Nebraska Tractor Test Lab October Update

For all of you out there that were wondering what was going on down at the tractor test laboratory this season, here is a little summary. This year started off by testing nine different low horsepower John Deere tractors. These tractors range from the 5055D rated at 55 engine horsepower to the 5105M rated at 105 engine horsepower which is shown in the picture to the right. Because all of these John Deere tractors are advertised at less than 100 PTO horsepower, none of them will see any time out on the track testing drawbar horsepower. The law states that they are required to do so only if they put out 100+ PTO horsepower and none of these do. The tests that will be done on these tractors are the standard PTO test, 3 point hitch test, both operator and bystander sound tests, and a hydraulic flow test.

In early November two tractors will be tested that definitely fit the high horsepower category. These tractors are the MT865C rated at 525 engine horsepower and the MT875C which is rated at 585 engine horsepower. These tractors are both powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder 18.1 liter diesel engine which is currently the largest tractor engine in an agricultural tractor. Since these tractors are not here yet we don’t have any pictures of them. Pictured below is the MT875B which is the previous model in the same horsepower category to give you an idea of what they will look like. Hopefully this summary gives you an idea of the models of tractors that will be tested this season. This way if you ever want to stop by for a tour you know what tractors you can expect to see. We are currently on our sixth John Deere out of the nine total and should be done with those in about another week. Many people like to see tractors out on the track when they are here though so if you are one of these people try to stop by at the beginning of November if you want to see the big Challengers in action.

Recent articles: 1, 2, 3, 4