Fact vs. Fiction. Tractor Myths?

colestin · Sep 28, 2004

I called another dealer today, and of course I am more confused than ever. I explained that I had been impressed with the NH tractors. After a bit of silence, the dealer said "New Holland is an Okay tractor but frankly we are in a whole different league". Now, I've heard a lot of good things about "big three" tractors on these forums. The dealer in question sells Landini and Antonio Carraro. Sheesh, are italian tractors THAT great? I've never heard of these names. The dealer has a great rep in this area, and I am looking for a used machine. But is a Landini really that much better than a JD, NH, or Kub?

Richard · Sep 28, 2004

I presume his ( New Holland is an Okay tractor but frankly we are in a whole different league ) Is to infer that HIS Landini or Antonio are in a different (higher) league than NH?

Me thinks he has a vested interest in that particular philosophy... now I see it's 2:30 when you wrote that... go to bed! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (ooops... looks at own watch)

Richard · Sep 28, 2004

I presume his ( New Holland is an Okay tractor but frankly we are in a whole different league ) Is to infer that HIS Landini or Antonio are in a different (higher) league than NH?

Me thinks he has a vested interest in that particular philosophy... now I see it's 2:30 when you wrote that... go to bed! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (ooops... looks at own watch)

Richard · Sep 28, 2004

double post... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif guess I ought to follow my own recommendation of going to bed /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

EquipmentJunkie · Sep 28, 2004

Your dealer is right. The Italian tractors are in a different league. If you compare the weights and ability to do work of his Landini tractors and the Antonio Carroro tractors, you will need to get into a TN-sized New Holland.

Due to the types of work that a lot of Italian tractors are designed for, they have a lot of tractor in a relatively small, narrow package. These tractors tend to be very different than the tractors most Americans want. No judgement being made here, just trying to make a point.

A few years ago, John Deere marketed Goldini (I think that's the right brand) tractors in certain markets of Europe. Why? Because in Deere's product line there wasn't an existing tractor that fit the needs of those markets...namely vineyards. I believe that Deere has now made major changes to the 5000-series platform to meet the needs of those markets.

While these Italian brands are worthy machines they do not have many of the features that many Americans feel that they want. Hydrostatic or shuttle shift transmissions, large uncluttered opertating platforms, & excellent visibility are areas that must be given up with the Italian machines.

Check out the Italian tractors, they may be just what you want.

JerryG · Sep 28, 2004

A different league is a pretty fair statement in this case. These tractors are for the most part the size of a compact, but have 3-4 times the horsepower.

slowrev · Sep 28, 2004

On the subject of Italian tractors, does Fiat make some NH tractors ? or was that Massey ? can't remember...

Soundguy · Sep 28, 2004

Do they have enough weight to use that hp with ground engaging impliments?

A 100 hp 3000lb tracker will really spin the pto.. but a 3 bottom plow may glue it to the spot with 4 wheels turning??

Not being negative.. but the whole idea behind a traction engine is weight and hp. Size and materials usually heavilly influence weight.

When i was looking for a scut.. I was looking at a NH tc18 and also at a massey ferguson unit. Both were similar priced.. but the MF was a tad more expensive. The MF unit boasted 25 hp.. on a smaller frame than the tc18. I don't doubt the hp claims.. mf is a good solid tractor maker.. and I'll bet the extra hp on that small fram came in handy on pto loads... but twith the tractor weighing less than the tc 18.. I'm guessing it was more limited in towing loads, fel use, and ground engaging implements as it simply lacked the weight to use the extra hp.

Soundguy

Bob_Skurka · Sep 28, 2004

On the subject of Italian tractors, does Fiat make some NH tractors ? or was that Massey ? can't remember... 

Fiat is the parent company that owns Case/New Holland, but they are different operating entities. So Fiat doesn't make the tractors, but they do have a strong vested interest in them. Especially since CNH is a profitable subsidiary owned by corporation that owns a car division that is bleeding losses.

ZJ_HR · Sep 28, 2004

Chris,
Antonio Carraro tractors are dedicated orchad/vineyard tractors. And they are one of, if not best in their field.
Philosophy of use define weight/power ratio.
When in US ground engaging implements need heavy tractors for pull, tractors in Europe must have big hp for PTO driven implements.

If I remember good, Antonio Carraro made first tractor with BOTH transmission (geared and HST) in one tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif