Allowing the operator new options to control speed, function, and access to precision technology, the latest JCB Fastrac 8330 to hit Australian shores boasts major advances
 |
|
Australian distributors CEA have brought the first JCB Fastrac 8330 iCON tractor
|
The JCB Fastrac iCON has made its Down Under debut, and its new tech-focused control suite is set to impress.
Australian distributors CEA have brought the first JCB Fastrac 8330 iCON tractor equipped with the British manufacturer’s all-new electronics infrastructure suite, which they say will give operators unprecedented options in the way they operate their machines.
CEA Fastrac product manager Andrew Hacker says the most important changes to the new model can all be seen from the cab.
“The cab has had a massive update in how you control the tractor, the screen inside the cab and the operator’s interaction with the tractor,” he says.
“So you can configure the tractor how you want to, you can connect to the tractor better with ISOBUS Level 2 and GPS where previously you couldn’t, and you can control the tractor better.”
 |
|
The cab has received an impressive update
|
The key feature of the iCON series is JCB’s new armrest console and touchscreen display, which offers fully integrated ISOBUS connectivity, precise JCB GPS guidance, and implement control applications controlled through a new 30cm (12-inch) colour touchscreen display.
That display can be positioned ahead of the controls for easy viewing or moved to one side to maximise visibility through the Fastrac’s large windscreen, a change Andrew says is “different and improved” from the previous model.
While the basic layout will be familiar to current Fastrac users, swiping right on the touchscreen will bring up a more detailed running screen that includes settings for up to six front and rear spool valves, as well as a remote camera view, an ISOBUS 2 Universal Terminal screen, and satellite guidance and precision farming options.
The console houses a new main joystick, assignable RGB LED colour-coded levers giving proportional control of electrically operated spool valves, PTO and hitch controls, an auxiliary joystick and hard keys, plus an encoder dial for a tactile alternative to using the touchscreen.
Andrew points out that the new joystick has been reconfigured, with five buttons and a roller thumb control on the main joystick, and another four with a rocker switch on the second one.
Hydraulic functions can be allocated freely to these buttons under JCB’s iConfigure system, helping to create a bespoke experience for individual operators, with up to 50 different settings able to be saved.
ISOBUS control of front and rear-mounted implements is also available as an option with the auxiliary joystick providing other opportunities for bespoke control allocations.
“So previously we had four configurable buttons, now we have nine, plus a whole lot of other features which give you even better control of the tractor.
“It’s a huge step up in how you can choose how you want the tractor to operate with buttons that are programmable and configurable.”
As well as these features, the JCB Fastrac iCON comes with JCB’s new Smart Transmission Control, which offers a user cruise system that operates similarly to cruise control with speed controlled by the thumb roller on the main joystick.
“This gives you even finer control of your speed,” Andrew says, saying it makes for an easy way to match speeds with headers and other farm machinery.
 |
|
The key feature of the iCON series is JCB’s new armrest console and touchscreen display
|
The system also automatically selects the joystick and pedal driving modes when either one is used, so operators no longer need to choose a way of driving before they start work.
Users can select either the JCB Classic setting, which changes 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 that transposes those functions, so 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.
Ahead of the operator, a new seven-inch fully digital dashboard display provides speed and engine rpm read-outs, along with essential vehicle status information.
Beyond the screen, the updated cabin now has a USB port in the radio head for media, two high-current charging USBs in the utility tray, and a data transfer USB port in the armrest cubby.
A new fully automatic climate control air conditioning system has been introduced, complete with solar load sensor and ambient cab temperature monitoring to react quickly and efficiently to changing conditions and to maintain a comfortable working environment.
“It’s now got a heated and air-conditioned vented leather seat, so that’s a good improvement; they’ll be very popular in the Australian summer,” he says.
With a redesigned cabin door, the new cabins also provide a series of opportunities for storage, including an under-seat drawer, coolbox, utility tray, cup holder, and storage box on the armrest.
CEA expects 14 iCON-equipped models of the JCB Fastrac 8330 to arrive in Australia this year, while another 50 are due to arrive in the first half of 2023.
Find new and used farm machinery for sale in NZ