A review of tractors 90hp+
Manufacturers constantly re-engineer their existing tractors and add new models and new ranges. Advanced fuel-efficient engines, more efficient transmissions, factory-fitted precision farming technology, and large comfortable cabs are available on more and more models. In this feature the leading companies tell us about their new high horsepower tractors.
Fendt 1100 Vario MT
With the 1100 Vario MT tracked tractor, the brand is right up there in the power and performance pyramid. Designed for farmers and contractors who expect more from their machines every single day, this tractor brings together impressive strength, refined control and clever engineering to tackle the most demanding jobs with minimal fuss and maximum efficiency.
Built on more than three decades of experience in tracked tractor development, the 1100 Vario MT is no pretender in the game, it’s the culmination of years of refinement. With power ratings ranging from 511 to 618 horsepower across three models and an additional high-end 1167 Vario MT option that offers 673 horsepower, this machine isn’t shy about its capabilities. That extra punch on the top model is designed with high-demand auxiliary functions in mind, such as PTO and hydraulics, giving users the muscle where it’s most needed.
At the heart of this machine is a Man 6-cylinder in-line engine. It delivers impressive torque even at low revs thanks to a 15.2-litre displacement on most models, with the flagship variant stepping up to 16.2 litres. Fendt’s iD low engine speed concept has been applied here, with components throughout the tractor optimised to work harmoniously at reduced engine speeds. It’s a simple yet effective principle – peak torque between 1000 and 1500 rpm – which helps keep fuel consumption down and longevity up.
The engine is complemented by a hydraulically driven cooling system, with a fan that operates on its own hydraulic circuit. This design directs heat away from the engine compartment, maintaining consistent operating temperatures even under heavy loads. Emissions are kept in check by a combination of cooled exhaust gas recirculation, diesel oxidation catalyst, particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction without compromising performance.
Comfort and control are also front and centre in the design. The 1100 Vario MT features Fendt’s VarioDrive powertrain, which offers stepless driving from 0.02 to 40 km/h. This is a first for a tracked tractor in this horsepower category and provides smooth, efficient travel without the need for gear range selection. Power is transferred via hydrostatic-mechanical distribution, with dual hydromotors ensuring constant traction. When full power isn’t required, the second hydromotor decouples to maximise efficiency.
A major part of the 1100 Vario MT’s appeal lies in its tracked undercarriage system, which is as much about protecting soil as it is about putting power down. With a 3,000 mm wheelbase and a variety of tread widths available, the tractor provides excellent contact with the ground, translating to better traction and reduced compaction. The Longlife rollers, with their polyurethane snap-in rings and unique suspension system, ensure that the machine adapts flexibly to terrain without generating excess heat even during prolonged use.
The tractor’s drive and idler wheels are also carefully engineered. The drive wheel features a rubber-coated surface with a herringbone pattern that ensures effective self-cleaning and constant grip, while the idler wheel comes in different widths to suit various applications and help the tracks self-centre. A maintenance-free hydraulic tensioning system ensures the track remains tight at all times, and pressure can be easily monitored via the Varioterminal in the cab.
Suspension is another standout feature, particularly with the SmartRide+ system. Offering both coil springs and shock absorbers, the suspension connects the central carrier to the chassis allowing for 11 degrees of swing to keep the tractor firmly planted on uneven ground. The addition of self-levelling in the SmartRide+ setup means that even with heavy attachments, the tractor maintains its balance keeping traction consistent and comfort high. Adjustments to the suspension height can be made from the cab at the push of a button, making it easier to manage ballast and weight distribution depending on the job at hand.
Speaking of ballast, the 1100 Vario MT allows for front idler and undercarriage weights to be configured depending on field conditions and usage requirements. The SmartRide+ system also enables easy mounting and dismounting of front weights, helping to simplify operations and reduce downtime.
Inside the cab, Fendt has gone for familiarity and functionality. With its two-point suspension – the first of its kind in a tracked tractor – the cab provides excellent comfort on the move. Visibility is wide and clear in all directions, and the controls follow the logical layout Fendt operators have come to appreciate. It’s a spacious, practical environment that makes long hours a little easier.
