The University of KZN’s Ukulinga Research Farm recently acquired a New Holland TD90 tractor for use in research and teaching.
Alan Hill, Ukulinga’s principal technician, says he’s particularly impressed by the power of the tractor’s turbocharged Iveco 66kW engine. He adds that tests on the facilities’ dynamometer rig show that the TD90 meets all Ukulinga’s parameters.
The maximum torque of 340Nm is available at only 1 500rpm. Alan is also pleased with the forward/reverse shuttle transmission. He says that, as well as the obvious benefits when a front-end loader is fitted, it makes hitching implements and manoeuvring on headlands much easier.
These are important points in a training establishment. It’s available in South Africa either as a platform model with a cab or as a straddle unit with a rollover protection system (ROPS) and roof. The TD80 is available in either 2WD or 4WD configuration. It has a naturally aspirated four-cylinder 3908cc engine rated at 59kW.
All three TD models feature a 12 x 12 forward/reverse transmission and two PTO speeds, 540 and 540E. The economy setting of 540E means that standard PTO revs of 540 are available at a lower engine speed, providing significant fuel saving when operating with PTO driven implements that don’t require maximum engine power. The capacity of the lower link sensing three point linkage is 3 565kg at the ball ends and the hydraulic pump has a capacity of 51,7l/min.
Other TD tractors
Other tractors in the TD series are available in South Africa. The New Holland TD95 is a 4WD unit with a turbocharged engine rated at 72kW. The TD80 is available in either 2WD or 4WD configuration.
