Amsterdam delights
Amsterdam delights
Its the show season. Following hard on the heels of Denmarks Agromek show and with the Paris SIMA only weeks away, Amsterdams RAI show proved to be a fertile hunting ground for those with a passion for new machinery. Peter Hill reports
FIRST showing of Zetors UR-1 tractor update at Amsterdams RAI show reveals a modern looking machine with a new cab designed to provide better driver accommodation than before.
Production of the companys 78hp and 84hp models is expected to begin later this year. A switch from dry to wet brakes and some engine modifications to help comply with emissions legislation number among the main technical changes over current models.
Drivers will particularly appreciate the new cab which is squared-off to give maximum room inside but made to look sleek with large curved glass panels that should also give improved visibility.
The Geotrac, from Austrian manufacturer Lindner, was also turning heads. This stylish, low bonneted tractor is among the first to be powered by Perkins 900-series diesel engines; there are 50hp, 60hp and 70hp three-cylinder models, and an 80hp version powered by a four-cylinder motor. Back axles are from Steyr.
Lindner, which is number two (behind Steyr) in Austria, sells most of its tractors in Alpine regions where robust build and good stability are pre-requisites.
Among the mainstream manufacturers, Renault showed the Cergos models alongside the newly-launched Ares range. Based on the Ceres mid-range tractors, the Cergos has a more spacious and more sophisticated cab that should give the machine more appeal on arable farms where drivers spend long hours on board. It comes in 75hp, 85hp and 95hp models.
Deutz-Fahr, meanwhile, is following Fendts lead in producing tractors with front axle suspension and 50kph gearing for faster road travel between jobs or on haulage.
For suspension, the Agrotron models have two stubby hydraulic rams to support the front axle and these are coupled to gas accumulators. The upper gear ratios of the six-range, four-speed powershift transmission are rearranged to give 35kph, 42kph and 50kph.
More modern styling gives Zetors forthcoming models a sleeker look.
Geotrac, from Austrian tractor maker Lindner, also turned heads. Its one of the first tractors to be powered by a new breed of Perkins engines.
Renault Cergos is an upmarket version of the 65hp to 85hp Ceres with a more spacious and sophisticated cab.