Comparison of 75hp tractors sold in Brazil

To assist producers in purchasing their next tractor in the 75 hp range, we have drawn up a comparison of technical characteristics between the models Case-IH Farmall 80, John Deere 5078E, LS Tractor Plus 80, Mahindra 6075, Massey Ferguson MF 4707, New Holland TT4.75 and Valtra A74s

Our first tractor comparison, published in June 2009 with the launch of the Mais Alimentos Program, was a success. Therefore, after carrying out more than ten comparisons of tractors from different categories, in this edition we return to the same power range to compare the models Case-IH Farmall 80, John Deere 5078E, LS Tractor Plus 80, Mahindra 6075, Massey Ferguson MF 4707, New Holland TT4.75 and Valtra A74s. These are tractors from the national range of models with maximum engine power between 75hp and 80hp. 

The national market offers 24 tractors from 11 different brands and our choice of these seven models was based on the availability of information and the recognized competition between these tractors. We chose a model from each of the major brands, as unfortunately we could not establish a faithful comparison using all the models offered.

We hope that readers, generally eager for knowledge, can draw their own conclusions and not be restricted only to what we perceive as similarities and differences.

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MOTOR

The engine of agricultural tractors has evolved a lot in recent years, mainly with regard to increasing efficiency and reducing polluting gas emissions. In Brazil, for example, in order to comply with emissions control programs, since January 1, 2019, all engines intended for new agricultural machines, in production or imported, with power greater than or equal to 25 hp and up to 101 hp , must meet the limits of the MAR-I phase.

There are several technologies used and changes made by manufacturers to adapt the engine to each work situation and reduce emissions. The type of fuel injection system is one of them. Many tractors, generally models with up to 100 hp of power, are still equipped with mechanical engines, which are simple but very efficient; but also with electronic, modern and intelligent engines.

With the exception of the AGCO group models, the MF 4707 and the Valtra A74s, which use electronic injection, all others have a mechanical fuel injection system. Some manufacturers go into more detail. The Farmall 80 tractors, from Case-IH, and the 5078E, from John Deere, use a rotary injection pump, from the Delphi brand. Now, the TT4.75 tractor, from New Holland, uses an in-line pump, from the Bosch brand.

The engines used in the models chosen for this comparison are the FPT, which equips the CNH group tractors, the Farmall 80, from Case-IH, and the TT4.75, from New Holland; the John Deere, PowertechTM 4045H model of the 5078E, from John Deere; the traditional Perkins engine, model 1104D-44T, which powers the Plus 80 model, from LS Tractor; the Mahindra engine, model MSI 475, which powers the Mahindra 6075 tractor; and the AGCO Power engine, which powers the MF 4707 and Valtra A74s models.

The AGCO Power and FPT engines, model S8000, which equip the TT4.75 tractor, have three cylinders, turbocharged aspiration with intercooler and the smallest internal volumes displaced, being 2.931cm³ for the FPT engine and 3.300cm³ for the AGCO Power engine. The other four engines are four-cylinder, with internal volumes varying from 3.822cm³ for the Mahindra engine to 4.500cm³ for the John Deere.

Regarding the type of air intake system for four-cylinder engines, there is an equal division. The Perkins engine, which powers the Plus 80, from the LS Tractor, and the Mahindra engine, which powers the Mahindra tractor, model 6075, only has forced air supply via a turbocharger. The FPT engines, from Case-IH, and the PowertechTM engine, from John Deere, have turbocharged aspiration with intercooler, just like the three-cylinder engines.

Air supercharging, with the use of a turbocharger, allowed engine manufacturers to reduce the number of cylinders while maintaining the same power. This helped engines become less polluting, more efficient and economical. The displaced internal volume of the engine, which can be expressed in cm³ or liters, popularly called displacement, allows the creation of some relationships, which are presented in Table 1, and will be discussed later.

Regarding the performance of the engines of the seven tractors compared, all manufacturers provide data on maximum torque (N m), nominal power (hp), rotations (rpm) of maximum torque and nominal power, as well as the official standard, used to lift such information. It is important to know the standards for carrying out engine tests, as each one uses a certain test procedure, and takes into account factors that affect the results obtained.

