Over the past decade, JCB has made significant cosmetic and performance improvements to its range of Fastrac tractors.
A stylish tractor from the outside, with a proven engine and transmission, its in-cab controls were undoubtedly the Achilles heel. This became more prominent in recent years with rival brands such as Fendt and John Deere showing their extensive cab overhauls.
However, this is now no longer the case. After four years of development, the manufacturer has completely revitalised the cab, and introduced the new iCON series. This fresh new look consists of a new armrest console and new touch-screen display featuring total flexibility for control allocation, alongside a new transmission control strategy.
The range is finally available with fully-integrated Isobus and JCB’s own GPS guidance, meaning operators can minimise the need for additional in-cab displays. JCB has said that iCON will now come standard on all five Fastrac models, from the 175hp entry level 4000 series to the 348hp 8330.
This fresh new look consists of a new armrest console and new touchscreen display featuring total flexibility for control allocation.
iCON armrest console
The most obvious element of the revitalisation of the range is the new iCON seat-mounted armrest console and new 12in colour touchscreen display.
The console houses a new main joystick, assignable colour-coded levers which act as electrically operated spool valves, PTO and hitch controls, an auxiliary joystick and hard keys plus an encoder dial as an alternative to using the touchscreen.
The hydraulic functions can be allocated freely to the five main electrically operated buttons and also to the optional four-way auxiliary joystick with its four buttons and rocker switch. LED coloured backlights now identify which spool valve is allocated to which control. This reconfiguration takes places through the terminal.
Operators can now choose one of two input configurations when controlling the transmission using the new joystick.
JCB’s new 12in touchscreen display presents key information on five screens, with the basic run screen layout design familiar to current Fastrac users. iPad-style swiping to the right brings up a more detailed running screen that includes settings for up to six front/rear electric spool valves, another two show vehicle status information while providing a remote camera view and an Isobus 2 Universal Terminal screen. Meanwhile, a fifth screen is dedicated to JCB’s new satellite guidance and precision farming options. Memory for up to 50 different control profiles for different machines and operators can be saved through the screen. The 12in screen isn’t fixed, meaning it can be positioned ahead of the controls to keep an eye on, or it can be moved to one side out of the way to increase visibility through the windscreen.
JCB Headland Turn Assist now has up to 50 individual sequences with up to 50 steps in each. Ahead of the operator, a new 7in digital dashboard display replaces the previous dash, and provides speed and engine rpm readouts, along with essential vehicle status information.
JCB’s new 12in touchscreen display presents key information on five screens
New transmission options
JCB continues to use the proven AGCO (Fendt) sourced vario transmission, but has made improvements to how it is interpreted. The tractor features Smart Transmission Control, a new speed-based system that allows operators to set the required forward speed and leave the tractor to do the work of balancing engine speed and gear ratio to achieve that speed under changing load.
The new joystick also comes with a range of customisable driving options, allowing the operator to configure it as he/she wishes. Joystick and pedal driving modes now no longer have to be pre-selected.
They are now automatically selected when either control is used, while operators can now choose one of two input configurations when controlling the transmission using the joystick.
Current Fastrac operators can continue to use the JCB ‘classic’ setting, which entails changing ground speed by moving the joystick left and right, and selecting direction by moving it forwards and backwards.
However, operators new to the Fastrac may prefer the new JCB pro (Fendt-style) format which rearranges these functions. This means you can now push the joystick forward and pull back to alter ground speed, and move left to operate the forward/reverse shuttle and move right to engage a new roller thumb switch that provides fine speed adjustments.
Isobus and GPS
The electrical infrastructure on the new models caters for optional Isobus control of rear and front-mounted implements using the common graphics interface on the 12in touchscreen, with the auxiliary joystick providing further options for bespoke control allocations.
A fully-integrated GPS guidance system is also available. This comprises of a Novatel Smart-7 receiver, a steering controller and JCB user interface, while section control and variable rate control are available as unlock options. Alternatively, ordering the GPS Ready option prepares the Fastrac for after-market guidance and precision farming solutions.
The new Fastracs can be ordered with JCB rapid steer, which reduces the number of steering wheel turns needed for headland manoeuvres etc. Similarly, JCB’s twin steer is available for the four-wheel steer 4000 series. This allows the front and rear axles to be guided independently using separate GPS receivers, for precise implement positioning.
Ahead of the operator, a new 7in digital dashboard display replaces the previous dash.
Cab features
Visibility, space or comfort was never singled out as an issue with the latest generation Fastrac cab. Regardless, JCB claims to have taken comfort to a new level. The cab now features a new automatic climate control air-conditioning system which reacts to changing conditions. More storage space has been incorporated, while higher-spec models now feature both a heated and ventilated operator seat.
The tractor’s connectivity credentials have also been improved, with a USB port in the radio head for media, two high current charging USBs in the utility tray, and a data transfer USB port in the armrest cubby.
The only other changes include some subtle changes including colouring of the guide handles and better placed internal door latches. This new range is just entering production and it’s expected that the first models will arrive in Ireland in June. The 4220 is undoubtedly the most popular and now comes with a list price of €240,000 plus VAT.
A fully integrated GPS guidance system comprising of a Novatel Smart-7 receiver, a steering controller and JCB user interface is now available.
JCB continues to use the proven AGCO (Fendt) sourced vario transmission, but have made improvements to how it is interpreted.
This new range has entered production and it’s expected that the first models will arrive in Ireland in the coming months.
