The best value in 90-100hp tractors

On a tour of the stands at the Ploughing this year, the Irish Farmers Journal set out to find a good-value 100hp or thereabouts tractor for a mixed farm. There was quite a range of tractors on offer from the perceived bargain manufacturers. Interestingly, the top manufacturers are offering some models that cater for this category also. Basically, we were looking for a modern version of the legendary Massey Ferguson 390T, or the Ford 7610, two big favourites from the past. We looked at fewer electronic controls moving towards mechanical tractors.

Engines

Many of the tractors featured are using either Tier 3A or 3B engines. Under current legislation, these engines are not to be registered for use on the road after this month. This will mean that all tractors in dealers’ yards must be registered with a 162 plate even if unsold. Gary Ryan, CEO of the FTMTA, is working on securing derogation to extend this date until at least the first quarter of 2017. This gives a good shop window for many dealers to sell these tractors with 171 plates.

The newer engine requirements could see the price of the budget brands increased a little from next year on.

THE URSUS C-3102

The Ursus tractor has held a solid reputation here before with a no-frills, no-nonsense approach. Built in Poland for the last 120 years, the brand’s popularity has waned for the last few years in Ireland. At this year’s Ploughing, Irish importer Denis Sutton is very optimistic about the current Ursus range. He said he has never seen a better-looking tractor than the C-3102. This tractor comes with a 102hp Perkins engine that has a Tier 3A emission rating. The tractor also offers a mechanical gearbox with 12 forward and reverse gears, and a mechanical synchromesh shuttle for forward and reverse operations. The tractor pumps out a respectable lift capacity of 4,400kg on category 2 linkage arms. For loader work, the hydraulic flow rate is 55l/min, which seems to be the norm for this class of tractor. The cabin is much improved on previous models – it has a roof hatch for loader work and electronic lift controls with electronic PTO engagement. Both 540 and 1000 rpm PTO speeds are standard on the tractor. Denis is offering the tractor and loader combination for €47,760 including VAT.

The loader features electro-hydraulic functions, self levelling, and soft ride as standard.

THE SAME EXPLORER HEAVY DUTY

Italian manufacturers SDF are offering the Same Explorer, another tractor with a solid reputation in the past. The older tractors featured the old air-cooled engine that has now been replaced by the latest FARMotion Tier 4I engine. The model looked at was the Explorer 115.4 HD GS with a max power of 109hp from a four-cylinder engine. The tractor also features an electronic power shuttle with Same’s own stop and go function for loader work. It has 3,600kg lift capacity and a 55l/min open hydraulic system. Three double-acting spools come as standard on the Same. The tractor also has a wide four-post cab with good visibility from the roof. The PTO options are good, with four speeds available. The tractor also has a hydraulic pushback pick-up hitch. The tractor is shod on 480/70 R 34 wheels. From a specification point of view, this is the best of the bunch and is offered at €50,000 including VAT. Lower price options are available.

THE MASSEY FERGUSON 4709

The return of the classic Massey Ferguson 390 is closer with the 4000 range. The Global series from Massey Ferguson is built completely in the company’s Beauvais plant and is now offering a competitive line for mixed farmers. The tractor delivers 90hp from an AGCO three-cylinder engine that is Tier 4 Final emission compliant. The tractor offers simple electronic lift controls, described by Massey Ferguson sales manager Colin Gleeson as having the same complexity as opening a car window. The 4709 transmission is again fairly straightforward, with 12 forward and reverse gears. A power-shuttle is fitted with a wet clutch. At the back end the tractor can lift 3,000kg, which is ample for this tractor given its size. The hydraulic flow rate is 57l/min, which is in line with the competition for this spec of tractor. The tractor has a swing-out auto pickup hitch for attaching to trailed equipment. The Massey has a price tag of €50,000 including VAT.

ZETOR PROXIMA 100 PLUS

The pride of the Czech Republic, Zetor has been in Ireland since the early 1970s. The Zetor Proxima range would be seen as a true livestock/loader tractor according to McHale Plant Sales. The range goes from 100 hp to 120 hp. The styling on the tractor is much improved, with a spacious cab and ergonomic controls. Gone are the days of the massive Zetor cabins that could house a small family. Nice features include galvanised steps, integrated storage compartment in the cab and a neat instructor’s seat. The tractor has Zetor’s own engine, which meets the Tier 3 emission standard. The transmission has a 20 forward 4 reverse synchromesh gearbox with a synchro mechanical shuttle. The Proxima now boasts a Carraro front axle allowing for 20% more loading on the front. At the back end the lift capacity is slightly below the others at 2,300kg, again not really an issue for the type of farmer buying this machine. For loader work, the pump delivers 50 l/min, which is back a little on the rest. A new bonnet is visually appealing and practical as it extends upwards for maintenance. Zetor is offering a two-year warranty on all models, and finance is available. The Zetor is on the market for €44,000 including VAT.

ARMATRAC 1104

ArmaTrac is the export brand of Erkunt Tractor Ind. Inc., a Turkish automotive company which has been manufacturing tractors since 2003. ArmaTrac tractors are being produced with Perkins and Deutz engines. Transmissions are sourced from ZF and Carraro. It is the only automotive brand in the state-funded TURQUALITY® Turkish Brand Development Programme, and also the only one which carries the TURQUM® Quality Mark. The company started to export tractors in 2007 under the ArmaTrac name and they are now available in 33 countries, Ireland being one of them. Brogans have recently been appointed as dealers for the midlands region. The ArmaTrac tractor itself is rated at 110hp with a Deutz engine fitted and 113hp with the Perkins engine. Both engines are Tier 3B compliant. The engine is married to a ZF transmission, which is a mechanical synchromesh box. The shuttle is also mechanical.

The hydraulic pump output is top of the bunch at 60l/min, as is the lift capacity at the back end. Lift and PTO controls are electro-hydraulic. Again, the ArmaTrac gives a four-speed PTO with economy in 540rpm and 1,000rpm speeds. The ArmaTrac is on the market for €47,900 including VAT. Subsidised finance is also available.

TUMOSAN 8195 DT

This brand of tractor closely resembles the old Fiat 80/90, and this model has received a facelift. The tractor itself is made in Turkey in a factory that never made a Fiat tractor. The engine is their own 4DT-39T295C four-cylinder which is Stage 3A compliant pushing out 95 hp. On the transmission side, is their own mechanical gearbox with 16 forward and 16 reverse gears. It also has a mechanical shuttle on the left side of the steering. The hydraulic pump output is 50l/min and the lift capacity at the back end is above the others in this class at 5,800kg. Everything on this tractor is mechanical so it should be relatively trouble free. The PTO speeds are limited to 540rpm standard and economy mode with 750rpm. Prices for this model are in the region of €39,700 including VAT. Subsidised finance is available at 0% interest in four payments, one up front.