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‘Which’ style tractor report


What do you look for when purchasing a new tractor? Cost, performance, reliability, dealer back up and service, or maybe just its looks.


In 2003 Pitchcare organised the first ‘Which style’ report with Clive Liddiard on cricket wicket mowers. The report was very well received and Groundsmen still access the information today to see the choice of machinery on the market. Alas, due to our time commitments, it has taken nearly three years to get another report organised.


The tractor market is competitive, and it was only when I started to organise this event that I realised quite how much variation and choice there is. In total we managed to get 13 manufacturers together for this report, but there are at least another 6 who were either unable to provide a machine at the time or were inadvertently omitted from the list - my apologies.


In kind cooperation with Ian Smith (Grounds Manager) and St Albans School, Pitchcare invited the manufacturers to supply one mid range tractor for a week of impartial testing and review. All submitted tractors followed a pre- determined series of tests carried out independently by Ian and his staff. The tests are listed below, and the results of these tests will be published via the Pitchcare website in the next few days.


Due to the variations in Hp/drive from different suppliers, the report was not based on a ‘like for like’ comparison, but more a benefits and drawbacks assessment of the individual tractors.


We asked for tractors to be submitted between 35-45 hp but, as testing was based on each respective tractor, models slightly below or above this requirement, were included.


We would like to express our gratitude to all the manufacturers who provided us with machines and allowed us to evaluate them in the field of work.


As a Groundsman I feel that it is important to assess the availability of machinery on the market. Decisions on purchase will depend on a variety of factors and, to that end, choice will always be a matter of preference. We will include the Recommended Retail Price in this report, because cost is an important factor. In most cases through life you get what you pay for, so it’s important to look


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at all the options thoroughly before making a final choice.


Ian and his staff had the tractors available for testing for a week. While it wasn’t a long enough period to put the tractors through the most rigorous procedures, it was certainly long enough to get a feel for each tractor. Midway through the week, we held an open day, inviting Pitchcare members to the school, so that they could see all the tractors together and test drive them for themselves.


The demo day was very well received, each manufacturer had an opportunity to explain the merits of their machine, before attendees were able to get onto the tractors and have a drive around. A hot lunch was provided by the school, underwritten kindly by the manufacturers and, following this, more demonstration and testing took place.


Comments received included, “We’re looking to purchase new tractors, this event means we don’t need to look elsewhere” - James Mead. “For any club with scarce funds and resources this has been an invaluable use of time” - Kevin Duffill. “What a great opportunity to concentrate on one product, evaluate all the features and benefits in one place without distraction” - Steve Potter.


The day was finished off with a friendly race from one end of a rugby pitch to the other, all attendees had entered a sweepstake and it was an amazing sight to see thirteen tractors charging up the field together. The race was an impromtu suggestion by the organisers and was in no way included as part of the ‘Which style’ testing. Again thanks to the tractor representatives for being great sports on the day.


We are currently organising the next report testing at another venue but I would personally like to thank Ian, his staff and St Albans School for their efforts in bringing this report to print.


The testing criteria that Ian and his team judged the tractors on is as follows:


1) Pre start checks-efficiency and ease. 2) Starting procedure and ease of starting.


3) Fuel filling-ease of filling and how much fuel used.


4) Road speed/gear ratios - ease of gear changing/hydrostatic changes.


5) Operator visibility-subject to there


Dave Saltman welcomes guests to the Tractor Day


6) Control layout - does the operator have easy access to all controls, in terms of throttle, hydraulic controls, hand brake, switches?


7) External controls - are hydraulic couplings/PTO/3 pt linkage easy to connect/disconnect?


being a cab, how easy does the shape of the tractor allow a clear view in all directions?


8) How noisy is the machine during operation? How much vibration or unnecessary bouncing of the tractor is there?


9) Operator comfort - Does the machine respond quickly to gear/speed changes, does the seat offer a comfortable position? Does the driver feel safe in operation? Do pedals require additional exertion than would be expected?


11) Does the tractor leave a large tyre imprint or is the weight/ground ratio just about right?


13) In general was the machine easy to use?


available on the website at www.pitchcare.com in the near future.


10) Manoeuvrability of the machine - can you still swing the tractor round on the spot or is it a corn circle to turn round?


12) Cleaning down of the machine. A job we all hate but it has to be done, is it any easier now?


14) Did you like the machine? A personal choice, but a fair question.


The findings of Ian and his team will be


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