High-performance hydraulics are another strength. With two separate circuits capable of delivering up to 440 litres per minute, and separate oil supplies for hydraulics and transmission, the system avoids throttling losses and helps reduce wear. Maintenance intervals of 2,000 hours or two years add to the tractor’s appeal for those looking to keep operational costs down without sacrificing performance.
For those relying on precision technology, the 1100 Vario MT comes guidance-ready as standard, with support for NovAtel or Trimble receivers. With signal correction accuracy down to 2 cm and the option to add features like VarioGuide Contour Assistant, the tractor is well set up for controlled traffic or high-precision tillage work.
There are other small but thoughtful touches too. A large 1,320-litre diesel tank and 135-litre AdBlue capacity mean fewer stops to refuel. All the filling points are grouped together and accessible from the same side, making daily maintenance checks and top-ups that much more straightforward. Optional dirt guards can be fitted to protect the track components and extend the life of the rollers.
Overall, the Fendt 1100 Vario MT is a serious piece of equipment for those with serious work to do. It brings together sheer horsepower with clever, soil-sensitive engineering all in a package that’s surprisingly refined given its size. Whether you're breaking ground or hauling heavy loads across vast paddocks, this machine doesn’t just get the job done – it does it with a level of control, comfort and consistency.
JCB Fastrac icon 4000 Series Tractor
There’s a sense of confidence that comes with machinery built on decades of refinement and in the case of the JCB Fastrac icon 4220 from the 4000 Series, that confidence is more than justified. As Power Farming takes the reins as the exclusive distributor of JCB Agriculture in New Zealand, farmers are being offered a machine that’s not only different from the rest – it’s a smart, highly capable tool designed to meet the real-world demands of modern agriculture.
With more than 25 years of development behind it, the JCB Fastrac has carved out a reputation for going against the grain and delivering results while doing so. The 4000 Series continues to push that philosophy forward, bringing together hallmark features such as equal-sized wheels, four-wheel steering, 50:50 weight distribution and all-round self-levelling suspension. These aren’t just technical details – they’re what give the 4220 its trademark balance, stability, and ease of use across a wide range of farming conditions.
In terms of versatility, the Fastrac 4220 stands out. Whether you’re working in grassland, arable fields, haulage operations, or livestock support this tractor is built to adapt. Front and rear hitches, PTOs and a rear deck offer multiple mounting points for implements, while the adaptable chassis makes it easy to tailor the machine to the job at hand. The rear linkage lifts up to 8,000kg, and with an optional 3,500kg front linkage, the tractor is well equipped for even the heaviest attachments.
The full-length chassis and mid-mounted cab don’t just provide structural integrity – they also make it easier to mount ballast or extra implements on the rear deck. That flexibility extends into day-to-day operations, where time and efficiency matter most. With isobus compatibility and a configurable control layout, switching between tasks and equipment becomes a far smoother process. It’s a setup that allows farmers and contractors to do more with one machine, saving time, fuel, and effort.
Speed is another area where the 4220 quietly outpaces the rest. It’s capable of travelling at up to 60kph, helping farmers cover ground more efficiently, particularly valuable when jobs are spread across a wide area. Crucially, that speed is backed up by handling and safety features designed for confidence on the move. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, selectable four-wheel steering modes and a hydrostatic dual steering system give the Fastrac a degree of stability and control few other tractors can match.
Hydraulics are another strong suit. The icon 4220 offers a maximum oil flow of 195 litres per minute, with 100 litres per slice – enough to power even the most sophisticated, high-demand implements. Whether you’re mowing, spraying, cultivating or transporting, this machine has the hydraulic muscle and precision control to get the job done efficiently and with minimal setup time.
Inside the cab, it’s clear that JCB has invested heavily in the operator experience. Centrally located, the cab enhances ride comfort and supports the Fastrac’s naturally balanced design. Advanced suspension smooths out rough terrain, while a 60˚ rotating, heated and ventilated seat ensures that the operator is always in the ideal position – particularly when working with rear-mounted implements.
