One of the quality offerings in the compact tractor market is enjoying strong take-up with a diverse range and specialised machines.
Italian company, Antonio Carraro, is chalking up solid numbers at the top end of the specialised market, on the back of machines like the half track Mach 2.
Targeted primarily at vineyards and orchards the Mach 2 is fitted with a fixed frame, and rear rubber tracks to increase flotation and improve stability in steeper vineyards and orchards.
Antonio Carraro Oceania representative Marco Corra said the compact machine offered high horsepower and hydraulic and lift performance to suit high capacity attachments.
“This is a versatile tractor that benefits orchards and vineyards in wet conditions but is gaining momentum in all sorts of applications.
“It behaves like a standard tractor but with better traction, more stability and less compaction,” Mr Corra said.
He said Antonio Carraro machines appealed to farmers who understood the value proposition.
“People who buy Carraro know they are paying for what they get,” he said.
“We are not competing with the Chinese market with our level of technology.
“This is a machine people buy for longevity of performance and in Australia this is generally over 10 years and sometimes up to 30.”
Farmers’ growing understanding of compaction has been a factor in recent sales.
“We never thought Australia would be a big market for the Mach 2, but the word has spread and more people are interested in this concept as it relates to compaction,” Mr Corra said.
“Farmers are starting to understand what it means to the soil and the crops.
“We are seeing a switch in the way of thinking by farmers and it has been great for us.”
The Mach 2 offers a full chassis but with 15 degrees of oscillation, which translates to control and stability on uneven ground.
The unit also features a reversible driving station and is powered by a Yanmar four cylinder, 16 valve diesel delivering 64 kilowatts to a 16/16 speed gearbox fitted with a hydraulic clutch.
Hydraulic power is via two separate hydraulic pumps and there is the option for up to five types of hydraulic system and a maximum of 11 hydraulic quick couplers.
The rear mounted three point hitch offers 2300 kilogram lift capacity making it suitable for a range of vineyard attachments.
The Mach 2 offers a cabin option, and an electro-hydraulic e-DRIVE transmission with reverse shuttle.
“There are not many companies putting almost 100hp in a very compact machine without limiting lifting capabilities or delivery of power,” Mr Corra said.
“These machines are pulling 2000 litre sprayers in the macadamia industry.”