The world's four largest series of tractors are already present in Brazilian fields, with options ranging from 400hp to 700hp and equipped with levels of onboard technology that provide incomparable profitability and efficiency.
Since the beginning of the Mais Alimentos program, the average engine power of tractors sold in Brazil has changed significantly. A historical trend in which the average of 75 hp, constant since the beginning of the 1980s, rose to that provided by four-cylinder tractors equipped with turbochargers, around 100 hp, changed with this government plan. For the sake of adapting to the language used in the tractor market, we will use hp (horsepower) as a power unit to replace W, from the international system of measurement units. Four-cylinder tractors with natural aspiration once again occupied the majority of sales. However, having overcome this effect, since 2010 there has been an increase in the production and sale of tractors with maximum engine power exceeding 73,6kW (100hp) compared to what was produced and sold in previous years.
More than this, there is an increase in the production, import and sale of models with power exceeding 250 hp, including a strong offer of models with maximum power between 500 hp and 650 hp. These tractors, with their power and size, bring back to the market the option of full front-wheel drive, with chassis articulation, as was used in past decades.
This trend encouraged Revista Cultivar Máquinas to organize a comparison between the large tractors available on the Brazilian market. For this we bring information from Case IH's Steiger Line, John Deere's 9R Series, AGCO's Challenger Series and New Holland's T9 series. Three groups were organized by power range, comparing in the first group, the largest, between 600hp and 700hp, the Challenger MT 975C models, with 639hp, John Deere 9560R, with 616hp, Steiger 550, with 614hp, and New Holland T9 – 670, with 669 hp. In the intermediate power group, between 500hp and 600hp, we compared the Challenger MT 955C models, with 533hp, John Deere 9460R, with 506hp, Steiger 450, with 497hp, and New Holland T9 – 505, with 502hp. In the group of smaller ones, among these giants, between 400hp and 500hp, we compared the Challenger MT 945C models with 481hp, John Deere 9460R with 451hp, Steiger 400 with 446hp, and New Holland T9 – 450, with 446hp. To obtain information, we consulted material sent by the manufacturers. We hope our readers like and enjoy our work.
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The engines of these giant tractors allow power outputs of up to 669 hp, which impresses us, as in Brazilian agriculture it is not common to use tractors of this magnitude, which thus reflects a new trend in the Brazilian agricultural sector. It is worth noting that most of these models are aimed at large areas of the Center-West and the new Brazilian agricultural frontier, called Matopiba (Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí and northern Bahia).
The John Deere 9R series models feature agricultural engines from John Deere's own brand, a six-cylinder PSX model, with 13,5 liters of internal volume and a power system. Turbo Aftercooler, along with an electronic individual fuel injection system. These engines allow the largest model in its series to develop a maximum power of 560 hp under normal operating conditions with a maximum torque of 2.528 Nm at 1.600 rpm, with a torque reserve of approximately 38%, only possible with electronic fuel injection. When overload occurs, its electronic fuel injection system allows it to achieve additional power of up to 616 hp. Another distinguishing feature of the model is the efficiency control system (Efficiency Manager) which, when activated, optimizes fuel consumption, as it eliminates the need for the operator to adjust the working speed or correct gear, with the system carrying out this adjustment automatically. In light operations, the engines in this series also have the FieldCruise which adjusts the maximum engine speed for jobs where the power requirement is lower than the maximum engine power.
New Holland presents the T9 series, with models that vary in the nominal power range from 405hp to 608hp at 2.200rpm. They are equipped with FPT six-cylinder engines ( Fiat Powertrain Technologies), Cursor 13 model with four valves per cylinder. This engine has 12,88 liters of internal volume. The T9 – 670 model presents 2.100Nm of torque at 1.400rpm, with a torque reserve of around 40% according to information provided by the manufacturer. The models in this series can achieve an increase of up to 10% in engine power in conditions of transmission or hydraulic system overload due to EPM (Engine Power Management), enabling the largest tractor in the series to reach 669 hp, in operations that demand great powers on the drawbar.
As in previous series, AGCO presents the Challenger series with models within the MT900C series equipped with Caterpillar brand propellers, C15 Acert models, with power Turbo Aftercooler, developing nominal power in a range that goes from 446hp to 593hp with the possibility of an increase of approximately 8% in power for all models in this series, due to its electronic fuel injection controller. A factor that draws attention is the torque reserve which, according to the manufacturer, reaches 42%, at 1.400rpm, important when carrying out operations with momentary overloads.
