Launched under Case IH livery in 2003, the JX has a strong New Holland heritage and is manufactured in Italy. The range extends from 60 to 95hp, and represents a strong proportion of the market under 100hp for the Italian company.

Engine 3/5

The engine seems lazy during acceleration but after a slow uptake, there’s plenty of top end grunt. At 2307rpm, the four-cylinder Cummins-Iveco block develops 66hp, with diesel usage of 287g/kWh. The engine has an intercooler.

Maintenance 3.5/5

In common with other Case IH tractors, the bonnet is easily opened with a button at the front, and things like air filter and radiator grilles easy to access. However, a big minus is the transmission oil – the dip stick is bolted down, so everyday checking is difficult.

Transmission 4/5

Gear changes are smooth, with the simple 12R/12F gearbox boasting a forward/reverse shuttle on floor. There’s a pronounced gap between third and fourth, particularly when downshifting, but clutch operation is smooth. For field work there are seven gears to choose from between 4 and 12kph, the most choice of all the tractors in the test. The optional creeper takes the total to 20 gears.

4WD/diff-lock 4/5

Both are operated by electric switches on the dash, with lights to indicate selection on the display. During the test, the diff lock light remained on even when not engaged.

Build quality 4/5

With the name Case IH on the bonnet, none of your neighbours would suspect you’d gone for the budget option. The JX bears a strong resemblance to larger Case models and overall build quality is good. However, styling is dated.

Cab and ergonomics 3.5/5

Access to the cab isn’t the best, as the driver hits the forward/reverse gear stick on the way to the seat. The steering wheel is barely adjustable. The cab is well finished, with everything where it should be, but despite having normal dimensions, it feels cramped for taller drivers. Visibility is good with small mudguards and a narrow bonnet, despite position of exhaust. Ergonomically, things could be better – the pedals sit a little too high and the gearstick is positioned so that in second it rubs against the driver’s knee and third involves a bit of a reach.

Noise 3/5

At 81dB, it’s not the quietest on test, but it’s bearable. At 2100rpm, a whine develops and increases to 91dB, making it one of the more rowdy of the bunch.

Linkage 4/5

The JX is the only tractor to have a fast drop feature, good for headlands as one press prompts the implement to return to the pre-set height. A minus is that the left-hand link arm has to be detached to lengthen and shorten. It’s the only tractor to have load sensing on arms rather than on the top link, too. A plus is the outside lift control, but it’s a little flimsy and works reasonably. Maximum height control is outside, but lift speed can be adjusted in the cab.

Hydraulics 3.5/5

Punchy 50 litre/min pump. Two double-acting valves have lever controls in the cab, but they’re positioned quite closely together. Levers are a little flimsy and it’s easy to engage float. Spool valves lack any labelling.

PTO 3/5

A choice of 540/1000 or optional 540/750, but speed selection is outside the cab. Ground speed or engine-governed PTO can be selected inside the cab. The lever is easy to engage but difficult to stop, however engagement is smooth.