Tractors have been the farmer’s single most important piece of equipment since the first steam engine models were built in England in the 1840s.
Today, with the advent of precision spraying and automated systems, the tractor is more important than ever.
This month in Orchard & Vine we are taking our annual look at tractors designed for the grape and orchard farmers.
Work in orchards brings unique challenges for famers, as the rows are narrow, the land is often hilly and uneven, and farms often have tight space for turning around. As a result, orchardists use very specific equipment for working with their highly sensitive crops. Typically narrow but with advanced systems to increase stability and a tight turning circle, the tractors for this sector are a special breed, just like the people who drive them in the fields of British Columbia.
To help those looking for a new or slightly used tractor this year, we’ve collected the data and specs on all of the major lines of tractors designed for work in orchards and vineyards. The list includes the newest machines from Antonio Carraro, Deutz Fahr, John Deere, Kioti, Kubota, Mahindra, Massey Ferguson and New Holland.
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Antonio Carraro Deutz Fahr
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John Deere Kioti
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Kubota
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Mahindra Massey Ferguson
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Massey Ferguson New Holland