We compared the Massey Ferguson 275 E, Agrale 5075, John Deere 5603, New Holland TL 75 E, Valtra 785 and Yanmar 1175-4 tractors, all medium-sized, with 75 hp, but also the largest models offered by the Mais Alimento program , from MDA.
From this edition onwards, in addition to the traditional tests and technical sheets, we will also publish technical comparisons, which will help readers, users and technicians involved in the process of selecting agricultural tractors and other machines that we will compare.
The objective of this new type of comparison is mainly to support readers in their purchasing decisions and inform the community in general of the differences between the models chosen for the comparison. Of course, in addition to the technical characteristics of each machine discussed here, issues such as differences in the standard of tractor sold by each company, differences in the offer of options, in addition to some brand characteristics such as after-sales, maintenance requirements and network dealers, must also be taken into account when purchasing any equipment.
To begin this work, we chose to present a comparison between models of small, medium-sized tractors, with a power of 75 hp, manufactured in Brazil. These tested models are recommended by the booklet of the Federal Government's Mais Alimentos program, the largest source of financing for the agricultural machinery and implements sector at the moment. It is clear that in certain cases the comparison could include other models, within a power range, with small variation in engine power, but the choice criterion was this, due to there being a good number of tractors with this same declared power. .
All information contained in this comparison was based on material provided by the manufacturers. We chose the Agrale 5000, John Deere 5603, Massey Ferguson 275, New Holland TL75, Valtra 785 and Yanmar 1175 tractor models for comparison. Of course, other comparisons could be made, but we think we're off to a good start with these models. However, it is worth noting that the comparison was based on 4x4 tractors, since these are the tractors included in the Mais Alimentos program.
In this first experience, we have already detected some restrictions, such as the need to trust the data presented by manufacturers and to consider each person's particular way of presenting information, as each company values the data they want to disclose differently.
As a mechanism to contain the effects of the global economic crisis, several agricultural machinery companies are beginning to invest in alternative market niches. In this context, alternatives are emerging that are based on smaller machines, an idea that is gaining relative importance on the national scene and is supported by investment bases such as the Mais Alimentos program, recently launched by the Federal Government. Family farming becomes a major focus for companies in the sector, aiming to balance production levels and help contain the negative effects of the crisis.
The Mais Alimentos program tries to keep the agricultural machinery industry alive and encourages family farmers to expand their production standards, due to the likely increase in efficiency in agricultural tasks, provided by the mechanization involved in the activity. This program aims to finance the acquisition of around eight thousand tractors, in each of the three years in which it will operate. According to data presented by the National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea), the sector in question recorded, in the last year alone, an increase of around 45% in sales of tractors, in the line intended for family farming (category up to 75 hp ). There were 12.160 units in 2007 and 17.630 units in 2008.
Each of these machines, currently offered on the national market, has a series of particularities. Through a brief analysis of their technical sheets, combined with the general information obtained, we can highlight the relevant points that define the standard of these tractors, that is, it is possible to indicate some of the strengths that characterize the tractors in this segment.
Agrale's 5075 model focuses on improving ergonomics and accessibility in its 5000 line models. Likewise, Agrale highlights the versatility and adaptability of the product, a feature that aims to ensure this tractor has a market share that covers several regions from the country. Another important factor is the savings attributed to the MWM engines that equip this model.
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The John Deere brand, in turn, offers the 5603 model, which, in addition to the comfort and safety characteristic of the brand's tractors, also highlights factors inherent to less maintenance and greater productivity of the transmission and final reduction. Regarding comfort parameters, the model highlights accessibility to controls as one of its positive points and also features a range of standard safety equipment, such as rear-view mirrors and a light and audible reverse signal. It is worth noting that the John Deere 5603 is equipped with an economical power take-off (TDP-E), which provides greater savings when carrying out tasks, without, however, compromising the tractor's productivity.
The Massey Ferguson MF 275 Advanced has as its main ally market tradition, a striking feature of the 200 line tractors. The low maintenance cost of these models and the availability of dealers still figure as a strong factor in decision-making by the farmer at the moment. of purchasing a tractor of this class.
From New Holland, we selected the TL 75 Exitus model, which highlights its attributes in terms of versatility and maintenance of this tractor. This model highlights as its strong points fuel economy and excellent torque/power ratio (high torque reserve) provided by its MWM International engine. The TL 75 E is an easily accessible tractor for carrying out routine checks and general maintenance, due to the model's design features, developed for this purpose. In addition to the points already mentioned, it is worth mentioning some options, such as the economical PTO and the transmission with super-speed reducer, which gives this tractor the ability to perform tasks at speeds around 0,3km/h, as is the case with the use of silage cutting and distribution.
