PRODUCT SHOWCASE COMPACT TRACTORS
JOHN DEERE
Clean green machines John Deere has announced a number of updates to the company’s compact tractor range for 2020, which includes 13 models in six series from 25 to 66hp. The main change is prompted by the latest Stage V emissions regulations in Europe, which are designed to limit ultrafine particulate emissions in all engines above 25hp (19kW). John Deere’s compact tractors rated at 25hp and below – the 1026R and 2026R, and the new 3025E – already meet the necessary standards. Other 2R and 3R Series models above 25hp get a new Yanmar 1.6-litre, three-cylinder TNV Series diesel engine that features a high torque reserve, providing plenty of power under heavy loads. This uses the latest engine technologies to improve fuel economy, control and accuracy, while also reducing environmental impact and operating costs. The engine’s new after-treatment
system consists of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), similar to that used successfully on John Deere’s larger agricultural tractors. This operates automatically to produce lower levels of exhaust emissions and reduced noise levels, and meets all current requirements for Stage V emission standards. At the top of the John Deere compact tractor range, the new 4052M and 4052R receive a larger 2.1-litre, four-
cylinder engine with DPF. In addition to the new engine, the 3R and 4R Series compact tractors will be equipped with a new eThrottle function integrated into the eHydro transmission. This feature is designed make the tractor quieter and more comfortable to use, as well as more fuel efficient. With the simple push of a button, engine speed is linked to the foot pedal position so that engine rpm and tractor speed can both be increased as the pedal is depressed. The latest 4R Series models can also now be equipped with a StarFire satellite receiver and AutoTrac Universal automatic steering system. This is designed to help operators achieve higher levels of accuracy and input cost savings when working with implements such as amenity turf sprayers, seeders and spreaders. www.deere.co.uk
K U B O TA
PRICE TU RFCARE
User-friendly focus
Versatile Ventrac
Reliable and easy to operate, Kubota’s ST range of diesel tractors is designed with grounds care operators in mind. The machine is lightweight and compact yet powerful, helping it to deliver in terms of speed, manoeuverability and efficiency. It can be used for a wide range of jobs. For mowing, its mid-PTO-drive mid-mounted mowers and shaft drive feature ensure maximum durability with low maintenance. It can also be used for front-loader or implement work, with grass catchers, trailers, decompaction equipment and pallet forks all easily attached. The high torque, low noise Kubota diesel engine ensures powerful performance and offers a high and stable output. Standard features include power steering and cruise control, as well as the exclusive Kubota bi-speed turning. This feature reduces drag, ensuring smoother, faster, and tighter turns, minimising turf damage. The machine incorporates a cruise control setting which helps to reduce operator fatigue by ensuring a constant speed for mowing and other tasks. Its engine outputs low levels of noise and vibration, which also helps to minimise operator fatigue, improving safety.
Rupert Price, managing director of Price Turfcare, UK importer of the Ventrac compact tractor, says its versatility is its USP. “I’m biased towards compact tractors as it’s my core business, but our equipment has the advantage of being extremely versatile. As far as technology is concerned, Ventrac products are quite basic and for a good reason. They are simple to operate and that’s one of their attractions. We have slope meters for safety reasons, but apart from that and some quick couplings for the hydraulic-driven accessories, that’s about it. “With compact tractors comes versatility; they can be fitted with numerous attachments and our Ventracs can swap between implements in less than a minute, due to their innovative mounting system. If you can change that quickly, then it’s more likely that you will! “The Ventrac 4500 can be used as a mower, with five different mowing decks for various types of turf or as a trencher, aerator, stump grinder, edger, leaf blower, snow blower, snow plough, gritter and more, so it can be used all year round.”
www.kubota-eu.com
www.priceturfcare.com
thegma.org.uk | GROUNDS MANAGEMENT 25
