A total of 1,990 tractors were imported into Ireland this year from January until the end of October. This number was broken down across 32 different brands. This huge array of tractors varies to include anything and everything from vintage and classic tractors right up to modern day workhorses.

New Holland is by far the most popular imported tractor. Figures show that a total of 659 New Holland tractors were imported into Ireland this year, accounting for over 33% of total tractor imports. The most popular models imported included TS 115s, TM 155s and T7.200s.

Next up was Massey Ferguson, where a total of 324 tractors were imported. This accounts for over 16% of total tractor imports. The most popular models imported included 5455s, 6480s and the sought after 390. The third and fourth most popular brands imported were John Deere and Case IH respectively. There were a total of 229 John Deeres imported, which accounts for over 11.5%. The most popular models included 6150R’s, 6930s and 6320s.

On the other hand, there were 225 Case IH tractors imported, accounting for over 11% of total imports. The most popular model was the Maxxum 140.

Figures show that the top three most popular models imported were the New Holland TS 115 (49 units), the New Holland TM 155 (35 units) and the Massey Ferguson 5455 (30 units).

New Holland TS 115 top of the pops

So what makes the TS 115 so popular amongst Irish farmers?

The TS 115 was manufactured from 1998 up until 2003, although it is not unusual to find 2004 plated examples up and down the country. The TS series was the replacement for the popular Ford New Holland 40 series tractors.

The tractor was built in Basildon in the UK. The TS 115 is the only six-cylinder model in the TS series. It is powered by a 7.5-litre PowerStar engine, producing just over 100hp. An emissionised version with a different fuelling system was later released that was capable of producing 115hp.

Many TS 115 users throughout the country retro-fitted turbo kits to the tractor for a little extra poke. The six cylinder engine was well capable of handling the turbo. The tuned up tractors were capable of producing 135hp to 140hp at the PTO and 150hp at the engine.

TS 115s scattered around Ireland are fitted with either the 24x24 DualCommand transmission or the 16x16 ElectroShift transmission. Both of these transmissions featured a wet-type oil-immersed clutch, which was suitable for loader-type operations.

The 24x24 DualCommand variant has a mechanical forward/reverse shuttle and a two-speed power shift. On the other hand, the higher specification ElectroShift 16x16 semi-power shift transmission has four ranges with four power-shift speeds in each, plus an electric forward/reverse shuttle.

The hydraulic pump capacity is in the region of 69 litres/minute for the tandem fixed displacement gear pump and 75 litres/minute for the CCLS pump. Lift capacity is about 5t on mechanical lift versions with a single assister ram. This rises to a little over 6.5t with two assister rams. Electronic lift control versions, with two assister rams as standard, have a lift capacity closer to 7t.

Overall, the TS 115 is regarded as a capable, nimble, compact tractor that is well able to stand up to the many tasks imposed on it by Irish farmers.