With engines between 36hp and 47hp, the models Agrale 540 XT, Agritech 1155 Plus, Landini Série 2 050 GE, LS Tractor G 40, Mahindra 4530, Ursus 2.50M, Jinma BR 454 and Kubota L3800D are options for lighter work and in spaces reduced
Many readers wait for comparisons between different machines. Almost impossible to carry out in the field, due to the complexity and cost, we can resort to the method we usually use, which is to consult the rich material accumulated to prepare the Tractor Yearbook, traditionally published by Revista Cultivar Máquinas. In this edition, we want to compare small tractors, with gross engine power between 38hp and 47hp, from eight different brands, with the models: Agrale 540 XT, Agritech 1155 Plus, Landini Série 2 050 GE, LS Tractor G 40, Mahindra 4530, Ursus 2.50M, Jinma BR 454 and Kubota L3800D.
When we apply the criteria for choosing which models would be compared, we use the maximum engine power declared by the manufacturer, correcting the value to the ISO TR 14396 standard. In this case, the tractors that are presented with this standard would not require correction and those using other reference standards would have the values corrected according to the established criteria. In this case, of the eight models compared, four manufacturers do not inform which reference standard was used to inform the engine power, but for one of them the information was found with the engine manufacturer, three reported that their standard is the ISO standard and one reported using the NBR standard.
To stipulate the power limits between the models with the highest and lowest power within the class, a percentage of up to 20% was used between the model with the lowest and the highest power, and using a reference of 14 hp of traction demand per line We estimate that all models compared can serve under equal conditions to drive a three-row seeder.
When more than one model was offered by the same brand, it was decided to compare just one, choosing the model with the best specification. In this case, three and four cylinder tractors appeared in the group determined by these criteria, with the Kubota L3800D, the LS Tractor G 40, the Mahindra 4530 and the Jinma BR 454 equipped with a three cylinder engine. The Agrale 540 XT, Agritech 1155 Plus, Landini Series 2 050 GE and Ursus 2.50M tractors have a four-cylinder engine, however, with the exception of the Ursus tractor, which has a turbocharger, all the others are naturally aspirated.
The engine is the fundamental component for the best performance of all systems on an agricultural tractor. Therefore, the Mahindra 4530 is equipped with a Mahindra engine, model NE 342 R (Mar 1); the LS Tractor G 40 has the LS engine model L3AL - Tier 3; Agrale 540 XT is equipped with an Agrale engine (model not specified); Jinma BR 454 is equipped with a Xinchai engine, model 490T EPA; Kubota L3800D with Kubota D1803 M E3 engine; Agritech 1155 Plus has a Yanmar engine, model 4TNV88; Landini Series 2 050 GE is equipped with a Yanmar engine, model 4TNV88-Klan; and the Ursus 2.50M tractor has the Mahindra engine, model MDI-2500RT.
As for the torque data, the LS Tractor offers 114Nm, the Landini offers 141Nm, the Agrale has 149Nm, the Mahindra 162Nm and the Ursus 208Nm. The other manufacturers did not make such technical information available.
The Agrale model has four cylinders with 2.417cm3 of displaced volume, the Xinchai engine, which equips the Jinma tractor, has three cylinders and 3.039cm3 of displaced volume, the Kubota has three cylinders with 1.826cm3, the Yanmar engine, which equips the model from Agritech, has four cylinders with 2.190cm3, the LS Tractor has three cylinders and 2.003cm3 of displacement volume, the Mahindra engine, which equips the Mahindra 4530 tractor, has three cylinders and 2.392cm3 of volume, the Yanmar engine, which equips the Landini model has four cylinders and 1.995cm3, while the Mahindra engine, which powers the Ursus model, has four cylinders and 2.543cm3 of displacement.
To analyze efficiency, the engine's construction parameters are related to its performance. Relating power per cylinder, for example, the best relationship is found in the Jinma BR 454 tractor, with 15 hp/cylinder, followed by the Mahindra 4530, with 14 hp/cylinder, the LS Tractor G 40, with 13,3 hp/cylinder, the Kubota L3800D , with 12,2 hp/cylinder, the Landini Série 2 050 GE, with 11,9 hp/cylinder, the Ursus 2.50M, with 11,8 hp/cylinder, the Agritech 1155 Plus, with 10,5 hp/cylinder, and the Agrale tractor 540 XT, with 10 hp/cylinder.
