Workhorses that pull their weight - Part 1

publication date: Jul 1, 2008

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author/source: David Harris

Compact tractors continue to develop and become more versatile, but for local authorities and parks managers there are always choices – a larger tractor, utility vehicle or even ATV may appear to fit the bill just as well.

However, tractor manufacturers insist that the compact tractor has more to offer. “For tasks including aeration, materials handling and mounting a front mower, the tractor is still the real workhorse,” suggests Henry Bredin of John Deere “Few of the alternatives could do any of these things.”

Henry points out that John Deere’s compacts have become more versatile with the introduction of the eHydro transmission, which makes for easy driving for jobs such as loading and mowing, but can be programmed for set forward speeds to suit aeration or spraying.

“The optional factory fit cab is another bonus,” he says. “It is built in the same factory as the cabs for our large agricultural tractors and helps local authorities meet strict noise regulations with ratings of 81dBa for the 33-43hp mid chassis models and 79dBa for the larger chassis versions. Air conditioning is also standard on these cabs.”

New Holland’s James Doyle suggests that the company’s compacts are really larger models scaled down in size, “So in effect you get the best of both worlds – good features such as comfort, excellent fuel consumption, manoeuvrability etc, but contained in a compact package,” he says.

“Compacts are the jack of all trades and can easily perform the same tasks as an ATV or utility vehicle, but much more efficiently. A classic example is lift capacity – tractors are designed with three-point linkages to lift heavy implements safely – ATV/utility units can be adapted but they would never have the same capacity, stability or versatility. Yet compact tractors can be light enough to tow behind a pick-up.”

James adds: “New Holland’s compacts have an excellent power to weight ratio combined with a very good lift capacity, so tasks such as verti – draining can be completed with a smaller unit when compared to other manufacturers. For any tining work, good rates of pto power are achieved through efficient drivelines which allows more power to be applied to the implement and not wasted.”

“Mowing around trees and park fixtures is much easier with Supersteer as this offers best manoeuvrability in the industry, while Sensitrak automatic four-wheel drive disengagement avoids turf damage.”

As well as these features, James comments that New Holland has also concentrate its efforts on build quality. “We build product to last through the rigours of life, which can be hard with some contractors and park authorities – our main castings on the tractors tend to be heavier duty than those of the competition.”

Massey Ferguson has added two new compact tractor models, the 32hp MF 1532M, first shown at BTME 2008, Harrogate, and the 28hp 1529M, which was launched in May.

Product marketing manager Phil Evans explains: “The MF 1532M replaced the MF 1533 while the MF 1529M is replacing the MF 1528.

“Unlike many of our earlier introductions within the 1500 Series, both of these new units are available solely with mechanical transmissions - there’s an 8x8 Synchro-Shuttle as standard with the option of a creeper gear kit to produce 12x12 speeds.

“Although hydrostatic drive is not offered on these two specific models, customers can still obtain HST as an alternative transmission system on five other models from 19.5-46hp.

“We will shortly introduce some additional compact tractor units designated ‘A’ series to complement the ‘M’ series newcomers. “These new ‘A’ series tractors will be focused on horticultural, landscaping and groundwork applications and will feature draft control (to optimise use with soil-engaging implements) and a mid-mounted, forwardfolding ROPS frame that will help minimise the overall height of the tractor.

“We are anticipating that there will be four ‘A’ versions from 28- 46hp and at least one of these models will be shown publicly at IoG SALTEX later this year.

“These models are aimed towards more agricultural and horticultural type applications (where the MF dealer expertise lies) while still maintaining our strong interest in the care and maintenance of green spaces with the 1500 ‘M’ compacts that are well suited to grass cutting and turf maintenance.”

Compact tractors are more manoeuvrable, lightweight and compact than their larger agricultural cousins and more versatile than a dedicated mower, UV or ATV, says Kubota.

“Local Authorities typically use compact tractors for mowing during the summer but unlike self-propelled mowers, which become ‘redundant’ during the winter months, the tractor can be used year-round. With many manufacturers now making smaller PTO-powered implements the tractor can be utilised for a huge variety of tasks.”

As well as their versatility the size of the compact tractors offers many advantages over higher horsepower tractors. Whilst the larger units can offer high efficiency when cutting a large open space, they must be driven between sites, Kubota points out.

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