The parking was on a nearby field & many cars had to be towed out. I was glad I went in my Jeep Cherokee.

BHPian Jeroen recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Last weekend the Dutch Tractor Club de vetnippels (grease nipples) held its annual event.

It was only about an hour's drive from where we live, so I decided to have a look. On Saturday it had been raining very very hard and almost all day. This event is out on a field so it was extremely muddy, if not to say muddy. The parking for visitors is on a nearby field and many cars needed to be towed out by a tractor. Luckily I went in my Jeep Cherokee. With the 4-wheel drive engaged, it ploughed, axle deep, through all the mud and waterlogged fields!

This is a vintage tractor event, so you will see all sorts of tractors, from the very traditional steam tractor to many different more modern ones. A few other things were on display as well as you will see.

This was the first (steam) tractor I came across. Love these machines!

There were several caterpillar tractors as well as you will see.

Many of these tractors are owned and restored by farmers. Some of these families have several tractors. The other day I was talking to somebody in our village. She told me her son, who was 25 already has a collection of 25 vintage tractors.

This one is for sale (Te Koop). There is quite a second-hand trade market in vintage tractors, believe it or not. I know of at least four major auctions every year that will typically sell about 100-150 vintage tractors!

There were also several stationaire engines being displayed. And quite a few of them were running too.

In the vintage days, tractors were used to power lots of implements and machinery on farms. Here you see a tractor being used to power a huge band saw mill.

Even today modern tractors still power farm equipment. The most used one, apart from the obvious machinery for ploughing and so on, is pumps.

These tractors might look and are in fact vintage. But almost all of them are in running condition. I particularly liked this one.

Those of you who have been following some of my posts might remember I would really like a Unimog. Great little truck. However, Mrs D. has vetoed this idea.

A man can dream of course

These sorts of events are very much family affairs. Lots of women and kids about. The kids bring their own mini tractors and tear around the place!

It was muddy, very muddy!

Lots of these Lanz tractors about:

Some Hanomag’s in different shapes, colours and level of restoration

The nice dark blue Hanomag had this pneumatic horn installed. I don’t think it was original though.

Some very old tractors, all quite rusty, waiting to be restored at some point in time.

They were also running these demos on vintage rock crunchers. All powered by, what else, vintage tractors.

Nice little tractor, somebody must have added the little hydraulic crane to it.

There were several other market stalls about as well. Some interesting vintage wood- and metal working tools.

Another Lanz

Couple of Bulldogs

These days calling anything a lilliputer or midget is considered to be political incorrect. I don’t think the farming community is too worried about this sort of wokism.

Some folks demonstrating old crafts

A free merry-go-round for the kiddies!

Not sure what this thing is called in English. In Dutch we call it a “Kop van Jut”.

You swing a big hammer that catapults a small cart along the vertical rail towards the bell. If you manage to ring the bell, you have won!

Big party tent as well. You could get food and drinks, life music. BIG party tonight for all the participants!

I thought this was quite an unusual design for a tractor. They tend to have the engines quite open and visible. It reminded me of some of the old streamlined steam trains. I don’t think tractors require streamlining though!

Tractors are used not only by farmers, all kinds of heavy-duty work can and is often done with the help of tractors. Here is one with one of these massive levellers attached.

Continue reading Jeroen's visit to this event for BHPian comments, insights and more information.

The tiller has a top speed of 15 kmhr and a maximum load hauling capacity of 1 tonne.

BHPian Emvi recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Power tillers are mostly used for ploughing fields and it was no different in our household till fag end of the 70s decade, I am told. In the early 80s, due to various reasons, paddy cultivation completely made way for commercial crops cultivation and the entire agricultural scene changed from there onwards atleast in our part of the world.

With change in topography, the power tiller that we owned was suitably adapted to our use case. While we shifted from paddy cultivation to commercial crops cultivation, forethoughtfully, my father made good provision for roads within our plantation. A trailer was attached to the power tiller to haul agricultural produce and the usage pattern of the machine got completely transformed. Agreed, this transformation wasn't our innovation, but we were probably the first ones to adapt power tillers in such a way in our locality.