Case IH presents in its Steiger line imported models equipped with 12,9-liter FPT engines with a single-stage turbocharger in the 450hp model and a two-stage turbocharger system – a small turbocharger for low power response and a second, larger, for high revs, in the 550hp model. The electronic engine of the Steiger line is equipped with a system called Power Boost, which allows an automatic increase of more than 40 hp, making it possible to reach 550 hp in the case of the 614 model. This technology is evident in extreme situations that require high power demands, especially when mechanical and hydraulic demands are combined. Just like New Holland's T-9 series, the Steiger features an automatic power management system, enabling a reduction of up to 14% in fuel consumption, by correctly adapting engine power to the load imposed on the transmission, hydraulic system or to the power take-off (TDP).
All models compared meet at least the Tier II Standard, required for the European and North American markets, although in Brazil compliance with pollutant control standards is not yet required. These manufacturers would already be complying with future control standards.
In order to facilitate understanding, we have organized tables showing the main characteristics of the engines of the four series of tractors, analyzing, within each series, the model with the highest and lowest power, together with the model with intermediate power. .
With regard to the transmission systems available in the agricultural tractors compared, they all have hydromechanical type gearboxes. This transmission means there is no need to activate the clutch to change gears.
The number of gears varies between models, with Case IH and New Holland tractors having 16 forward gears and two reverse gears. Challenger tractors also have 16 forward gears, but four reverse gears. John Deere 9R series models have 18 forward gears and six reverse gears.
The Case IH Steiger 450 and Steiger 550 models have a gearbox called Powershift PS4 and Powershift PS6, respectively, both with reverser (Powershuttle). They have automatic APM productivity management (Automatic Productivity Management), which automatically selects the transmission ratio (gear) and engine speed depending on the load on the transmission, hydraulic system and TDP, which provides increased efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
New Holland offers a transmission called Full Powershift model Ultra Command, in addition to having an integrated reverser. The automatic mode Intellishift makes the system manage the relationship between engine and transmission when it is desired to maintain a constant travel speed, that is, the operator defines the work speed, activates automatic mode, and the transmission has the function of changing speed and gear automatically.
The four John Deere 9R series models are equipped with a gearbox, called Full PowerShift. These tractors have an efficiency control system, known as Efficiency Manager. Through this, the operator only adjusts the working speed and the system manages engine speed and gear changes automatically.
Challenger tractors have an electronic transmission of the type Cat Powershift. To select the engine speed and transmission ratio, they have an automatic mode, whose operation is similar to that used by other manufacturers, however, called AIn 4. This system works through constant communication between the engine, transmission and electronic control modules, increasing engine performance.
Due to their characteristics, the tractors we compare are used, in most cases, with implements that use the drawbar, but the three-point hydraulic system can also be used. For this reason, in the configuration of these tractors, the hydraulic system, as well as the PTO, in some models, is just an optional item.
All John Deere 9R series models feature the category 3 and 4N three-point hydraulic system as an option, with a lifting capacity of 9.072kgf at 610mm from the eye. Tractors in this series have five remote control valves and a maximum hydraulic pump flow rate of 295 liters/minute. Regarding the PTO, it is an independent type with electro-hydraulic drive, very common in tractors in this power range. The PTO speed is 1.000rpm and the 9510R and 9560R models are equipped with the PTO as standard, while on models 9410R and 9460R it is optional.
New Holland tractors, which are part of the T9 series, come equipped in standard with category 3 three-point hydraulic system and quick coupling. The lifting capacity of these tractors is 9.071kgf at 610mm from the eye for the models T9 - 450, T9 - 505 and T9 - 560, while in the models T9 - 615 and T9 - 670 the capacity is 9.071kgf. The remote control flow rate in this series is 428 liters/minute and has five hydraulic control valves. All models have a TDP of 1.000rpm.
In the case of the Case IH Steiger 450 and 550 models, the three-point hydraulic system and PTO are optional, and for both models, the three-point hydraulic system of category 4N with a maximum lifting capacity of 8.900kgf. Unlike other brands, Case IH offers six remote control valves as standard, for both models 450 and 550 the maximum pump flow is 216 liters/minute or optionally 428 liters/minute with auxiliary pump. The power take-off is 1.000rpm and electro-hydraulic driven.
MT900C series Challenger tractors can be configured with a category 4 or 3 and 4N three-point hydraulic system, with a lifting capacity of 8.845kgf. In this series the flow standard of the hydraulic pump is 164,7 liters/minute, with a flow rate of 224,2 liters/minute as an option. The MT 900C series has four remote control valves, and can optionally have up to six valves. The TDP in this series is optional, with electro-hydraulic drive and 1.000rpm.
