Tractors around the 200hp mark have become the workhorse machines of most sizeable arable farms and with even more choice, here is what you should consider when looking for a replacement.

On the biggest units, they provide backup and top work operations in support of 300hp-plus primary cultivation tractors and, on medium-size units, have become the frontline power unit handling everything from spraying to grain carting, cultivations to drilling.

All the leading manufacturers have contenders in our 170-250hp performance band and there are plenty of variations to suit different tastes and priorities.

See also: Video: Massey Ferguson 6616 tractor v New Holland T7

Most ranges provide a choice of 40kph or 50kph transmissions, semi-powershift or stepless transmissions – with a few full powershift systems adding to the mix – and rigid or suspended front axles.

The Case IH Puma line-up is one of the most comprehensive, with the highest powered short wheelbase model creeping into our selection alongside the bigger and heavier versions.

New models with more power and torque from Euro Stage 4 emissions-compliant engines and tweaks to the cab and in-cab technologies will become available later this year.

“200hp tractors have become the frontline power unit handling everything from spraying to grain carting, cultivations to drilling”

Similarly, top models in the Claas Arion 600 range come within this power bracket – and with the option of the first in-house stepless transmission from Claas in the CMatic models.

They represent a lighter alternative to the bigger but more powerful Axion range, which is being enlarged this year with 205hp and 225hp additions that also introduce a colour CIS control display, LED lighting option and some other tweaks.

The Deutz-Fahr 6-series features the new C-Shift control for the 40×40 semi-powershift transmission giving button and auto-selection through the ranges as well as the four powershift speeds.

JCB’s Fastrac 4000 is an all-new option that packs a lot of modern tech, including CVT drive and axle suspension that can self-level side-to-side as well as front and rear.

The new cab adds to the tractor’s driver appeal yet the high-speed, multi-task concept remains intact with room behind the cab for demountable equipment as well as on front and rear linkage.

A shift to Euro Stage 4 engine-spec for the John Deere 6R-series has begun with a trio of top-end models that extract more power and torque from an engine with SCR emissions control for the first time in addition to the existing particulates filter and oxidation catalyst.

Service intervals have been stretched from 500 hours to 750 hours.

Other updates include a redesigned valve block for easier accessibility and hose uncoupling and remote front linkage lift/lower control.

The Massey Ferguson line-up in this power bracket has also been upgraded to Euro Stage 4 emissions compliance with revamped Agco Power engines that on Dyna-VT stepless drive models now provide the pto and transport “power boost” that Dyna-6 semi-powershift users have always enjoyed.

The MF 7700-series tractors also have increased hydraulic linkage lift capacities to help them handle heavy implements.

As the new McCormick X7.6 Pro Drive semi-powershift tractors become more established, they will be joined this year by the marque’s first CVT models.

The VT-Drive versions use a proven ZF transmission and also mark the introduction across the X7.6 series of touchscreen tractor and Isobus implement control, built-in GPS guidance and a fast-steer option.

A revamped New Holland T7 range is on its way this year, with power increases from an engine that meets Euro Stage 4 emissions without needing additional measures beyond its SCR system, and an additional model on the “short” wheelbase.

Fresh styling of the engine hood and roof panel will identify the newcomers, which also get terminals upgraded to Isobus III standard, LED lighting options and adjustable power shuttle clutch response.

Valtra’s latest T-series is reckoned to be new from the ground up, featuring a more spacious cab and increased power outputs peaking at 250hp with “boost” for pto applications on semi-powershift models.

A new auto mode for the Versu with 30×30, six-speed powershift transmission enables the operator to set ground speed using the accelerator pedal and leaving the engine and transmission to decide how best to achieve it.

Massey Ferguson 7700

• Engine Agco Power 6.6-litre (175-200hp) and 7.4-litre (215-235hp), SCR, DOC
• Transmission Dyna-6 MF/Gima 24×24/6 or Agco CVT
• Hydraulics Dyna-6 – 110- or 150-litre/min, load sensing, mechanical and electric or all electric spool valves; Dyna-VT – 110- or 190-litre/min, load sensing, mechanical and electric or all electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 2.8t, 4t/8.1t or 9.6t, 9.3t or 9.6t, 9.95t (model dependent)
• Front axle suspension Dyna-6 Essential £3845; Dyna-VT Standard
• Cab suspension Dyna-6 Essential £1242; Dyna-VT Standard
• Prices Dyna-6 Essential 40kph – 7718 (175/200hp) £95,390; 7719 (185/210hp) £97,326; 7720 (200/220hp) £101,624; 7722 (215/240hp) £109,226; 7724 (235/260hp) £114,391. Dyna-VT Efficient 50kph – 7718 £111,629; 7719 £115,611; 7720 £120,398; 7722 £125,238; 7724 £131,594