Our first power tiller was "Krishi Udyog" make bought in 1970. The lesser talked about it the better. It was one of most unreliable machinaries that we have ever owned, I am told. It was disposed off pretty early and what took its place in 1973 was nothing but an engineering marvel in its own right- Kubota Power Tiller. During its initial days, the tiller was extensively and only used for ploughing paddy fields. Later on as the transformation in our agriculture took place, it was used primarily used for load hauling with trailer attachment. It was bought new for INR 19500 and after serving us well for about 25 years, it was sold off for INR 30000! The engine remained unopened during the entire tenure of our ownership! A hallmark of its rock solid reliability. Unfortunately I don't have a single picture of the legendary machine.

Although Kubota kept serving us well, as years passed, we felt the need for a bit powerful power tiller for enhanced load hauling capacity. Even before Kubota was sold we purchased our third power tiller- Mitsubishi derived VST Shakthi 130DI in 1997. This is the one which is still doing duty for us and if I may add doing it appreciably well.

Specifications:

Engine- 673cc Single Cylinder Direct Injection Diesel

Power rating-

• Max. Horsepower - 13 hp@2400 rpm
• Max. Torque- 42 nm@1600 rpm

Transmission(Non synchromesh)-

• 6 speed forward and 2 speed reverse(High and Low ratios combined)

Brake System-

• Tiller- Hand operated internal expanding shoe type brakes.
• Trailer- Foot operated mechanical drum brakes.

Steering System-

Steering clutch levers are provided on the grip of the right and left handles. When the left clutch lever is gripped, power is cut-off on left side of the wheel and the tiller turns to the left. Similarly when the right side is gripped, the power tiller turns to the right. However, on a downhill the 'wrong' clutch lever has to be gripped to steer the machine to the right direction!

Starting method- Hand Cranking

Top speed- around 15 kmph(approx.)

Max. Load hauling capacity- 1 tonne.

Driving / riding power tillers needs a bit of practice and it is never as easy as it seems. I learnt / started driving in my early teens, the time I was studying in my 8th grade. When loaded, it is quite handful especially while climbing down gradients thanks to its 'simple yet tricky' steering system. Power tiller specific tyres provide a lot of traction and can navigate through slush and muddy terrain very well. Since the roads within our plantation don't have too many steep gradients, gradeability is a non issue. The current trailer attachment is equipped with manual tipping system.

I will let pictures do the talking further.

VST Shakthi in full 'force'

Ferrying Coconuts

Hauling Firewood

A load of arecanuts

Make your own road

Carting water barrels

Family members enjoying plantation ride

Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.

A lot of other machine operators that are running more than 10-year-old JCB machines are now being fined in Faridabad, Haryana.

Abhinav Gupta drops in a query via this Team-BHP share page.

Greetings for the day!

I would like to bring to your notice that my father owns a JCB 3DX 2WD Hydraulic Excavator Loader, which has Euro-2 emission norms registered on 21-10-2010, under HR-38 RTO.

It is currently being operated in Faridabad, Haryana, which comes under the Delhi-NCR region where the NGT 10-year-old diesel vehicle ban is applicable.

Since this forum is about everything on wheels, I wanted to know from my fellow BHPians if anyone knows whether JCB machines are also covered under the NGT 10-year-old diesel vehicle ban of Delhi/NCR?

A lot of other machine operators that are running more than 10-year-old JCB machines are now being fined in Faridabad, Haryana.

As per my research Farm and Construction Equipment and Machinery are not covered under the NGT 10-year-old diesel vehicle ban, but I was unable to find any documentation regarding the same.

If some documentation could be provided by my fellow BHPians that JCB machines are not covered under the NGT 10-year-old diesel vehicle ban, I would be very thankful or if someone who is running more than 10-year-old JCB in the Delhi-NCR region who has proper knowledge regarding the ban and whether JCB machines are covered under it or not could directly get in touch with me.

As It could save us from future trouble and could help my father continue in his business, else we will have to sell out this piece of equipment which has served us for years.

The same issue I have is with 10-year-old diesel-powered tractors.

