Over the past seven weeks, we have reported on seven different stockman’s tractors. We ran the comparison at the end of 2017 with the aim of providing feedback to our readers of what we in the Irish Farmers Journal thought of the tractors based on a number of different criteria. All tractors were fitted with a front loader, as is commonly the case, and all had a four-cylinder engine.

Even among the team testing the tractors, we all had our preferences for various reasons – just like any farmer. No tractor “won” the comparison per se, as making such a significant investment from a farmer’s point of view has a lot of influencing factors depending on the farm type and size. Price is also a large determining factor before any tractor is considered. The brand’s reputation for reliability and resale value are equally as important. After this, proximity and backup provided by the local dealership are also important considerations.

How the tractors compare

ARMATRAK 1104

Of the seven tractors we tested, this was the cheapest, priced at €56,000 including VAT. The Turkish-manufactured Armatrac 1104 provides 110hp. It is fitted with a 16 forward and 16 reverse transmission, with power coming from a 4.4l Perkins Tier IIIB engine. Its rear linkage lift capacity is 5,000kg, with top speed of 39.3km/h at 2,400rpm.

This is a straightforward tractor with little in the way of electronic or electric controls apart from a hi-split low in each gear. Direction change is made using a mechanical shuttle lever. Similarly, PTO speed selection is made using a choice of levers under the driver’s feet depending on the desired PTO speed. The loader fitted to this tractor was a Rossmore FL65m with single mechanical lever for all loader controls, which is easy to operate. It didn’t have any levelling option fitted.

Driving this tractor was straightforward, albeit not the most comfortable. The tractor doesn’t have front or cab suspension, just an air seat. The specification could be described as being from the 1980s but this is what will appeal to farmers – good-value simplicity without the unnecessary complexity that some drivers just don’t need or want.

CLAAS ARION 440

The Claas Arion is probably the most appropriately designed tractor for loader work. There is a full-length windscreen and large glass roof panel. Visibility over the bonnet and in particular above the driver’s head to the factory-fitted FL80 loader is brilliant. You can follow the loader from ground level to full height with almost no need to strain your neck.

Rated power is 115hp from the 4.5l FPT engine. Rear linkage lift capacity is 5,750kg, with 60l/min, 90l/min or 110l/min hydraulic pump options available. The 16x16 Quadrashift transmission is controlled very easily with a single rotary dial mounted on the loader-joystick.

Rear linkage raising and lowering can also be controlled from here.

For general yard work such as feeding cattle silage or lifting bales, this tractor was a pleasure to spend a few hours in. The combination of the joystick, copious amounts of glass and compact size meant this tractor was right at home in yard work.

In transport, it is also a star performer. Over the 280m acceleration test, the tractor covered the hilly course in 1min 9secs, which was a respectable result considering the tractor’s size and the load being hauled. Apart from the compact cab, the Claas Arion 440 made a good impression.

FENDT 312 VARIO PROFI

The Fendt 312 Vario had all the specification any farmer could ever need and the steep price tag to go with it.

This tractor comes in three specification levels – Power, Profi and Profi Plus. We tested the latter version, which is the highest specification level of all three. With a list price of €194,636, the German-built workhorse has all the technology and specification for even the most demanding customer.

The 138hp 4.4l engine combined with the IVT Vario transmission is a real pleasure to operate.

A full-length floor-to-ceiling windscreen combined with a sleek-designed 4X75 front loader give excellent visibility to the front attachment.

Loader lift capacity is 2,294kg, which is more than enough for any of the regular tasks on a beef, dairy or tillage farm. Attaching and detaching the loader is quick and uncomplicated.

The Fendt is a real pleasure to drive and the cab is very well laid out, with good storage space.

Rear lift capacity of the 312 Profi is 5,200kg with three PTO options of 540, 540E and 1,000rpm.

If money was no object, this tractor would definitely be on the top of many farmers’ shopping lists.

JOHN DEERE 5090R

Of all the tractors we tested, the John Deere 5090R was one of the smallest in physical stature. With a measured wheelbase of 2.29m and overall height of 2.72m, it will fit into compact sheds and narrow passageways.