In all tractors, as they are all-wheel drive models, the operating station is quite high, all closed with excellent cabins and meeting comfort and safety standards set out in international standards and North American and European community criteria.
In the John Deere 9R series we have a closed cab Commandview with two seats, one main, with air suspension, possibility of turning and locking that prevents some functions if the operator is not seated, and another for a companion. The controls are positioned to the right of the main seat on an armrest with integrated controls and two touchscreen monitors. In the first, it is possible to adjust almost everything the operator uses during work, such as air conditioning and lights, and another monitor that controls the precision agriculture system. GreenStar. The functions and operational parameters of the tractor are also presented in the right-hand column. The exhaust pipe is strategically placed behind this column, so as not to obstruct the operator's vision. The steering column is adjustable using a ball joint located on the front panel.
In the Case IH Steiger series, the line cabin is based on rubber blocks, fully air-conditioned and with an air chamber cushioned seat, with auxiliary seat. The cabin has a robust rollover safety structure (EPCC). The controls are located on the right side, on an armrest; At the front, there is an AFS system monitor (Advanced Farm Systems) and on the front column, to the right of the cabin, a function panel for the engine, transmission and the on-board computer for controlling all of the tractor's functions. On the monitor, you can configure and control the functions of the precision agriculture system and export data through a USB input and output port. The direction reverser is a small lever placed above the steering column, so that just by touching it, without the aid of a clutch, the direction of movement can be reversed. In short, a series of features that are almost mandatory in this power range.
In New Holland T9 models, the cabin is large and fully glazed. There is an effort in the project to achieve greater visibility. There are hardly any obstacles in the operator's field of vision. The supply system air intake and exhaust pipe are hidden behind the front cabin pillars. The seat can also be rotated up to 40 degrees. As in the other models compared, on the operator's right side there is an armrest, with a console to support the monitor. IntelliView III. On this touch-sensitive monitor, it is possible to control all functions of the tractor in operation, including changing settings. On the right side of the armrest there is an integrated panel where in a drawing of the tractor you can check and control some important operating functions. As is a characteristic of models in this range, it is possible to automate maneuvers through programming.
In AGCO's Challenger models, the impression is that the cabin space is greater compared to the other models compared. The interior of the cabin is entirely in dark gray tones, with two seats, main and companion, made of antiperspirant synthetic material. On the right side of the main seat there is a console where the operating commands and controls are placed, including those for managing engine power, controlling the three-point hydraulic system and remote control valves. On the right column, slightly behind the operator, there are some controls, and in front of the console a color, touch-sensitive monitor, standard Isobus with 15 configurable buttons. This monitor can be used both for the configuration of the tractor, engine, transmission, hydraulic system, as well as for the operation of the autopilot, including the possibility of collecting and storing data for management.
The 9R series tractors leave the factory with agricultural management system (AMS), autopilot AutoTrac with SF2 signal, GS3 2630 monitor, 10,4" touch sensitive, and SF 3000 receiver. This receiver uses GPS satellite signals and Glonass combined, to achieve better satellite availability and acquire the best possible precision, especially in the vicinity of sheltered locations. Another difference is the terrain compensation system, which automatically adjusts signal errors caused by the slope of the terrain, performing horizontal, vertical and longitudinal compensation. The autopilot also features an optional module called iTEC Pro which fully controls the mechanized set in maneuvering operations at the headlands.
New Holland T9 series tractors feature a PLM autopilot Auto-guidance ready and on-board computer Intelliview III. These tractors have three automatic steering possibilities. The normal, open and standard, in all models, has an accuracy of around 20cm. Through subscription, you can purchase the package omnistar, and can be used in two options: XP, with 7cm precision, and HP for 5cm. The last option involves the use of RTK antennas, with a VRS or GPS system, allowing accuracy to be reached within 2,5cm in both systems.
Case IH provides the AFS system on Steiger series models that allows the management of activities through a precision agriculture system. Automatic orientation takes place via the AFS Guide which assists in all operations carried out by the tractor, especially those that require high precision, through the use of the RTK signal system.
Challenger MT900C series models utilize the automatic steering system Auto-guide 3000, from AGCO, with AGI-4 receiver. The autopilot offers, for tractors of this power, two levels of precision: decimetric, 10cm of accuracy in the pass (through the use of the Omnistar differential correction signal), and centimetric, which through the RTK signal achieves an accuracy of up to 2,5 .XNUMXcm between one pass and another of the equipment.
