SOME 20 years of Fastrac 3000 production were celebrated recently by UK giant, JCB.

When introduced in 1998, the 150hp Fastrac 3155 and 170hp 3185 built on the success of the 100 Series predecessors in establishing the concept as a uniquely productive and versatile machine.

Subsequent models brought increased power, greater fuel economy, lower running costs and reduced emissions, a new JCB semi-powershift transmission for more productive field and transport operations.

Now, as the 3000 Series bows out of production at the Cheadle factory, in Staffordshire, JCB’s agricultural focus is on the new generation 4000 and 8000 series designs, with advanced CVT transmissions, all-new cabs and integrated guidance and Isobus electronics.

The final Fastrac 3230 Xtra off the assembly line is destined for Australia, where the tractor’s working speed, stability, traction and ride comfort have made it a popular choice for fertiliser application and other spreading operations, often carried out across difficult terrain, said JCB.

John Smith, managing director of JCB Agriculture, pointed out: “The 3000 Series tractors are direct descendants of the Fastrac models that introduced farmers and contractors to the new concept of a machine capable of moving farm inputs and produce more speedily and more safely than ever before, while giving operators unprecedented levels of comfort.

“Over the past 20 years, they have gained more power, better transmissions, upgraded cab equipment and new features that added to their control and performance capabilities, and helped the tractors win over many fans to the advanced Fastrac concept.

“It’s an important chapter in the ongoing Fastrac story that’s worth celebrating as we now focus solely on a new generation of Fastrac tractors that further increase the versatility, performance and productivity of this unique product.”

Today’s Fastrac range now comprises of three 4000 Series tractors, from 175-235hp with a top speed of 60kph, multi-mode four-wheel steering and ‘active’ suspension all round, and the two-model Fastrac 8000 Series of 306hp and 348hp and capable of 70kph.

They all have the new Command Plus cab, the speed control versatility of CVT transmissions and built-in GPS guidance and Isobus implement control.

The Fastrac 3000 Series timeline:

* In 1998, the Fastrac 135, 155 and 185 were replaced by the new-look 150hp (DIN) Fastrac 3155 and 170hp (DIN) 3185. They were identified by sleeker styling and featured a new 65kph Autoshift 54x18 transmission with three-speed powershift and automatic shift modes.

* New triple link front suspension reduced the tractors’ turning circle by up to 2m and an optional multi-function performance monitor was amongst a number of cab interior revisions, while the Smoothshift transmission that entered production in 2001 brought reduced service requirements and added durability by using an oil-immersed wet clutch.

* Later that year, the JCB Fastrac scored another ‘first’ with the introduction of an electronic anti-lock braking system (ABS), bringing added safety to the Fastrac’s high speed transport capability.

* A rounded engine hood and roof panel styling marked the 2002 introduction of the 193hp 3190 and 220hp 3220, both with electronic fuel pump management that improved economy and power delivery, and generated up to 12% more torque.

* In 2003, the 173hp 3170 acquired the same styling and specification, while the 2006 introduction of common rail fuel injection engines brought more torque at lower revs, plus a power increase to the two-model range, comprising the 198hp 3200 and 230hp 3230.

* Major powertrain changes came with the 2011 launch of the Fastrac 3000 Xtra tractors, which introduced JCB’s P-Tronic 24x9 semi-powershift transmission and the Xtra-Drive feature that operators could use to bring the tractor to a halt and move off again using only the brake pedal.

* To comply with more stringent Euro Stage 3B emissions requirements, the tractors switched to a new AGCO Power 7.4-litre engine using SCR to clean up the exhaust gases. This gave the Fastrac 3200 Xtra driver a choice of 190hp or 220hp outputs, while the 3230 Xtra provided 230hp or 260hp.

* Their final significant upgrade came with Euro Stage IV / US Tier 4 Final emissions compliant engines that brought a fuel-saving low idle speed feature alongside control refinements for the P-Tronic transmission – and eye-catching yellow wheel rims for the first time.