VALTRA A SERIES

A finalist in the tractor of the year, the A series (above) was launched officially at Agritechnica. The range starts at 75hp and goes up to 135hp. The three smaller models in the seven-model range come with a gutsy three-cylinder engine. A Valtra spokesperson said the company expects that the loader market will account for a large chunk of the sales for this machine and that more than 50% of the early order will be ordered loader-ready. The four larger models come with a four-cylinder engine producing between 100hp and 130hp. These tractors are perfectly suited to the Irish market with a mix of power and manoeuvrability.

CLAAS

The new Arion 500 series models all have four-cylinder engines, while the Arion 600 tractors have six-cylinder engines. In the middle of the ranges there is a two-model overlap, where tractors of the same horsepower but with a choice of four or six cylinders can be chosen. All of these engines meet the most recent emissions standards (Tier 4F). They use diesel particulate filter (DPF) and other cleaning technologies to get to this standard. This puts the lower powered models in the 500 range firmly in the mixed farmer and loader tractor market.

NEW HOLLAND

New Holland has added a further five models to its T5 range of tractors during 2017 to complete the mid-range tractor lineup. The latest Utility models offer between 75hp and 114hp and continue the heritage of New Holland’s well-regarded T5000 series. T5 Utility tractors can be specified with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive on all Synchro-Shuttle models (four-wheel drive on all others), plus a wide choice of transmissions including Dual Command, Power Shuttle, and Creep-speed to suit individual requirements. Loader-ready, the T5 can support a maximum lift capacity of up to 2,539kg with a maximum lifting height of 3.7m from New Holland’s 740TL front loader. For added versatility, a front linkage is also available, offering a lift capacity of 1,670kg combined with a 1000-speed PTO.