Best-selling tractors: Australia’s most popular models of 2020-21
To cap off a year of extraordinary sales, we reveal the most popular models with buyers in the past financial year.
It was a year for the history books.
A sales frenzy fuelled by low interest rates and a strong seasonal conditions propelled buyers to snap up more than 15,800 new tractors in the 2020-21 financial year.
It’s the first time in 40 years such levels have been achieved.
It begs the question, which models have been flying off dealer floors in biggest numbers?
The answer isn’t so easy to pin down, but here Crop Gear gives it a crack.
Blind reporting of sales data in Australia’s ag machinery sector makes it near impossible to quantify manufacturer market share, or break down sales by make or model.
To identify Australia’s favourite tractors of the 2020-21 selling season, we asked manufacturers to name their most popular models of the year in the under-200hp and over-200hp sectors.
We then spoke to farmers, dealers and product managers about what features make these bestsellers.
UNDER 200hp
Known for simple tractors made to last, Kubota says it is the leader in under-100hp sales in Australia. “In that segment, between 40hp and 80hp roughly, every third tractor that is sold in Australia is a Kubota,” product manager Konstantin Blersch says. The Japanese manufacturer couldn’t split hairs between its three best-selling models: the L3800, MX5200 and
Kubota L3800 38hp
At 38hp, this little tractor is a tried-and-tested option that small-acreage operators choose to cart soil, lift bales and do basic on-farm jobs. Product manager Mark Basile says the L3800 provides everything a user would expect in a utility tractor, with a suspension seat and spacious platform. The three-point hitch has 1053kg lift capacity, while the front-end loader is rated to lift 400kg.
Kubota MX5200 51hp and M7040HUSD 68hp
Offering a step up in power, the 51hp MX5200 has a four-cylinder diesel engine and choice of mechanical or hydrostatic transmission, while the 68hp M7040HUSD offers more fuel efficiency and a simple eight-forward and eight-reverse transmission. This pair appeal to small acreage cattle operations and commercial orchardists. “They get something that is solid and is certainly not out of the budget,” Mr Blersch says.
New Holland T4S 75hp
Launched in 2018, New Holland’s 55-75hp T4S wins buyers in the utility sector, who choose it for its comfort and efficiency. While New Holland is better known for sophisticated higher horsepower machines, this easy-to-operate range is a favourite with weekend warriors and larger dairy operations. Product manager Mark Crakanthorp says the recently released 2021 models are hitting dealers’ floors now, and have been upgraded with a pneumatic-air seat, rear windscreen wipers, a lift ram as standard and an optional passenger seat. Four-pillar cab, roof-mounted airconditioning and a third-service compatible joystick are other attractive features.
Deutz Fahr 5125G HD 156hp, with STOLL loader
A heavy-duty all-rounder sitting just under 200hp, this 126hp machine was launched last year, and customers have jumped aboard. Powered by a four-cylinder FARMotion Common Rail engine, the 5125G has a 60-60 transmission with three-speed powershift and creep gears. An on-demand hydraulic system adds appeal, as does its factory-fitted Stoll loader.
Massey Ferguson MF 5701 S Series 130hp
Since establishing itself in Australia in 1958, Massey Ferguson tractors have been hugely popular Down Under, and models have come a long way since the Ferguson 35. Today the S Series — dubbed the “go anywhere, do anything” tractor — is the mid-range customer favourite. Available in 100-130hp, the S Series’s 4.4-litre, four-cylinder engine is paired with efficient Dyna-4 or Dyna-6 transmissions, with optional AutoDrive for automatic shifting. Its hefty 5200kg lift capacity can deal with jobs big and small, making it a stand-out in this category.
Case IH Maxxum range 145hp
With the introduction two years ago of Stage V emissions engines in 115-145hp Maxxums, buyer interest in this workhorse has stepped up a gear. While its predecessor, with Tier 3 engine, is still available with 16x16 semi-powershift transmission, the Stage V Maxxums boast continuously variable transmission with active drive, and more connectivity options. “When you need power to the ground, and you’re under load while shifting ranges, you can hardly feel it in the transmission,” says product manager Seamus McCarthy, explaining sales last year were split evenly between the Tier 3 and Stage V models.
Claas Arion 620C 140hp
Easy to operate with a low-regulated engine, the 140hp Arion 620C has been Claas’s mid-range bestseller for a long time. Product manager Tim Needham says its reliability, economical six-cylinder 6.8-litre PowerTech engine and competitive price make it appealing to livestock and dairy operators. During this year’s sales surge “it has become even more popular”, he says. With 95 per cent of units sold with a front-end loader, the Arion is a true workhorse.
