How different are the top 3 entry-level tractors in SA?

South Africa is a vast country with such a contrasting weather system that it offers a wide range of farming options. From citrus fruit in the Lowveld, wine in the Cape and just about everything else in between. Many small scale land owners who haven’t made use of their land before are turning to the soil to assist in providing extra income.

Farming however is a rather costly exercise however if done correctly and effectively one can see profits. One of the most trusted farming assets is the tractor. In this article we look at the top three tractor brands in South Africa to determine just how different their entry-level option is and how they differ in performance. The aim is to help you, the reader make a better and more informed decision when shopping in this category.

 

John Deere 5042C

 

Tried, tested and loved by many, John Deere is one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the world and they have hundreds of machines on offer, however their entry-level offering is in South Africa is the 5042C. This model is powered by a modern, powerful 4-stroke, 3 cylinder 31kW engine to suit most agricultural operations in the field. This specific model also features a Perma Clutch option which has been designed to reduce the maintenance costs and ensure a longer life operating life. The brakes are also sealed and oil-immersed for minimum wear and tear and longevity. This specific model retails for around R310 766 and comes with a 3 year / 3000 hours warranty which assures you the peace of mind.

 

New Holland TT45 DT

A rival to the John Deere offering on this list is the TT45 DT from New Holland, an equally large and iconic tractor manufacturer. The TT45 DT features a 35kW 3 cylinder diesel engine with a dual air filter and optional water trap set up. The TT Compact Series features 8 x 2 or optional 8 x 8 Constant Mesh mechanical transmissions, perfectly tailored to the high torque capability of the engine. New Holland’s engineers have developed advanced materials and components to reduce noise as well as emission levels, whilst lowering the cost of ownership. An independent 540-rpm PTO with ground speed comes as a standard on all models and the Lift-O-Matic system is standard and enables an implement to be raised and lowered to its previous setting using a single control. This model retails for around R321 770.

 

Mahindra 6060

 

Mahindra hold the title for being the top tractor seller in the world. The company specializes in catering for the needs of the small scale farmer, so naturally it is on our list. How does this model stack up to the other more established offerings? Well, the Mahindra offers a 40kW 4 cylinder direct injection diesel engine. It has been designed to ensure a flat torque curve and maximized torque levels, as high as 236.9 Nm. The radiator, biggest in its category, allows for efficient cooling of the engine, the powerful hydraulics boasts a maximum lift capacity of 2200 kg. Prices for this model are around R297 995.

 

Let’s compare the numbers:

	John Deere	New Holland	Mahindra
Power	31kW 3 cyl diesel	35kW 3 cyl diesel	40kW 4 cyl diesel
Cost per kW	R10 025	R9 193	R7450
Fuel tank size	45 litres	62 litres	65 litres
Hydraulic lift capacity	1300Kg	1500kg	2200kg
Price	R310 766	R321 770	R297 995

 

Verdict

While the John Deere and New Holland feature more modern technology, powerful small capacity motors it is the Mahindra that wins this comparison based on the value for money, its increased performance and lifting capacity as well as its price.

 

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