AGFEST 2017 EDITORIAL – Tasmanian Country.
The new Farmtrac DT series cabin tractors aim to represent European quality in everything but the price tag. Manufactured in Europe with world-class components, the Farmtrac DT Series offers build quality and reliability and is ideal for commercial operations such as dairy farms and contractors. Powered by a premium drivetrain, the Farmtrac DT series is equipped with a quality air-conditioned cabin and a heavy-duty four-in-one front-end loader. The new models, the Farmtrac 690 DT and the Farmtrac 9120 DTn, are rated 90hp and 110hp respectively.
SOTA Tractors’ managing director Martin Cooper said premium tractors offered high quality components, excellent design and engineering and operator comfort as well as great after-sales support. He said premium lines would have spare parts readily available and the vendor must be able to service the tractor on site or support a local agent. “Unfortunately, premium tractors are usually offered at a premium price as well.”

Mr Cooper said as a rule of thumb, the price of a premium cabin tractor is approximately $1,000 per horsepower. He said SOTA, as the sole importer and distributor of the Farmtrac series, was able to cut out the middlemen and transfer the savings achieved to customers. He said the Farmtrac DT series offered premium tractors with Perkins engines, Carraro transmission, Mita hydraulics and a Bosch fuel injection system. “They are built on a rugged cast-iron chassis with a large, high-quality wheel kit, including wheel weights and radial tyres. They are as durable as they come.”
Mr Cooper said the series had full instrumentation and lighting, making it suitable for road registration. “Appointed with features such as a full set of work lights for night work, three pairs of remote hydraulics and remote TPL controls for convenient external linkage adjustment, the Farmtrac DT Series is ideal for commercial operations,” he said.
Mr Cooper said the Farmtrac cabin provided superior soundproofing and all-weather protection with great visibility in all directions. Comfort for the operator is provided by a gas-operated seat as standard and ergonomically placed controls. Mr Cooper said SOTA took pride in its customer service and support and carried major spare parts and consumables on the shelf.