For the year-end edition of Cultivar Máquinas, we decided to compare tractors from one of the fastest-growing power ranges in the Brazilian market: the 250 hp range. To do this, we applied a criterion, allowing a tolerance of 5% more or less, based on the 250 hp figure. We then selected six tractors from six different brands: Case IH model Puma 230 - MY25; Fendt model 726 Vario Gen7; John Deere model 8250R; Lovol model N 2604; Massey Ferguson model MF 7725 Dyna-6; and Valtra model T250 CVT.
In common, the models in this comparison share the characteristic of using six-cylinder engines, equipped with turbochargers and electronic fuel injection (with one exception), the drive is of the TDA type (assisted front-wheel drive), and all are equipped with a cabin.
In only two cases is the engine the same, since Massey Ferguson and Valtra, being AGCO brands, share, among other things, the same engine, but with different transmissions.
The engines of these tractors generally have considerable technological development and proven reliability, as evidenced by the number of tractors sold in this power range. These tractors are basically prepared for two situations: firstly, to be the most important tractor on a farm, responsible for pulling the main seeding machine and some soil preparation equipment. They can also be used in situations where the property is larger, in which case they are used in secondary operations, but with considerable demands. This second case is that of sugarcane, where some models even have versions with specific options for this purpose.
Regarding the comparison between the reference standards used to express engine power, both Case IH and Fendt use the European standard ECE R120, John Deere uses ISO97/68EC, and Massey Ferguson and Valtra use SAE J1995. Lovol does not specify the standard used.
There is a significant difference between the values reported by the standard procedures of the norms, therefore it is interesting to perform the conversion to see exactly what the power difference is between one model and another.
Applying these comparative corrections, we have the standardized power ratings for the ISO standard, as follows: Case IH model Puma 230 - MY25, 240 hp; John Deere model 8250R, 250 hp; Massey Ferguson model MF 7725 Dyna-6, 234 hp; Valtra model T250 CVT, 234 hp; and Fendt model 726 Vario Gen7, 270 hp. For the Lovol model N 2604, it was not possible to correct the engine power value, as there is no information on which protocol it follows.
The engines used by CNH in the Case IH and New Holland lines are mostly FPT NEF 6. The Puma 230 - MY25 uses a six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 6.700 cm³, turbocharger and intercooler, with electronic fuel injection. The nominal power is 234 hp, but the maximum is 241 hp. The engine is integrated with the transmission through the APM system, which automatically selects the gear without the need for programming, synchronizing with the engine to maintain a constant speed. The engines comply with Tier III emissions standards, equivalent to MAR-1.
John Deere has its own brand of engines that it uses across its entire line of tractors. The 8250R model uses a 9.000 cm³ displacement engine and is the largest in this comparison. This tractor is the smallest of a series of seven models that use the same engine. Fuel injection is electronic and meets MAR-1 standards with an EGR system, reducing exhaust gas temperature. Like the Case IH, it also features engine-transmission integration, the FieldCruise system. Unfortunately, John Deere does not provide the maximum torque value for this model.
Both Massey Ferguson and Valtra use the AGCO Power 74CW3 model. This six-cylinder engine, with a displacement of 6.600 cm3, delivers 250 hp at 1.950 rpm and a maximum torque of 1.000 Nm at 1.500 rpm. It uses a turbocharger system with intercooler and electronic fuel injection. Also, as is common in this series, there is an engine-transmission integration system, called DTM, which electronically manages this relationship.
Lovol, in this N2604 model, uses Shangchai brand engines, model SC9DK280G3, manufactured in China, with six cylinders and 8.820 cm3 displacement. The nominal power is 260 hp at 2.200 rpm and the maximum torque is 1.070 Nm, without information on the engine speed at which this value is achieved. The available information indicates compliance with the Euro II emissions standard, even using engines with mechanical fuel injection and an injection pump.
The Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 uses the AGCO Power CORE75 engine. This model is part of the 700 series, which consists of two models. This engine, which delivers 262 hp at 1.700 rpm and maximum torque from 1.540 rpm to 1.300 rpm, is state-of-the-art and uses a low-revving concept. It utilizes an SCR-type emissions reduction system with exhaust gas aftertreatment using AdBlue. The engine displacement is 7.527 cm3, and with the dynamic performance system, up to 20 hp more can be made available to overcome overloads.