Here's what BHPian SPIKE ARRESTOR had to say on the matter:

I would suggest that the owner files an RTI to the correct department seeking information under the RTI Act 2005, the PIO should be able to answer his questions.

An official RTI reply is documentary proof, which could be used to avoid any harassment from cops. RTI costs 10 Rupees and can also be filed online (in most cases, but please check with the concerned PIO and Department).

Spike

Here's what BHPian anjan_c2007 had to say on the matter:

Does the HR 38 locality, where the RTO for this vehicle is registered fall within the NCR limits?

Importantly the moot issue should be its current location and whether it's papers have been submitted to the RTO where it presently operates?

If its a NCR registered vehicle or else even if its papers are submitted with NOC from an older non NCR RTO to a NCR RTO the ban is fully applicable. The registration simply gets cancelled for all such diesel powered motor vehicles that are registered with the RTO's in NCR, be it a tractor or a JCB or even a Mercedes Benz.

For more information please view this link.

Here's what BHPian Latheesh had to say on the matter:

The JCB (Backhoe loader, wheel loader) is certified by ARAI for its road worthiness just like other vehicles (allowed to be driven on road just like other vehicles) . Machinery like excavator (Hitachi, Poclain) do not need this certification. The NGT ban may be applicable for JCB backhoe loader.

Here's what BHPian directinjection had to say on the matter:

In the absence of any document, how did Abhinav conclude that Farm and Construction Equipment and Machinery are not covered under the NGT 10-year-old diesel vehicle ban?

The NGT order bans plying of vehicles on roads only; they can continue to be used on farms and sites, although that limitation does diminish their utility!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

6 SUVs and 6 commercial vehicles will be battery powered.

Mahindra plans to launch 23 new products in the automotive sector in the coming years. These include 9 SUVs and 14 commercial vehicles. Out of these, 6 SUVs and 6 commercial vehicles will be battery powered. The next-gen Scorpio and XUV700 SUVs are scheduled to be launched in the current financial year.

Additionally, the company will launch 37 tractor models under its Project K2 by 2026. The K2 series is a lightweight tractor programme. These tractors are being developed by a collaboration between Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery, Japan and Mahindra Research Valley, India. They are expected to be launched in three to four years. The first set of tractors will be introduced in 2023.

While the tractor industry is expected to grow in the low single digits in FY2021-22, Mahindra is ramping up production as it expects a strong demand between June and July. Demand in the auto sector is likely to take a longer time to pick up.

Mahindra has planned investments amounting to Rs. 12,000 crore in new models in the auto and farm sectors. Another Rs. 5,000 crore will be invested in group companies as well as the auto and farm sectors.

The company has planned a total investment of Rs. 17,000 crore over the next three years. Out of this, Rs. 9,000 crore is to be invested in the automotive sector. While Rs. 6,000 crore will be invested in conventional vehicles, Rs. 3,000 crore will be kept aside for electric vehicles. Rs. 3,000 crore will be invested in the farm equipment sector.

Source: ET Auto

The 50 HP Solis Hybrid 5015 tractor is a customised product that features a traditional diesel engine and a lithium-ion battery. It offers a continuous power supply through a synchro-controller and is maintenance-free.

International Tractors Limited (ITL) has launched the Solis Hybrid 5015 tractor at a price of Rs. 7,21,000 (ex-showroom Pan India). The hybrid powertrain for the tractor has been developed in collaboration with Japanese company, Yanmar Agribusiness Co. Ltd.

The new 50 HP Solis Hybrid 5015 tractor is a customised product that features a traditional diesel engine and a lithium-ion battery. It offers a continuous power supply through a synchro-controller and is maintenance-free. The high voltage tractor battery can be charged with a 16A household socket plug. A full charge is claimed to take in less than 3 hours. An auto-charging cut-off function that is claimed to result in longer battery life, has been provided. It also offers ‘charging on the go’ for continuous battery charging when the throttle is not engaged. Additionally, the Solis Hybrid 5015 gets a 'Smart LED display' that depicts the battery charge level.

