TRACTOR of the year winners have been announced at Agritechnica, Hanover.
Celebrating innovation, technology and performance the four major awards are: Best Utility, Best Specialised, Best Design and overall Tractor of the Year 2018.
Agco brand Valtra picked up both the Tractor of the Year 2018 and Best Design for it’s T254 Versu.
The judges said a standout feature of the Valtra was the controller.
“The SmartTouch armrest with the 9 inch touch screen, the intelligent multiuse drive lever and the new hydraulic joystick give the best and most straightforward user interface in the industry,” the judges said.
“This allows the driver to control almost any setting in the tractor, including the engine, transmission, hydraulics, guidance and telemetry.”
Best Utility
Argo Tractor Group brand McCormick, won Best Utility Tractor with the X6 VT Drive.
The category recognises tractors in the 90 to 105 kilowatt power range.
McCormick claims the X6 VT Drive’s transmission stands out for the reduced number of components in the design, particularly the clutch assembly.
“This brings with it important benefits as to operating efficiency and costs,” it said.
McCormick said the continuously variable transmission includes a hydrostatic section and a mechanical section.
This design means at low speeds, up to three to four kilometre per hour, it functions as a solely hydrostatic transmission.
While at higher speeds, the hydrostatic assembly combines progressively with the mechanical assembly, minimising power loss.
Argo marketing manager, Antonio Salvaterra said the company was pleased to receive recognition for the McCormick brand
“This award confirms the success of the investments Argo Tractors has made in the utility segment,” he said.
“A project where every single detail has been taken care of, and has allowed us to create a range with standards near to those of the higher powered tractors in terms of performance and comfort.”
Australian distributor, Clark Industrial, said the tractor would be available in Australia from July next year.
Best Specialised
Winner of Best Specialised Tractor 2018 was the Fendt 211 Vario V.
A compact three cylinder tractor, the Fendt Vario 211 has an engine output of 84 kilowatts (112 horsepower).
The judges said features of the tractor included impressive torque and Fendt stepless transmission.
Agco president, Martin Richenhagen, said the win was a testament to the brands commitment to deliver high technology solutions for farmers.