Fendt 800 Vario TMS

• Engine Deutz 6.0-litre, 6cyl, EGR, SCR, DPF (Stage 4)
• Transmission Vario Fendt CVT
• Hydraulics 152- or 205-litre/min load sensing, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 5t/11.1t
• Front axle suspension Standard
• Cab suspension Standard
• Prices Vario 60kph – 822 (220hp) £177,243; 824 (240hp) £181,724

JCB 4000-series (Stage 4)

• Engine Agco Power 6.6-litre, 6cyl, SCR (Stage 4)
• Transmission Agco CVT
• Hydraulics 135-litre/min load sensing plus 30-litre steering pump, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 2.5t/6t, 7t or 8t
• Front axle suspension Standard (+ rear axle) 
• Cab suspension n/a
• Prices 4000 60kph – 4160 (175hp) £119,361; 4190 (208hp) £130,850; 4220 (235hp) £135,243

Note: Four-wheel steering and ABS standard

McCormick X7.6

• Engine FPT 6.7-litre, 6cyl, SCR (Stage 3B)
• Transmission Pro Drive – ZF 24×24/4 or 40×40/4 creep; VT-Drive – ZF CVT
• Hydraulics 123-litre/min load sensing plus 44-litre steering pump, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 3.5t/9.3t
• Front axle suspension £3,915
• Cab suspension £1,175
• Prices Pro Drive 40kph – X7.670 (177/192hp) £95,983; X7.680 (188/212hp) £100,227. VT-Drive 40kph – X7.670 (177/192hp) £102,090

John Deere 7R

• Engine Deere 6.8-litre, 6cyl, VGT, SCR, DPF, DOC (Stage 4)
• Transmission CommandQuad Deere 20×20/4 or e23 23×14/23
• Hydraulics 162- or 223-litre/min load sensing, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 5.2t/10.2t
• Front axle suspension Standard
• Cab suspension £3,778
• Prices CommandQuad – 7210R (231/249hp) £147,788; 7230R (253/269hp) £151,690. e23 – 7210R £151,686; 7230R £155,588. AutoPowr – 7210R £155,632; 7230R £159,534

Deutz-Fahr series 6 Agrotron

• Engine Deutz 6.0-litre, 6cyl, SCR, DOC (Stage 3B)
• Transmission C-Shift ZF 40×40/4
• Hydraulics 120-litre/min load sensing plus 42-litre/min steering pump, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 3.8t/9.2t
• Front axle suspension Standard
  
• Cab suspension Standard
• Prices C-Shift 50kph – 6180 (175hp) £100,007; 6190 (193hp) £115,362; 6210 (210hp) £119,367

Landini 7-series

• Engine FPT 6.7-litre, 6cyl, SCR (Stage 3B)
• Transmission Autopowershift ZF 24×24/4 or 40×40/4 creep
• Hydraulics 123-litre/min load sensing plus 44-litre steering pump, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 3.5t/9.3t
• Front axle suspension £3,915
• Cab suspension £1,175
• Prices Autopowershift 40kph – 7-190 (177/192hp) £95,983; 7-215 (188/212hp) £100,227

Claas Axion 800

• Engine FPT 6.7-litre, 6-cyl, SCR (Stage 4)
• Transmission Hexashift Claas/Gima 24×24/6 or 36×36/6 or Cmatic ZF S-Matic CVT
• Hydraulics 110- or 150-litre/min load sensing, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 4.6t, 5.8t/9.4t, 9.6t (model dependent)
• Front axle suspension Hexashift £5775; Cmatic Standard
• Cab suspension Standard
• Prices Hexashift 40kph – 800 (205hp) £110,370; 810 (215hp) £118,860; 830 (235hp) £121,310; 840 (250hp) £130,610. Cmatic 50kph – 810 £139,770; 830 £147,840

Valtra T 04-series

• Engine Agco Power 7.4-litre, 6-cyl, SCR (Stage 4)
• Transmission HiTech3 Valtra 36×36/3 or PowerShift5 Valtra 30×30/5 or Direct Valtra CVT
• Hydraulics 160-litre/min, load sensing, mechanical (Active)or electric (Versu) spool valves
• Linkage lift 5.1t/9.5t
• Front axle suspension £3,119
• Cab suspension  £739 or £2,122
• Prices PowerShift5 40kph (Active) – T174e (175/190hp) £94,291; T194 (195/210hp) £104,236; T214 (215/230hp) £111,662; T234 (235/250hp) £119,479. Direct 40kph – T174e £100,938; T194 £110,655; T214 £118,081

Case IH Puma

• Engine FPT 6.7-litre, 6-cyl, SCR (Stage 3B)
• Transmission CNH 18×6/6 or 28×12/6 creep (160 only) or 18×6/18 or 28×12/18 creep or CNH CVT
• Hydraulics Powershift – 113- (160 only); 120- or 150-litre/min load sensing plus 66-litre steering pump, mechanical or electric spool valves. CVX – 125- or 140-litre/min plus 66-litre steering pump (160 only); 150- or 170-litre/min load sensing, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 3.7t/9.6t
• Front axle suspension Standard
• Cab suspension Standard
• Prices Powershift 40kph – 160 (177/203hp) £93,708; 170 (188/218hp) £103,797; 185 (203/234hp) £107,769; 200 (218/250hp) £111,744; 215 (234/260hp) £115,719. CVX 40kph – 160 £105,047; 170 £123,304; 185 £128,278; 200 £132,252; 215 £136,227

