Orchard & Vine Readers Talk Tractors

Welcome to the Annual O&V Tractor Guide and Survey.

The O&V Annual Tractor Guide and Survey looked at how robotics play a role in tractor technology and we asked readers their opinions in our Tractor Survey.

Take a look at the responses and thank you to those readers who sent over photos of their tractors.

Do you need a new implement for your tractor? 48% said YES

This is what they want

  • Airblast sprayer
  • Bin trailer
  • Bucket
  • Deleafer under row mower
  • Flair chopper with wagon
  • Harrow
  • Hedgerow trimmer for summer pruning
  • Leaf remover
  • Net applicator/remover
  • New vineyard mower
  • Mower
  • Plough
  • Pre-pruner
  • PTO driven slow blower
  • Sprayer
  • Stainless steel manure spreader
  • Trailered over the row multi use tool bar for using over the row vine tillage tools

Are their certain features that you like on your tractor or that you wish you had?

  • Less computer controlled features. In our industry narrow gauge farming (Orchard and Vines) we use very corrosive chemicals that are very hard on electronics.
  • The ability to work in the mud (bog-like) land at this time of year.
  • Mulch & mower attachment.
  • 4WD
  • Roomy cabs, more storage space, more leg room, open or closed canopy.
  • Low and narrow profile gps.
  • Low centre of gravity.
  • Radial tires.
  • Simple effective 3 pt hitch stabilizers.
  • Front PTO.
  • •Vineyard friendly , narrow gauge, tight turning radius.
  • External hydraulic ports.
  • No tier four engine requirements.

What is Tier 4

Tier 4 is the final step in the EPA’s progressive tier system designed to scale back the harmful emissions from diesel engines.

After a health assessment conducted in 2002 concluded that long-term inhalation of diesel exhaust fumes posed a substantial lung cancer hazard to humans, final Tier 4 emission standards were designed to cut exhaust emissions from diesel engines by 90 percent. When implemented in the United States, 12,000 premature deaths will be prevented annually by 2030.

The Canadian Tier 4 standards came into force on January 16, 2012 and apply to engines of the 2012 and later model years manufactured on and after January 16, 2012. The Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations align Canadian emission standards with the US EPA Tier 4 standards for nonroad engines, including the emission limits, testing methods and effective dates. www.dieselnet.com