Russell Fastraxx.ie

Russell Fastraxx, Ireland's independent JCB Fastrac specialist.

The following page provides and introduction to the JCB Fastrac and is a useful source of information if you want to find out more about this versatile, high-speed tractor.

Robert Russell presents a brief history of JCB Fastrac production models, gearboxes, engines and performance.

About JCB Fastrac

The Fastrac is a high speed agricultural tractor manufactured by JCB Landpower, part of the J.C. Bamford group of companies. Production began in 1991, with continual development to the present day.

All models have six cylinder diesel engines. Initially supplied by Perkins Engines, the current supplier is Cummins.

All models under60km/hr use a hydrostatic steering, larger, faster models use a powered steering box similar to a large truck. All models use air-over-hydraulic, dry outboard discs all round.

All models use coil spring suspensions on the front axles and hydraulic/gas suspensions with self levelling on the rear axles, with the exception of the 7000 series which uses the hydraulic/gas setup all round.

 

Fastrac Milestones

• 1991 - Production of 100 Series Fastrac begins
• 1995 - Production of smaller 55kph 1100 Series Fastrac begins
• 1996 - Quadtronic 4WS introduced
• 1998 - 1100 & 100 Series Fastracs are replaced by 2000 & 3000 Series Fastracs
• 2000 - Smoothshift oil-immersed wet clutch introduced across all ranges
• 2001 - ABS braking system* available across all ranges
• 2005 - 8250 launched with 8.3-litre Cummins engine and V-TRONIC transmission
• 2006 - 3200 and 3230 launched with 6.7-litre Cummins engine
• 2007 - 2155 and 2170 launched

 

Three different gearboxes have been fitted to the Fastrac since production began in 1991.

1. The first type has evolved over several years.

   • On early 100 series models, e.g. 125,145, with the introduction of the Fastrac this style of gearbox had 18 forward gears (6x3) and 6 reverse (6x1). This were organised as 6 manual gears in each of 3 ranges (Low, Medium and High). The range box also selected reverse giving 6 reverse gears with speeds similar to medium in forwards. All gear changes were made with the use of a dry clutch.
     Years of production 1991-1992

   • On the following range this gearbox then had a 2 speed powershift section added after the dry clutch and before the 6 speed gearbox.
     This resulted in 36 forward gears (2x6x3) and 12 reverse (2x6x1).
     Models include 1135, 155-65 and 185-65, sometimes described as "Selectronic".
     These models were made from 1993 to 1997.

   • Following this the 2 speed powershift section was changed to 3 speed version. Giving 54 forward gears (3x6x3) and 18 reverse gears (3x6x1).
     These models were now called the 2100 or 3000 series, models including 2135, 2150, 3155 and 3185. These models were produced from 1998-2001 and still fitted with a dry clutch, carrying the "Autoshift" description.

   • With the latest version of this gearbox a wet clutch replaced the dry clutch still with 54 forward and 18 reverse gears.
     Later models, 2135, 3185, etc with this gearbox carry the "Smoothshift" description. This gearbox carried over to the 2155, 2170, 3170, 3190, 3200, 3220, 3230 models from 2002 onwards.

2. The second type fitted only to the 8250 Fastrac features a CVT hydrostatic power-split gearbox which is one of the most advanced tractor gearboxes available. This used technology from the Agco/Fendt company.

3. The third type developed most recently and fitted to 7000 series and 3000 Xtra machines has a wet master clutch, a six speed powershift section and a four speed range box. As reverse is at the front of the powershift section the reverse gears are spread throughout the speed range.
   This arrangement gives 24 forward gears (2x3x4) and 12 reverse gears (1x3x4). Note that the top three reverse gears are not available for use.

The 1100 and 2000 series, (4 wheel steer, Quadtronic 4WS, a useful optional extra), are capable of 55km/hr, while the 100 series and all 3000 series were available as either 65km/hr or 80km/hr versions.
The 80km/hr was more popular in the UK and is easily identified by the fitment of 24 inch wheels while the 65km/hr models are fitted with 30 inch wheels.
Later 7000 and 8000 series were the first models not to use the same tyre sizes on both axles and are capable of 70km/hr.