The milestones #1981 – 1995
The period after 1981 continued to be shaped by market consolidation. Agricultural businesses became larger, and some agricultural machinery brands disappeared, but Renault untiringly continued to drive progress. In 1987, Renault Agriculture launched the industry-defining HYDROSTABLE four-point cab suspension. Advances in electronics supported developments such as the ACET on-board computer and ECOCONTROL. At the same time, powershift transmissions became more and more popular.
1981
In 1981, Renault Agriculture presented its new TX 16 series high-horsepower tractors at the SIMA. The top model was the 145-14 TX with 135 hp delivered by a 6.2-l six-cylinder MWM engine. The 12/12 gearbox with four ranges and three speeds featured a mechanical reverse shuttle.
The new TX 16 high-horsepower tractors featured the yellow/ochre/black colour scheme introduced in 1980 right from the start. These colours superseded the previous orange paint.
1985
In 1985, Renault Agriculture launched the ACET, one of the first on-board computers in tractors, which suggested the best gear and the optimal engine and PTO shaft speeds to drivers, ensuring that they would be able to work as economically as possible. This achieved fuel savings of up to 20 percent.
The system was based on the ECOCONTROL system, which had already been launched and awarded a prize at the SIMA in 1983.
1987
In 1987, Renault Agriculture presented a world-first feature at the SIMA: the TZ four-point cab suspension, which was originally only available in the three largest TZ 16 tractors. Variants with more basic equipment and no cab suspension rolled off the Le Mans assembly lines as the TX, TE and Tracfor models.
DLG tests conducted according to the ISO 2631 standard confirmed that drivers were exposed to 35 percent less vibration loads compared to conventional cabs with rubber buffers. On rough dirt tracks, the system even reduced these harmful vibrations by up to 50 percent.
1989
The existing high-horsepower tractors of the TX, TS, TZ and Tracfor series were updated in 1989. The most powerful model was initially the 175-74 with 165 hp, which featured a 16/16 transmission with four speeds, a field and a road range and two powershift speeds as standard to transfer its output onto the two axles. A top speed of 40 km/h instead of 30 km/h and TRACTOSHIFT 3-fold load switching with 24/8 speeds were available as optional extras for the first time.
In 1991, the 180.94 TZ Turbo with 170 hp and electronically controlled full powershift transmission with 27/27 speeds followed as the flagship model in the series.
1990
The TCE (TRACTO CONTROL Electronic) traction control based on wheel slip detection via TRACTORADAR followed in 1990. TCE adjusts the target forward speed to the wheel slip detected by sensors. This not only reduces damage to the soil, but also increases efficiency and protects the tyres.
1991
In 1991, the product portfolio was expanded by the special 120.54 and 155.54 NECTRA models. These premium machines featured sophisticated metallic paint as well as tinted cab windows, leather seats and CD players.
In these models, the new TRACTOSHIFT 3-fold load switching with double clutch and powershift shuttle came as standard. The transmission was available as an optional extra in the TZ series.
1993
The CERES series was introduced in 1993. Three modern compact tractors in the lower mid-power segment covered a range from 65 to 83 hp. Apart from their efficient engines and optional 2-fold load switching, this series boasted a quiet cab, slender dimensions and outstanding agility. The new bonnet design already anticipated future developments in Renault tractors.
