Versatility of tractors in the cultivation of vegetables and fruits

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 cultivation of quality vegetables and fruits for sale in large quantities requires professionalization of producers and efficient systems. One of the biggest challenges in this segment is the balance between labor and the application of mechanization. Vegetable production, for example, requires the employment of people who perform manual operations in activities such as planting, harvesting, selection and packing. On the other hand, it is impossible to think about producing competitively without the adoption of mechanization in practically all stages of the process, from loosening the soil, preparing the beds, transporting seedlings and applying pesticides. These are things that go hand in hand and are important in defining the final quality of the product and its market value. The same goes for fruit cultivation, where the market demands high quality products.

This is why the choice of suitable tractors and implements, both in terms of size and options, can determine whether the producer will have a smooth harvest or one full of setbacks. There are many factors that can influence the final result, such as unnecessary stops, missed application windows, mistaken interventions and delays that will end up increasing the cost of production. Furthermore, they will compromise the quality of the product, which must be the right size, the right flavor and still be fresh enough to withstand transportation and remain attractive on the shelves.

To follow the journey of some fruit and vegetable producers in Serra Gaúcha, the Revista Cultivar HF team visited properties that use mechanization and that find the qualities and skills they need in LS Tractor tractors. For a full autumn day, with plenty of sun and pleasant temperatures, we were guided through the valleys and hills of the Serra Gaúcha by the manager of the main store of Trator Serra, in Caxias do Sul, Julio Cesar Carniel. As the trip took place during the coronavirus pandemic, the team followed all the safety instructions and prevention measures required by the government of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which were in force during the period in which the article was carried out. But that doesn't mean we stop finding people working with pleasure in activities they enjoy and sharing their experiences with us.

Right size for horticulture

To learn about the use of the LS tractor, model U60 cab, we went to the town of Nova Palmira, district of Vila Cristina, in the municipality of Caxias do Sul. This place is historic for Caxias do Sul, as it was there that the first demarcations at the end of the 19th century, when the city emancipated itself from São Sebastião do Caí. 

In the region it is clear that a large number of families are dedicated to the intense activity of horticulture, which supplies the entire market in Caxias do Sul and the region. There is no doubt that this activity is exclusive to professionals and people who accept being part of a routine that involves a lot of dedication and the need for intense work. 
We were on the property of the Papke family, of German origin, like many in the region, which is mostly dedicated to horticulture, managing around 24 hectares of total area. Producer Rodrigo Papke served us with characteristic kindness and explained the tractor's involvement in his production system. His family works alongside him, made up of his father Helio Papke, his mother Hermínia Papke and his wife Tatiana Papke.

He explained to us that production is more concentrated in winter, when the main leaf crops are produced. In a flat area very close to the main road, RS-452, and the family residence, cabbage, lettuce and chicory are grown with planting in February and harvesting from now on. And other crops, including peppers and zucchini, which should be planted by August, for harvest in the summer.

A traditional customer of another brand, he discovered the LS tractor through a demonstration given to neighbors, had the opportunity to test it and purchased it with the support of the Mais Alimentos Program six years ago, deciding on the U60 model, equipped with a cab, as its main use is in the application of protective chemicals, mainly against insects. Also due to the convenience offered, the tractor began to be used to harvest corn, using a single-row harvester, Jumil brand, attachable to the tractor, as the cabin provides comfort, preventing dust from reaching the operator.

He explained to us that the trend towards plasticizing construction sites has reduced the use of tractors in the region. In this conduction system, in which the plastic lasts two years, the main crop is peppers.

Knowing the family's routine, you can see that it is very intense and there are few breaks. Work never stops, not allowing more than two days off. In the summer, corn is produced and to do this, you must first dismantle the vegetable beds with a rotary hoe. The producer told us that due to the characteristics of the area, in humid years he also grows corn on beds. All grain production is reserved for family consumption and household animals.

Soon after corn, in February, the vegetable season begins, making it necessary to set up the beds again and, to do this, you must use a scarifier and a rotary hoe. Next, chemical and organic fertilization is carried out with chicken manure and the bed is set up with the bed, regardless of whether they are then plasticized or not. 

The seedlings used in vegetable production are made on the family property, which has a greenhouse, depending on only approximately 10% of external supply. With the seedlings ready comes the most difficult part of the work, which is transplanting, a task that is done with the body crouched and performing rotational movements of the trunk. Harvesting is also a tiring activity, as it is done selectively, mainly on lettuce and cabbage, lasting approximately two weeks. The family uses a sprinkler irrigation system, with water coming from a natural lagoon or possibly from the Caí River, which runs alongside. 

All production is taken on Mondays and Thursdays to Ceasa in Caxias do Sul in its own truck. Ceasa absorbs around 20% of production, the majority of the remaining part is sold to private customers mainly in Lagoa Vermelha, Vacaria and Marau. 

We had the opportunity to see the tractor working in the bed assembly operation, with a rotary hoe with a bed mower from the MEC-RUL brand. This equipment assembles beds for all crops, whether plastic coated or not, measuring 1,20m wide with a final dimension of 1m and a height of 20cm. During the work, one of the positive characteristics of the model was seen, which is the free space, sufficient to keep the center of gravity low and at the same time suitable for operation and all others that require a certain height of the vehicle from the ground. Another advantage is that if you need to create ditches and drains for irrigation and drainage, the LS U60 has a super-reducer, which provides very low speeds.

The Papke family's tractor currently has 458 hours, within the six years since acquisition. This use focuses on the main and most qualified activities, being the only tractor that carries out phytosanitary treatments on the property. Although he maintains a tractor from another brand, the LS became the main tractor in the family's production. 

The producer has very close ties and is very satisfied with the service provided by the Trator Serra dealership, which has a store in Caxias do Sul and outposts in Veranópolis and Vacaria. Manager Julio explained to us that since the store opened in April 2013, close to a thousand tractors have been sold and that the brand has seen enormous growth in the region. Regarding the tractor, which is only used by him and his father, the producer gave many compliments, among which the presence of the direction reverser as the main one stands out for his work. But he did not fail to praise that there was an improvement in everything after the acquisition, especially in maneuvers, in which the turning radius allows him to make the maneuver and enter the adjacent construction site, in addition to the possibility that the gear that goes forward is the one the same one that maneuvers and goes backwards. This reduced wasted time, speeding up the work. Regarding maintenance, he made a point of highlighting that only oil changes and filter cleaning were carried out, and no corrective maintenance took place. He also reinforced that the cabin met expectations, sealing very well the entry of dust and substances applied during spraying. In his opinion, the air conditioning is very good and meets our needs very well. 

chip

We found the LS U60 tractor in horticultural activities. The model is a cabin and uses an LS engine, model L4AL-T1-Tier 3, with four cylinders, with 2.500cm3 and turbocharged, with four valves per cylinder, which develops 65hp of power at a nominal speed of 2.500rpm according to the ISO TR standard. 14396. Maximum torque is 203Nm at 1.600rpm. 

The transmission is synchronized Synchro Shuttle with 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 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 three-point hydraulic system is category II and has a total flow of 55 liters per minute. The maximum pressure is 167kgf/cm2 and the lifting capacity at the kneecap reaches 2.200kgf. There are two control valves (VCR) in the standard version and three as an option, with a maximum flow of 36,4 liters/minute.

Keep reading: 

Use of tractors in persimmon, pear and plum production

A tractor for working in vineyards in the Serra