Chinese manufacturer YTO is looking to entice European dealers to take on the brand with two new ranges of four-pot Stage V tractors.
Described by the maker as at least a third cheaper than a comparable model from one of the big names, the first NMF range comprises three Doosan powered models from 55-70hp. The motor in the NLY, the second new range, is made in-house, and there are three models (97hp, 105hp and 115hp).
Tested in Poland and Hungary for the past two years, the block is not the only update to the two Chinese-made ranges, which also includes a four-post cab and curvier exterior styling. The mechanical box provides 12Fx12R speeds, and rear lift capacity of the 4.4t tractors is 2.9t.
Last year, the Chinese manufacturer reckoned to have made around 90,000 tractors from 25-300hp for domestic and export markets. Each of the company’s two tractor plants can make 200 units a day during a single shift. The home market is the main one, but YTO is keen to grow its European business and boost the numbers from just 200 tractors last year to in excess of 1,000 within the next two to three years.
The Chinese manufacturer stressed that it would take things one step at a time, but the next plan for Europe will be a Stage V range from 130-180hp. Currently in tests, the project could be finished in time for previewing at the next Agritechnica in 2025. The spec is under wraps, but the transmission choices are likely to include a power shuttle, powershift and CVT.
YTO has plenty of experience with higher powered tractors, the current brochure listing several six-cylinder ranges. These include the NLX (130 140hp) and ELG (160-195hp). The company also makes a seven-strong range from 219 300hp. Currently at Stage IV, it will be another two or three years before these are updated with Stage V engines.
With 2,000 engineers, YTO clearly has plenty of know-how to push things along quicker if necessary and to forge ahead with other projects, one of which includes a 400hp tractor. According to assistant general manager, Fan Ziwu of YTO International, a number of prototypes of the LW4004 are in tests in China. Some are fitted with a full powershift, others with a CVT. “We have also completed three years of tests with a number of autonomous concepts including a 220hp unmanned cab-less version,” he added.
Believed to be the first such tractor in China, it is unlikely to be on sale for another three to five years at the earliest. The same is true for a number of alternative power concepts in development in China, including a 50hp electric tractor and a 200hp diesel electric hybrid. YTO has a presence in the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, and is keen to appoint dealers in other European countries including France, Italy, Ireland and the UK.
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