EIMA International was the stage for the Tractor of the Year awarding ceremony, which was bigger than ever after a series of changes and modernisations.
It was all change for this edition of Tractor of the Year. Looking at the shifts we have seen in the industry since the competition was established in 1998, it was decided by the jury of 25 European journalists that the established categories required tweaking. This is nothing new, the first edition had just two categories: Tractor of the Year and Best Design.
Since then, new categories have been added (Best of Specialised in 2000, and Best Utility in 2016), while Best Design was swapped out for Sustainable TotY in 2020 to better represent efforts to reduce emissions and improve productivity both at field level and throughout the manufacturing supply chain.
This year, the changes were more pronounced. Given the breadth of tractors that were eligible for the Tractor of the Year award, the decision was made to split this into TotY HighPower (tractors above 300hp) and TotY MidPower (tractors between 150-280hp), both the Utility and Specialised categories remained the same, and select machines from across the competition could be selected by the jury for Sustainable TotY.
Once again moving with the industry, an additional award was also up for grabs. TotYBot looks at the latest autonomous machinery, with strict voting criteria meaning that eligible kit cannot have a cab, must have a three-point linkage and either PTO or an electric power supply to work with existing implements, and must be at a Technical Readiness Level of eight; essentially meaning that it is ready for market.
“This edition of Tractor of the Year has once again demonstrated the extraordinary level of innovation and sustainability that our industry can achieve,” commented Fabio Zammaretti, president of Tractor of the Year.
“The winners represent the future of agriculture thanks to solutions that combine efficiency, power, and respect for the environment. We are proud to celebrate these achievements and heartfully thank the manufacturers, the 25 jurors, journalists from 25 different countries, and our sponsor BKT for their ongoing commitment to promoting modern and sustainable agriculture.”
TOTYBOT – AGXEED 5.115T2
The inaugural winner of the TotYBot award was the AgXeed 5.112T2. In their judging, the jury highlighted the ability of the machine to fit within existing farming businesses seamlessly, with a rear lift that can carry 8,000kg and a front hitch that lifts 4,000kg, supported by a hydraulic output of 85 litres/min. Combined with the Deutz engine that produces 154hp and 610Nm of torque, this means that AgXeed can be used without the need to make capital investments in specialist implements.
With enough fuel capacity to work for up to 20 hours, the machine comes equipped with RKT guidance, as well as Lidar, radar and a touch bumper for obstacle detection. If an obstacle is detected, the machine will wait for operator intervention before restarting work. Regarding sustainability, the fitment of 900mm tracks, provides a reported ground pressure of less than 0.25kg/sq cm, while also ensuring that the 5.115T2 can work in a variety of difficult conditions.
On collecting the awards, Jonatan Müller, head of sales for France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, and Nadine Bietenduvel, product specialist, said that it was a real honour for the Dutch manufacturer. Jonatan added: “We have a true solution for the problems that many farmers are facing, not just in biological/regenerative farming, but also in conventional systems. Labour shortages are a real issue, and we have one solution, but there are many different challenges and autonomy will have a bright future in agriculture.”
SUSTAINABLE TOTY – FENDT e107 VARIO
Fendt’s electric driveline in the e107 Vario was a standout during the competition, with an adjustable output to suit different operations. In Eco mode, the tractor has an output equivalent to 68hp, which increases to 75hp in Dynamic mode. For a short boost of power, there is also Dynamic+ mode, which provides 90hp. The design has ensured that the machine will fit into existing fleets, with linkages and hydraulic output comparable to the diesel-powered 200 Vario series.
The jury also highlighted the length of autonomy provided, with up to six hours of work possible under partial load, with fast charging systems available to bring the tractor back up to 80% in just 45 minutes.
Technology continues to be a key criterion for the category. Like much of the Fendt portfolio, it is also equipped with various smart technologies, setting it apart from other machines in this power segment. This includes fleet management, contour assistant, telemetry, task management and documentation, facilitated through the FendtONE interface, with a 10in and 12in terminal both mounted in the cab as well as the 3L joystick for easy control of up to 27 functions.
Christoph Gröblinghoff, managing director of Fendt, thanked the jury and said that the development of the e107 Vario had taken more than six years to come to fruition. “From showing our prototype at Agritechnica 2017, we are now ready to start production in Marktoberdorf this quarter.”
He concluded that this was Fendt’s contribution to sustainable agriculture and hinted that bigger models could be coming in the future.
TOTY SPECIALISED – ANTONIO CARRARO TONY 8900 TRG
Versatility was one of the key influences on the jury when judging the Specialised category. While the Tony 8900 TRG is designed for vineyards, with a width of just 1,400mm, the output of 74hp and 305Nm of torque meant that it could handle other operations around the farm.
