The Farmers Mart Apr/May 2014 - Issue 33 | Page 69

MACHINERY THREE WAY PARTNERSHIP PRODUCES NEXT GENERATION TRACTOR Tata Steel, one of Europe’s largest steel suppliers, has supported JCB Landpower to create their most productive tractor yet, the Fastrac 4000, through its early vendor involvement (EVI) programme. A three-way partnership involving Tata Steel, JCB Landpower, and GKN Structures, the current manufacturer of the Fastrac tractor chassis, supported JCB to develop an optimally-designed nextgeneration tractor, previewed recently at the Agritechnica show in Hanover. JCB is always seeking to improve its products, and as for all vehicle manufacturers, offering its customers a vehicle with increased efficiency and flexibility is important. The specifications for the next generation Fastrac included an increase in the existing load-carrying capacity, combined with a reduced turning circle. These enhancements, alongside the move to a Tier-4-compliant engine, to meet strict new EU and US emissions standards, called for a complete redesign of the existing chassis structure. Historically, vehicle design has frequently focused on developing the load structure, building up strength with structural material until it is fit for purpose. Using computer-aided engineering tools, engineers from Tata Steel worked closely with JCB Landpower and GKN Structures to meet the product specifications, while using the material in the most efficient manner, leading to a chassis structure Philip Ltd that was as light as possible. This not only helps ensure the new Fastrac remains competitive on price, but also assists with efficiency by not unduly increasing the mass and physical size of the component. By working as a team with design and manufacturing engineers from JCB Landpower and GKN Structures from the concept phase of the design process, Tata Steel was able to create a more efficient chassis structure, including changes to the chassis rails and assessing the overall stiffness and strength of the chassis, to meet basic structural requirements. This smarter approach to vehicle design has helped create a Fastrac tractor with a significant increase in front- and rear-load carrying capacity, with no increase in the overall weight of the chassis structure. Hall Farm, Stainton, Nr. Rotherham, S. Yorkshire S66 7QY Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.philipwatkins.co.uk 2.4m Mounted TRI-TILL Also available 3m and 3.6m 5m QUAD-TILL Available 3m to 6m 3m Heavy Duty Stubble Cultivator Available mounted 3m, 3.5m and 4m Also available Trailed 4m to 12m 4.8m Incorporator To read more, visit www.farmers-mart.co.uk FarmersMart Apr/May 2014 69