Budget beasts – the best value in 90-100 hp tractors

The Atos range comprises six models – three three-cylinder 200 models with power outputs of 76, 88 and 97hp and three four-cylinder 300 models with power outputs of 88, 102 and 109hp. According to Claas, the Atos features robust and simple technology, but with a wide range of options. Its compact design and excellent manoeuvrability make it the ideal option for all kinds of farm work.

Under the bonnet, there’s a Stage IIIb/Tier 4i-compliant Farmotion engine with a cubic capacity of 3.8 litres on 300 series models. The engines feature a common rail injection system, turbocharger and charge air cooler and are fitted with a diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC), and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.

Claas says the high torque values of up to 436 Nm mean the Atos is extremely responsive to drive. The basic manual transmission provides 10 forward and 10 reverse speeds, but for those wanting more sophistication there is the option of the 20/20 Twinshift with two powershift speeds or the 30/30 Trishift with three powershifts.

All transmission variants are available with either a mechanical or the clutchless reverse-shift. An automatic power take-off system and a separate groundspeed power take-off for powering trailers are also available.

A new feature that will be particularly useful for jobs that require frequent stopping or starting is Smart Stop. Available on tractors fitted with revers-shift, the feature is activated using a button on the dashboard. When the brake pedal is pressed, Smart Stop will automatically de-clutch the transmissions, so that stopping and starting is carried out just using the brake pedal.

The rear linkage can also be controlled mechanically or electronically as an option. The Atos 340 has a maximum lift capacity of 3,600 at the rear, while the standard hydraulic pump has an output of 55l/min, but ECO models have an increased hydraulic output of 60l/min at a reduced engine speed of 1,600rpm. A total of four spool valves are available.

The Atos is available in both two- and four-wheel-drive across all models and the maximum tyre size for the Atos 200 is 34in rising to 38in for Atos 300 models.

The TD5.105 is compact and aimed at the livestock sector, powered by New Holland’s own FPT engine pushing out 107hp, identical to the engine found in the larger T5 model. This engine has been updated on the newer models to Tier 4A. The tractor has different levels of specification available, from electric to mechanical control. The transmission is available with a powershift 12x12 transmission or the mechanical 12x4 standard synchromesh. From the lift perspective, the tractor has 3,565kg lift capacity with the option of adding assistor rams to boost the lift to 4,500kg. The tractor come with 47l/min pump as standard, with the option to go to 63l/min on higher specification. The tractor has a 5.2m turning circle according to New Holland. The company is offering full finance packages and the base tractor is offered at €47,950. It can also be ordered with a loader ready option with mid-mount valves and joystick.

The Turkish Hattat range of tractors is imported to Ireland by Billy O’Dwyer, Moyne, Thurles, Co Tipperary. The tractors are built to good quality, with all mechanical controls. The A110 has received a facelift, with a curved bonnet and a more stylish cab. There is good visibility for loader work.

Powering the Hattat is a Perkins engine which complies with Tier 3B regulations on emissions. Lift capacity is up there with the best at 3,700 kg and a there is a 55l/min pump, which is suitable for most tasks on a tractor of this class. The 12x12 transmission gives a good range of speeds with a mechanical shuttle. PTO speeds of 540rpm and 1,000rpm are standard. On the market at €39,500 including VAT, it is the cheapest tractor of the bunch. The Hattat is sold with a full warranty and finance is not available.

This compact range of tractors is built in Turkey, offering Case a competitive brand in this market segment. The tractor features an FPT engine developing 107hp. The engine is tier 3B for emission regulations. The 105A has a turning circle of 5.8m with the four-wheed-drive option. The cab is well laid out, with good visibility for all most all yard jobs. The roof is fitted with a vision hatch for high loader work. On the transmission side, the gearbox is a manual synchromesh with 12 forward and reverse gears. The shuttle is electric as standard. The lift controls are mechanical, with an option for electronic controls. The tractor has a 63l/min pump, one of the highest outputs in this market class. The maximum lift capacity is 3,565kg. The tractor is sold with full warranty and Case IH is offering competitive finance. It is priced at €48,000 including VAT.