Deutz-Fahr series 7 TTV

• Engine Deutz 6.0-litre, 6cyl, SCR, DOC (Stage 3B)
• Transmission TTV ZF CVT
• Hydraulics 160-litre/min load sensing plus 44-litre/min steering pump, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 4.5t/10t
• Front axle suspension Standard
• Cab suspension Standard
• Prices TTV 50kph – 7210 (205/224hp) £138,452; 7230 (220/245hp) £146,013; 7250 (238/263hp) £150,672

Claas Arion 600

• Engine Deere 6.8-litre, 6cyl, EGR/DOC/DPF (Stage 3B)
• Transmission Hexashift Claas/Gima 24×24/6 or CMatic Claas EQ200 CVT
• Hydraulics Hexashift – 110-litre/min load sensing, mechanical and electric or electric only spool valves. CMatic – as above with electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 3.2t/6.9t, 8t
• Front axle suspension Hexashift £4335; CMatic Standard
• Cab suspension Standard
• Prices Hexashift 40kph – 640 (177hp) £95,350; 650 (184hp) £98,420. Cmatic 50kph – 640 £119,370; 650 £122,840

New Holland T7

• Engine FPT 6.7-litre, 6cyl, SCR (Stage 3B)
• Transmission CNH Range Command 19×6/6 (T7.200 only), Power Command 19×6/18, Auto Command CVT
• Hydraulics Range/Power Command – 113-litre/min plus 65-litre steering pump (T7.200, T7.210), 120- or 150-litre/min plus 60-litre steering pump, load sensing, mechanical or electric spool valves; Auto Command – 120- or 140-litre/min (T7.200, T7.210), 150-litre/min T7.220-T7.270), load sensing, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 3.7t/8.2t, 8.6t, 10.4t (model dependent)
• Front axle suspension £4,000 on T7.170 to T7.210 Range Command and Power Command; standard on all other models
• Cab suspension Standard
• Prices Range Command – T7.200 (172/203hp) £83,806. Power Command – T7.200 (172/203hp) £86,283; T7.210 (181/212hp) £87,876; T7.220 (188/218hp) £106,152; T7.235 (203/234hp) £110,333; T7.250 (218/250hp) £114,112; T7.260 (234/260hp) £118,276. Auto Command – T7.200 £104,647; T7.210 £107,011; T7.220 £119,981; T7.235 £124,167; T7.250 £127,947; T7.260 £131,850; T7.270 £135,626

Note: Prices for T7.170 to T7.210 Range Command and Power Command are for 40kph spec: all others 50kph

Fendt 700 Vario TMS

• Engine Deutz 6.0-litre, 6cyl, EGR, SCR, DPF (Stage 4)
• Transmission Vario Fendt CVT
• Hydraulics 109 or 152-litre/min load sensing, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 4.4t / 10.3t
• Front axle suspension Standard
• Cab suspension Standard
• Prices Vario 50kph – 718 (180hp) £153,481; 720 (200hp) £162,155; 722 (220hp) £168,933; 724 (240hp) £177,307

John Deere 6R

• Engine Deere 6.8-litre, 6cyl, VGT, SCR, DPF, DOC (Stage 4)
• Transmission PowrQuad Plus Deere 20×20/4, DirectDrive Deere 24×24/8, AutoPowr ZF CVT
• Hydraulics 114- or 155-litre/min load sensing, mechanical or electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 4t/8.5t; 6215R 9.55t
• Front axle suspension Standard
• Cab suspension £2,032
• Prices PowrQuad Plus – 6175R (193/223hp) £116,652; 6195R (215/243hp) £126,207; 6215R (237/259hp) £134,454. DirectDrive – 6175R £124,615; 6195R £134,171; 6215R £142,417. AutoPowr – 6175R £126,169; 6195R £135,725; 6215R £143,971

JCB 3000-series

• Engine Agco Power 7.4-litre, 6cyl, SCR (Stage 4)
• Transmission P-Tronic JCB 24×9/6
• Hydraulics 132-litre/min load sensing plus 77-litre steering pump, electric spool valves
• Linkage lift 3.5t / 6t to 8t
• Front axle suspension Standard (+ rear axle)
• Cab suspension N/a
• Prices 3000 65kph – 3200 (198/230hp) £130,203; 3230 (230/270hp) £138,277

Note: ABS standard

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List prices for lowest spec available in each case; tractors with 40kph also available with 50kph option including front axle and cab suspension.