The Valtra 785 C highlights high performance characteristics, low fuel consumption and low operating costs, inherent to its models that fit into the brand's so-called Light Line. As in the case of some competitors, the 785 C also uses the MWM International engine, which is versatile and has good fuel economy. The Valtra Light Line models highlight the unique geometry of their hydraulic lift system in the three-point hitch. It also makes a positive reference regarding safety, accessibility to the operations platform and controls, with the tractor control levers located on the operator's right side, with the exception of the parking brake only.
Agritech/Yanmar presents a tractor that fits perfectly into the concept of small rural properties, the model 1175. This model is aimed at good productivity characteristics, however, with extremely compact dimensions. The 1175 is a tractor that has the smallest overall dimensions compared to its competitors, a factor that, in some cases, can be decisive when choosing a well-sized tractor that meets the needs of each rural producer. It is worth noting that this model has the smallest turning radius and width among the six models evaluated and a weight/power ratio that is similar to the model offered by John Deere (in its configuration without ballast), which proves its vocation for tasks focused on fruit growing and horticulture.
All six tractors evaluated belong to the same class, equipped with four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engines, providing 75 hp of power at nominal speed. However, it is important to highlight some particularities inherent to each of these tractors.
The largest volume engine is from the John Deere brand, which powers the JD 5603 model, and three models use the same 3.922cm MWM engine.3. The greatest torque is that of the Massey Ferguson, model 275, which is equipped with an MWM engine model, however, there is a difference from the others that use this brand, with 4.100cm3. All engines reach maximum power at a speed of 2.400rpm (nominal speed) under ISO NBR 1585, with the exception of the MF 275, which performs its maximum power at a nominal speed of 2.200rpm. Maximum torque is achieved at 1.400rpm on all models. In this sense, the engine with the highest torque is the MF 275, which surpasses the others by approximately 8%. For some of the models, it was not possible to evaluate the torque reserve, as there was a lack of information, either on torque rotation or power, or on the torque value itself.
The John Deere 5603 uses an engine developed by the brand itself, the John Deere 4045 D with a total displacement of 4.500cm³. This engine provides a torque of 265Nm at a maximum torque speed of 1.600rpm.
The Massey Ferguson MF 275 Advanced uses a MWM International A4-4.1 engine with a total displacement of 4.100cm³ and a maximum torque of 289Nm, the highest torque among the six tractors compared.
The New Holland TL 75 E also uses an MWM International D 229-4 engine, with a total displacement of 3.922cm³, powered by a Delphi rotary injection pump with direct injection. The set has a torque of 264Nm, similar to that of its competitors from the Agrale, Valtra and John Deere brands. It is noted that of the six tractors evaluated, four of them use MWM brand engines.
Valtra's 785 C model features the same engine as the model offered by New Holland with a torque of 265Nm.
Yanmar, in its 1175 tractor, offers its own engine, with the Yanmar/4TNV 98-xat model, measuring 3.318cm3 and 250Nm of maximum torque at 1.500rpm, with 16 valves, four per cylinder.
What relates to the transmissions used in these models in comparison, all models use dry or synchronized gearboxes, with side levers in most cases, and in the Massey Ferguson and Valtra brands, centralized, between the operator's legs. The number of gears varies between six and 12, with the particularity that the 785 C model from the Valtra brand has many gearbox options between six and 12 gears.
The Agrale 5075 model features a partially synchronized transmission, with ten forward gears and two reverse gears, however, the same tractor is offered in a 12x12 configuration with inverter, aiming to provide greater agility and versatility to the tractor. The positioning of the levers is lateral and the clutch, a double dry disc type, is hydraulically operated.
The John Deere model 5603 features a Partial Synchro synchronized transmission, which provides greater ease of maneuvering and increased performance, with nine forward gears and three reverse gears. The levers are positioned laterally and the ceramic single-disc clutch is mechanically activated.
The Massey Ferguson MF 275 model is equipped with a sliding-type transmission and central positioning of the gear levers. This configuration allows the tractor to have eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds, with a mechanically operated double clutch.
New Holland equips its TL 75 Exitus model with a synchronized transmission with different speed settings: the starting model in the range has 12 forward gears and four reverse gears, and you can opt for the model with a reverse lever that provides 12 gears. forward and reverse, or you can also request the option with super speed reducer, providing 20 forward gears and 12 reverse gears. This model comes with its levers positioned on the side of the platform, with a ceramic disc clutch and mechanical drive.
The 785 C model of the Valtra family has a synchronized transmission with various gear ratio configurations: six forward gears and two reverse gears, nine forward gears and three reverse gears or 12 forward gears and four reverse gears. The positioning of the levers is central and the clutch, an independent double disc type, is mechanically activated.
The Yanmar 1175 has its main gearing using the Collar Shift system, providing 12 forward gears and three reverse gears. The levers are located on the side of the operating station and the double clutch is mechanically activated.
