Exclusive test drive with the 9049 Super tractor from the Indian company Preet

It is always very rewarding for the teams at Cultivar Máquinas Magazine and the Agrotechnology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria to follow the launches of new products in the national agricultural machinery market. We are even more pleased to present new brands from partner companies that are entering the competitive Brazilian agricultural equipment market. This is the case with Preet.

To showcase the Preet 9049 Super model, we traveled to the municipality of Ipiranga, in the state of Paraná, during a brief period without rain in the region. We took advantage of the best week to go into the field with this tractor, designed for family farming and small production areas.

The brand's idea is to consolidate its position in the country by offering a reliable product with low acquisition and maintenance costs, simple to use and maintain, recovering some values ​​and configurations that, in a way, were lost due to the rapid technological evolution that occurred in recent decades. The mission would be to bring back simplicity, reliability, durability, and some traditional mechanisms that were lost but are very important in family farming. The greatest representative of this group of recovered technologies would be the mechanical fuel injection system, using an in-line injection pump. 

Preet is an Indian company that is definitively entering the Brazilian market with a portfolio that currently includes seven models: the 6549 (65 hp), the 7549 (80 hp), and the larger models, the 9049 (90 hp) and the 10049 (100 hp), as well as versions for dense crops: the 6549NT (65 hp), the 7549NT (80 hp), and the 9049NT (90 hp), models currently being adapted to Brazilian agricultural applications. All models will use the same direct-injection engine; the smallest, 65 hp model, is naturally aspirated, while the three larger models feature a turbocharger with intercooler. The largest model, with 100 hp, uses a larger 4.400 cc four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

The definitive nature of the move to Brazil was solidified with the decision to establish a car manufacturing plant in the country. The chosen location was the state of Paraná, currently an administrative base in the city of Arapoti, in the Northern Pioneer region of Paraná. Plans are already in place for the start of construction this year, with an expected opening in 2027. For the region, it will be an important investment and a boost to the local economy.

What is new to many people is already a reality for many producers in the northeastern states of Brazil. Since 2025, Preet has delivered more than a thousand "Special Edition" tractors in the region through tenders and social programs of the federal government, and already has several dealerships in the Northeast, for example, in Itabaiana, Sergipe, in addition to authorized service centers distributed across 24 states in Brazil for scheduled inspections and maintenance.

Now, the Brazilian team is working to nationalize the tractors and obtain registration in the Finame Program, enabling official financing through the Plano Safra (Harvest Plan), thus becoming a key alternative for small and medium-sized tractors.

During the familiarization phase with the models already brought in, and especially with this test tractor, we observed a high degree of component similarity with other Asian tractors, mainly those from India. It was explained that it is a strategy of the Indian market to use similar components across different brands, so that several tractors of this origin share common parts.

Motor

The test tractor uses a Preet brand engine, with a maximum power of 90 hp at 2.200 rpm, with turbocharger and intercooler. With four cylinders and a total volume of 4.087 cm3, the engine develops a maximum torque of 407 Nm near 1.400 rpm, as we were able to conclude during the test. Fuel injection is mechanical, through a traditional Bosch in-line pump. At the bottom of the transfer pump, it is noticeable that the brand maintained the water decantation system, important for verifying fuel quality and removing impurities. It also maintained the air removal system in the transfer pump during the bleeding operation. The throttle actuation system is via a rod, with stroke adjustment at both ends.

The air cleaning system uses a filtration assembly with primary and secondary elements, positioned in front of the main radiator. At the bottom of the filters, the brand brings back for our market the traditional air restriction indicator and the system for eliminating larger particles by centrifugal force.

To start the engine and prevent unintentional starting by unauthorized persons, as required by Brazilian regulations, the safety system uses the inverter lever, which must be in the neutral position, and the PTO activation lever in the off position. To shut off the engine, a mechanical choke cuts off the fuel flow.

This engine already has a License for Use of Vehicle or Engine Configuration (LCVM), which proves compliance with Brazilian legislation for controlling pollutant and noise emissions.

Transmission

For the Brazilian market, the transmission used will be a 12-speed forward and 12-speed reverse transmission with a mechanical reverser. It is organized into four synchronized speeds: 1, 2, 3, and 4, and three groups: A, B, and C. The gearshift and group levers are positioned to the operator's right, and the reverser lever is on the left. There is an alternative, in a special edition ("Special Edition"), which has eight speeds, in a four-speed and two-group arrangement, with central levers and a horse-mounted shift position, which will be an option. The transmission offers a gear range with speeds ranging from 1,54 km/h to 31,52 km/h.

