The 400,000+ visitors on the look out for new tractors at this week’s Agritechnica will not be disappointed because many of the big names in the business are showing new models. So too are some of the smaller brands, the most striking example of which is the 466hp Belarus 4522 prototype. One of five units currently out on test, power to the 17t tractor comes from a Cat C13 block, which meets Stage IIIa engine emissions. The company is using Agritechnica to test the market, and providing there is sufficient interest will add a Stage IV engine in the flagship tractor for Euro markets within the next 12-18 months.
At Agritechnica two years ago Zetor showed a design concept, which it said would form the basis of all new models from the Czech tractor maker. The first result of this is on display at the Hannover Fairgrounds in the shape of a new Major HS, which along with major CL versions is due to go into production by the middle of next year. Other Zetor ranges will use the new design at some point in the future.
There was plenty of hype ahead of the show but the Claas Axion Terra Trac prototype is a tractor highlight in Hall 13. Claimed as the first fully-suspended half-track design, this is a dedicated system. It is not possible to fit the tractor with wheels. Available on the 930 and 960 models, pre-production systems will be out next year, with full availability from 2019.
The latest version of the 610DT (610hp) can be seen on Versatile’s stand. Fitted with a Stage IV engine, other updates include a four-point suspended cab. In Germany, the 610hp tractor costs around €300,000. We understand one of the new models has just arrived in the UK. Russian tractor maker Kirovets is showing a new ‘baby’ 240hp articulated tractor. Supporting the existing flagship 435hp K-743, the new K-424 on show in hall 11 is currently powered by a Russian common rail Stage IIIB engine, but a Stage IV version is in the pipeline for EU markets.
A model from the new 7002 Series is on Kubota’s stand and Indian tractor maker Mahindra (at Agritechnica for the first time) is showing several new tractor ranges. We’ll have more news from Agritechnica tomorrow.