The Solis Hybrid 5015 comes with an E-Powerboost function, which can be activated by using a ‘Power booster’ switch on the dashboard. It also gets a four-wheel-drive configuration.

The Solis Yanmar range by ITL is being manufactured at the company’s Hoshiarpur plant. The Solis brand is present in 130 countries and was launched in India in 2019.

The Tiger Electric can operate for 8 hours hooked-up to a 2 tonne trolley.

Sonalika has launched India's first field ready electric tractor called the Tiger Electric. It is available at an introductory price of Rs. 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Tiger Electric is powered by an IP67 compliant 25.5 kW natural cooling compact battery. It is claimed to reduce running costs by 25% compared to diesel. The battery can be recharged using a regular home charging point in 10 hours. A fast charger reduces charging time to 4 hours. Operating with a 2 tonne trolley, the tractor can run for 8 hours.

The Tiger Electric uses an Etrac motor that is claimed to offer high power density and high peak torque with zero RPM drop. The tractor can reach a top speed of 24.93 km/h.

The Tiger Electric is manufactured at Sonalika's facility in Hoshiarpur, Punjab.

Mahindra has launched the Sarpanch Plus tractor range in Maharashtra. The new range includes the 575 Sarpanch Plus which is available with two engine options.

The new Sarpanch Plus has 2 BHP more than the outgoing model. In addition to extra power, the tractor also has higher peak torque and back-up torque. The tractor comes with an extra long stroke (ELS) direct-injection diesel engine that comes in two states of tune - 30 BHP and 50 BHP.

The Sarpanch Plus tractor series is offered with a 6 year warranty. The tractor can be booked online on this website for an initial payment of Rs. 5,000.

Escorts has unveiled what is said to be India's first hybrid tractor.

The Hybrid Concept Tractor is powered by an engine with 70-75 HP. The company claims that with the hybrid system, the power output can be boosted up to 90 HP.

It has four operating modes - Hybrid, Pure Electric, ICE direct and Charging mode. In Hybrid mode, both the diesel engine and electric power is used to propel the vehicle. In Pure Electric mode, the tractor runs solely on batteries. In ICE direct mode, the tractor operates on the internal combustion engine alone. Finally, there are three charging modes - regeneration, ICE and plug-in mode.

In addition to the hybrid tractor, Escorts has also showcased a hybrid backhoe loader concept. It uses a 50 HP engine and a hybrid system that is claimed to boost output up to 75 HP. It has a regenerative mode and three working modes - Hybrid, ICE-Diesel and Electric-Excavator only.

Escorts also showcased its multi-utility Rural Transport Vehicle (RTV) concept called Rider. It has a payload capacity of 750 kg and has an optional four-wheel drive mode.

John Deere has put in software locks that disables their tractors from unauthorised repairs. According to a media report, farmers in the USA are now sourcing software to bypass these locks.

Farmers who are usually located far away from authorised dealerships face time delays due to breakdowns. It is also reported that John Deere authorised technicians charge a lot more than independent mechanics doing the same repair. Using software sourced from Eastern European countries like Poland and Ukraine, the user can disable speed limits and allow the tractor to be connected to a laptop via USB.

John Deere has been signing agreements with tractor owners which doesn't allow unauthorised repairs on their equipment. A 2015 ruling by the Librarian of Congress approved software modifications on land vehicles as long as it didn't affect its emission.

Source: Vice

Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) has announced the launch of its JFarm Services and JFarm Services App. It offers a free platform for farmers to rent out their farm equipment. The JFarm Services App connects farmer entrepreneurs to those looking to hire tractors and other farm machinery.

According to the company, small farmers account for 86% of India's farmland holding and more than 20 crore farmers have little or no access to mechanized tools. For farmers who own small pockets of land, owning expensive farm equipment isn't feasible. With JFarm Services, farmers can now hire modern machinery to increase productivity. 

TAFE is collaborating with state governments of Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Assam to roll out the JFarm Services platform. It was earlier launched on a pilot basis in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and has around 60,000 users. The service has generated over 1,00,000 orders making up approximately 2,50,000 hours of hired farm machinery usage.