The final reduction gear is positioned at the differential output and not near the wheels as in other tractors in this power range. The front axle of the test tractor was from the traditional Carraro brand, with central drive and a cover to prevent contact with objects near the ground. However, for the nationalization phase, the front axle will be a ZF, which is widely used in this country.

The power take-off (PTO) offers a two-speed option, 540 rpm and 1.000 rpm, operated by a lever located to the left of the operator's seat. To change the speed, a small lever at the rear, positioned over the PTO shaft, must be activated.

All the movement that passes through the power and torque transmission reaches the rear and front tires, which on the test tractor were of specification 18.4-30 and 12.4-24, respectively. The tires used are diagonal profile and can, as options, be 18.4-34 on the rear axle and 14.9-24 on the front axle, as well as 13.6-38 and 12.4-24 on the front, depending on the operational needs.

Hydraulic system

The three-point hydraulic system is conventional, with the two lower arms equipped with lateral clearance adjustment via a telescopic tube and height control adjustment on both sides to facilitate coupling. The system is driven by a gear pump with a flow rate of 45 L/min. Implement control is achieved via two levers, one for position and one for depth, located to the right of the operator's seat.

The implement hitch is category II, with a lifting capacity at the eyelet of 2.400 kgf. The oil intake for external hydraulic cylinders uses two factory-installed remote control valves (RCVs).

At the rear, near the VCR valves, the manufacturer has provided a seven-pin electrical socket for operating the trailer signaling system.

Test

The test we conducted was in an area being prepared for planting corn, used as feed for dairy cattle, in a "Compost Barn" system, belonging to the Vitkoski family, in the locality of Pinhão, in the municipality of Ipiranga, which is approximately 35 km from the city of Ponta Grossa.

In this area where we tested the Preet tractor, we prepared the soil with a leveling harrow, 3,50 m wide, for the incorporation of organic fertilizer, based on manure.

During the work, we conducted several tests to assess the tractor's suitability, choosing an average speed of around 8 km/h in the third gear of the intermediate group (B), with an engine speed varying between 1.700 rpm and 1.900 rpm. In this situation, we evaluated the tractor's delivery availability and some performance parameters, such as slippage and use of torque reserve. Considering the engine size and power output, we observed excellent performance. This engine operates with a specific power of 22,5 hp/cylinder and a specific torque of 100 Nm/cylinder, significantly less than what is currently extracted from similar tractor engines on the national market for this displacement of over 4.000 cm³. With the turbocharger and this reserve, the tachometer speed remained consistent across all terrain and slope conditions. We covered distances of approximately 400 m in length using a harrow.

During the test, we had the participation of the landowner, Josimar Vitkoski, who is a long-time customer of Nosso Campo and was very interested in acquiring the tractor. His opinion of the Preet 9049 model is very positive, as its configuration delivers all the necessary resources for his activity, greatly valuing the engine's power and torque, as well as its ease of operation and maintenance.

Providing all the information we needed to develop the test, we had support from the General Manager of Operations at Preet in Brazil, Ricardo Barbosa, and the Preet Services Coordinator, Airton Jesus da Silva. All aspects of the brand's arrival in the country and details of its operation, as well as all the constructive characteristics of the machine, were passed on to us by the team.

Operator station

Access to the Preet 9049 operator's station is via two two-step ladders, one on each side of the platform. A platform was created for the comfort of the operator's lower limbs, with the levers moving from the center to the right side of the operator's seat, leaving a small protrusion in the central part.

The seat has mechanical vibration damping, with spring adjustment and position adjustment via a rail. To the right of the seat, the operator has access to the gearshift levers, and on the left side, the reverse lever, the choke, the PTO engagement, and the front axle drive engagement.

For rear visibility, two mirrors were placed on the side of the dashboard. Nighttime illumination is provided by LED lamps, located at the front, and also by work lights on the upper part of the hood.

The steering wheel, of the automotive type, has a rotating knob (ball) to assist with one-handed maneuvers. The instrument panel has analog gauges displaying engine speed (tachometer), hour meter, ammeter, coolant temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel level indicator.

The operator's station is protected with a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS), a two-point safety arch with a roof. A manufacturer's label on the vertical bar of the arch indicates the structure's self-certification.

The lockable fuel tank is made of polypropylene, and both it and the battery holder are located under the operator's platform. Two tempered glass partitions, with a metal tube reinforcement, serve to protect the driver's legs from the heat coming from the engine and also to reduce noise.

