New Holland introduced a new range of tractors in France in mid-March. Focusing on the T5 and T6, these mid-range tractors sell around 20,000 units in Europe in this power category.

The new T5

For existing users, the good news is that the dimensions have not changed, making it a very practical farmyard tool. What has changed is the styling, which brings the tractor more in line with its big brothers in New Holland.

Despite the compact size, the tractor proved to be quite capable in the field also. Hauling a Maschio cultivator, the tractor seemed to have good draft ability and was fitted with wheel weights for traction.

Interestingly, all the New Holland tractors were fitted with Maschio cultivator machines – the sign of an imminent partnership?

The engine

Under the hood, the tractor is fitted with FPT HI-eSCR engines for Tier 4B compliance.

New Holland says this engine has increased performance and has up to 24% more torque backup. The new T5 range is available in three models – the 99hp T5.100, the 107hp T5.110 and the 117hp T5.120, with respective maximum torque figures at 1,500rpm of 430, 468 and 491Nm. The engine is not boosted, so this power is constantly available.

The 3.4-litre commonrail F5C engine with ECOBlue Compact works on a combination of HI-eSCR technology and low rate exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), developed and produced by FPT Industrial.

This is in alignment with the New Holland Tier 4B strategy, which foresees the use of compact SCR and low-rate EGR for lower- powered products with reduced cooling requirements.

Fuel capacity is 165 litres and AdBlue tanks hold 12 litres. This might be a limiting factor for long days in arable fields.

Improved comfort

A key development is the addition of the Terraglide™ front-suspended axle option. When paired with the optional Comfort Ride™ cab suspension, it gives operators similar comfort levels to those already found on the bigger New Holland tractors. Optional front brakes are available for true four-wheel braking.

In the deluxe cab, comfort is improved with a new control layout and tilting steering column. A windscreen providing panoramic view and a large 200° wiper improves visibility in the wet. The operator also benefits from enhanced stowage with the addition of a storage box to the left of the seat.

Externally, night vision is improved with new high-power LED work lights. The optional eight LED lights provide 15,600 lumens and a broader spread of white light. Compared with equivalent-powered halogen lights, they offer 145% more light and increased durability, with less power consumption.

Those operating compatible equipment benefit from optional ISOBUS Class II capability.

Wider loader frame

A new wide frame, at 1,100mm with bolted towers and the option of side rails, forms part of a loader-ready package on the T5.

There is also the option of new mechanical or electrohydraulic joysticks with integrated transmission control, aimed at making operation easier, especially around the farmyard with a loader. The loader is Stoll-branded, with sizes to suit the tractor power.

Transmission

The T5 benefits from the auto transport and auto field modes found on the bigger tractors.

For road work, the operator can select auto transport mode, which automatically shifts gears to match engine load, thereby reducing fuel consumption according to New Holland.

The auto field mode offers the same advantages, by managing both engine speed and transmission in line with PTO operations. An optional creeper mode is also available, with the 40km/h ECO electro command transmission.

Additionally, there are now three settings for shuttle modulation, allowing the operator to set the aggressiveness of forward or reverse changes. This feature is particularly targeted at the large number of users who equip tractors of this size with a loader.

The rear three-point linkage lift capacity has been raised to 5,420kg at the hook ends, while remote valve layout has been improved for easier coupling. The optional front linkage has a lift capacity of 1,850kg and 1,000rpm PTO speed as standard.

Improvements to the chassis have allowed gross vehicle weight to be raised from 7.4t to 8t, and a new fixed heavy-duty front axle option allows the fitting of 28” front tyres.

Summary

It seems the T5 has grown up. It may now be a credible alternative for farmers who have had a T6 in the past who didn’t need that size of a tractor and had it for the comfort levels.

Most of the features on the transmission, the wide-frame loader and front suspension have been incorporated in to the T5.

Although I drove this tractor in the field for a limited time, the cabin is bright and controls and driving position are good.

The motor also seems to have a pretty decent lugging ability for its size.

The T5.110 tractor we drove could operate a 10ft mower with ease or be equally comfortable with a four-sod reversible plough if ballasted to the front.