The combination of new axle geometry, low friction hub bearings and hydraulic steering unit designed into the new front axle on T7 Long Wheel base (LWB) range provides more control at speed, says New Holland, and the self-centring characteristic reduces steering corrections to a minimum.
The front suspension has a new control valve with dual accumulators for improved performance over a wide variation of front axle loads. In situations where the tractor is carrying a heavy rear implement, the new suspension mechanism delivers a claimed 11% improvement compared to the existing design, when measuring chassis vibration. The LWB models utilises a suspension concept called Skyhook. Normally found on sports cars, the active system maintains the tractor in a level condition irrespective of external forces.
CustomSteer brings a variable ratio steering concept to the T7 LWB range. Available on 2018 models, the system makes it possible to vary the number of rotations of the steering wheel it takes to turn the axle hubs from lock to lock. There are three selectable settings ranging from a single rotation of the steering wheel, 1:1, to 2:1 to 3:1.
On tractors with the IntelliView IV monitor drivers can select their own ratio and even a different ratio when operating in reverse. The company reckons operators will see the benefits during front end loader work or turning faster with less effort on short headlands when ploughing or drilling. The 1:1 setting provides easier steering when reversing with a trailer, and the steering ratios can be changed automatically within the HTS II headland turn program.
The LWB models (T7.230, T7.245, T7.260 and T7.270) come with a higher vehicle capacity with regards to GVW (now up to 14,000kg), and inside the cab the updated front instrument cluster, which has white backlighting and blue needles for the gauges, refreshes the front console.
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