The nominal power ranges from 75hp (New Holland, TT4.75), 76hp (Massey Ferguson, MF 4707 and Valtra, A74s), 78hp (John Deere, 5078E) to 80hp (Case-IH, Farmall 80; LS Tractor, Plus 80 and Mahindra, 6075). The nominal power rotation also varies, from 2.000rpm for the three-cylinder electronic engines, which equip the AGCO group tractors, to the 2.400rpm rotation, for the engines of the Farmall 80 and 5078E tractors, from John Deere.

Engines with lower maximum torque (300 N m) equip the Farmall 80 and 5078E tractors; and the one with the highest torque (352 N m) is equipped with the Plus 80 tractor, from LS Tractor. Maximum torque speeds range from 1.260rpm to 1.600rpm. The torque reserve, that is, the engine's responsiveness, varies from 25% to 34%. For many experts, this data is very important in a comparison. Unfortunately, manufacturers Mahindra, Massey Ferguson and Valtra do not disclose the torque reserves of their engines.

As for the relationships created, which allow us to analyze, in a certain way, the efficiency of the engines, it can be seen that the hp/cylinder ratio is very close for the 5078E models from John Deere (19,5 hp/cylinder), and Farmall 80, from Case-IH; Plus 80, from LS Tractor, and 6075, from Mahindra (20 hp/cylinder). However, for the other models compared this ratio increases, which is desired, and is also very close. For the New Holland FPT engine, the ratio is 25 hp/cylinder; and for AGCO Power engines, from Massey Ferguson and Valtra, it is 25,3 hp/cylinder.

When the comparison is made by the relationship between the displaced internal volume (cm³) and the nominal engine power (hp), the best efficiencies, therefore numerically lower, are 39,1cm3/hp for the FPT engine, from New Holland; 43,4cm³/hp for AGCO Power engines, from Massey Ferguson and Valtra; 47,8cm³/hp for the Mahindra engine; 48,9cm³/hp for the FPT engine, from Case-IH; 55cm³/hp for the Perkins engine, from LS Tractor; and 57,7cm³/hp for the PowertechTM engine, from John Deere.

This power production efficiency analysis means that some engines can produce more power in relation to their number of cylinders and displaced internal volume. However, it cannot be assessed whether the engine is close to its mechanical resistance limit or not. In order to make an easy and quick comparison, Tables 1 and 2 present a summary of the main characteristics of the engines and transmissions of the seven tractor models analyzed.

STREAMING

When analyzing the transmission system, all tractor models compared have mechanical transmission, of the synchronized type. This type of transmission allows the operator to change gears on the move, as synchronizer rings adjust the rotation of the gears to be coupled. It is worth noting that changing gears while moving is not recommended when the tractor is carrying out operations that require constant traction and power, as the overload generated can damage the system.

Another consensus among manufacturers concerns the number of gears. Most models in this comparison are offered with 12 forward gears and 12 reverse gears. As an option, there are gearboxes with 12 forward gears and four reverse gears, for the Farmall 80 model, from Case-IH, and nine forward gears and three reverse gears, for the 5078E model, from John Deere. Mahindra's 6075 tractor is the only one that offers 15 forward gears and 15 reverse gears.

Based on this information, we can see the importance given by manufacturers to designing tractors with the same number of forward and reverse gears. As a result, all models also have reversers or movement inverters, which makes it easier to change the direction of travel and provides agility in maneuvers. For operations that use reverse gear most of the time, inside a warehouse, for example, these “characteristics” are essential.

With mechanical drive, the vast majority of the Farmall 80 models, from Case-IH, MF 4707, from Massey Ferguson, and A74s, from Valtra, also offer, as an option, reversers or electro-hydraulic inverters. The 5078E model, from John Deere, is the only one in the comparison that has an electro-hydraulic reverser as a factory standard, that is, standard.

Almost all manufacturers offer, as an option, a speed reducer, also called super-reducer or creeper. This system increases the number of gears, that is, it has more pairs of gears, which make the tractor move at very low speeds, less than 1km/h. With this option, the Case-IH Farmall 80 now has 20 forward gears and 12 reverse gears; the Plus 80 tractors, from LS Tractor, and 6075, from Mahindra, 20 forward gears and 20 reverse gears; and AGCO group tractors switch to 24 forward gears and 24 reverse gears.