HYDRAULIC, STEERING AND PTO
Some particularities can be highlighted, based on parameters related to these systems, however, many characteristics are similar between the models evaluated: all models have a hydrostatic steering system,
The models offered by New Holland and John Deere provide an independent pump for this function; The six models evaluated are equipped with an independent power take-off, with mechanical drive.
The Agrale 5075 model reaches 540rpm in PTO at an engine speed of 2.000rpm. Regarding its hydraulic system, it has a maximum flow of 53l/min and a maximum lifting capacity of 2.600kgf, with remote control available as standard.
The John Deere 5603 tractor develops 540rpm on the PTO at a speed that can be 1.700rpm in the economical option or 2.400rpm of the engine in its standard operating mode. Its hydraulic system has a maximum flow of 43l/min and a maximum lifting capacity of 2.670kgf, providing two remote control valves.
The MF 275 Advanced model, from Massey Ferguson, requires 1.900rpm from the engine to perform its 540rpm TDP. With regard to its hydraulic system, the MF 275 has a maximum flow of 27l/min, and 2.500kgf of maximum lifting capacity, a value lower than that presented by its competitors, with the exception of the value attributed to the Yanmar 1175, the lowest among the compared models. The model sold by Massey Ferguson features a remote control with two valves as standard, with the option of three valves or even with an option that may not include this item.
New Holland's TL 75 E model delivers 540rpm PTO at an engine speed of 2.199rpm. This model has a maximum hydraulic system flow of around 44,5l/min and the highest lifting capacity compared to other models, standing at around 3.340kgf, offering the remote control system as an option.
The Valtra 785 C tractor reaches 540rpm in PTO at 2.040rpm in the engine. Its hydraulic system has a maximum flow of 38,4l/min and a maximum lifting capacity of 2.600kgf, providing one or two valves in the system's remote control.
The Yanmar 1175 requires 2.400rpm from the engine to perform 540rpm at PTO. Regarding the hydraulic system, the maximum flow is around 69l/min, the highest among the models compared, however, its maximum lifting capacity is the lowest compared to other tractors, as previously mentioned, with values in the order of 2.000kgf. Information regarding the model's remote control options was not identified, however, it is known that there are two outputs.
Regarding the analysis of the weight/power ratio, using information from manufacturers, some conclusions were made. There was some harm in the analysis, as some manufacturers provide information in a different way than others.
The John Deere 5603 and Yanmar 1175 tractors have a low weight/power ratio, remembering that this characteristic is attributed to the tractor without the presence of any type of ballast. Thus, the situation becomes easily modifiable with the addition of front and rear weights (presence as standard on the range's tractors). In the case of the MF 275, the information is presented with the weights, which equip the model in its basic configuration, thus presenting the highest weight/power ratio within this comparison of tractors, which allows the model to perform functions that allow a greater level of demand of the tractor. The New Holland TL75 E and Agrale 5075 tractors have a similar weight/power ratio and are suitable for multiple tasks, even in their configuration without the presence of any type of ballast. Resembling the MF 275 Advanced, the Valtra 785 C has a high weight/power ratio due to its counterweight configuration, which is standard on the model.
Within the generality of the other items compared between the six models evaluated, it is worth highlighting some aspects inherent to these tractors: the Valtra 785 C is the tractor that has the greatest distance between the axles among the compared tractors (2.373mm), with the Yanmar 1175 is the model with the smallest distance between the axles (1.945mm), a factor that justifies its greater market demand in vegetable farming and mechanized fruit growing activities; Valtra's 785 C model has the smallest minimum turning radius (with the aid of the brake), in the order of 3.170mm, while the MF 275 tractor from Massey Ferguson requires 3.550mm of minimum turning radius (with the aid of the brake). ), the largest among the compared models; The smallest gauge configurations are assigned to Yanmar models 1175 and John Deere 5603; the largest fuel tank is that of the New Holland TL 75 E, with 110 liters of capacity, with the Yanmar 1175 and the John Deere 5603 having the smallest fuel storage capacities, respectively, with 67l and 68l of maximum capacity.
The comparison of these models serves as a basis for decision-making by rural producers when purchasing a new machine, as they can choose the model that adequately meets their possible needs when carrying out agricultural activities. In this context, both the producer and the industry can record profits. Knowing in more detail each tractor currently offered on the market and, above all, having a good idea of the real needs within each rural property, tends to make the relationship between those who offer the product and those who wish to purchase less and less bureaucratic. Thus, one can be aware that the growing evolution of agricultural mechanization in the country is rational and, above all, highly efficient.
José Fernando Schlosser, Gustavo Heller Nietiedt, André Luis Casali, Ronaldo Carbonari, Agrotechnology Laboratory, Agricultural Machinery Testing Center (Nema) – UFSM
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Five largest harvesters manufactured in Brazil form a fleet capable of surprising even the most demanding producers. We have brought together these models in a single report to make life easier for those looking for great machines.