Comfort extends beyond the basics, too. Automatic climate control maintains a pleasant working environment regardless of weather conditions, while a full-size instructor’s seat makes it practical for training or shared operations. The cab is equipped with a 12-inch HD touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity and a customisable armrest layout that gives operators full control at their fingertips. It’s a space designed for productivity – more mobile office than old-school tractor cab.
At the heart of the icon 4220 is a reliable, efficient engine producing between 167 and 218 horsepower, with maximum torque of up to 1,000Nm. It’s a powerplant designed not just for strength but for consistency, delivering reliable output in a wide range of conditions. This engine, combined with intelligent transmission control, makes for a machine that performs just as well on the road as it does in the paddock.
For New Zealand operators seeking a machine that can keep pace with the growing complexity of modern agriculture, the JCB Fastrac icon 4220 offers a compelling mix of power, precision and practicality. It’s built not just for today’s challenges but with an eye toward the evolving demands of tomorrow.
Power Farming’s backing ensures that buyers have access to a strong support network, including full workshop services, parts availability and warranty cover. That peace of mind – knowing the machine is supported by a team that understands the importance of uptime – adds another layer of value to the investment.
The Fastrac’s year-round adaptability is perhaps one of its most valuable qualities. With a broad choice of tyres and track widths and a layout that supports additional implements or ballast, it can be configured to suit a wide variety of conditions and farming systems. It’s not about ticking boxes, it’s about delivering a machine that fits the way farmers and contractors actually work.
In a world where efficiency, comfort and safety matter more than ever, the Fastrac icon 4220 makes a strong case for itself. Available for viewing at National Field Days and look out for the demo tour in spring across the country, this is a machine that reflects decades of refinement and a clear understanding of what modern farmers and contractors need: the ability to do more, move faster and work smarter, without compromising on safety or comfort.
Claas
A tractor is a big investment, so it should deliver quality that you can rely on day in and day out. The high-quality components of Claas tractors, combined with the Claas commitment to high service standards, ensure that your investment is protected for the long term.
Claas is known and trusted for dominating harvest. Now, they’ve applied that same legacy of engineering excellence to tractors built for today and ready for tomorrow.
In 1993, Claas unveiled its first tractor, a groundbreaking innovation in agricultural machinery: the Xerion. Its versatility set it apart from conventional tractors right from the start. With its four equally sized wheels, continuously variable transmission, high engine power and many other unique features, the Xerion is an ideal tractor for a wide range of applications. Since it went into series production in 1997, the Xerion has become a major player in international agricultural technology.
In 2002, Claas was presented with an unexpected opportunity when the renowned tractor manufacturer Renault Agriculture was put up for sale. The two companies eventually merged. Helmut Claas and Patrick Faure sealed the deal in Paris in the run-up to the French Sima trade fair in 2003. Claas initially acquired a stake in Renault Agriculture and then took over the tractor factory in Le Mans with its rich tradition in several stages. Renault orange was replaced by Claas seed green, and the long-held Claas dream of manufacturing its own tractors was finally realised. With this step, Claas achieved an important goal: the company successfully expanded from a specialist in harvesting.
Claas Harvest Centre are proud to bring the global power of Claas tractors to this side of the world, offering farmers and contractors the performance, comfort and innovation they need to face the future of farming head-on. They are proud to represent a brand that understands the diverse needs of farming and engineers tractors to meet them head-on.
Claas is trusted in harvest machinery, and now they are challenging farmers to trust them in tractors too. As one of the leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery, Claas offers a wide range of tractors to tackle your everyday challenges – from drilling to tillage and transport. They have taken everything they know about innovation, performance and comfort and applied it to tractors built for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
From the nimble workhorse to the paddock powerhouse, Claas tractors are built for every challenge.