In a practical way, the quality of a tractor's transmission can be measured through gear scaling and their overlapping ranges. These must provide the ideal speeds, or as close as possible to those recommended, for each type of operation. Added to this is the need to work with the correct TDP rotation (540, 750 or 1.000 rpm), if the TDP is activated. The scaling can be found in the manual or on stickers, generally attached to the right fender or the glass of the tractor cab.

The clutch type and drive system vary between manufacturers. The models compared, for the most part, feature ceramic-metallic dry disc clutches, with mechanical actuation. The 5078E, from John Deere, has a mechanical double clutch on tractors with 9x3 transmission, and a wet multi-disc clutch with electro-hydraulic drive for those with 12x12 transmission. The MF 4707, from Massey Ferguson, and the A74s, from Valtra, are offered, as an option, with a wet multi-disc clutch and electro-hydraulic drive.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND TDP

All tractor models covered and technically compared in this article have a three-point coupling system for lifting implements and hydraulic actuators. Such actuators, together with remote control valves (VCR), activate the active organs of agricultural machines and implements, responsible for a specific action, in the field.

The flow rate of the hydraulic system varies from 44,5 liters per minute in the Farmall 80 model, from Case-IH, to 86 liters per minute in the Plus 80 model, from LS Tractor. The flow rate in the New Holland TT4.75 model is 54 liters per minute; in the Mahindra model 6075, it is 58 liters per minute, and in the MF 4707 models, from Massey Ferguson, and A74s, from Valtra, it is the same, 65 liters per minute. Finally, the John Deere model 5078E has a flow rate of 71 liters per minute.

As for the pressure of the hydraulic system, Mahindra offers, in the 6075 model, a pressure of 186bar; in the Farmall 80 models, from Case-IH, and Plus 80, from LS Tractor, it is 190bar; in the John Deere model 5078E, it is 197bar; in models from the AGCO group (MF 4707 and A74s) it is 200bar. Unfortunately, the manufacturer New Holland does not present hydraulic system pressure data in the technical data sheet of the TT4.75 tractor.

The lifting capacity of the hydraulic system of the compared models was that which, according to official standards, establishes the load capacity at 610mm from the eye or ball joint of the three-point hitch. The evaluated models presented a load range that varied from 2.025kg for the 5078E model, from John Deere, to 2.200 kg for the Farmall 80 model, from Case-IH.

The technical data sheet for the Case-IH Farmall 80 tractor states that the hydraulic system is powered by a completely independent pump, and the steering system has an exclusive oil pump, with a capacity of up to 29 liters per minute. Furthermore, it is equipped with two remote control valves.

The TT4.75 model, from New Holland, has three double-acting VCR valves, for various applications and better control and uniformity of agricultural operations, with a lifting capacity of 2.150kg. The John Deere model 5078E uses telescopic arms with an external mechanical controller, which allows activation from the ground, without the need for the operator to climb onto the tractor platform.

The other manufacturers, LS Tractor, Mahindra, Massey Ferguson and Valtra, did not specify the lifting capacity, at 610mm from the eye, but they do inform the maximum lifting capacity. The MF 4707 models, from Massey Ferguson, and A74s, from Valtra, have the same lifting capacity, up to 3.000kg. The 6075 model, from Mahindra, has a lifting capacity of 2.600kg at the eye, and the Plus 80 model, from LS Tractor, specifies 3.600kg at the eye.

Regarding the power take-off (TDP) of the compared models, we will mainly comment on the technical specifications relating to the drive and other similar configurations between all models. The PTO of the Farmall 80 tractor, from Case-IH, has a power of 69 hp, with mechanical drive and two standard speeds (540/540E rpm) and 1.000 rpm, as an option, which allows alternatives for driving a greater number of implements.

In the case of the New Holland model TT4.75, it also has a mechanically driven TDP, independent and with two standard speeds, 540/540E rpm. The TDP of the John Deere model 5078E allows you to select two options: 540/540E RPM, according to the agricultural activity and the type of implement. The TDP of the Plus 80 model, from LS Tractor, has a power of 76 hp, is independent, with three working speeds: 540, 750 and 1.000 rpm; and electro-hydraulic drive.

