DRIVING IMPRESSION: Italian maker BM Tractors builds the rather confidently named Better line of specialist tractors, which keep the operator close to the ground. We take a look at the range-topping Better 175 model.
Are you looking for a good tractor? BM Tractors reckons it can offer you an even better one — at least name wise. Based west of Bologna, the nearby mountains called for a tractor that would be able to stand firm on slopes and still provide plenty of power to operate a mulcher, for example.
Weighing in at just 4.5 tonnes, the Better 175 is powered by an FPT motor that is mounted low down in the chassis to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. The four-cylinder, 4.5-litre unit generates up to 125kW/170hp.
Hydrostatic to 40km/hr
The Better uses a hydrostat with a two-speed box to propel itself to 40km/hr. Operators can control the ground speed either via the joystick or the accelerator pedal.
Four-wheel steer on the Dana axles makes it very manoeuvrable, the outside turning circle being a tight 8.20m. And like telehandlers, it has crab and front/rear axle steering modes. The front axle is rigid rather than oscillating for better stability during loader work. To achieve this, the engineers have gone with a central pivot with +/-12.5° of movement just
in front of the rear axle.
The standard reverse-drive system makes the tractor and its rear linkage the ideal carrier for both mowers and mulchers. Thanks to the design’s axle-mounted, hydraulically suspended linkage, the mulcher adapts perfectly to ground contours, while the hydraulic oil supply is stored in the frame of the tractor.
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save.