For tight spaces and daily utility up to 130hp, the Claas Nexos 220–260 series and Claas Arion 410–430 models offer big capability in a nimbler workhorse. From tight spaces to lighter fieldwork, these compact tractors are built to deliver precision, control and comfort – all in a smaller footprint. Whether for mowing, loader work, light tillage or specialised farm operations such as vineyard or orchard work, these low-horsepower models bring serious versatility to farmers and contractors’ operations. With smart transmission options, fuel-efficient performance and ergonomic design, they’re made to move smoothly and work smarter – because even the smallest tractors should rise to the challenge.
For true all-round versatility from 130 to 205hp, the Claas Arion 500 and 600 series, as well as the Claas Arion 600 C series, are ideal. When the job list is long and the demands change by the hour, you need a tractor that can handle it all. Claas mid-range tractors bring the perfect balance of power, agility and comfort – making them the go-to choice for general farm work, transport, tillage and more. Big enough to take on serious work and nimble enough to do it anywhere.
For heavy-duty performance and serious scale over 205hp, Claas offers the Axion 800–870, the Axion 920–960 series, and the Xerion 12 and 4200–5000 models. When it comes to heavy-duty fieldwork and large-scale operations, you need a tractor built to go the distance. Claas high-horsepower tractors deliver the strength, efficiency and reliability you need to keep moving – even when conditions are at their toughest.
Claas tractors offer redefined comfort, with an intuitive cab design and ergonomic controls to keep you focused and fatigue-free. Every Claas tractor delivers smart technology, ergonomic comfort and reliable efficiency – because one size doesn’t fit all.
The optimal functioning of agricultural machines depends on the finely tuned interaction between all components. Claas makes sure that all the individual drive components in their agricultural machines are perfectly matched and constitute their Claas Power Systems (CPS).
The idea behind CPS is that each component of the drive systems in the machines is carefully selected for its optimum ability to perform the task and interact with the other components. Claas creates the very best individual assembly for each machine. This approach allows Claas the flexibility to buy in components in situations where in-house developments could restrict their ability to respond. They can rely on their own innovative strength and manufacture certain components in-house, such as the Cmatic transmission for the Arion tractor, or buy the right component from other providers.
Claas Power Systems removes dependency on specific drives and construction methods – a significant advantage in continuously implementing state-of-the-art technology.
Whether you’re mowing, cultivating, hauling or all of the above – Claas Harvest Centre has your tractor. Contact your local dealership to book a demonstration or chat with one of our sales team to learn more about what each Claas tractor can do to increase your on-farm efficiency.
Massey Ferguson
The Massey Ferguson MF 8700 S series continues the brand’s long-standing tradition of building powerful, intelligent tractors with a clear focus on operator comfort, functionality and genuine productivity gains. Designed with larger-scale farming operations in mind, the MF 8700 S packs a serious punch when it comes to horsepower and hydraulic muscle, but it’s the balance between technology and usability that sets it apart.
At the heart of the machine is the proven 8.4-litre AGCO Power engine, offering up to 370 horsepower. This is the most powerful tractor Massey Ferguson has ever produced, and it delivers that power efficiently with minimal fuel consumption thanks to the well-matched driveline and Cyclair cooling system. Whether it's working with heavy cultivation tools or hauling big loads, this tractor doesn’t lack the grunt or the control to handle serious workloads.
A major contributor to the MF 8700 S’s smooth power delivery is the Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission. This setup eliminates gear shifts and jolts, giving the operator complete control over speed and torque. Whether creeping along in a precise planting operation or moving at pace on the road, the Dyna-VT is intuitive and calm. The system allows for both lever and pedal operation, and features like Active Stop and cruise speed memory make it more manageable across a wide range of tasks.
Dynamic Tractor Management (DTM) works hand-in-hand with the Dyna-VT transmission to adjust engine speed based on load, helping reduce fuel use while maintaining consistent forward speed. This isn’t just about saving diesel, it makes for a quieter, smoother and more efficient day in the seat. Operators can also set upper and lower engine speed limits, tailoring the machine’s performance to match the job at hand.
