An all-wheel-drive tractor unit based on specialist truck technology is the ideal tool for agricultural haulage, offering higher outputs at lower cost, according to Czech Republic-based manufacturer Tatra Trucks.
The 6×6 Tatra Agrotruck is a special version of the company’s T158 Tatra Phoenix model. It is available with power outputs of 355hp, 400hp and 455hp that provides drive to all six wheels via either a ZF manual, or ZF or Allison automatic transmissions.
Restricted to 65km/hr the Agrotruck has been homologated as an agricultural tractor in the Czech Republic and several other EU countries, making it an attractive option for agricultural contractors thanks to its performance on the road and in the field.
The vehicle’s off-road capabilities are thanks to Tatra’s unique chassis concept that dates back to the very first cars the company built at the beginning of the 20th Century. It has as air suspension on all axles. The chassis consists of a central load-carrying tube linked to independently suspended swinging half axles that all feature air-suspension that allows the ride height to be adjusted through a 30cm range. Tyre inflation systems to change pressures on the move to match the field or road conditions are also a central part of the Agrotruck’s functionality.
The wheelbase of this special agricultural truck is, in comparison with the standard Tatra Phoenix, shortened to 3,060mm and can be supplied with a rear axle that’s steerable up to the speed of 40km/hr.
Series production of the Agrotruck began in the second half of 2014, using Paccar MX engines that meet Euro 5 emissions regulations supplied by Daf (which also supplies the cabs used on the vehicle). The introduction of the model was part of the company’s plan to strengthen the presence of Tatra Trucks in agriculture, a field in which Tatras have been used as chassis-cabs for agricultural swab bodies for many years. The company’s other traditional markets are in military, construction, forestry, mining, oil and gas, utilities and firefighting vehicles.
The unique Tatra design makes these trucks ideal for operation in the toughest off-road conditions. The independent swinging half-axles with air suspension provide excellent comfort for drivers. Moreover, when such trucks are used in off-road conditions, they can drive faster than trucks equipped with rigid axles.
Equipped with suitable trailer, the Tatra Agrotruck is capable of significantly increasing productivity in transporting agricultural products and materials, which makes this truck the ideal solution for agricultural companies with larger fields or more frequent and faster-paced transportation cycles.
The Czech Republic’s 48,000kg gross vehicle weight for six-axle vehicles on the road gives the Agrotruck a distinct advantage over tractor-hauled trailers. Hitched to a suitable 65 cubic metre bulk trailer, the combination has a load capacity of 25,990kg with a distinct speed advantage too.
Trials comparing the £125,000 Tatra Agrotruck (355hp, 25,990kg payload and a maximum speed of 65km/hr at 1,300rpm) with the similarly priced John Deere 8360R (355hp, 19,550kg and 50km/hr @ 1,713rpm) and slightly more expensive Fendt 936 (385hp, 19,550kg and 60km/hr @ 1,750rpm), the Agrotruck achieved 186 per cent of productivity of the Deere, while the Fendt’s productivity was 120 per cent of that of the Deere. On top of that, the fuel consumption per tonne of material transported by Tatra’s Agrotruck was 30 per cent less than the tractors.
Tatra Trucks is now keen to introduce the Agrotruck to the UK market. The fact that right-hand drive cabs are readily available from Daf mean this would be a relatively straightforward thing to do, although the company admits that it has yet to have the vehicle appraised to see if it can be registered as an agricultural tractor here – giving it the multiple advantages that conveys (primarily exemption from MOT, and drivers hours and working time directive regulations).
While acknowledging that the exisiting Daf trucks network would be more than capable of routine serviceing of the vehicles, it is looking for an importer that would be willing to support the Agrotruck’s specialist chassis and other systems that make it perfectly suited for the agricultural industry.
For more information visit: www.tatratrucks.com.
