The word “small” can be very misleading, especially when it comes to farm tractors, so shift your thinking with a look at today’s compact and utility tractors. We’re hoping you’ll see that when it comes to performance, you can’t let yourself be fooled by appearances.
These five manufacturers are touting designs and specifications that have it all where it counts — from the agility to get around in tight quarters, or engine sizes that fall into the “just right” classification. After all, there are times when “bigger” isn’t necessarily better. As always, however, be prepared to do some serious homework before you make your choice. It’s a competitive field, with top-notch engineering.
John Deere 5M Utility Tractors
Another company that is enhancing its lineup is John Deere, with its latest refinements to its high-spec 5M series. Ranging from 75 to 115 horsepower, the 5075M is a three-cylinder model with Deere’s diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) solution. The four-cylinder 5085M, 5100M and 5115M have similar designs but with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that makes them Tier 4 final compliant. There’s also a new sloped hood that’s expected to increase efficiency when it comes to loader applications. The John Deere PowerTech engines also add an increased power level of as much as four per cent, and a 30 per cent torque rise.
Case IH Farmall 100A Series
Just before Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in September, Case IH rolled out its complete lineup for 2015, including the Farmall 100A Series. With models from 110- to 140-engine horsepower, this class of compact tractor boasts toughness, reliability and versatility, all rolled up into one design that is engineered for value. The 100A series is also Tier 4B/final compliant, joining Case’s high-horsepower equipment models in environmental accountability. Added to that is a new roof design featuring improved lighting, plus easy-to-use controls that provide greater operator comfort to help take some of the strain out of the day’s work.
Valtra A HiTech
Valtra marks a growing trend of European equipment imports into North America with its A83 and A93 HiTech series of tractors. A sturdy design with AGCO’s Sisu Power Common Rail engines and Valtra’s electronic Autocontrol front linkage, the A HiTech lineup provides excellent front-loader capabilities and a heavy-duty front axle, along with greater stability. There are also the user-friendly features such as Autotraction and Autocontrol, plus greater comforts, from adjustments to the steering wheel and seat to additional legroom, in front and in back.
New Holland T4 Series
Can a small tractor behave like something much larger? That’s the challenge that New Holland’s engineers were given, and they believe they’ve met it with the Dual Command transmission system now found in New Holland T4 series tractors. The Dual Command transmission provides quick shifting capabilities, reducing stress and fatigue on the operator while increasing productivity. The PowerClutch also means on-the-go shifting, without putting a foot to the clutch pedal. New Holland has also added a tilt and telescopic steering column, as well as its command arm console for enhanced operator efficiency and comfort.
MTZ 920 and 952
This manufacturer has been around for years, although most would recognize it under the name Belarus. Now the brand has come to Canada under the MTZ (M-T-Zed) banner, and counts the 920 and 952 as its workhorses. At 85- and 105-engine horsepower, respectively, the MTZ 920 and 952 offer a four-wheel-drive system, so they fit very nicely into a wide range of on-farm applications. Both models also operate with a dual-range standard transmission and front-wheel manual engagement.
