In recent years, a new category has opened up for a lightweight 250-300hp tractor, something John Deere nailed when it introduced its 6250R model in 2017. Since then, a number of other manufacturers have responded to fill this gap in the market. In this segment alone, Fendt recently launched its 728 Vario, Valtra announced its new Q Series and now sister companies New Holland and Case IH have uncovered the T7.300 LWB and Puma 260 CVXDrive models.

New Holland T7.300 LWB

The new T7.300 LWD

Deutz-Fahr's new 6.4 Series ranges from 130hp to 150hp with the trio of models offering a new engine, new transmission options and a new suspended front axle.

Deutz 6.4 Series

Not at SIMA, but at the EIMA show in Italy last week, Deutz-Fahr presented its new 6.4 Series. Designed to be a lighter range of machines in the 130hp to 150hp power range, the trio of models offer a new engine, new transmission options and a new suspended front axle.

Available in three models – 6130.4, 6140.4, and 6150.4 – the new 6.4 Series from Deutz-Fahr produces maximum power outputs of 136hp, 147 hp and 156hp. All three models are fitted with the FARMotion 45 four-cylinder engine built in-house by Deutz which comes coupled with either the new powershift concept RVshift transmission (EIMA technical innovation award winner) or the TTV CVT option.

Both transmissions come as standard with the SenseClutch PowerShuttle electro-hydraulic reverse shuttle with five response settings. Coupled with these features are the Stop&Go (RVshift models) and PowerZero (TTV models) functions, designed to make work significantly easier when using a front loader.

The MaxiVision cab is available in three levels of spec. The basic MaxiVision has three or four mechanical spools in the RVshift. The MaxiVision+ sees two mechanical and two electric spools available for either transmission and the MaxiVisionPro offers fully electric spool valves, and an optional 12in monitor enabling Isobus and guidance functionalities for the TTV models only. All cabs can be equipped with larger mirrors, air-sprung suspension, cool box, opening front window etc.

The hydraulic system is a 90l/min gear pump as standard with the option of a 120l/min load-sensing pump option. Rear lift capacity as standard is 5,870kg with 9,170kg being an option.

The new Q series plugs the gap between the flagship T255 (235hp) and the entry level S274 (300hp).

Valtra Q Series

For the first time at a major show, Valtra showcased its new Q Series, which spans from 230hp to 305hp. The Q Series plugs the gap between the flagship T255 (235hp) and the entry level S274 (300hp).

The new series sees the manufacturer complete its fifth-generation range of tractors, which saw the manufacturer overhaul its entire offering in the past two years. Available in five models, the new Q range is powered by a 7.4 litre AGCO Power engine which is married to an AGCO CVT.

Valtra says the engine features the biggest displacement in the market for this size of tractor, while maximum power is reached at 1850rpm. The electronic transmission management system is designed to automatically select the lowest engine revs for the work to maintain the lowest fuel consumption, and distributes the power accordingly to the hydraulics, PTO, or transmission. Maximum forward speed is achieved at 1,500rpm.

The series weighs in at 9.2t, while its maximum gross weight comes in at 16t, offering a high payload for transportation. The Q Series is compact, measuring in at 3,337mm high and 3,050mm long, while offering a low centre of gravity.

The range come as standard with Valtra’s SmartTouch, while technology such as Valtra Guide, Isobus Connect, Section Control and TaskDoc etc are available as add-ons.

Following its CNH sister company, Case IH took the wraps off its new Puma 260 CVXDrive.

Case Puma 260 CVXDrive

Following its CNH sister company, Case IH took the wraps off its new Puma 260 CVXDrive which now sits as the new flagship LWB Puma model, overlapping with the Optum Series in terms of horsepower but not in terms of weight.

Power comes from the familiar FPT six-cylinder engine rated at 260hp with a maximum, unboosted, output of 280hp. With Engine Power Management, this figure climbs to 302hp for PTO, hydraulic and transport applications.

While wheelbase dimensions remain the same, both front and rear axles have been upgraded with the capacity to configure larger tyre options up to 2.05m (R42) on the rear increasing the footprint by up to 18%.