First impressions were good from a stockman’s point of view. Maximum power for this tractor is advertised as 92.9hp from the four-cylinder 4.5l diesel-only John Deere PowerTech PWX engine.

It performed well in our dynamometer test, producing a maximum PTO power of 91.3hp with 27.3% torque reserve.

This is a simple tractor to operate, with some clever design features to make repetitive jobs easier.

There is plenty of light and glass in the cab. Visibility upwards and over the bonnet is excellent thanks to the one-piece windscreen. There is also the option of a panoramic roof, which really helps visibility to the loader. Overall, a comfortable and nimble compact package.

MASSEY FERGUSON 5713 SL DYNA 4

Massey Ferguson tractors have come a long way since the likes of the MF 390T that is still popular on Irish farms. The 5713 SL Dyna-4 Efficient Spec we tested is testament to that. The tractor is rated at 130hp, which comes from a four-cylinder AGCO Power 4.4-litre engine. This is connected to a 16x16 Dyna-4 transmission but an optional Dyna-6 gives a further eight gears in each direction.

A factory-installed FL.3819 front loader with a maximum lift of 1,930kg to 3.79m was a perfect match to the tractor’s size. A button on the right-hand side increases oil flow from a steady 58l/min to a very impressive 100l/min when the two hydraulic pumps are diverted to the front loader.

On the road towing a fully loaded tandem-axle 16.5t dump trailer, this tractor was comfortable, gutsy and felt solid at speed.

The combination of cab, loader and front suspension worked well together to give a comfortable spin.

NEW HOLLAND T5.120

Unlike most New Holland tractors in Ireland that originated in Basildon, Essex, the T5.120 is built in Italy. This tractor is small but has a powerful engine.

During the dynamometer test, the tractor produced 110.4hp at the PTO with a torque reserve of 18.4%. Visibility over the sloping bonnet and upwards to the loader is good thanks to the high windscreen. Rear lift capacity is 5,420kg with four PTO speeds available.

From a farmer’s point of view, this tractor is easy to drive, with a lot of easy-to-use features.

Servicing the tractor could be easier, with a number of panels having to be removed to give full engine access.

Despite of this minor criticism, the tractor was very manoeuvrable during loader work and handled the loaded dump-trailer with surprising ease.

If we had to pinpoint one area for improvement, it would be the layout of the numerous cab switches.

VALTRA N114

The Valtra N114 is an impressive tractor. Power comes from an AGCO power 4.4l four-cylinder engine which powers a 20x20 or 30x30 transmission. It was fitted with a Quickie Q48 front loader which has a lift capacity of 2,770kg. The cab impressed us most as it has a lot of space. The controls are foolproof and a lot of thought has been put into making the operator as comfortable as possible. Rear linkage capacity is 6,424kg. Up to four rear mechanically controlled hydraulic spool valves can be specified, with a choice of 73l/min or 90l/min supply. The Valtra N114 Hi-Tech is a comfortable tractor to drive. The left-hand reverser is within easy reach of the steering wheel and large external rear-view mirrors make yard work safer. In transport, the tractor performed very well, completing our 280m acceleration test in 55 seconds – the fastest of all the tractors with the 16.63t dump trailer. All in all, the Valtra was a very suitable tractor for both yard and transport work.

Conclusion

These tractors are all worthy performers, with some excelling in a particular area such as power, torque, rear lift capacity and ease of servicing. It would be remiss of us to say the Fendt was the best tractor because of the considerable spec level it is built to. Not every farmer needs or can afford this specification.

All the other tractors were just as notable without the same high level of electronic wizardry. We must take into account these tractors may have a number of different drivers so must be as simple as possible to operate and have “get-in-and-go” ease of operation.

This is where the likes of the Armatrak with its basic no-frills technology will win. They all deliver on what they are designed to do in slightly different measures. The loader supplied with each of the tractors works well and is a suitable combination with substantial lift capacity and reach across the board.

Aside from this, the tractors we tested were able to handle a loaded 16.63t dump-trailer, which is probably a lot larger load than these tractors will be expected to tow.

A 2,000-gallon slurry tank, a 2t fertiliser spreader, a loaded cattle box and an 8ft topper would be more likely attachments. We all had our personal preferences which all differed, much like most farmers buying a new tractor.