Hydraulically, the MF 8700 S is equipped to deal with modern implements. The rear linkage has an impressive 12,000 kg lift capacity, supported by external lift rams and telescopic stabilisers. At the front, a fully-integrated 5,000 kg linkage can be specified, along with multiple spool valves and return lines. The closed centre load-sensing hydraulic system delivers a hefty 205 litres per minute of oil flow, ensuring fast response across all services.
For operators using increasingly complex equipment, the ‘Power Beyond’ facility routes oil directly from the pump to additional valves, maximising hydraulic potential. Fingertip spool management and separate controls for front linkage and couplers make operating even the most complicated gear a far more straightforward task. Coupling up is made easier too, with decompression couplers and external controls placed conveniently on both rear fenders.
When it comes to working longer hours – and often in challenging light, the MF 8700 S’s cab is a standout feature. The spacious Panorama Cab offers 360-degree visibility, reduced noise levels and a suite of comfort features including a suspended seat, climate control and semi-active cab suspension. Controls are well laid out and familiar to anyone with experience of modern Massey Ferguson machines. A redesigned lighting package includes 18 LED work lights to help keep the job moving after dark.
Sitting at the heart of the cab is the Datatronic 5 terminal. This 9-inch touch screen gives operators access to a wide range of functions, including headland management, application rate control, ISOBUS implement management and camera views for improved safety and visibility. The interface is comparable to a modern smartphone or tablet, designed to be intuitive and easy to use. It also serves as the hub for Massey Ferguson’s precision farming systems, including auto-guide steering, MF Connect telemetry solution and TaskDoc data recording.
Datatronic 5 also supports ISOBUS MultiPad switch assignment, allowing implement controls to be mapped directly onto the joystick. This consolidates all main functions into a single hand, giving the operator better control with less effort. Once settings are configured, they can be saved, shared across machines or recalled as needed – a valuable tool for contractors or farms with multiple operators.
In the field, the MF 8700 S handles a wide variety of jobs with confidence. Cruise control and an engine ‘Supervisor’ system automatically adjust power to maintain set speeds, ensuring consistent output without unnecessary revving or fuel use. With up to six rear and two front spool valves and options for integrated front PTO and linkage, the tractor is capable of operating a broad range of tools in all seasons.
The attention to detail continues with the braking and transport systems. Oil-immersed disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, while an optional air braking system ensures compatibility and safety with trailed implements. Active Transport Control comes as standard, damping the bounce of heavy rear implements during transport to protect both tractor and operator.
Ride quality is further enhanced by the Quadlink suspended front axle, which works with the cab suspension and ATC to create a stable, comfortable platform for long days on uneven ground or sealed roads. Large-diameter rear wheels and a range of tyre options – including Michelin’s AxioBib 2 – help distribute the tractor’s weight more evenly, preserving soil structure and improving traction by creating longer contact patches.
The electronic linkage control system remains one of Massey Ferguson’s strongest features. On the MF 8700 S, the latest version offers high accuracy and easy adjustment of depth and sensitivity, helping to maintain traction and work rates while cutting down on wheel slip and tyre wear. It’s the sort of system that becomes second nature with use, helping get the most out of heavy ground-engaging gear.
Throughout the MF 8700 S, there’s a clear design emphasis on making hard jobs easier. From the redesigned hitch systems and electronic controls to the way engine and hydraulic power are matched to workload, this is a tractor built for serious users who want both capability and refinement. While it’s certainly a high-spec machine, it avoids feeling overcomplicated thanks to the logical control layout and the ability to automate or personalise a wide range of functions.
Kubota
Kubota’s M7-2 series sits at the top of its tractor range for good reason, with three models delivering between 130 and 170 horsepower, and a design squarely aimed at professional farmers, the M7-2 strikes a solid balance between grunt, comfort and intuitive operation. It’s a range that doesn’t try to be flashy but rather focuses on doing the job right – whether that’s in the paddock, towing, working PTO-driven gear, or just putting in a full day’s work without missing a beat.