Unlike lower-powered, less technologically advanced tractors commonly equipped with mechanical transmissions, the tractors in this comparison have hydrostatic and/or continuously variable transmissions (CVT), with the exception of the Lovol tractor, which uses a synchronized mechanical transmission. Conceptually, hydrostatic transmissions feature the "powershift" system, a term that varies depending on the manufacturer, but which allows gear changes under load without using the clutch. In this way, speed and consequently torque variation occurs without the need to engage the clutch and stop the tractor. The Full Powershift transmission derives from this type of transmission, consisting of disc packs that act both in selecting speeds and changing groups, allowing for all the tractor's gear combinations.
In CVT transmissions, the engine and transmission are also managed together, without gears, resulting in an infinite number of transmission ratios.
In systems that integrate engine and transmission, the management mechanism defines the correct speed based on the load demand, resulting in increased operational efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
The Puma 230 - MY25 tractor comes equipped with an Autoshift transmission, a fully integrated "powershift" type transmission with 18 forward and six reverse speeds, covering a speed range of 0 to 40 km/h. It stands out for its balance between power and fuel efficiency, achieved through automatic productivity management (APM), which selects the best gear ratio for the speed, eliminating the need for constant gear changes.
Following the same trend, the John Deere 8250R model uses the brand's traditional PowerShift™ transmission, which offers 16 forward speeds and four reverse speeds. The automatic APS function stands out, where the transmission controls the engine's operating parameters by automatically changing gears, aiming to provide greater fuel economy and better use of torque and power. The system allows the selection of the ideal working gear, with gear changes occurring according to the imposed load, in order to better meet performance parameters. The Efficiency Manager™ transmission is also available on the 8250R model, providing 23 forward speeds and 11 reverse speeds, with a speed variation scale of 15% and 30%, respectively. Furthermore, based on the determined operating speed, the efficiency management system monitors the engine load, automatically changing gears and adjusting engine speed when necessary.
There is a significant difference between the two AGCO brands, even though they use the same engine. The Massey Ferguson MF 7725 Dyna-6 model uses a 24-speed Dyna-6 transmission for both forward and reverse gears, while its Valtra sibling, the T250 CVT, uses a continuously variable transmission, similar to that used in the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7. Specifically in the case of the MF 7725 Dyna-6 model, the transmission consists of six "powershift" ratios, perfectly spaced in four groups. It is worth highlighting that the Dyna-6 transmission is equipped as standard with the electro-hydraulic Power Shuttle reverser, which allows for forward and reverse direction changes without using the clutch pedal, even with the machine under load and in motion.
The Valtra T250 CVT model uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that allows for an infinite number of speeds, meeting the different specificities of operations. It has two speed ranges: 0,03 km/h to 28 km/h for field operations and 0,03 km/h to 40 km/h for transport. The Valtra T250 CVT model also features a dynamic tractor management system to automatically adjust travel speed and engine speed according to the load demand.
Regarding the Lovol N 2604 tractor model, the manufacturer only states that the transmission is of the synchronized type, with 18 forward gears and six reverse gears, with speeds of 3,37 km/h and 31,96 km/h.
Finally, the 726 Vario Gen7 tractor is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), model TA 190, which offers a speed range of 0,02 km/h to 60 km/h forward and 0,02 km/h to 33 km/h reverse. The transmission provides continuous and dynamic driving at any working speed, with the front and rear axles being driven separately. It is noteworthy that the 726 Vario Gen7 model has an electronically controlled all-wheel drive clutch, meaning that manual control of the auxiliary front-wheel drive is not required in this model.
The hydraulic lifting system of the tractors in this comparison falls into categories III and IV, according to the NBR ISO 730-2011 standard, which uses the nominal engine power as a classification factor. It is important to note that the standard establishes overlapping power ranges, meaning that the hydraulic system of a given tractor model can be classified into different categories.
