Tractor for work in vineyards in Serra

Working in vineyards located in rough terrain, such as those in Serra Gaúcha, requires stable tractors, capable of working in conditions with little room for maneuver, versatile for applications of different types.

With innovative DNA and focused on well-applied technologies, LS Tractor's small tractors stand out in the cultivation of fruit and vegetables in Serra Gaúcha, working in operations that require agility in maneuvering, stability in rough terrain, versatility in movement and comfort for the operator.

The grape production system for juice and wine in the South region is very characteristic and unique. The trellis-shaped driving system, in which a layer of plants is formed horizontally at a certain height from the ground, requires low and narrow tractors to maneuver in reduced space and, at the same time, powerful tractors to work with turbo atomizers. It also requires that the tractor is stable, to work with large slopes, and that it has adequate clearance, to avoid impacts against rocks and undulations in the ground. With all these requirements, not all small tractors can adapt to this crop.

To follow the work of the LS tractors on the grapes, we went to the Community of Travessão Porto, municipality of Caxias do Sul, where we met two producers from the region, Rogério Borth and Sergio Dall Alba. The boy Mateus, Rogério's son, was also always around. The two brothers-in-law, who have maintained this partnership over the last 20 years, manage four hectares of their own land and another ten hectares in partnership with another family. 

When customers of another brand purchased a tractor with innovative features, recommended for the crop, they were seriously disappointed. In just over two years there were so many inconveniences and unexpected maintenance, until the decision to buy a new tractor, when they became interested in the positive experience of a neighbor, an LS customer, who owns a G40 model. So, through the Mais Alimentos Program, in 2017, they purchased an LS R60 tractor that currently has 1.318 hours and, since then, they have solidified their taste for the brand and in October last year they purchased another tractor, a model R50, which is only 191 hours old. 

The vine production system on the property is carried out on terrain characteristic of the region, well undulating and with strong slopes. Rows of plants are installed 2,5 meters apart, with plants every 1,5m in the row. Therefore, the tractor must have a maximum width of around 1,50m. The LS can reach a minimum width of 1,32m, which they consider a first advantage.

The plants are taken to a horizontal wire that is between 1,80m and 2m from the ground and the branches are pruned and tied so that they spread their leaves horizontally, with the bunches hanging down when mature. On site, the main variety is Bordeaux, suitable for table wine and especially juice. Mechanization is intense with the application of various pesticides to protect against insects and diseases and mechanical practices. Mechanization is also used to distribute fertilizers and brush cutters are used to clean vegetation that grows on the ground. The harvest is all done manually and transported in bulk by truck. The truck body is covered with a non-toxic plastic tarpaulin and unloading at the industry reception is done using tipping equipment. Traditional plastic boxes, which are still used in other cultures and systems, are no longer used in this system. The next activity on the property is pruning, which begins on July 15th.

To demonstrate the activity of the LS R50 tractor, we went to two of the family's own areas to work with a Bravo 400 model turbo atomizer, from Vêneto Máquinas Agrícolas. We were impressed by the difficult conditions for maneuvering in such a small space and with such steep slopes, which require skill from the operator. Sergio told us that during the harvest they measured fuel consumption, and working with the U60 model they managed to achieve levels of 1,9 to two liters per hour in spraying activity.

Talking to the two producers, the impression we had was of great satisfaction with the choice of brand, made three years ago. According to Rogério, his opinion is that the LS tractor is complete, being perhaps the only one that brings together so many resources in the category and power range. The other competitors are much simpler and have fewer resources to adapt to the work they perform. He also mentioned the appropriate weight, which makes the tractor stable even in the arduous conditions of the property. After this time working with both tractors, producer Sergio concluded that the highlight of both models is, without a doubt, the reverser, but also for him the greater number of gears and the brakes help to vary working conditions and adapt head to the mountain region. He agrees with his brother-in-law that no competitor has what the LS offers. As a standout option, they mentioned the electronic engine protection system, installed on the R60.

For them, mechanization is the only way to maintain production on small properties and retain people in the field. There is very little renewal in producing families in the region. Young people no longer want the hard work of their parents, who lack comfort and security. There are several families from the region who abandoned the activity, migrating to the city. Due to security measures and the recommended distance, there was no traditional photo of the Cultivar team with the producers, which we always took at the end of the tests.

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This was one of two tractors we found working in the vineyard. The LS model R50 uses an LS engine, model Tier III – S4QL, four cylinders, with 2.505cm3 and natural aspiration, which develops 44hp of power at the nominal speed of 2.600rpm according to the ISO TR 14396 standard. The transmission is synchronized Synchro Shuttle 32 forward and 16 reverse gears, with creeper and mechanical reverser.

The Power Take-Off (TDP), with a power of 44 hp, is independent, with electro-hydraulic drive in three rotations, 540/750/1.000 rpm. The 750rpm speed can be used as an economical PTO. The front axle is driven, with mechanical drive.  

The hydraulic system has a total flow rate of 47 liters per minute, with category II coupling in the three-point system. The maximum pressure is 200kgf/cm2 and the lifting capacity at the kneecap is 1.800kgf. There are two control valves (VCR) in the standard version and three as an option with a maximum flow of 31 liters/minute. 

The R60 model that we found working in vine cultivation is no longer in the LS product portfolio, as it has been replaced by the R65 model. The LS model R60 tractor uses the brand's own engine, with four cylinders, a total volume of 2.505cm3 and direct injection, with 56hp of maximum power at 2.600rpm. The maximum torque of this engine is 170Nm at a speed of 1.500rpm.  

The Synchro Shuttle synchronized transmission offers 32 forward and 16 reverse gears, with creeper and mechanical reverser. The Power Take-Off (TDP), with a power of 58 hp, is independent with electro-hydraulic drive with three speeds, 540/750/1.000 rpm, with the 750 rpm used as an economical TDP. The front axle is mechanically driven. The three-point hydraulic system is category II with independent remote control with two remote control valves in the standard version.

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