TL-A series launched - it's official

Following on from our exclusive pictures of the new TL-A series from New Holland, which appeared in a recent issue of the Farmers Journal, we now bring you more details of these tractors

By Jim Breen

The TL-A series replaces the existing TL range and takes its design cues from its bigger brother, the award-winning TS-A. New Holland claims that the new TL-A ‘guarantees buyers the same levels of comfort, functionality and solid reliability from 72 to 100hp that its larger sibling already delivers from 100-136hp’.

Pitched at the mixed farming and livestock sector, the existing TL series has been the best selling tractor in the hotly-contested 70-100hp segment all over Europe for the past couple of years - or so says New Holland.

With the introduction of the TL-A, the series is now claimed to offer more than ever. Add to that the fact that the new TL-A range boasts a major facelift - taking on the ‘sleek, modern styling' of New Holland's latest tractors. The changes are not only cosmetic however. Under the skin the TL-A is said to share many of the TS-A's advanced features but in a more compact package.

The TL-A's Tier II 4.5-litre engines, rear axle and final drive design, and four-wheel-drive front axle casting are already proving themselves out in the field on the TS-A. And this level of engineering is not going to waste on the smaller tractors, says New Holland. Its new 90 and 100hp models can match the 5,060kg maximum hydraulic lift capacity and 6,200kg maximum payload of the entry-level TS-A.

Some of the fittings now found in the TS-A's Horizon cab also appear in the TL-A's cab. It should be pointed out however, that the cab frame is similar to what went before. The cab noise level is down by 2.5db(A) to 75.5db(A), while an air-sprung, swivel seat, improved air conditioning with an adjustable electronic thermostat and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel are now fitted. The driver also benefits from improved instrumentation and repositioning of controls. The TL-A now boasts a new instrument cluster, which features analogue and digital functions. Additional new functions include: digital tractor speed, digital PTO speed, digital clock, turn indicators with timed warning buzzer, low level fuel light and programmable maintenance intervals. The TL-A's performance monitor has been moved and is now part of the main dashboard, situated below and to the right of the instrument cluster. As well as being easier to use, the performance monitor can now be specified with additional features. Used in conjunction with an optional radar unit, it will monitor wheel slip and adjust the draft settings automatically to keep the tractor operating within pre-determined limits.

Outside the cab, the new hood provides the operator with more forward visibility than before and also features a corner light unit that combines high and low beam headlamps to provide improved forward lighting when working in the field. Telescopic mirrors provide better rear visibility when pulling a wide load.

Despite its many modifications, the TL-A remains a ‘compact, light and powerful tractor'. Weighing in at just 3,600kg for the 100hp, four-wheel-drive model, the range boasts high power-to-weight ratios - or so says New Holland. The result is good fuel economy for light haulage work or loader duties.

The TL-A is less than 2.5 metres high (2.45 metres with 16.9R30 rear tyres, 2.49 metres with 16.9R34 rear tyres) with a flat floor cab, allowing the tractors to access low buildings. The turning circle is 3.95 metres. This means the TL-A is ‘at home either in the field or around the yard'.

The power behind the TL-A comes from New Holland's new generation of Tier II compliant engines. The same 4.5-litre block is used across the whole range, with a mix of turbocharged and naturally aspirated units giving power outputs from 72hp to 100hp. Torque back up is also increased - with improvements of up to 37%.

One consequence of the improved engines is a longer oil service interval. Even though the range uses standard oil, rather than synthetic, the TL-A goes 600 hours between oil changes. That, says New Holland, is a longer interval than most.

Hydraulic performance has also been improved. The tractor already had a dedicated pump for steering and lubrication but its capacity has now been almost doubled to 40 litres per minute. As well as protecting the steering from any loss of power during demanding loader work, this means that all of the main hydraulic pump's 60 litres per minute output is available for linkage and external applications.

Available in two- and four-wheel-drive, the TL-A is designed to suit smaller farms and holdings. Things have been kept decidedly simple as a result. Transmission options start with a basic, mechanical 12F 12R Synchro Command box with shuttle reverser. A 20F 12R creeper box (300 metres per hour) or a super creeper (200 metres per hour) option is available for specific applications such as planting.

The Dual Command transmission, with a power-shuttle and a two-speed power shift, will be the most popular option. This 24F 24R transmission allows you to change direction without the clutch. And whatever the ground speed and whichever gear is selected, direction changes are carried out in a ‘smooth, progressive manner'. The TL-A continues to offer the simple Mechanical Draft Control, which is fitted as standard. This incorporates Lift-O-Matic, which allows an implement to be raised or lowered at the push of a button.

Alternatively, Electronic Draft Control can be specified. This has additional functions such as fast dig, in-cab maximum height limit, lowering speed adjustment and automatic Dynamic Ride Control. Both systems provide a lift capacity of 5,060kg at the link ends.

The standard specification also includes electro-hydraulic four-wheel drive engagement. Electro-hydraulic diff-lock engagement on the front and rear axles includes 100 per cent locking at the front to optimise traction in difficult conditions. The TL-A series is available with a one, two- or three-speed PTO with ground speed operation.

As many of its smaller tractors are fitted with loaders, New Holland is offering the TL-A series with a factory-fitted FL series loader. Three FL loader models, each available in non self-levelling, mechanical self-levelling or hydraulic self-levelling formats. Prices have not yet been published. Expect the first deliveries to land in the coming months.