Are There Enough Tractor Models Produced Today?

[hobbyfarm]

Being a long time equipment junkie - both the modern stuff and the vintage models. I've come to a simple conclusion:

There are plenty of choices but... modern technology has left some markets completely untapped. True, these would not be for everone, and are really a specialty type piece of equipment, but, so are skid steer loaders. Yet they are one of the hottest markets.
For instance:
Where are the modern compact crawler tractors? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif With all the new rubber track technology here and almost every manufacturer making some sort of a compact excavator, it would seem like a natural idea to make one. Not to mention, most of the big three start at about 70 HP or so for their crawler models. A true high flotation, low center-of-gravity tractor with awesome traction. It seems like there could be a market for it.

Next,
If one wants a specialty cultivating tractor with good ground clearance for his market garden, he needs to find about a 40+ year old Farmall 140 or such. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif This is another niche that seems to not be filled with modern technology.
(Are you listening Deere, CNH, Agco, Kubota, etc??)

Can anyone think of an ag product to add to the list of untapped equipment niches??
What do you think?

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Last summer I went on a search for a modern compact crawler tractor, not a crawler bulldozer, but a true ag tractor that was in crawler format. No such luck. I would have entertained buying something up to about 40hp, but I'd have preferred closer to 30hp.

It would make a lously turf tractor, and would tear up the lawn, but it would likely be an excellent machine working in the woods, or in the fields. It could pull a tiller without compacting the soil much better than a wheel tractor. It would be better on slopes for just about any task. And the floatation on snow might make it a lot of fun in the winter too.

 

[RobertN]

ASVi sells thier track systems for those that want to build a custom setup. CAT uses that track systems on thier track/loaders.

A crawler could surely be built on this type format. I have used the ASV RC30, a 3000lb 30hp machine, and the Cat-247, a 60hp 6000lb machine on turf and in wet conditions. It was amazing how nimble they were on wet turf.

ASVi market a turf edition of the RC30 that basically has smooth tracks. It is made to operate on golf courses and putting greens.

Too boot, they even have a torsion bar suspension, which makes for a smooth ride.

Both of the machines I used are a tracked replacement to a skidsteer, which would not meet your needs. But, the track technology is definitely out there. These machines work well in snow, and have really good terrain handling capabilities.

Check out www.asvi.com

 

[eee]

New Holland agr crawler

Same Krypton

 

[KiotiJohn]

Some intersting tracks

 

[dbear]

I wholeheartedly agree. I would love to get my hands on a modern, 20-30hp crawler tractor; one designed and setup from the get-go as a tractor, not a dozer. The only one I've found that looks interesting is a Collina out of Italy, but the only dealer I've remotely heard about on N. America is somewhere in Ontario, Ca.

Collina Crawler

 

[mygoatboy]

I thought I would follow up on roughcut's post and here is the up to date link for the New Holland crawler:

New Holland Crawler

 

[Henro]

Here's a hybrid answer from Kubota that sells in Japan. Pic was taken last year...

This is a 15 HP tractor...

 

[hobbyfarm]

Greetings All,
Yes, I'm aware of all these models and except for the Collina, they still aren't "compact".
The closest one I've see is the <font color="blue">Same Rock 55HP and up </font>
Even the New Holland starts at 60HP. They at least have something close to compact, but still heavy and twice as big as it should be to be compact.
The ASV's look neat, but they aren't made for ag type applications as they are more of the industrial type. (no TPH, PTO, etc.)
As I mentioned in my original post, an untapped market.
Just CaseIH has around 14 compact models, you would think that they could cover their bases with a 30HP crawler with a choice of metal or rubber tracks.

Look at this thread: <font color="blue">any info in this iseki crawler </font> .

Follow the link that <font color="green"> jdkid </font> posted and there is a cool Iseki crawler there, but, 46 HP and up.

At the link to the left, click on #10 thru #14 and they appear to be various types of crawler configurations, no doubt for rice farming etc.
Cool, but still not "compact" yet.
phil

 

[Henro]

And this is a 33 hp if I remember right...