Kubota’s original M7-1 series made a strong first impression when it launched, the M7-2 has made a good thing even better. The company has clearly taken on feedback from farmers across New Zealand and Australia, tweaking key areas to make the M7-2 more productive, more comfortable and more fuel efficient. Lowering the rated engine speed from 2200 to 2100 rpm and the maximum output speed to 1900 rpm, has improved fuel economy, brought down engine noise and added usable power in the ranges that matter most when towing or running PTO equipment. It’s a small change on paper, but it makes a big difference in day-to-day operation.
Under the bonnet, all three models are powered by Kubota’s 6.1 litre, four-cylinder V6108 diesel engine, and it does its work with a quiet confidence. Engine output across the range is solid – 128, 148 and 168 hp respectively. Torque is there when you need it, but the real story is how smoothly the engine delivers across that rev range, especially when working under load. With a 390-litre fuel tank on board, you’re set for a full day’s work without needing to stop and top up.
Transmission options are where the M7-2 offers real flexibility. Standard across the range is a semi-powershift transmission with 30 forward (54 incl Creep) and 15 reverse gears. This system gives operators more choice when it comes to selecting the right gear for the job, especially thanks to the six main gears now available in the key working range. An auto-shifting function also comes into play, helping the tractor adjust to load conditions by automatically choosing the right gear and engine output – particularly handy when heading uphill with a heavy load or needing quick acceleration. For those looking for more control, the premium models offer the Kubota variable transmission (KVT), which delivers a virtually infinite number of speed settings and even more nuanced control.
Hydraulics have also had a lot of attention, premium and deluxe models come standard with a closed centre load sensing system (CCLS), allowing for greater responsiveness and multitasking capability. For those running implements that demand serious hydraulic performance, this makes a noticeable difference. The standard models come with an 80 l/min gear-type pump and three mechanical auxiliary valves as standard, with the option of adding a fourth. Linkage lift capacity is a generous 9,400 kg, which means the M7-2 can handle big gear without getting bogged down.
Comfort inside the cab is another area where Kubota hasn’t cut corners. The four-post suspended cab is quiet, spacious and designed to reduce fatigue, especially on long days. Clear sightlines in every direction are helped by the lack of centre pillars, and the decibel level inside has been brought down again in this model. The deluxe seat is a genuine improvement – more cushioning, better armrests and a wider range of adjustment options all combine to make the cab a much nicer place to spend 10 or 12 hours at a time.
Ease of use is baked into the M7-2’s design. Kubota has worked hard to make operation more intuitive and straightforward, especially for those who don’t want to be constantly fiddling with controls or deciphering complex displays. In the premium and premium KVT models, the EZ-Command Centre consolidates most of the major functions into one console. The right-hand lever operates most tractor functions, leaving the left hand free for steering. It’s a practical approach that feels natural after only a short time in the seat. Also available on these models is the K-Monitor Pro – a large touchscreen display that keeps four core functions in view at all times: tractor settings, implement controls, GPS guidance and camera monitoring. Again, it’s less about bells and whistles and more about simplifying everyday use.
Dimension-wise, all three M7-2 standard models sit on the same footprint: 4,770 mm long, 2,500 mm wide and 3,010 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm. Ground clearance is 410 mm and turning radius is a tight 6.35 metres. All models run on 4WD with wet disc brakes and offer travel speeds from 0.37 km/h up to either 40 km/h or 50 km/h. In other words, they’re compact enough to manoeuvre easily but with enough heft to handle heavy-duty work.
For operators who rely on their tractor as the central tool on the farm, the M7-2 standard models offer a reliable, no-nonsense solution that doesn’t compromise on features where they count. Kubota’s build quality remains as solid as ever, and their focus on listening to customer needs – particularly in our part of the world – has paid off with this latest iteration. What you get with the M7-2 is a tractor that’s ready to work from the minute it’s delivered. It’s capable, refined and designed with the working farmer in mind. No flash, just functionality and in this part of the world, that’s exactly what most people are looking for.
New Holland
In the world of high-horsepower tractors, the New Holland T9 Series stands as a testament to the power, advanced technology and exceptional engineering of New Holland machinery. Whether it's tillage, seeding or harvest time, the T9 has been purpose-built to handle it all. With horsepower ratings ranging from 425 to a formidable 645, the T9 delivers the kind of performance expected of a flagship range – but it does so with a superior level of operator comfort, control and connectivity.
