JCB expands new Texas factory plans in response to April tariff hike
Since Donald Trump’s import tariff announcement, the world has been on a wild economic ride.
Two models, the 6260 and 6300, offer peak outputs of 284 and 335hp respectively, with the numerals on the hood indicating PTO output of 260 and 300hp. Power is provided by a 6.7- litre FPT six-cylinder diesel engine – a move away from AgcoPower – tuned to deliver peak power at 1850rpm, with a torque curve that rises as speed drops to 1400rpm – delivering 1274 and 1400Nm.
The change of engine appears to be driven by a new chassis concept, featuring a cast front section supporting the engine, front axle and optional front linkage and PTO, with a steel-fabricated structure carrying the cab, transmission, rear axle and lift linkage, hydraulics and PTO.
The front casting is sculpted to allow the tightest possible front axle steer angle and is pre-prepared to make it easy to fit front loader brackets, while also keeping the engine installation as narrow as possible for the best view from the cab to the front wheels and beyond.
The engine is mated to a wellproven ZF Eccom 3.1 stepless transmission, which offers automated, on-the-move auto shifting via four ranges that provide 100% mechanical drive efficiency at key field and transport speeds. Travel speeds range from 0 to 66kph, managed by JCB’s Smart Transmission Control system. Forty kph is achieved at only 1275rpm.
Self-levelling suspension at both axles offers high levels of driver comfort, alongside achieving maximum traction with less ballast, by shifting implement weight forwards, closer to the Fastrac’s 50:50 unladen weight distribution, and by keeping the tractor’s tires firmly engaged with the soil. In addition, when using deckmounted implements, the hydropneumatic system enables the tractor to “squat” as it reverses beneath a parked sprayer or spreader.
At the business end, rear lift capacity is 11 tonnes, with standard hydraulic flow up to 205l/min, with the option of a twin-pump layout offering up to 410l/min. Equipment includes up to six rear and two front mounted remote valves, with single or twin power beyond layouts. Changes to the remote couplings sees a new valve, with lever-operated push-out, pull-in couplings.
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The PTO system offers 4 speeds with interchangeable shafts and incorporating a soft-engagement system. Up front, the 1000rpm PTO features a new drop box design with reversable shaft with 6 or 21 splines, alongside a five-tonne capacity, double acting front linkage.
New front and rear steering axles, developed jointly with Dana, offer 38in or 34in rims, shod with factory-fitted 600mm, 610mm or 710mm wide tyre equipment. Both axles are approved for dual-wheel fitments for added traction, flotation and side-slope stability. JCB’s well-established four-wheel steering system has hydraulic rather than mechanical locking for smoother transitions between two-wheel and four-wheel steer, proportional to forward speed.
Alongside using the same suspension setup as the Fastrac 4000, the 6000 Series also features the same cab frame and furniture with a slight rework, particularly to the roofline to accommodate a new 360-degree lighting package and integrated GPS receivers.
New optional features include a fully integrated, single-line, tyre inflation management system providing quick access to optimal field and road pressures and a satellite guidance installation comprising two receivers for quicker and more precise line acquisition, more accurate tracking over an undulating field surface and enabling Twin Steer ultra-precision guidance that steers both axles.