Over the past decade, JCB has made significant cosmetic and performance improvements to its range of Fastrac tractors.
A stylish tractor from the outside, with a proven engine and transmission, its in-cab controls were undoubtedly the Achilles heel. This became more prominent in recent years with rival brands such as Fendt and John Deere showing their extensive cab overhauls.
However, this is now no longer the case. After four years of development, the manufacturer has completely revitalised the cab, and introduced the new iCON series. This fresh new look consists of a new armrest console and new touch-screen display featuring total flexibility for control allocation, alongside a new transmission control strategy.
The range is finally available with fully-integrated Isobus and JCB’s own GPS guidance, meaning operators can minimise the need for additional in-cab displays. JCB has said that iCON will now come standard on all five Fastrac models, from the 175hp entry level 4000 series to the 348hp 8330.
This fresh new look consists of a new armrest console and new touchscreen display featuring total flexibility for control allocation.
iCON armrest console
The most obvious element of the revitalisation of the range is the new iCON seat-mounted armrest console and new 12in colour touchscreen display.
The console houses a new main joystick, assignable colour-coded levers which act as electrically operated spool valves, PTO and hitch controls, an auxiliary joystick and hard keys plus an encoder dial as an alternative to using the touchscreen.
The hydraulic functions can be allocated freely to the five main electrically operated buttons and also to the optional four-way auxiliary joystick with its four buttons and rocker switch. LED coloured backlights now identify which spool valve is allocated to which control. This reconfiguration takes places through the terminal.
Operators can now choose one of two input configurations when controlling the transmission using the new joystick.
JCB’s new 12in touchscreen display presents key information on five screens, with the basic run screen layout design familiar to current Fastrac users. iPad-style swiping to the right brings up a more detailed running screen that includes settings for up to six front/rear electric spool valves, another two show vehicle status information while providing a remote camera view and an Isobus 2 Universal Terminal screen. Meanwhile, a fifth screen is dedicated to JCB’s new satellite guidance and precision farming options. Memory for up to 50 different control profiles for different machines and operators can be saved through the screen. The 12in screen isn’t fixed, meaning it can be positioned ahead of the controls to keep an eye on, or it can be moved to one side out of the way to increase visibility through the windscreen.
JCB Headland Turn Assist now has up to 50 individual sequences with up to 50 steps in each. Ahead of the operator, a new 7in digital dashboard display replaces the previous dash, and provides speed and engine rpm readouts, along with essential vehicle status information.
JCB’s new 12in touchscreen display presents key information on five screens
New transmission options
JCB continues to use the proven AGCO (Fendt) sourced vario transmission, but has made improvements to how it is interpreted. The tractor features Smart Transmission Control, a new speed-based system that allows operators to set the required forward speed and leave the tractor to do the work of balancing engine speed and gear ratio to achieve that speed under changing load.
The new joystick also comes with a range of customisable driving options, allowing the operator to configure it as he/she wishes. Joystick and pedal driving modes now no longer have to be pre-selected.
They are now automatically selected when either control is used, while operators can now choose one of two input configurations when controlling the transmission using the joystick.
Current Fastrac operators can continue to use the JCB ‘classic’ setting, which entails changing ground speed by moving the joystick left and right, and selecting direction by moving it forwards and backwards.
However, operators new to the Fastrac may prefer the new JCB pro (Fendt-style) format which rearranges these functions. This means you can now push the joystick forward and pull back to alter ground speed, and move left to operate the forward/reverse shuttle and move right to engage a new roller thumb switch that provides fine speed adjustments.
Isobus and GPS
The electrical infrastructure on the new models caters for optional Isobus control of rear and front-mounted implements using the common graphics interface on the 12in touchscreen, with the auxiliary joystick providing further options for bespoke control allocations.
A fully-integrated GPS guidance system is also available. This comprises of a Novatel Smart-7 receiver, a steering controller and JCB user interface, while section control and variable rate control are available as unlock options. Alternatively, ordering the GPS Ready option prepares the Fastrac for after-market guidance and precision farming solutions.
The new Fastracs can be ordered with JCB rapid steer, which reduces the number of steering wheel turns needed for headland manoeuvres etc. Similarly, JCB’s twin steer is available for the four-wheel steer 4000 series. This allows the front and rear axles to be guided independently using separate GPS receivers, for precise implement positioning.
Ahead of the operator, a new 7in digital dashboard display replaces the previous dash.
Cab features
Visibility, space or comfort was never singled out as an issue with the latest generation Fastrac cab. Regardless, JCB claims to have taken comfort to a new level. The cab now features a new automatic climate control air-conditioning system which reacts to changing conditions. More storage space has been incorporated, while higher-spec models now feature both a heated and ventilated operator seat.
The tractor’s connectivity credentials have also been improved, with a USB port in the radio head for media, two high current charging USBs in the utility tray, and a data transfer USB port in the armrest cubby.
The only other changes include some subtle changes including colouring of the guide handles and better placed internal door latches. This new range is just entering production and it’s expected that the first models will arrive in Ireland in June. The 4220 is undoubtedly the most popular and now comes with a list price of €240,000 plus VAT.
A fully integrated GPS guidance system comprising of a Novatel Smart-7 receiver, a steering controller and JCB user interface is now available.
JCB continues to use the proven AGCO (Fendt) sourced vario transmission, but have made improvements to how it is interpreted.
This new range has entered production and it’s expected that the first models will arrive in Ireland in the coming months.
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