TABLES
|
Maximum engine power* |
Models compared |
|
600hp to 700hp, |
Challenger MT 975C (639hp), John Deere 9560R (616hp), Steiger 550 (614hp), New Holland T9 – 670 (669hp) |
|
500hp to 600hp, |
Challenger MT 955C (533hp), John Deere 9460R (506hp), Steiger 450 (497hp), New Holland T9 – 505 (502hp) |
|
400hp to 500hp, |
Challenger MT 945C (481hp), John Deere 9460R (451hp), Steiger 400 (446hp), New Holland T9 – 450 (446hp) |
Maximum engine power*
Models compared
600hp to 700hp,
Challenger MT 975C (639hp), John Deere 9560R (616hp), Steiger 550 (614hp), New Holland T9 – 670 (669hp)
500hp to 600hp,
Challenger MT 955C (533hp), John Deere 9460R (506hp), Steiger 450 (497hp), New Holland T9 – 505 (502hp)
400hp to 500hp,
Challenger MT 945C (481hp), John Deere 9460R (451hp), Steiger 400 (446hp), New Holland T9 – 450 (446hp)
* Power declared by manufacturers.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (Power range between 600hp and 700 hp)
|
Characteristics of engines |
||||
|
Model |
Challenger MT 975C |
John Deere 9560R |
Scaffolding 550 |
New Holland T9-670 |
|
Mark |
Cat C15 ACERT™ |
John Deere PSX |
ftp extension |
New Holland FPT Cursor 13™ |
|
Number of cylinders |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Number of Valves |
24 |
24 |
24 |
|
|
Aspiration |
Turbo Aftercoolerrar-ar |
Turbo Aftercooler-air |
Turbo intercooler |
|
|
Engine volume (L) |
18,1 |
13,5 |
12,9 |
12,9 |
|
Nominal Power (hp) |
593 |
560 |
558 |
608 |
|
Maximum Power (hp) |
639 |
616 |
614 |
669 |
|
Max Power Rotation (rpm) |
1900 |
1900 |
2200 |
|
|
Max Torque (Nm) |
2528 |
2611 |
2100 |
|
|
Max Torque Rotation (rpm) |
1400 |
1600 |
1500 |
1400 |
|
Test Standard |
97/68EC |
ISO 14396 |
||
|
Torque Reserve (%) |
42 |
38 |
40 |
40 |
|
Injection System |
MEUI - ADEM™ 4 Full Electronic Control |
Electronic-Individual unit injection |
Common rail |
Commonrail / Twin turbo |
|
Fuel Tank (L) |
1476 |
1325 |
1760 |
1817 |
Characteristics of engines
Model
Challenger MT 975C
John Deere 9560R
Scaffolding 550
New Holland T9-670
Mark
Cat C15 ACERT™
John Deere PSX
ftp extension
New Holland FPT Cursor 13™
Number of cylinders
6
6
6
6
Number of Valves
24
24
24
Aspiration
Turbo Aftercoolerrar-ar
Turbo Aftercooler-air
Turbo intercooler
Engine volume (L)
18,1
13,5
12,9
12,9
Nominal Power (hp)
593
560
558
608
Maximum Power (hp)
639
616
614
669
Max Power Rotation (rpm)
1900
1900
2200
Max Torque (Nm)
2528
2611
2100
Max Torque Rotation (rpm)
1400
1600
1500
1400
Test Standard
97/68EC
ISO 14396
Torque Reserve (%)
42
38
40
40
Injection System
MEUI - ADEM™
4 Full Electronic Control
Electronic-Individual unit injection
Common rail
Commonrail / Twin turbo
Fuel Tank (L)
1476
1325
1760
1817
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (Power range between 500hp and 600 hp)
|
Characteristics of engines |
||||
|
Model |
Challenger MT 955C |
John Deere 9460R |
Scaffolding 450 |
New Holland T9-505 |
|
Mark |
Cat C15 ACERT™ |
John Deere PSX |
ftp extension |
New Holland FPT Cursor 13™ |
|
Number of cylinders |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Number of Valves |
24 |
24 |
24 |
|
|
Aspiration |
Turbo Aftercooler-air |
Turbo Aftercooler-air |
Turbo intercooler |
|
|
Engine volume (L) |
15,2 |
13,5 |
12,9 |
12,9 |
|
Nominal Power (hp) |
494 |
460 |
457 |
457 |
|
Maximum Power (hp) |
533 |
506 |
497 |
502 |
|
Max Power Rotation (rpm) |
1900 |
2100 |
2200 |
|
|
Max Torque (Nm) |
2123 |
2136 |
1575 |
|
|
Max Torque Rotation (rpm) |
1400 |
1600 |