The AFS Pro 1200 touchscreen monitor and new MultiController armrest is home to the new Advanced Farming System (AFS) Connect while cab space has also been increased. A new key fob provides keyless operation in conjunction with the engine start-stop button.

The cab is now mounted on semi-active hydro-pneumatic suspension to provide a more comfortable environment. The optional Advanced Vehicle Suspension (AVS) system integrates the semi-active cab suspension, rear hitch and front axle suspension to react proactively to changing surfaces for an even smoother ride.

The fuel tank has also been made 15% larger at 460l. The hydraulic circuit alone has 30% fewer connections while the hiring harness has 50% fewer connections leaving the tractor quieter and less complex. The remote valves have also been updated to include a pressure release lever for zero leakages.

Farmall C

The new Farmall ‘C Selection’ models, 100 C, 110 C and 120 C (101/110/117 rated hp), complement the Farmall C Advanced models. Powered by four-cylinder, 3.6-litre FPT engines, they feature Active Drive2 transmissions with four gears in each of the three ranges plus powershuttle, and eight optional creep speeds. A new six-pillar cab has a flat floor, 5.2m2 of glass and standard air conditioning. Rear lift capacity is 5,000kg, optional front linkage capacity 1,400kg, and PTO speeds are 540, 540E and 1,000rpm, with eco and ground speed options.

The new range sees Fendt move away from Deutz to a 7.5l engine, supplied by sister company AGCO Power.

Fendt 700 Vario (Gen 7)

The revamped Gen 7 Fendt 700 Vario Series made its public debut at SIMA. Two new models were added to the lineup – 726 Vario and 728 Vario.

The new generation comes just three years after the arrival of the Gen six range. The five-model range (720, 722, 724, 726 and 728) offers a rated power from 203hp up to 283hp.

When needed, a further 20hp is on tap from Fendt’s Dynamic Performance (DP) automatic power boost concept. Take the 728 as an example, with the boost its rated 283hp increases to a total of 303hp. Rather than being related to forward speed, this boost is dynamic, engaging even at static PTO applications.

The new range sees Fendt move to a 7.5l engine, supplied by sister company AGCO Power. The manufacturer has said the engine is specially developed for the 700 Vario Gen7, and reaches its full torque at 1,300rpm. This sees the German giant move away from its long-term partnership with Deutz.

Fendt has revised the drivetrain and further developed its proven Vario transmission. It now features independent drive of the front and rear axle, intelligent all-wheel drive and elimination of drive range shifting. The new VarioDrive system drives the front and rear axles as needed, automatically changing between field and road operations. Rated engine speed is 1,700rpm, while the top two models reach their top speed of 60km/h at 1,450rpm.

Kioti has introduced the new HX9010, HX1001 and HX1201 models for 2023.

Kioti HX1201

Best known for its range of compact tractors and UTVs, Kioti is turning its attention to the agricultural market. Previously offering a basic PX model, the South Korean manufacturer has introduced the new HX9010, HX1001 and HX1201 models for 2023, which will be followed by larger chassis 130hp HX1300 and 140hp HX1400 models.

At SIMA, the manufacturer displayed its new 120hp flagship model, the HX1201. This four-cylinder model is powered by the Kioti’s own 3.8l engine, replacing the Doosan powertrain used in the outgoing PX range. The engine meets Stage V regs through the use of AdBlue and a DPF. The semi-powershift transmission is an in-house design. It features four ranges, four gears and a splitter.

With three PTO speeds (540/540E/1,000rpm) it features a rear lift capacity of 4.4t. The tractors feature a modern-styling, while the cab has a conventional door on the left, and the right-hand side has a full-length door. The cab features a five-pillar frame with air conditioning, a pneumatic seat and an opening sunroof as standard.

We understand the manufacturer has high-tech features planned for the series, which include Kioti Connect, and a telematics system for remote monitoring on a mobile device/office computer for fleet management, farm records, identification of faults and service scheduling etc.