February 13th 1999

A tractor for the livestock farmer

New TL tractor range from New Holland

FRANCIS QUIGLEY reports

New Holland recently announced the introduction of the new TL range of tractors, to replace the popular L/35 range.

The latter was one of the better selling models for New Holland, aimed specifically at the livestock farmer market.

The old range comprised of five tractors, ranging in power from the small three-cylinder L60/4635 to the larger L95 model. The new range will no longer go as low as 45 kW (60 hp), as the L60/4635 was replaced by the TN65D late last year.

This means that the new TL range will start with the 49 kW (65 hp) TL70, going up to the 71 kW (95hp) TL100. There are four tractors in the new line-up and all are fitted with the Iveco 8000 series engine. All of the tractors feature a sloping bonnet. As many of these tractors are often fitted with a front-end loader, this will make it a lot easier to see the bucket when the loader is at ground level.

On the issue of loader work, another very nice feature of the tractor is the mid-mounted valve chest. This has been added specifically for loader work. New Holland has put a joystick in the cab to control the two spools, making it very user friendly.

Transmission options

A number of transmission options are available. On the two smaller models, the TL70 and TL80, the standard box is a 12x12 shuttle. However, you can opt for the 20x12 shuttle command also.

On the two larger models the standard transmission is the 30 km/hr 12x12 shuttle command. However, a 20x12 creeper box can also be fitted; this will give the tractor a wider speed range, from 0.3 to 40 km/hr.

All of the tractors can be fitted with the 24x12 dual command, which will, I'm sure, be the more popular option. This 30 km/hr box gives the operator two powershift speeds in each of the 12 main gears. A 40 km/hr version of this also will be available.

A cab mounted push button switch activates the four-wheel-drive system. Electro-hydraulic diff-lock systems are fitted to the front and rear axles of all four-wheel-drive models. For safety, the four-wheel-drive is automatically engaged when braking.

Rear lift capacity of 3,340 kg

All of the new tractors come as standard with a rear lift capacity of 3,340 kg and 610mm from the ball ends. For those who require a little extra power in the back-end, this can be increased to 3,705 kg by adding an extra lift cylinder. A second extra lift ram will boost the lifting power even further still to 4,065 kg.