The T5060 is a best seller for New Holland. It’s a favourite for small and medium mixed farms thanks to its compact dimessions and strong engine.

Engine 8/10

The NEF (New Engine Family) engine is the result of a collaboration between New Holland, Iveco and Cummins. At rated rpm it delivers 95hp at the pto, easily the highest result in the test group.

The engine is also efficient, with a consumption of 276g/kWh – 15g less than the group average. At 97hp, peak performance is only a whisker higher. And here too the NH managed the second-best consumption at 267g/kWh (the group average was 272g).

Fuel use in the 6-point test continued the frugal theme, the engine using 14g less than the average and 34g less than the thirstiest competitor.

The constant power range is low at 20%, the 51% torque rise (with a rpm drop of 57%) is average. However, with 440Nm the T5060 recorded the highest torque of the group.

When it came to pulling the brake trailer, the results were less impressive: 70hp at rated rpm and 73hp maximum draft power.

Up to 24hp was lost through the drivetrain and specific fuel consumption was sometimes substantially above average at 365g (rated rpm) and 342g/kWh at maximum draft. The respective group averages were 349g and 321g.

Transmission 6/10

New Holland has been producing its Dual Command transmission for years now. It’s a standard three-range box with four gears and two clutchless splits plus a powershuttle, giving a total of 24F x 24R.

Overlaps between ranges II and III are acceptable, although an additional gear-split would be welcome. Despite this there are 10 gears available in the important 4-12kph fieldwork range. There is no powershift speed matching.

Ranges are not synchronised and changing takes more than a little elbow-grease. Gear changing is OK with a clutch button positioned on the gear stick – this is so good that ploughing work can be done with just the pedal.

Cab 6/10

It may be old, but the New Holland’s cab is still able to keep up with the rest of the pack. The one drawback is that it’s low inside, though that’s a benefit if your barns entrances are low. In fact, at 2.55m, the New Holland is the squattest in the test.

The climb-up from the left is first class and both doors open wide. Seating is comfortable but even for an average-height driver the winker stalk constantly clashes with the right knee. There’s no passenger seat, either.

At 80dBA, the T5060 isn’t exactly silent. All the inner cladding – including the roofing – is light-coloured, but it still looks easy to wash out.

The controls aren’t too complicated although the few switches and knobs are somewhat scattered around on the steering column, B-pillar and alongside the seat.

Big drivers may find that the low roof restricts visibility forwards and upwards. Unfortunately a glass roof hatch is not available for the T5060.

Visibility to the rear is good although the big rear screen is a smash-risk if implements are mounted too close to the tractor.

Plough turnover, for instance, means you should definitely close it at the end of each run.

Hydraulics 7/10

Options on the hydraulic linkage are limited. Only the right drop-rod can be adjusted in standard spec. Over the 65cm lift arc, the arms can lift 4.5t.

The T5060 is available with either mechanical or electronic lift controls. But the electronic version is difficult to fathom in places.

Two controls handle position and working depth. Though we would have preferred a dial for mixing draft and position, this system works well and didn’t prove a limitation in any way.

The three dials for regulating drop-rate, lift height and sensitivity are a bit hidden beside the seat.

The hydraulic pump pushes out a maximum 66 litres/min which is not top rate. According to New Holland, the steering pump adds an extra 14 litres/min when a loader is used.

Spool valve levers are tucked away to the right of the seat, which isn’t especially handy. On the other hand, all have a float position and are easy to use. Two out of the three have flow control.

Pto 6/10

The T5060 offers three pto speeds as standard (540, 540E and 1000). Changing from one to the other is a pretty notchy business but works more smoothly if the shaft is allowed to run for a bit between gears.

The pto switch is on the right hand B-pillar. There is a soft-start facility which should help save wear and tear.

And, although there is no auto function, there are exterior controls on the New Holland’s left and right mudguards.

4WD/diff-lock 6/10

Simple rocker-switches on the right-hand console activate 4wd and diff-lock. Diff-lock is released by a switch or by braking.

This doesn’t always work when you’re under heavy torque-loading, ie when ploughing. There are no auto functions.

Driving comfort 5/10

The tractor handles well, although it’s not particularly talented when it comes to roadwork. Steering is a bit spongy and continuous correction is required.

The T5060 also has a short wheelbase and soon starts to bounce. Still, it’s very manoeuvrable with a 9.96m turning circle.

The knee-clashing winker stalk lacks a self-cancelling facility but warns with an irritating bleep instead.

Brakes react precisely and with the handbrake on you won’t even start moving.

For more from our tractor test click here.