The three-way partnership between Tata Steel, JCB Landpower and GKN enabled JCB to develop the Fastrac 4000. The model was launched to the market in January 2015.

Working together: JCB - GKN - Tata Steel

Historically, vehicle design has often focused on developing the load structure, building up strength with structural material until it is fit for purpose. Using computer-aided tools, engineers from Tata Steel worked closely with JCB Landpower and GKN to meet the product specifications using the material in the most efficient manner, leading to a chassis structure that was as light as possible. This helped ensure the new Fastrac remained competitive on price, and boosted efficiency by not unduly increasing the mass or size of the components.

Working as a team from the beginning and implementing GKN’s Design for Manufacture principles to ensure the product was what JCB required resulted in a more efficient chassis structure. As well as assessing the overall stiffness and strength of the chassis, this included making changes to the chassis rails to meet basic structural requirements.

To be more productive

A smaller turning circle enables farmers to be more productive. The need to reduce the vehicle’s turning circle required a narrower chassis, while leaving room for the larger engine and gearbox. The team conducted some 250 analyses looking at various design iterations over a period of eight months. ‘Better for less’ was the mantra for creating a chassis that was 100 per cent stiffer, with no increase in weight.

Increasing loads

Through a series of intelligent design changes and developments, we were also able to increase loads by 30 per cent on the front and rear axles: from 2 tonnes to 2.5 tonnes, and finally up to 3 tonnes on the front.

This smarter approach to vehicle design helped create a competitively-priced Fastrac tractor with a significant increase in front- and rear-load carrying capacity, with no increase in overall chassis structure weight.