1400 |
1400 |
|
Test Standard |
97/68EC |
SO 14396 |
||
|
Torque Reserve (%) |
38 |
40 |
40 |
|
|
Injection System |
MEUI - ADEM™ 4 Full Electronic Control |
Electronic-Individual unit injection |
Common rail |
Electronics – Common rail |
|
Fuel Tank (L) |
1476 |
1325 |
1200 |
1230 |
Characteristics of engines
Model
Challenger MT 955C
John Deere 9460R
Scaffolding 450
New Holland T9-505
Mark
Cat C15 ACERT™
John Deere PSX
ftp extension
New Holland FPT Cursor 13™
Number of cylinders
6
6
6
6
Number of Valves
24
24
24
Aspiration
Turbo Aftercooler-air
Turbo Aftercooler-air
Turbo intercooler
Engine volume (L)
15,2
13,5
12,9
12,9
Nominal Power (hp)
494
460
457
457
Maximum Power (hp)
533
506
497
502
Max Power Rotation (rpm)
1900
2100
2200
Max Torque (Nm)
2123
2136
1575
Max Torque Rotation (rpm)
1400
1600
1400
1400
Test Standard
97/68EC
SO 14396
Torque Reserve (%)
38
40
40
Injection System
MEUI - ADEM™
4 Full Electronic Control
Electronic-Individual unit injection
Common rail
Electronics – Common rail
Fuel Tank (L)
1476
1325
1200
1230
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (Power range between 400hp and 500 hp)
|
Characteristics of engines |
||||
|
Model |
Challenger MT 945C |
John Deere 9460R |
Scaffolding 400 |
New Holland T9-450 |
|
Mark |
Cat C15 ACERT™ |
John Deere PSX |
ftp extension |
New Holland FPT Cursor 13™ |
|
Number of cylinders |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Number of Valves |
24 |
24 |
24 |
|
|
Aspiration |
Turbo Aftercooler-air |
Turbo Aftercooler-air |
Turbo intercooler |
|
|
Engine volume (L) |
15,2 |
13,5 |
12,9 |
12,9 |
|
Nominal Power (hp) |
446 |
410 |
406 |
405 |
|
Maximum Power (hp) |
481 |
451 |
446 |
446 |
|
Max Power Rotation (rpm) |
1900 |
2100 |
2200 |
|
|
Max Torque (Nm) |
1892 |
1899 |
1400 |
|
|
Max Torque Rotation (rpm) |
1400 |
1600 |
1400 |
1400 |
|
Test Standard |
97/68EC |
ISO 14396 |
||
|
Torque Reserve (%) |
42 |
38 |
40 |
40 |
|
Injection System |
MEUI - ADEM™ 4 Full Electronic Control |
Electronic-Individual unit injection |
Common rail |
Electronics – Common rail |
|
Fuel Tank (L) |
1476 |
1325 |
1200 |
1230 |
Characteristics of engines
Model
Challenger MT 945C
John Deere 9460R
Scaffolding 400
New Holland T9-450
Mark
Cat C15 ACERT™
John Deere PSX
ftp extension
New Holland FPT Cursor 13™
Number of cylinders
6
6
6
6
Number of Valves
24
24
24
Aspiration
Turbo Aftercooler-air
Turbo Aftercooler-air
Turbo intercooler
Engine volume (L)
15,2
13,5
12,9
12,9
Nominal Power (hp)
446
410
406
405
Maximum Power (hp)
481
451
446
446
Max Power Rotation (rpm)
1900
2100
2200
Max Torque (Nm)
1892
1899
1400
Max Torque Rotation (rpm)
1400
1600
1400
1400
Test Standard
97/68EC
ISO 14396
Torque Reserve (%)
42
38
40
40
Injection System
MEUI - ADEM™
4 Full Electronic Control
Electronic-Individual unit injection
Common rail
Electronics – Common rail
Fuel Tank (L)
1476
1325
1200
1230
Transmission Type and Gears
Series
Challenger MT
John Deere 9R
Steiger
New Holland T9
Transmission name
Cat Powershift with ADEM™ 4
Full PowerShift With Efficiency Manager™
Powershift PS4 and PS6 With Automatic Productivity Management
Full Powershift Ultra Command™ with Intellishift™
number of gears
16 forward and 4 aft
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Five largest harvesters manufactured in Brazil form a fleet capable of surprising even the most demanding producers. We have brought together these models in a single report to make life easier for those looking for great machines.