When relating the internal volume displaced by the corrected power, the Landini tractor has the best relationship, with 42cm3/hp, followed by the Kubota with 50cm3/hp, the LS Tractor with 50,1cm3/hp, the Agritech 1155 Plus with 52,1cm³/ hp, the Ursus with 54,1cm3/hp, the Mahindra with 57cm3/hp, the Agrale with 60,4cm3/hp and the Jinma tractor, with 67,5cm3/hp.
As for the fuel injection system, the Agrale, Kubota and Landini models have an electronic injection system, while the others have a mechanical fuel injection system. As for the air supply system, only the 2.50M model, from Ursus, has a turbocharger, with the others being aspirated.
The transmission system of the entire agricultural tractor is made up of a set of elements capable of receiving, transforming and transmitting the power and torque produced by the engine to the driving wheels, hydraulic systems and power take-off (TDP). In this system, the gearbox is the main element, as the gear coupling adapts the engine to each situation in which the tractor is used.
Many tractors sold in Brazil are equipped with mechanical transmissions, which are simple but very efficient. The simplicity is due to the fact that the gears move on slotted shafts to mesh with each other. Efficiency is due to the low losses that occur in the transmission of torque, from the engine to the driving wheels, for example.
That said, when analyzing the transmission used by the tractors in comparison, with the exception of the 1155 Plus model, from Agritech, which has a sliding gear transmission, known as a dry box, and the L3800D models, from Kubota, and BR Jinma 454, which do not provide detailed information, the other models have synchronized transmission.
Both transmissions are mechanical, but in the synchronized transmission, the gears can be selected while the tractor is moving, as synchronizer rings adjust the rotation speed of the gears to be coupled. In sliding gear transmission, the gear is selected before starting work, requiring the tractor to stop to change gears.
Although the synchronized transmission allows gear changes while the tractor is moving, in the field, with implements requiring traction, when pressing the clutch to change gears the tractor stops or there is a significant reduction in speed, even for skilled operators. Therefore, in these situations, either type of transmission will perform the job satisfactorily.
The mechanical transmission available in these tractors is perfectly understandable from an economic point of view. However, it is not understood why there is a lack of technical information on tractors in this power range available to users. All technical characteristics are important and, together with economic and socioeconomic criteria, can help in purchasing the tractor.
Only two brands assign commercial names to transmissions: Synchro Shuttle from LS Tractor and Constant Mesch from Ursus. The number of gears varies between models, with two of them (1155 Plus and 2.50M) available with eight forward and two reverse gears; the L3800D model, from Kubota, with an 8 x 4 gearbox; and the Jinma BR 454 tractor with 16 forward gears and eight reverse gears.
Four models are equipped with gearboxes with the same number of forward and reverse gears: Agrale 540 XT, Landini Series 2 050 GE, LS G 40 and Mahindra 4530. Obviously, these are the only tractors that have a reverser. It is interesting to note that this technology, used in higher power tractors, is also being made available in small tractors, reaffirming what appears to be a current trend.
The reverser, or also called load inverter, is a device, as its name suggests, that reverses the tractor's direction of travel. This gearbox “subbox”, which groups the clutch and reverse gear functions, facilitates maneuvers. The way to activate the reverser of these tractors is mechanical, that is, by means of a lever, commonly positioned on the left side of the tractor panel.
Unlike the reverser, available on half of the tractors analyzed, only Agritech equips the 1155 Plus model with a reducer, as an option, which increases the number of gears to 16 forward and four reverse, making the tractor move at speeds very low. We are surprised that this device is not available among manufacturers, as it can be very useful in horticulture and fruit growing.
The type of clutch also varies between the models compared. With the exception of the Jinma tractor, which does not provide this information, all others have a double clutch. This clutch is also known as dry double-stage, and means that one disc serves the clutch and the other to activate the PTO. As for clutch actuation, with the exception of Jinma and Agritech, which do not provide information, all have mechanical actuation.
As with other tractor components, there is also little technical information about the diameter and material of the clutch disc. Landini's Series 2 050 GE, LS Tractor's G 40 and Mahindra's 4530 models are 228,6mm (nine inches), 275mm and 280mm in diameter, respectively. The materials vary between organic (G 40, from LS Tractor) and cerametallic (4530, from Mahindra).
Increasingly used in agricultural tractors, the hydraulic system provides greater ease, agility and precision in many operations. At the same time that these machines need to be compact, to adapt to the different types of work in which they are required, the presence of some components, such as the hydraulic system, is essential so that they can be more versatile and perform the greatest number of functions. possible activities.
