and reduces maintenance costs. It is also quiet, at 78dBa.

Three widths of 1.06metre, 1.23m and 1.47m are available to suit the needs of fruit, vineyard or other narrow or row applications.

Rated power outputs for the T4 FNV Series ranges from 75hp to 107hp, with the naming system relating to each machine’s rated horsepower – the T4.80 is 75hp, while the T4.90 and T4.100 are 86hp and 99hp respectively. At the top end, the T4.110 has 107hp – the highest powered New Holland ever in this sector.

They all have a 3.4 litre FPT four-cylinder engine, with constant max power between engine speeds of 1900 and 2300rpm.

Engine speed management (ESM) improves efficiency by precisely fuelling the engine to meet load and maintain a constant speed. It also allows the operator to programme two engine speeds, allowing the operator to select separate speeds for work and turns at the end of a row.

They use a compact external cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) system and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) after-treatment system to get them within Tier 4 emission regulation.

Configurations include a wide choice of transmissions – like Shuttle Command, Split Command, Powershuttle and Dual Command, with an optional creep speed available on the Shuttle Command and Dual Command transmissions.

The top-line 32x16 Dual Command transmission allows a high/low push button ratio split to be made, under full load, in each of the forward gears, while a 44x16 Dual Command is available to meet specialist requirements.

The versatile rear linkage can be adjusted to match Cat I or Cat II implements, with the T4F offering lift capacity of up to 2600kg.

Remote linkage controls and quick-attach couplings are provided as standard, with electronic draft control as an option to make the most of the 82 litres per minute pump.

A new, folding front linkage system also gives a lift capacity of up to 1970kg on all T4 FNV models – and these are compatible with both standard and SuperSteer front axles. An optional direct engine driven and more powerful front pto is available too.

The SuperSteer designation offers an effective steering angle of 76° and a turn radius as small as 2.9m, which is ideal for inter-row working.

There’s a choice of two or four-wheel-drive on the standard front axles.

Traction management comes from an automatic four-wheel-drive system which means that on slopes of 10° or more, or if rear wheel slip exceeds 5%, the system automatically engages drive to the front wheels on T4 F and N models.

For added safety and stability, the 4WD system is also engaged when both brake pedals are pressed.