From the moment you step into the redesigned cab, it becomes clear this machine has been built with the operator in mind. Long hours in the paddock are the norm, not the exception – and New Holland has responded with one of the most advanced, comfortable work environments on the market. The cab is quiet and spacious, boasting a high-visibility RHS window, automatic climate control, even optional telescopic and electronic mirrors. The glassed-in volume of 132 cubic feet paired with a 360-degree view enhances ease of operation, while features like Comfort Ride suspension and the low interior noise level of just 74 decibels add a layer of luxury to an otherwise rugged machine.
The T9’s ease of operation lies in the SideWinder Ultra armrest and IntelliView 12 display. It’s a control package that rethinks what tractor interfaces should be – clear, customisable and intuitive. The CommandGrip handle, standard across the series, puts major functions at the operator's fingertips, while the display delivers real-time information with seamless navigation. Whether it's adjusting hydraulics, setting guidance lines, or tweaking transmission behaviour, the T9 enables on-the-go decisions without the guesswork or constant reaching for separate controls.
The flexibility offered by this range is a key reason it continues to earn its place on large-scale farms. Wheeled and SmartTrax variants provide options to suit a vast range of different applications, while transmission choices include the Ultra Command full powershift or the Auto Command continuously variable transmission (CVT). Wheeled models are capable of up to 40 km/h road speed, depending on configuration, which means more time working and less time travelling between jobs.
Each model in the T9 range is designed with specific horsepower demands in mind, beginning with the T9.470 and moving through to the top-end T9.700. The latter boasts a rated horsepower of 645, with a massive 699 horsepower available under Engine Power Management. The Cursor 13 two-stage turbo engines in the larger frame models provide maximum torque up to 3,061 Nm at just 1,400 rpm, giving operators consistent pulling power throughout the rev range. This is a tractor designed not only to work hard but to keep working, day in and day out, with service intervals stretching to 600 hours.
Hydraulic capability is another area where the T9 excels. Closed Centre Load Sensing (CCLS) systems come standard, and flow rates reach up to a massive 428 litres per minute depending on configuration. With up to eight rear electrohydraulic remote valves and optional joystick control, the T9 is more than capable of managing today’s sophisticated implements with accuracy and ease. Rear lift capacities top out at over 9,000 kg, while PTO power peaks at 530 hp at 1,800 engine rpm – enough for even the most power-hungry equipment.
Connectivity is another standout strength. New Holland’s PLM Intelligence platform transforms the T9 into a truly connected machine. Remote access to the IntelliView 12 display means support staff can diagnose issues or provide training without ever stepping foot in the cab. With telematics and data sharing features, the T9 can be fully integrated into digital farm management systems, improving decision-making and helping operators get the best from their investment.
What’s striking about the T9 is how well it balances its technical muscle with a surprisingly refined approach to farming. This isn’t just a tool for pulling heavy kit – it’s a precision machine that understands the rhythm of modern agriculture. It’s designed for farmers who need absolute reliability, but who also value data, comfort and the ability to adjust on the fly. The T9 doesn't just fit into the future of farming – it’s helping define it.
With tractors, the spec sheet tells one part of the story, but the rest comes down to how it feels in the field. For many operators, the T9 isn't just about horsepower, torque figures or hydraulics – although it excels in all three. It’s about getting into a cab that feels familiar and tailored, knowing that every function has been built to enhance productivity. It’s about trusting that when conditions turn, the machine won’t falter. It’s about comfort at the end of a 14-hour day, and the peace of mind that connectivity provides when issues arise. And most of all, it's about confidence – confidence that you’ve chosen a tractor that’s engineered not only for power, but for every part of the job.
From the solid backbone of the wheeled variants to the low compaction benefits of the SmartTrax system, the T9 is versatile without compromise. It’s a machine built to tackle the vast, varied and often unforgiving conditions of large-scale farming. And it does so with precision, and unmistakable grit – season after season.