Small tractors, specifically those in the power range compared in this article, work in activities that constantly require the assistance of the hydraulic system. Whether to attach implements to the three-point lift, such as sprayers, brush cutters, rotary hoes, equipment for transporting products, among others; or to use the fluid as a means to activate hydraulic actuators, present in implements coupled to the tractor (seeders, scarifiers and harrows), which use the remote control valve (VCR) to activate them.
In this sense, a search of the companies that manufacture the models evaluated shows us, following this article, what is present and the characteristics of each machine. It should be noted that, in the vast majority of cases, there is a lack of information in the manufacturers' catalogues, available to consumers, and in some, the measurement units have errors, which can make decision-making difficult when purchasing these machines. The constructive model of the hydraulic system, for example, which can be open or closed center, only for the Mahindra model 4530, is available in its technical material, which is open center. Other manufacturers do not describe this information.
The flow rate of the three-point hydraulic system varies from 28 liters per minute in the Landini model to 46 liters per minute in the Agritech model. This information is important, as many implements depend on flow to function properly. Just like the flow information, the pressure that the system offers is essential for sizing the machine for different implements. In the models evaluated, the pressure varied from 163,77bar in the LS Tractor G 40 model to 186,33bar in the Mahindra model. Kubota and Landini tractors did not present pressure information in their catalogues, and in the Jinma BR 454 model, both flow and pressure are not specified.
The lifting capacity of the three-point hydraulic system varies greatly between tractors, ranging from 500kg for the Jinma tractor to 1.800kg for the Mahindra. However, information on how this measurement is obtained is not reported by all manufacturers, only models from Kubota, Mahindra and LS Tractor specify in their catalogs that it was measured at the ball joint of the three-point hydraulic lifting system. Most tractor models have a three-point hydraulic system classified in category I, except for models from Agritech and Landini, which have category II. The Mahindra, Ursus and Jinma models did not specify which category the hydraulic system of their tractors belongs to.
Almost all models compared have hydrostatic steering, except for Agritech and Jinma, which do not present this information. The steering flow rate in Mahindra and Landini models is 19 and 18 liters per minute, respectively. The LS Tractor model presents, in addition to the flow rate, which is 13 liters per minute, pressure information, which corresponds to 120bar. This flow and steering pressure information is not available on other tractor models.
VCRs allow agricultural implements to use hydraulic fluid under pressure to drive hydraulic actuators (cylinders or motors). In engines, for example, it makes it possible to work with the active parts of the implement at different speeds, by varying the flow. This is different from what happens with the TDP, which is connected to the engine through the transmission system and varies depending on its rotation. This allows for more precise work, use of a variable rate, pressure adjustment and the possibility of adjustments and adjustments from the operating station, or electronically, depending on the technology present in the tractor and implement.
Among the models compared, the LS Tractor and Mahindra tractors feature a standard VCR valve and another as an option. The Landini model offers two VCR valves. The Agrale and Ursus models only offer the double VCR valve as an option. Models from Agritech, Jinma and Kubota do not provide this information.
In addition to the presence of the VCR and the number of valves available, information on the pressure and flow of the oil that passes through this hydraulic mechanism is important for sizing and harmonizing the mechanized sets and also checking whether this pressure and flow capacity meets the need minimum of the implement to be coupled. Activation failures or inability to activate the hydraulic actuator, whether a cylinder or a hydraulic motor, may occur, and knowing this information can prevent complications, including system damage.
Of the compared models that feature VCRs, only the LS Tractor tractor reports that the system is independent with 163,77bar of pressure and 28 liters per minute of flow. The Mahindra model has hydraulic system values of 186,33bar of pressure and 41 liters per minute of flow. The Series 2 050 GE model, Landini, only has a flow rate of 28 liters per minute.
The operating station of an agricultural tractor is very important in terms of safety, ergonomic quality, comfort and also because it contributes to improving the operator's efficiency and productivity. The options are quite similar in the compared tractor models, however we will detail each one for greater knowledge.
Regarding the platform, the 4530 model from Mahindra, the Series 2 050 GE from Landini and the 1155 Plus model from Agritech offer a flat platform, called platforms, which provide greater space and practicality for driving, due to the lateral positioning of the main controls and levers. of gears. This type of platform makes accessing and exiting the machine much easier. Furthermore, to improve the operator's visibility, in the case of the Agritech 1155 Plus, Mahindra 4530, Ursus 2.50M and Jinma BR 454 tractors, the exhaust pipe was placed on the side of the hood.
