New Holland unveiled its current generation T5 range at Agritechnica 2019 which included the dual clutch dynamic command transmission (DCT).

One could argue that the T5 DCT came as a replacement for the old short-wheelbase T6 tractors which in 2016 stretched in size to keep up with power increases.

The 100-140hp high specification loader tractor market is one that doesn’t lack competition. In recent years, the Massey Ferguson 5S, John Deere’s sloped bonnet 6M and Valtra’s G Series have all arrived.

To get here, New Holland married aspects of its T6 with the T5 to create the T5 DCT.

The T5 DCT bridges the gap between the existing Auto Command CVT transmission and the T5 Utility.

For many livestock farmers, simple controls and manual gear levers continue to satisfy. But there is a growth in customers willing to stump up that bit extra for a powershift and extra features.

We got behind the wheel of the flagship T5.140 DCT earlier this summer. This particular low-profile panorama-roof unit offered a good level of specification and came fitted with a New Holland 740TL (Stoll FZ20) self-levelling front loader.

T5 line-up and dimensions

The T5 DCT offers a slightly larger stature over the Electro Command and Utility. It sees a longer wheelbase (2.49m) house the larger 4.5l engine and T6 derived transmission. The Electro Command and Utility models come with respective wheelbases of 2.38m and 2.29m, both of which are fitted with a 3.4l four-pot engine.

The T5 Utility comprises five Dual Command tractors ranging from 75hp-114hp. These models offer the lowest level of specification. The three Electro Command models offer that bit more specification including the VisionView cab. The Auto Command and DCT models then offer all the bells and whistles in terms of technology and comfort.

Transmission

The T5 marked the first time the 24x24 dual-clutch Dynamic Command transmission went beyond the T6 range. Unlike the larger T6 DCT models, the T5 DCT is only offered as 40km/h, a disadvantage for some but something we feel is adequate for a 100-140hp stockman’s tractor. As a result, the only difference between gears C-7 and C-8 is that the latter reduces engine rpm to 1,600rpm at 40km/h.

Like many modern Powershifts, the DCT can be driven in manual or automatic mode. The operator selects either semi-automatic mode or full automatic mode. The latter automatically makes range changes as it sees fit.

Manual mode was our mode of choice given the ease of just flicking the control lever forward/backward as necessary. Alternatively the buttons on the control lever can be used. Automatic proved smooth but resulted in frequent upshifts and downshifts. At times it felt as if changes were too premature given the impressive low down engine torque available.

One small flaw with the transmission was the need to engage neutral every time the handbrake needed to be applied.

How the DCT works

Dual-clutch technology has been around for a number of years, especially within the automotive industry given its efficiency and responsiveness. There are two clutches, one controlling even gears and one controlling odd gears. The two shafts rotate at identical speeds to avoid a break in power during gear switching.

The result is that the next gear is always ready to be engaged. For example, if the transmission is in C3 then it cleverly predicts whether the next change is going to be C2 or C4 on the even clutch.

In total there are three ranges (A, B, and C) each comprising eight gears. A third shaft takes care of range changes. The speed-matching function within the transmission worked well, leaving shifts much faster and exact too even if it meant skipping a range.

DCT features

A particular feature that stood out was the Dynamic StartStop, especially for loader work, allowing the tractor to be stopped on the brake pedal like a CVT. Through three aggressiveness settings, the clutch automatically engages in accordance to the braking force applied. We found the most aggressive setting best. The other two settings required too much braking force.

The Memory Shuttle function proved handy when shunting around, especially while handling bales. It defaults to a set gear every time when going between forward and reverse. For example, while stacking bales with the loader, you might want a higher gear to be selected when reverse is engaged.

Smooth Shift momentarily blips the throttle on downshifts and does the opposite on upshifts, helping leave gear shifts smooth with less load on the engine. Although we never found a need to switch it off, it can be done.

Also leaving the tractor feeling even more CVT-like was the Ground Speed Management function. The joystick scroll wheel can be used to set a target forward speed while the engine and transmission adjust accordingly. We found this feature a great help when spraying.

Engine

The T5.140 is fitted with the 4.5l four-cylinder FPT engine. This compact Stage V block churns out a rated 130hp, boosting to 140hp. It packs an impressive 630Nm of torque which becomes fully unleashed at just 1,300rpm, meaning the tractor held on well under load.