OVER 200HP
Deutz Fahr 6215 RCShift Warrior 226hp
It may not be the most powerful in the extensive Warrior stable, but the 6215 RCShift 226hp is an Aussie favourite. With the latest 6.1-litre, six-cylinder Deutz engine, it has no AdBlue or DPF technologies, helping keep maintenance costs low. The MaxiVision Cabin comes fitted with automatic climate control and suspension.
Valtra T Series 271hp
All four of its major components — engine, chassis, transmission and cab — are made in-house, boosting the reliability of Valtra’s T Series. Available in models from 170hp to 271hp, the T Series’s 2995mm wheelbase gives good stability and a steady ride. Narrow engine construction offers a turning radius of just 5.25m, and the bonnet design improves visibility. High ground clearance is paired with a lower-sitting cab, meaning this compact six-cylinder can still handle high payloads.
Claas Axion 900 350hp
The Burge family at Coleambally, NSW, are recent Claas converts, last year buying an Axion 930 for its long wheelbase, continuously variable transmission and pulling power. Keith Burge and his son, Phillip, farm cotton, corn and cereals about 60km south of Griffith. They say the 350hp machine met all expectations in its first season sowing winter crops. “We wanted a versatile tractor that could sow row crops as well as broadacre crops,” Phillip says. “It has the high horsepower to be able to carry any load that is required. It is also fuel efficient in using just the engine power required for the job at hand.” Product manager Tim Needham says Axion sales are up 40 per cent year-on-year. “The whole market is up, but certainly our market share in that sector has grown as well,” he says.
New Holland T8 320hp
The T8 Genesis launched last year, equipped with New Holland’s newest intuitive precision farming platform, PLMi. The platform provides connectivity between operators, vehicles and dealers to improve productivity. Broadacre equipment product manager Marc Smith says PLMi allows technicians to dial into a machine remotely to diagnose issues. The 3550mm wheelbase — longer than all its competitors — also sets the T8 apart, offering better stability, traction and comfort. The 320-435hp range is designed to do heavy ripping, seeding, spraying and spreading.
Case IH Magnum 340 374hp
In its rigid-frame models, Case IH’s Magnum 340 is by far its most commonly sold tractor, says product manager Jason Wood. “Most customers choose the 340 because it seems to match their gear,” Mr Wood says. “The Magnum’s reputation is really good. It is a very robust and simple design. The actual engineering concept is similar to the original Magnum, which people love because it has a bulletproof transmission.” The 374hp engine with powerdrive transmission has enough grunt to pull most implements and big square balers. The Tier 2 engine simplifies running costs, with no AdBlue necessary.
Fendt Vario 900 Series 415hp
Fendt’s Vario 900 range has recently been upgraded to add the range-topping 942, which offers true front-wheel-assist 415hp. Agco Australia’s Fendt product manager Donny Cloney says the model was a response to customer demand. “The tractor has been completely redesigned to achieve this horsepower. It’s not boosted power, it is honest power that you can actually get to the wheels, and the farmer can see in the field.” Powered by a six-cylinder MAN engine, the 900s can hold out for 1000 hours between services.
Case IH Steiger Rowtrac 500hp
Case IH’s four-track Steiger Rowtrac is a product of the company’s more than 25 years’ experience in tracked tractors. The 500hp Rowtrac is the most popular in the Steiger stable, says product manager Jason Wood. “It is the biggest machine we can put on a 3m spacing,” he says. With tracks that come in multiple widths, and different axle lengths, the four-wheel drive machine with CVT can perform at creeper speeds as slow as 0.19km/h. “The beauty of it (CVT) is it is not limited by gear ratio,” Mr Wood says.
John Deere 9R 590hp
John Deere’s 9R models are firm favourites with broadacre operators. Cropping contractors Sam, Chris and David Haworth, who work across the West Wyalong region of NSW, have recently bought two new 9R 590hp models to join their Deere fleet. “For this purchase, we were looking for bigger equipment to cover more hectares, operator comfort and ease of use,” Sam says. He was impressed by the 9R’s traction, achieved by the PowerTechTM PSS 13.6-litre engine’s extra horsepower and increased frame weight. “This meant I could pull the bar at a more constant speed which markedly improves productivity,” Sam says. The restyled cab — with heated massage chair — was also a drawcard for
the team, who do long shifts in the seat.
Versatile DeltaTrack 620hp
This mighty beast is powered by a 620hp Cummins QSX 15-litre engine paired with a CAT 16-4 Powershift transmission, for maximum appeal to the biggest operators who want to pull any implement under the sun. Its deluxe four-point suspended cabin is fitted with LED lights, leather seat, armrest control with touchscreen monitor and a Trimble-powered GPS.
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