Another point that deserves better understanding refers to remote control valves (RCVs), which allow tractors to perform different operations by actuating external hydraulic cylinders and motors. As comparative criteria, the difference between tractors lies in the pressure, flow rate, and number of RCVs in the remote control system, and the selection must meet the specific needs of each implement or machine with quality and precision.
The hydraulic system of the Puma 230 - MY25 tractor is designed to meet higher flow demands through a closed-center pressure-compensated flow PFC pump, which provides a flow rate of 180 l/min and a pressure of 215 bar to the main hydraulic system. In addition, it has four VCRs (valid flow control valves), as well as a hydraulic return valve with drain. The three-point hydraulic lift system has a steel drive shaft for the cast arms, and cylinders with a diameter of 110 mm, providing a lifting capacity of 6.894 kg.
The John Deere 8250R model features an axial piston hydraulic pump with a maximum flow rate of 227 l/min at a pressure of 200 bar. The three-point hydraulic lift system has a capacity of 9.000 kgf, with electronic control via sensors located on the lower arms. The remote control system has four VCRs with a flow rate of 132 l/min. Optionally, five electro-hydraulic VCRs are available, allowing for electronic control without the need for levers.
Regarding the hydraulic system of the Massey Ferguson MF 7725 Dyna-6 model, it features a variable displacement piston pump with a pressure of 200 bar, providing a maximum flow rate of 150 l/min. The rear three-point hydraulic lift system has a capacity of 9.950 kgf, with electronic control that allows for greater precision in the functions of the hydraulic arms, ensuring depth and working height management for different implements. It is also worth noting that the model offers the option of a front three-point hydraulic lift system with a lifting capacity of 4.000 kgf. Additionally, the model provides four VCRs (Variable Control Points) for operating machines and implements via remote control.
The hydraulic system of the Valtra T250 CVT tractor has a flow rate of 190 l/min and a pressure of 200 bar, with a hydraulic three-point lift system capacity of 9.950 kgf and 4.000 kgf for the rear and front hitches, respectively. Regarding the remote control system, this model is equipped with a closed-center piston pump with pressure flow control and four VCRs. Valve actuation can be electronic or lever-operated (two electronic and two lever-operated), or all four can be fully electronic.
The Lovol N 2604 tractor model only provides information on the hydraulic system flow rate of 100 l/min and the capacity of the three-point hydraulic lift system of 6.625 kgf and four VCRs.
Finally, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 model features a variable flow hydraulic pump that delivers a flow rate of 220 l/min, with four VCRs, and a three-point hydraulic lift system capacity of 10.800 kgf on the rear hitch and 5.196 kgf on the front hitch.
The Case IH Puma 230 - MY25 has a suspended cab and a seat with air suspension. It has a configuration designed for sugarcane (sugarcane kit) with air brakes, reinforced drawbar with special hitch, reinforced front axle, greater lifting capacity in the three-point hydraulic system and wider front axle track.
Regarding the specifications of the 8250R, it is interesting to note that it can be equipped with independent front suspension, which provides better tire grip on the ground and improved comfort transmitted to the operator's cab. Also, tractors of this model are prepared to receive autopilot, signal receiver, and the iTEC system, which assists in configuring headland turns.
The MF 7725 Dyna-6 also uses factory-installed independent front suspension and can be equipped with precision agriculture features such as centimeter and decimeter autopilot. It can also be prepared for sugarcane work with a 3-inch front axle and a three-point hydraulic system at the front, including a power take-off.
The Valtra T250 CVT tractor is part of a series that won an award at the 2017 Agritechnica Fair, where it is the most powerful model and comes factory-ready to receive autopilot and all of AGCO's Fuse technology. It includes a system to automate headland turns.
The Lovol N2604 model is new to the Brazilian market. Information regarding its features and specifications is limited.
The Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 comes prepared for precision agriculture equipment such as autopilot, automatic maneuvering capabilities, variable rate application of products, and a telemetry system. Interesting features include dust ejectors for the cabin filter and accumulated dust in the radiator. On the front axle, the automatic suspension is complemented by the cabin suspension to provide stability and comfort.
*Per José Fernando Schlosser e Alexandre Russini, from Nema/UFSM
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