Landini's family of compact tractors positions the exhaust pipe below and to the side of the operator station. The L3800D models from Kubota, 540 XT from Agrale, G 40 from LS Tractor, 2.50M from Ursus and BR 454 from Jinma are semi-platformed models. On most tractors with this type of operating station, the gear and group lever is positioned at the front, between the operator's legs. For this reason, these operating stations are also called “cavalados”.
In the LS Tractor G 40 model, which also offers a semi-platform operating station, the main gear selection lever is positioned on the operator's right side and the group lever on the left side.
Another feature of the operating station is the good visibility, provided by the side mirrors, which allow vision behind. According to the manufacturer's specifications, the Agrale 540 XT and Agritech 1155 Plus tractors have mirrors. In these tractor models, as well as the Landini, the exhaust pipe is also positioned below and on the side of the operating station.
Kubota's L3800D model is the only one that has an easily accessible toolbox, positioned right behind the operator's seat. On the brand's models with backhoes, the tool box is positioned above the left fender, next to the operator's seat.
To control the engine speed, in all models in this comparison, there is a hand accelerator, placed on the steering column, and another upright. The parking brake is always located at the bottom and next to the operator's seat, activated by means of a small lever.
On all tractor models, the two-point safety arch is positioned at the back of the operator's seat, which the manufacturers indicate complies with the manufacturing standards for a Rops arch (Roll Over Protection Structure). The 1155 Plus models from Agritech, G 40 from LS Tractor, 4530 from Mahindra, 2.50M from Ursus and BR 454 from Jinma also offer a protective canopy against the sun and rain. The cabin is offered as an option on Agrale and Ursus models.
Seats on most models are adjustable and provide operator comfort during long periods of operation for increased productivity. The Kubota tractor features a suspension seat and a contoured design that is ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue. In the case of the Mahindra model 4530, the seat has approach and height adjustments.
In the Agrale tractor, model 540 XT, in addition to the cab, options include a front protector, additional rear counterweights, a low steering column, a low seat and double remote control. In the BR 454 models from Jinma and G 40 from LS Tractor, glass protections are available on the sides of the operating station, to disperse heat and engine noise.
For all tractor models compared, the levers for operating the hydraulic system and PTO are positioned next to the operator's seat, with the aim of improving ergonomics. The instrument panel is simple, analogue type, with warning lights, fuel gauge, tachometer with hour meter, engine oil pressure indicators, cooling water temperature, PTO operation and auxiliary front traction connection.
Advanced technology items are not common in tractors in this power range. In general, to serve small farmers and small areas, simpler tractors with basic features are designed and sold at an affordable price. The L3800D model, Kubota, features hydrostatic transmission and the Cruise Control system as important options, for constant maintenance of working speed, which is not very common in this power range.
The LS G 40 tractor can be equipped with two technology options, which are the engine protection system (watchman), which stops operation whenever the engine overheats and drops in lubricating oil pressure, and can also be purchased with the telemetry system. These options are offered for the entire line of LS Tractor tractors. As a technological difference, Landini offers in Series 2 the front hydraulic lifting system, still rare in Brazil and exclusive in category I, with a capacity of 400kg.
Agrale's model 540 XT agricultural tractor has a shipping weight of 1.850kg and a running weight of 2.140kg. The total length, with front counterweights, is 3.520mm and without counterweights 3.360mm. The minimum external width of the tractor is 1.365mm and the wheelbase is 1.820mm. The minimum front gauge is 1.095mm and the maximum is 1.210mm. The minimum rear gauge is 1.060mm and the maximum is 1.460mm. The distance from the rear axle to the drawbar is 980mm. The dimensions of this model are ideal for working with dense crops. As for the wheelsets, it is equipped with Standard 250/80-18 R1 front tires and 12.4-24 R1 rear tires. This tractor can also be equipped with optional front tires measuring 7.5L-15 R1 and rear tires measuring 9.50-24 R1.
The Agritech model 1155 is presented as models: Standard, coffee plant, rice plant, cultivation, super narrow, super traction and fruit plant. The 1155 Plus model weighs 1.960kg. The total length, with front counterweights, is 3.470mm, and the length without counterweights is 2.300mm. The external width is 1.485mm and the minimum front and rear gauges are 1.268mm and 1.208mm, respectively. The turning radius with front-wheel drive and brakes engaged is 2.650mm, and with just the drive engaged it is 3.390mm. The height at the steering wheel is 1.620mm and the height at the operator's seat is 1.300mm. The wheelbase of this model is 1.750mm and has a front axle clearance of 275mm. As for the wheelsets, each version has its specific configuration, however the 1155 Plus Standard model is equipped with 7.00-18 R1 front tires and 14.9-24 R1 rear tires.
