JCB has launched new Fastrac 4000 and 8000 Series tractors with an all-new electronics infrastructure that delivers higher levels of performance and convenience while giving operators unprecedented choice in the way they operate their machine.
The new Fastrac iCON operator environment has three key features:
- iCONFIGURE – creating a customizable control experience for every operator
- iCONNECT – integrating advanced precision agriculture technology
- iCONTROL – redefining operation through new driveline software
The 220 hp to 348 hp (164 kW to 260 kW) Fastracs feature the new iCON armrest console and touch-screen display that provides outstanding flexibility in control allocation and operator information, and a new transmission control strategy to deliver ultimate operator comfort and powertrain efficiency. The tractors are also available with fully integrated ISOBUS and implement control applications that minimize the need for additional displays.
The new JCB Fastrac iCON tractors feature:
- New iCON armrest console with a position-adjustable 12 in touch-screen display
- Optional integrated ISOBUS for efficient touchscreen implement control
- Fully integrated GPS guidance and precision farming application options
- Smart Transmission Control for added powertrain efficiency and operator comfort
- Unique choice of ‘classic’ and ‘pro’ joystick transmission control formats
- Multi-function auxiliary joystick with configurable buttons, rocker, and x-y hydraulic controls
- Memory for up to 50 different control profiles for different implements and operators
- JCB Headland Turn Assist now has up to 50 individual sequences
- New automatic climate control air conditioning with solar load and temperature monitoring
“Creating a fully customizable experience was a top priority for JCB with the Fastrac iCON. In addition, our engineering team worked hard to integrate electronics technology such as ISOBUS and GPS guidance along with refining the driving comfort that the Fastrac offers,” says Shane Coates, vice president of agricultural sales for JCB. “At the same time, we wanted operators to have a familiar experience in terms of the controls and information displays to ensure existing users can quickly adapt to the new system.”
The iCON armrest console
At the heart of the new Fastrac iCON models is a new electronics infrastructure that enables a host of modern technology features to be fully integrated as standard or optional equipment.
The most obvious improvement of this development is the new iCON seat-mounted armrest console and a 12 in color touch-screen display that can be positioned ahead of the controls for easy viewing or moved to one side to maximize visibility through the Fastrac’s large windshield.
The console houses a new main joystick; assignable RGB LED color-coded switches giving proportional control of electrically operated spool valves; pto and hitch controls; an auxiliary joystick; and hard keys plus a display navigation dial for an alternative to using the touch screen.
Hydraulic functions can be allocated freely to the five main joystick buttons, and to a four-way auxiliary joystick with its four buttons and rocker switch, with LED color backlights identifying which spool valve is allocated to which control.
JCB’s new high definition 12 in touch screen display presents key information on five screens using clear, crisp graphics, with the basic drive screen layout designed to look familiar to current Fastrac users.
Swiping right brings up a more detailed running screen that includes settings for up to six front/rear electric spool valves. Another two retain essential machine status information while providing a remote camera view and an ISOBUS 2 Universal Terminal screen.
JCB Headland Turn Assist now has up to 50 individual sequences with up to 50 steps each, making life easier for the operator across different field operations.
At the steering control column, a new 7 in fully digital dashboard display provides speed and engine rpm read-outs, along with essential machine status information.
Transmission control choice
Smart Transmission Control is a new speed-based system that allows operators to set the required forward speed and leave the tractor to do the hard work of balancing engine speed and gear ratio to achieve that speed under changing load.
For added convenience, the joystick and pedal driving modes no longer have to be pre-selected – they are automatically selected when either control is used. And a unique feature allows operators to choose one of two input configurations when controlling the transmission using the joystick.
Current Fastrac operators may wish to use the JCB Classic setting, changing ground speed by moving the joystick left and right, and select direction by moving it forwards and backwards.
Operators new to the Fastrac may prefer the new JCB Pro format where operators push forward and pull back to alter ground speed, move left to operate the forward/reverse shuttle and move right to engage the new roller thumb switch that provides very fine speed adjustments.
ISOBUS and precision farming
The new electronics infrastructure on Fastrac iCON tractors allows for optional ISOBUS control of rear and front-mounted implements using a common graphics interface on the 12 in touch screen, with the auxiliary joystick providing further opportunities for suitable control allocations.
The GPS Ready option prepares the Fastrac for after-market guidance and precision farming solutions.
Operator comfort and convenience
Storage is enhanced by the addition of a utility tray and cup holder on the right side of the operator, a storage box on the armrest, cargo nets at the back of the spacious Command Plus cab, and an under-seat drawer or cool box.
The radio is controlled using the touch screen display or hard keys and has a USB port in the radio deck for media. The tractor is also equipped with two high current charging USB ports in the utility tray, and a data transfer USB port in the armrest cubby.
For ultimate comfort, a top-of-the-line air suspension seat has been introduced with both heating and air conditioning, which is available as part of the Field Pro and new Pro Line option packs.