The 6075 model, from Mahindra, has an independent TDP with two speeds, 540 and 540E RPM, and mechanical drive, with 66 hp of power. The MF 4707 models, from Massey Ferguson, and A74s, from Valtra, have 64 hp of power in the PTO and electro-hydraulic drive. The Valtra tractor has two standard PTO working speeds (540/540E rpm). For the Massey Ferguson tractor, the economical PTO (540E rpm) is optional, according to the customer's request.

Understanding the characteristics and particularities inherent to each type of hydraulic system, as well as the technical information provided by manufacturers, such as lifting capacity, number of outlets and flow available in VCR and PTO drive, is fundamental for sizing machines and implements and selection for purchase or use of tractors, ensuring greater efficiency and operational performance in mechanized agricultural activities.

ERGONOMICS, DRIVING POSITION AND CABIN

With a view to increasing work productivity, one of the factors to be analyzed is the operating position. In this, requirements must be offered that bring ergonomic quality to the operator. Comfort, sizing and correct positioning of operating controls, among others, aim to reduce operator fatigue at the end of the working day, accidents and occupational illnesses that may arise over the years.

The vast majority of tractors compared have a platform-type operating station and, as an option, a cab, with the exception of the TT4.75 models, from New Holland, and 6075, from Mahindra, which are only available in the platform version. For these models, the activation of some components must be done mechanically, such as the auxiliary front traction, for example, which is done using a lever.

For tractors with a cabin, the traction is activated through an electro-hydraulic system, located close to the instrument panel, for the Farmall 80 models, from Case-IH, and 5078E, from John Deere. On models from the AGCO group, MF 4707 and A74s, the traction activation button is positioned on the right side of the operator station. Same position for the Plus 80 tractor, from LS Tractor, which, for this comparison, was chosen in the platform version, which for most functions has an electro-hydraulic drive.

The differential lock is activated mechanically, using a pedal, positioned on the floor, to the operator's right, for the New Holland TT4.75 and Mahindra 6075 models. The 5078E, from John Deere, is the only tractor with this type of drive in the cab version. The Farmall 80, from Case-IH, has mechanical and electro-hydraulic locking, as an option. The others (Plus 80, MF 4707 and A74s) have an electro-hydraulic drive, located to the right of the operator.

The electro-hydraulic drive of the operation controls is used in most of the models evaluated, aiming for safety and comfort for the operator. The models that use this system to activate the PTO are: the MF 4705, from Massey Ferguson, and the A74s, from Valtra, positioned to the operator's right; and the Plus 80, from LS Tractor, on the right of the control panel. For Farmall 80 and 5078E tractors, this system is optional, depending on the transmission chosen. These tractors can also have mechanical drive.

For the TT4.75 models, from New Holland, and 6075, from Mahindra, which are platforms, the activation is mechanical, using a lever, positioned to the left of the operator. For models that have the option of economical TDP, which allows work to be carried out at lower engine speeds, which can generate fuel savings, in general, for the models compared, the selection of economical TDP is made using a lever, on the side left of the operator.

As for the position of the hydraulic lifting system controls, on all models they are to the operator's right. For the MF 4705 and A74s tractors, the controls are via the electronic system, and for the Farmall 80, 5078E, Plus 80, 6075 and TT4.75 models, in the traditional manner, via levers. When analyzing the arrangement of the VCR controls, in all models, they are also positioned on the right side of the operating station.

The parking brake is located on the left side of the operator's station, acting independently, on models TT4.75, Farmall 80, MF 4707 and A74s; on the Plus 80 model it is on the right side. In the Mahindra 6075 tractor, the system is linked to the brakes, and to activate it you must step on the brake and pull the lever, below the steering wheel. In the 5078E model, the parking brake is attached to the tractor's gear lever, and you have to move it to the P (Park) position, causing the transmission to lock.

The positioning of the gear levers varies from model to model. On the left side of the operating station of the TT4.75, 6075 and Plus 80 tractors there is the gear group selection lever, and on the right side there is the working gear lever. For Farmall 80, 5078E, MF 4707 and A74s tractors, the group and work gear levers are arranged on the right side of the operating station. All models have a reverser on the steering column, which can be mechanical or electro-hydraulic, depending on the transmission.

The instrument panels of the compared tractors have good visibility, featuring an hour meter, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature, light signals that indicate oil pressure, warning lights, PTO operation, TDA activation, differential lock, among other functions. . Each model has its own particularities, but, in general, they all aim to provide comfort, visibility and access to controls.