Landini's Series 2 050 GE model has a weight without counterweights of 1.500kg. The total length, with front counterweights, is 3.285mm, and the minimum width is 1.420mm. The wheelbase is 1.745mm and the Rops height is 1.891mm. The free span is 295mm. As for the wheelsets, the front tires measure 260/70 R16 and the rear tires measure 360/70 R24.
The LS Tractor model G 40 has a curb weight of 2.508kg with ballast and a shipping weight of 1.220kg. The total length is 3.401mm, with a total width without tires of 1.083mm and a maximum height of 2.286mm. The wheelbase is 1.674mm, with a front track of 1.075mm and a rear track of 1.083mm. The free space of the tractor is 300mm. Regarding wheelsets, it has the following options: front 8.00-16 R1 or 6.00-14 R1; and the rears 12.4-24 R1 or 9.52-24 R1.
Mahindra's model 4530 has a ballasted running weight of 2.685kg and a shipping weight of 2.500kg. The total length is 3.400mm. The minimum front external width is 1.710mm and the maximum is 1.910mm. The minimum rear external width is 1.695mm and the maximum is 2.075mm. The maximum height at the wheel is 2.082mm and the wheelbase is 1.994mm. The minimum front gauge is 1.470mm and the maximum is 1.670mm, while the minimum rear gauge is 1.350mm and the maximum is 1.730mm. The turning radii with and without brakes are 3.303mm and 3.962mm, respectively. The free span is 385mm. As for the wheelsets, the 4530 model has front tires measuring 9.50-20 R1 and rear tires measuring 13.6-28 R1.
The Ursus 2.50M model has a shipping weight of 1.900kg and a shipping weight with ballast of 2.300kg. The maximum length is 3.540mm. The height at the steering wheel is 1.400mm and the height at the rollover protection arch is 1.450mm. The minimum front gauge is 1.250mm and the maximum is 1.830mm. The minimum rear gauge is 1.385mm and the maximum is 1.785mm.
Kubota's L3800D model weighs 1.240kg with Rops. The total length is 2.915mm and a minimum width of 1.400mm. The height at the wheel is 1.490mm and the height with Rops is 2.330mm. The wheelbase is 1.610mm with a turning radius of 2.500mm, with brakes and front-wheel drive deactivated. The front gauge is 1.149mm and the rear can be adjusted, with four different widths (1.016; 1.115; 1.195; and 1.290 mm). The maximum free span is 340mm. As for the wheelsets, it is equipped with 12.4-24 R1 rear tires and 7.5-16 R1 front tires.
As far as capacities are concerned, few are available in the manufacturers' catalogues. The fuel tank capacity is one of the few that is reported. The LS Tractor tractor has a capacity of 28 liters of diesel oil. The Agrale and Agritech tractors have the capacity to store 44 liters each. The Kubota tractor has a 38 liter tank and the Landini one has a 40 liter tank. The 2.50M models, from Ursus, and 4530, from Mahindra, have the largest reservoirs, with capacities of 55 and 56 liters, respectively.
The LS Tractor tractor has a radiator with capacity for 5,5 liters of water, to cool the engine, 6,5 liters of lubricating oil, in the crankcase and filter, and 32 liters of lubricating oil in the transmission and hydraulic system. The Ursus tractor provides information on the lubricating oil capacity of the transmission (29 liters) and the hydraulic system (11,5 liters). The Kubota tractor has capacities of 7,1; six and 27,5 liters of water in the radiator, lubricating oil in the crankcase and transmission, respectively.
The objective of this text is to help the producer by providing characteristics of the models in a power range, so that they can define their purchase based on information that makes it possible to compare the models. In a simplified way, to make an easy and quick comparison, Tables 2 and 3 present a summary of the main technical characteristics of the power transmission systems and hydraulic systems, respectively, that equip each of the eight tractor models analyzed.
Jose Fernando Schlosser,
Marcelo Silveira de Farias,
Gilvan Moisés Bertollo,
Rubén Darío Collantes Veliz and
Junior Garlet Osmari,
Agrotechnology Laboratory - UFSM
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
Fertigation consists of applying fertilizers together with irrigation water. Find out more about the advantages of this management for both the crop and the farmer
