Ultimate guide to buying a tractor 2023

Rationalisation of models and specifications is the name of the game for several manufacturers listed in the 2023 edition of the Ultimate Guide to tractors.

Supply chain issues remain problematic but the changes also put the focus on more popular models and features, simplifying ordering and stocking.

Read details below and download the tractor buyer's guide 2023 (PDF).

Download the full 2023 tractor listings

The Armatrac line-up has been tightened, with the Perkins-powered 50hp version not currently available and the 79hp 854 Lux making its debut in place of the 68hp and 75hp models.

Likewise, the 95hp Deutz-engined 904 Lux is out, while the 101hp 1004 Lux gains a power shuttle for its 16×16 transmission.

The 105hp 1054 Lux CRD4 has departed too, leaving the 120hp version as the sole 54 Series machine.

See also: Tractors: where are they made?

Following its launch of a range of compact tractors, Bobcat enters the guide for the first time, represented by the 50hp and 58hp tractors with their 16×16 synchro shuttle transmissions.

Both are open platform models only, although there are cabbed machines below the 50hp threshold of the guide.

With 90hp and 100hp tractors joining the Farmall A line-up, running ManualDrive synchro or power shuttle transmissions, Case IH has expanded its entry-level range but dropped the 86hp model from the moderately larger Farmall C Manual Drive, although it remains an option with the 24×24 ActiveDrive 2 transmission.

In preparation for a new range, the 101-117hp Luxxums with their 3.6-litre FPT engines and 32×32, four-speed powershift transmissions, are no longer available, and rationalisation among the Maxxums sees the 125/145hp 115 and 145/169hp 135 dropped.

Case IH's Puma range has gained the new flagship 260 CVXDrive with 280hp for draft work and 302hp when the boost feature kicks in, while the three-model Optum line-up continues unchanged in providing a bigger, heavier option from 273-313hp.

Meanwhile, the entry-model Magnum 310 with 347/382hp departs the Case IH family.

A comprehensive rationalisation of Claas tractor models available in Britain focuses on the most popular power outputs and specifications, resulting in just two or three models in some cases.

Four models dropped from the Arion 400 line-up leaves just the 115hp Arion 430, the 125/135hp 450 and range-topping 145/155hp 470 in place, while the larger Arion 500 loses two models to leave the 125hp 510 CIS Classic as the sole model with Hexashift 24×24/6 transmission, and just the 165hp 550 Cebis with CMatic stepless drive.

The Arion 600 series is trimmed to the 165hp 630 and 185hp 650 with Hexashift, and the 630 and 185/205hp 660 with CMatic.

The cull continues further up the power/size scale, with 205hp Axion 800 Hexashift and 215hp 800 CMatic dropped and only top-spec Cebis equipment level available, while the Axion 900 range is reduced to just two models – the 355hp 930 and 410hp 950, both available in wheeled and Terra Trac form.

The latest Xerion tractors, meanwhile, gain upgrades that include a new heavier-duty version of the ZF Terramatic transmission geared to allow lower, more economic engine running speeds, plus a number of control and precision farming upgrades.

In addition to a power shuttle option becoming available for the 66-97hp 5D Keyline tractors, the Deutz-Fahr range now includes the four-cylinder 6.4 Series machines from 136-156hp with RVshift and TTV transmissions and specs.

While TTV is continuously variable and comes with a 120-litre/min piston pump hydraulics system, RVshift is a CVT that emulates a powershift for operators who prefer a stepped transmission.

It comes with 90-litre/min gear pump system as standard but this can be upgraded to the variable output hydraulics; both come with a separate 40-litre/min steering and ancillaries pump.

Having featured just a single 75hp model for the past 12 months or so, there are now three new models with Stage 5 emissions engines on offer.

They comprise the 95hp 6100 DT V with 12×12 synchro shuttle or 24×12/2 power shuttle transmission, and the 112hp 9120 DTn and 122hp 9130 DTn, which have a 24×24 creep synchro shuttle or the 24×12/2 power shuttle package.

The new 700 Vario tractor range features in the Fendt listing for the first time.

These larger and more sophisticated Generation 7 machines complement rather than replace the existing 150-246hp Gen6 models.

With power outputs from 203-283hp – the 728 also gets a multiuse power boost to 303hp – the tractors emulate the 900 Vario and 1000 Vario machines in several respects, including the VarioDrive single-range CVT with separate and variable power and torque delivery to the rear and front axles.

Under the hood sits a new engine – the 7.5-litre Agco Core AP75 – tuned for low-speed, high torque operation to minimise fuel consumption and lifetime wear and tear.

The Fastrac listing now includes two specification levels for the 235hp 4220 icon and 348hp 8330 icon, the Field Pro and Pro Line packages encompassing a number of practical and driver comfort features.

Its largest tractor to date – the HX Series – makes its Ultimate Guide debut with two models: the 101/111hp HX 1001 PC and the 117/127hp HX 1201 PC.

Both come with a 32×32/2 creep transmission, 74-litre/min gear pump hydraulics supplemented by a 46-litre steering pump, and 4.4t rear lift.

The MF 3700 AL entry-level tractors have been replaced by the upgraded MF 3S AL line-up featuring a new 30×15 transmission with two-speed high/low and a power shuttle, and power outputs now spanning 85-105hp.

The flagship X8 range is being trimmed from three to two models with the introduction of latest Stage 5 specification, which includes a new-style cab roof panel with enhanced work lights.

And while some markets now have a lower-spec Efficient option, the UK market continues with the Premium specification that includes a seat-mounted control and display console.

They also have a little more power – 273hp for the X8.627 and 313hp for the X8.631.

The T5 S series has entered the New Holland line-up with 90hp and 100hp models featuring a 12×12 or 20×20 creep transmission with synchro or power shuttle, while the T5 Utility range has lost its synchro shuttle option and the 80hp and 90hp models, although they remain available with the Dual Command 24×24/2 package.

All get upgraded gear pump hydraulics, with the T5 Utility Powershuttle machines also gaining increased rear-lift capacity.

New Holland's innovative gas-fuelled tractor – the 158/175hp T6.180 Methane Power – is now available with Dynamic Command eight-speed powershift transmission in addition to Electro Command with four powershifts.

Also new is the latest T7 LWB (long wheelbase) series, now featuring PLM Intelligence following a substantial upgrade to the electronics and precision farming architecture and functionality, and the addition of a 280/300hp flagship.

Rationalisation further up the scale sees the T7 HD line-up trimmed from three to two models, and the T8.380 and T8.410 dropped from the T8 Genesis range.

Slotting between the T5 and S4 series, Valtra's Q5 tractors are listed for the first time, spanning power outputs from 230/250hp to 305hp.

All feature 7.4-litre Agco engines and continuously variable transmissions, with 200-litre/min variable output hydraulics and 10t rear-linkage capacity.

A trimmed-back Zetor range loses the 78hp and 88hp Proxima CL and GP Plus models (the 99hp and 109hp versions continue, albeit with synchro rather than power shuttle 12×12 transmission for the CL versions), and the same, plus the 99hp machine, applies to the Proxima HS Power line-up.

All surviving machines are now powered by Deutz instead of Zetor's own engines to meet Stage 5 emissions rules.

Using contractors saves you time and money. Now you can book, track and pay all in one place. Register for early access today.

News