A 180l fuel tank is fitted. Being honest, it felt on the small side, especially when the tractor was working hard on the 3m disc harrow for the day. But it is a compact stockman’s tractor which was never entirely designed to spend long days in the field. The AdBlue tank holds 19l, which roughly saw through two fills of diesel.

Access to the engine for maintenance purposes couldn’t be faulted; neither could the cooling pack. Each radiator is hinged, allowing good access when it comes to blowing them out.

Cab and controls

Without doubt, the Horizon cab from the T6 and T7 models is a nice environment for a tractor of such size, probably up there with the best in class. Views out to the corners are good overall, the front especially, but not so much the rear corners. This we found especially to be the case while mowing with a 9ft side-mounted mower. Between the corner pillar, window frame and mudguard it took some neck stretching to get good sight of the mower.

Everything from the seat to the position of heating/air con switches and the latter’s performance was excellent. The only gripe I had tends to be the case with nearly all modern airtight tractor cabs – the door needs a good bang to close properly. Surely some clever engineering could overcome this?

If there happens to be a window open slightly and the same force is used, the door slams shut. The only other niggly thing was the cab steps. They felt too straight.

The rear fender linkage switches as always are a great addition. However, we felt they needed to be placed more to the rear of the fender, saving the operator from reaching around blind while attaching an implement.

Control arm

For test reasons only, our unit came fitted with the basic Display Of Gears (DOG) screen and the larger Intelliview IV monitor. The DOG screen will suffice for the majority of farmers. All tweaks including spool flows are controlled via the bank of buttons on the top of the dash along with the encoder switch inside the armrest. Such settings are a little finicky for the unfamiliar operator but still very practical.

However, if GPS/autosteer or the control of ISOBUS implements is the intention then the 10.4in touchscreen is the one to go with. Here all tweaks and settings can be made much more intuitively.

The Sidewinder II control arm plays a dominant role inside the cab in terms of functionality and the space it takes up. Our unit featured the moveable CommandGrip control lever, which left gear shifts possible by just flicking the lever forward or back instead of using the rubberised buttons which weren’t all that well positioned.

Direction changes, lift and spool functions along with buttons relating to Autosteer and headland management can all be accessed here too if fitted. The button to the rear of the lever has to also be held while making a range change as many operators will be familiar with.

The right hand blister pad is well positioned. However, a number of the buttons were redundant on our model as it didn’t come equipment with features such as a reversible fan.

The loader joystick can be used for shifting up and down of gears too. We felt it would have benefited from directional change switch, something competitors such as Massey Ferguson have offered for some time now.

For the customer buying the more basic non loader ready T5 DCT without the larger monitor and no electric spools, the armrest would feel a little bulky for its capabilities you get in return.

Hydraulics and capacities

Our tractor came equipped with four spools (one electric and three manual). One lever is occupied by the rear pick-up hitch. Although it can be removed, it is not unreasonable to expect a premium model to have the hitch plumbed in on its own switch.

The T5 DCT gets a 110l/min closed centre load sensing hydraulic pump. Hydraulic flow never proved to be an issue even while using the front loader or rear spools. Loader hydraulics proved responsive even at engine idle.

The tried and tested quadrant controls the rear lift simply and effectively, with the rear arms capable of lifting 5,500kg. The 740TL loader has a maximum lift capacity of 1,860kg. It proved to be a nice neat loader and well integrated with the tractor.

Our verdict

During our time with the T5.140, it impressed us as an all-rounder with plenty of poke and manoeuvrability, leaving it the ideal livestock farmer’s tractor. The DCT transmission is a huge advancement from the Electro Command alternative and worth the investment if the budget allows.

The cab, aside from the one or two niggling issues mentioned, is a nice environment with all controls at your fingertips. The full LED light package was an excellent addition, especially for the late nights spent at bales – an extra fully worth opting for.

In terms of engine performance and fuel consumption, there were no surprises. Just the smallish tank left it feeling thirstier than it actually was.

In terms of styling and design, the T5 DCT is a modern-looking tractor, certainly holding its own when compared with its competitors.

In a segment with strong competition, the T5.140 DCT for a compact tractor boasts all the big tractor features such as the cab and the transmission. We feel the T5 DCT narrowly trumps its competitors from an all-round perspective, for now anyway.