Innovation can take many forms, which is why each year the Tractor of the Year award looks to honor those in the agricultural equipment industry. Winners are determined by a group of independent journalists specializing in agricultural mechanization.
While winners are typically European based, they represent what is happening in the industry on a global level. The tractor designs include many of the features important to the market such as improved operator comfort and visibility, as well as increased performance and more data collection and connectivity.
Winners are announced each year at the major alternating agricultural trade shows EIMA and Agritechnica; this year the Tractor of the Year 2020 awards were handed out during Agritechnica.
There are now four categories in which a piece of equipment can be named Tractor of the Year (TOTY):
• Tractor of the Year 2020,
• Best Utility 2020,
• Best of Specialized 2020,
• and the newly added Sustainable TOTY 2020.
Many pieces of equipment from this year’s nominated companies were also honored with Agritechnica Innovation awards.
And the winners are
A total of 14 tractors were finalists in the three main categories, and from those finalists (see sidebar below) one winner in each category was selected.
Tractor of the Year 2020
Winner of the Tractor of the Year 2020 award was the Fendt 942 Vario. The new 942 series for the first time reaches more than 400 hp (298.3 kW). This model impressed the jury also for the level of connectivity it offers which permits full remote control of several functions.
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| The Fendt 942 Vario features a MAN 9-L engine and power up to 400 hp. |
It includes an optimized MAN 9 L engine which is based on a low-regime concept (Fendt ID) that delivers high power performance at a low rpm. In this way the engine smoothly works at a specific max torque level at a minimum consumption level.
The innovative hydraulic system includes two separated high-flow circuits, while the VarioDrive Transmission splits and delivers the torque to the two axles for optimized traction in the field and on the road.
Dana Inc.’s Spicer 980 independent suspended axle is featured on the Fendt 942 Vario tractor. Its front suspended axles deliver enhanced speed and operator comfort for compact tractor applications as well as tractors with increased performance requirements. Dana also offers independent suspension axles for open-field tractors up to 375 kW (500 hp).
“Tractor manufacturers are increasingly challenged to deliver vehicles that provide superior productivity and operator comfort while minimizing the environmental impact through high fuel efficiency and reduced soil compaction,” says Aziz Aghili, President of Dana Off-Highway Drive and Motion Technologies. “The results of the ‘Tractor of the Year 2020’ competition demonstrate how Dana’s advanced technologies are helping manufacturers strike a balance between often competing goals.”
