There may be no more important or iconic piece of equipment on the farm than the tractor. From tilling to trimming to spraying, the tractor has become the indispensable partner for orchardists, vineyard managers and all types of farmers worldwide as they tend to their various crops. In the orchard and wine industries, farmers have very specific demands for their tractors, typically needing a machine with a narrow wheelbase and high stability, but with the power and traction to still able to pull large loads and handle a wide variety of attachments and jobs. In this issue of Orchard and Vine, we celebrate our 60th Anniversary of working with Canadian farmers by asking about their relationship with the farmer’s workhorse machine of choice.
What is the oldest working tractor on your property?
Is there anything about the older model tractors that you wish they would bring back?
Did you miss anything about the old tractors
25% of our respondents did miss things about the older tractors. They missed the comfort, reliability, simplicity, price, ease of repairs and a better 3 point hook.
But the overwhelming response was that the readers didn't miss anything about the old models, which says a lot about what a good job the manufacturers are doing to meet consumer needs.
What is most important to your tractor purchase?
What is your favourite tractor of all time?
- Case
- Ford - Ford 4100 - Old Ford 3910
- "The Ford 3930. Breeze to hook up implements and just a dream to cruise around on!"
- Fendt - Fendt 207 Vario
- John Deere
- Kubota - Kubota M7400 Cab - Kubota M 5400 - Kubota 7030 "Kubota Narrow vineyard version with low profile wheels and tires for great side hill stability. Plenty of power, hookup multiple implements, fully enclosed cabin with all the comforts."
- Massey Ferguson
- New Holland - TN95FA - 2005 New Holland T65
- Nuffield
- Yanmar - "Yanmar tracked - which is no longer made."
