The new Zetor Crystal has been re-launched this year, and has received a facelift to bring it into the 21st century. It’s 26 years since the last six-cylinder Zetor Crystal rolled off the production line.

In the middle of the 1960s, the demand for a heavy line of tractors for the individual farmer grew. The models UR1, with power of 25 to 58hp, were insufficient for the grain farms of the central European plains. In 1968, the development of a second Unified Range was completed. This UR2, better known as the Zetor Crystal, developed a loyal following with some users, and gained a reputation for having good traction, with a workable transmission.

The Zetor Crystal had an enormous cabin that could facilitate a small meeting behind the driver’s seat. It was an innovative machine at the time – Zetor engineers pioneered a hitch hydraulic draft system with its sensors on the lower link arms, something not seen on any other tractor in that era.

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The first UR 2 Crystals were the 8011 (2WD) and 8045 (4WD), introduced in 1968. They had the same 4.6-litre four-cylinder engine, with a power of about 85hp at 2,200rpm. It was an affordable tractor with a very wide range of standard features, and a high productivity. The first generation produced was unaltered until the mid-1980s.

The Czech maker has announced that the Crystal name is coming back this year. The new range will be fitted with Deutz engines, semi-powershift transmissions and will have a modern six-pillar cabin that is a distant relation of the original cab. The new range of Zetor Crystals will feature models from 144 to 163hp. The engines will all use SCR AdBlue technology to satisfy the emission regulations.

The transmission offered is a 30-speed forward and reverse synchro gearbox with three powershifts, a power shuttle forward reverse lever, and a declutch button on the gear lever. In the past, drivers were never entirely sure what gear they were actually in. It has to be said that a lot of tractors from that era suffered the same problems of grinding and finding. On paper, it looks like this is an area well and truly left behind.

According to Zetor, the electro-hydraulic system has the HITCHTRONIC function, a system that provides automatic control of the rear three-point hitch. When using this system, there is no need to set up types of regulation or their required sensitivity. The control system automatically measures current soil resistance and adjusts the three-point hitch accordingly.

Zetor has also used a pair of wet disc clutches to prolong gearbox life and has provided an impressive 14 gears in the most common field range.

Other features include front axle suspension, a four-speed PTO, optional front linkage with PTO and three spool valves. Drivers also benefit from cab suspension, air conditioning and an opening sunroof that doubles up as a window for making it easier to use with a loader.

The tractors are being built at Zetor’s Brno factory and will be available later this summer. This is a tractor the Irish Farmers Journal team will hope to test in the not-too-distant future.

McHale Plant Sales gets top prize at Zetor awards

Work being done by McHale Plant Sales to increase Zetor sales in Ireland has been acknowledged by the Czech tractor maker. At a recent distributor conference, the Birdhill-based company received an award that recognised its success in being “Best in Europe” in the field of dealer development and for being the most successful distributor in Europe in implementing their 2015 Roadshow campaign. The presentation was made to its sales director, John O’Brien.

This is the third major European award won by McHale Plant Sales in as many years. Last year, the company received two awards from Komatsu – one for being first in Europe for sales of their new hybrid excavator and another for achieving “Best Extended Warranty Penetration for Komatsu in Europe” by encouraging almost 70% of its customers to avail of the support it provides.