When it comes to gearbox choice for its 200hp plus tractors, John Deere has some clear advice: the stepless AutoPowr is good for a mix of all-round jobs, whereas its latest full powershift, the e23, is just the ticket if it’s an arable lugger that you’re after. We see how the mechanical transmission performs within the 205kW/278hp 7290R.
Powershift boxes have become a bit ‘old hat’ of late as manufacturers race to introduce a complete line-up of CVT models, allowing the engine and transmission to work seamlessly with
the promise of greater fuel efficiency. However, there are dissenters. John Deere, for example, is challenging this migration away from powershifts with its introduction of a new box option, the e23, for the maker’s 7R and 8R families. Gearboxes to one side for a moment, there are some other interesting developments that accompany this second generation of 7Rs — including in the engine department. Larger 7Rs (7250R and above) still use the same PVX 9.0 litre motor as their predecessors, though it does now benefit from a new cooling package under a different bonnet. This directs hot air out the sides rather than the top, which caused a heat haze to rise in front of the operator. Rather than forcing air through the rad pack, the fan is now positioned at the rear of the cooling pack so it can pull fresh air through a reconfigured layout. Interestingly, for now the 7210R-7290R remain Stage IIIB and will make the move to Stage IV in the coming months, joining the flagship 7310R which already has SCR.
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