Dimensions

The Preet 9049 model is a tractor considered small to medium-sized, with a wheelbase of 2.340 mm and an approximate power-to-weight ratio of 29 kgf/hp, meaning a weight of 2.650 kgf for a maximum power of 90 hp. The original weight distribution is 41,5% (1.100 kgf) over the front axle and 58,5% (1.550 kgf) over the rear axle; however, the front axle support can hold up to 12 weights of 20 kg each, and the rear wheels can accommodate hydraulic ballast of up to 75% of the tire's internal volume and metal flanges attached to the wheels. This allows for a maximum permitted weight of 3.385 kgf, distributed as 40% (1.370 kgf) on the front axle and 60% (2.015 kgf) on the rear axle, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 37,6 kgf/hp.

On the side of the engine, the design included a lateral reinforcement in the form of two bars, forming a kind of subframe.

Preet's arrival in Brazil

Preet Tractors PVT Ltd is an Indian company that began operations in the 1980s, building harvesting support equipment and later started producing self-propelled harvesters, which became a success in Indian agriculture. From the 2000s onwards, it began producing agricultural tractors, and in 2016, the series that is now arriving in Brazil was launched. In Brazil, Preet arrives through a Brazilian company based in the state of Paraná. The group is made up of several companies, including some dealerships for other brands of agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and agricultural inputs. Preet in Brazil encompasses GreenField, a company focused on handling Preet's bidding processes, and CNT Preet – Companhia Nacional de Tratores, the manufacturer and assembler of Preet tractors, with its entire future network of dealerships. The current plan is to install the factory/assembly plant to immediately produce the Preet 7549 and 9049 models, with 80 hp and 90 hp respectively, in Brazil.

Avenger Subcompact Tractor

The Nosso Campo Group also brought the Avenger brand of tractors to Europe. These are small, compact, and narrow tractors designed for small agricultural areas, dense crops such as coffee, fruit, and viticulture, especially in green areas, as well as residential and industrial condominiums, gardening, and landscaping. The Avenger 26 tractor was the pioneer in bringing the brand to Europe and represents a great sales success in that market. Engine power ranges from 20 hp to 26 hp, provided by Mitsubishi three-cylinder, water-cooled engines with a displacement of 1.319 cm3.

At Preet's headquarters in Ponta Grossa, we saw a 26 hp model in the agricultural configuration, with 8.3-20 rear tires and 6.00-12 front tires. However, in the Industrial and Turf versions, they can be equipped with flotation tires.

It is a microtractor, with dimensions proportional to a conventional tractor and with various components to perform tasks ranging from agricultural work to light operations. The transmission has nine forward speeds and three reverse speeds, with a maximum speed of 22 km/h. There are three groups (L, M, H) and three speeds, plus reverse. The gear shift lever is positioned to the left of the operator. The front drive axle is of the bridge type, to increase ground clearance and with bevel gears.

It features a three-point hydraulic system of category N (“Narrow”), with a lifting capacity of 750 kgf. It also has a two-speed power take-off (PTO), 540 and 540 economy, and a standard remote control valve (RCV).

The total empty weight is 1.870 kgf and the dimensions are: total length of 2.860 mm, width of 1.120 mm and total height of 2.570 mm. There is a support for front weights.

Despite being a small tractor, the operator's station is conventional, semi-platform, with a standard seat, the accelerator lever on the right side of the dashboard, and a holder for placing a mobile phone below the steering wheel. The rollover protection is of the ROPS type, self-certified, with articulation.

The hood is hinged and opens wide to expose all components for maintenance. The muffler is located inside the hood.

The closing thought

Given the current technological development of tractors in Brazil, offering a conventional model without any technology or electronic components seems difficult to implement. However, Preet's proposal for Brazil is to recover values ​​that have been lost over the years and offer tractors that are simple to operate and maintain. It aims to bring back the functionalities of a traditional, robust, and reliable agricultural machine, with the added advantage of low acquisition and maintenance costs.

Even with this proposal, the company has not neglected compliance with emissions requirements, and there is currently ongoing engineering work to meet the expectations of rural producers and, especially, national ergonomics and safety standards.

Following the trend of increased supply of Asian tractors arriving in the country, Preet understands that the appropriate technology for small and medium-sized rural producers is based on equipment with intermediate, durable, useful, and functional technology. This takes advantage of the existing gap in a market where tractors have gone too far in adopting certain technological and electronic features, increasing product complexity, model prices, and maintenance costs. These features should cater to a public that performs more basic operations and seeks options with simplified configurations.

Jose Fernando Schlosser,
Agrotechnology Laboratory – Agricultural Machinery Testing Center – UFSM