TECHNOLOGY

The John Deere model 5078E has as options the AutoTrac Universal 300 (ATU 300) and the Gen 4 4240 monitor. The ATU 300 is a water and dust resistant universal autopilot system, compatible with the John Deere cab and platform tractors. brand. This technology provides increased productivity in farming, by bringing the autonomous driving system, reducing overlaps and failures resulting from successive passes, in addition to allowing ideal and constant working speed, for specific applications that require high speeds, such as spraying, for example. The system also provides operator comfort and reduces fatigue during operations for long periods of time. Driven via an electric motor, silent and versatile, it is an excellent guidance solution.

Another option for this model is the Gen 4 4240 monitor, with an 8,4-inch touch screen and IP65 certification, resistant to rain and dust. This monitor enables full control and monitoring of the machine and operation in an intuitive way, in addition to integration with the autopilot system, AutoTrac. It has features such as area management and crop mapping via GPS system, seeder, distributor and sprayer functions, individual coverage maps, application points in the crop and section control, without the need for AutoTrac. Furthermore, on the monitor, the user has access to machine documentation, analysis and synchronization of agronomic data in real time, together with the Operations Center platform, which enables the organization and planning of work, and monitoring of the farm.

The manufacturer LS Tractor, in partnership with the Argentine company Colven, developed the engine protection system, called Vigia, and the Unit Control telemetry system. Since then, it has been offering optional items in the Plus 80 model. Vigia is a system that monitors variables and information provided by lubricating oil temperature and pressure sensors, engine block temperature and battery voltage. It is responsible for signaling errors and malfunctions in the engine, through light and sound warnings on the machine panel, in addition to protecting the system, automatically shutting down the engine if a critical fault is diagnosed, such as overheating or low pressure. of Oil.

Another option is the Unit Control telemetry system via satellite and GPRS, which allows the user to receive instant information on the location and operation of the tractor. It indicates, in real time, the machine's usage conditions, operating time and any occurrences during operation, in addition to integrating information from the Vigia system. The data can be accessed through the Gestya platform, via internet browser or cell phone application, where the user can also receive alerts about the tractor's operation.

The 6075 tractor, from Mahindra, whose main characteristics are simplicity and practicality, does not have on-board technological solutions, either as standard items or as options. This is part of the manufacturer's market strategy, in the quest to reduce final product and maintenance costs.

For the Farmall 80 models, from Case-IH, and TT4.75, from New Holland, as they belong to the same group, Grupo CNH, they share some technologies, but with different commercial names. This is the case of the hydraulic lift control, which is called Lift-O-Matic on the New Holland tractor, and the acronym MHC for mechanical hitch control on the Case-IH tractor. This system allows the operator to control the hydraulic lift system by pressing a single button, facilitating bedside maneuvers by lifting and returning the hydraulic lift to the original working position after the maneuver, without the need to move the control levers and position of the hydraulic system. They also have standard support for Precision Agriculture, equipped with cables (harnesses) for connection to georeferencing and telemetry systems, making it possible to install the Intelliview monitor and antenna and NAV converter systems.

The tractors manufactured by the AGCO group, MF 4707, from Massey Ferguson, and A74s, from Valtra, have the clutch activated by means of a button, positioned on the gear knob, called Easy-shift by Massey Ferguson and Hi-Shift by Valtra. This technology brings comfort to the operator, who only needs to use the clutch pedal to start the tractor, reducing fatigue during operations in the field. Another technology included in these tractors is the anti-failure safety system, which is reminiscent of the Vigia of the Plus 80, however in the MF 4707 and A74s, when detecting an abnormality, the system goes into safety mode, limiting engine rotation and emitting an audible alert and light on the panel.

By comparing these seven models, our objective was to assist the producer or fleet owner in making a decision when purchasing a tractor in the 75 hp range. This is a comparison of technical characteristics, where the reader will determine which models fit the needs of their work and property. With this, we hope to help our readers in choosing their next 75hp tractor, in the same way that we help with comparisons in other power ranges, which can also be found in previous editions of Cultivar Máquinas.

Jose Fernando Schlosser,
Marcelo Silveira de Farias,
Rubén Collantes Veliz,
Daniela Herzog,
Natã Balssan Moura and
Guilherme Dal Mas,
Agrotechnology Lab - UFSM