This was backed up by the rear lift capacity of 2,900kg and a front hitch capable of handling up to 1,200kg, as well as the innovative Uniflex suspension system, which maintains the ground contact of the implement by transferring weight to the rear axle.
Looking at the operator’s comfort, the jury was impressed by the dimensions of the cabin, despite the compact size of the tractor, and the noise level of just 78dB.
For intensive, rear mounted implements, the entire operator station can also be rotated 180deg to ensure a high quality of work and comfort across long days.
TOTY UTILTY – STEYR 4120 PLUS
Something of a novelty for UK growers, as despite being part of the wider Case New Holland group, the Steyr brand remains unavailable over here. The 4120 Plus marked a return to the company’s roots, revitalising a series that from the late 1960s had been Steyr’s bestselling tractor.
The jury highlighted the versatility of the tractor. While very much fitting within the Utility category, with 117hp produced from the four-cylinder FPT engine and 506Nm of torque, it can be specified with a wide range of precision farming systems, as well as advanced telematics, remote data management and screen sharing. It also features an Isobus Class 2 connection, enabling functions such as Tractor Implement Management (TIM). This brings it in line with much larger tractors.
Comfort is ensured thanks to the mechanical cab suspension and pneumatic seat, and the 4120 Plus proved itself as a roading machine with a top speed of 42kph delivered through its 24×24 powershift gearbox.
Federico Condini, product marketing manager, said the award meant a lot to the company because of the inspiration the designers had taken from the past. “We took that spirit and put it into a modern tractor, adding the comfort and the technology that customers need today.
“This price is the best way to restart the journey of the Steyr Plus.”
TOTY MIDPOWER – FENDT 620 VARIO DP
Celebrations for Fendt continued with the announcement that the 620 Vario Dynamic Power (DP) had won the TotY MidPower category. The innovative driveline was a deciding factor here, with the iD engine concept keeping engine speeds below 1,900rpm, with a subsequent average fuel consumption of just 195g/kWh. This is complemented by the VarioDrive stepless transmission, which independently adjusts torque levels at each wheel to maintain traction in all conditions.
As you might expect from a Fendt tractor, there were plenty of precision farming systems available to boost productivity, including the FendtONE system, and the VarioGrip central tyre inflation system, enabling operators to adjust tyre pressures to minimise ground compaction and improve grip. That gentle footprint, even without VarioGrip, was also highlighted with a power-to-weight ratio of just 34.4kg/hp.
Taking to the stage to collect the award again, Christoph Gröblinghoff dedicated the award to the engineers in Marktoberdorf. “They are doing outstanding things year after year. We are proud to receive this award, and we can now say that the legendary 600 Series is now back, with a market-leading fuel consumption and an intelligent transmission.”
TOTY HIGHPOWER – CASE QUADTRAC 715
Following Fendt’s two awards, CNH tied the game by taking the HighPower award for the largest tractor to ever take part in the competition. The jury noted that the Case Quadtrac 715 778hp tracked tractor showed superiority in performance, ergonomics and connectivity.
Despite the massive size, the weight of the Quadtrac is spread across the soil thanks to its four-track design, and its optional heavy-duty suspension system which was also awarded an EIMA Technical Innovation medal. Ensuring that the operator also stays comfortable, above the tracks there is also a mechanical cab suspension system, while the large cabin has all the modern conveniences required while the operator works through the 1,968-litre fuel tank.
The tractor is equipped with the AFS Connect Telematic management system, which offers remote monitoring, data transfer, and support for Isobus Class 2 and 3 functions, making it particularly advanced for the modern farmer’s needs.
Markus Putz, 4WD and compact product marketing manager, said that it was a great honour to receive the award. “This shows our commitment to farmers to support them with cutting edge solutions which will maximise their yield and productivity.
Following the awards, Marco Lombardi, head of Steyr and Case IH, added: “We’re pleased to see this recognition of our engineering team’s hard work in devising new capabilities for the Quadtrac that support large farms in maximising efficiency.
“As the originators of the four-tracked articulated tractor, we continue to develop this iconic design to meet the evolving challenges of large-scale agriculture. This is the most productive tractor Case IH has ever built, providing new levels of power, traction and hydraulic output that will help owners do more in less time and so drive down the total cost of ownership.”
Moving with the times
Speaking after the awards were handed out, Lucia Salmaso, managing director of BKT Europe, part of the wider BKT group which sponsors the awards said: “This edition of TotY has once again highlighted the strength and dynamism of the agricultural sector, showing how innovation and sustainability have become increasingly central points in the European agricultural scenery.
“Not only do these new solutions respond to today’s challenges, but they also lay the foundations for the agriculture of the future. We are excited to see how new technologies are creating a positive and sustainable impact in our industry, and our congratulations go to all participants and winners, who embody the values of our vision of progress.”