New And Different Farm Tractor

New And Different Farm Tractor TRACTORS New Tractors 5-1-1 The first production line models of a "new and different" Canadian-made tractor, dubbed the "Laurentia", will begin rolling off the assembly line next month. The heavily-built, intermediate to large 4-wheel drive tractor is unique to the market in several ways, says Ed Andrews, of Codrington,, Ontä inventor-manufacturer. His new style tractor is being built in a spanking new factory at Colborne, Ont., and dealers in both the U.S. and Canada had begun taking orders as this issue of FARM SHOW went to press. "We're not shooting for the market of the `Big Six' tractor manufacturers just as Mercedes doesn't shoot for Ford's market in the auto industry," Andrews points out. "For one thing, the Laurentia is built heavier than conventional tractors. Its components are designed to last 10,000 hours, versus only 3,000 to 5,000 hrs. on nearly all other tractors. Our new tractor is built in such a way that you can remove any major component without removing any other component, cutting service by 75%. "The tractor's most exciting feature is that it's the drive unit for a whole line of equipment. We'll be mounting a combine, a forage harvester, and a baler on it. The difference between it and the New Idea Uni-System is that when you remove the equipment, you have a tractor," Andrews explains. With White farm equipment recently in bankruptcy, and Massey Ferguson in deep financial trouble, you wouldn't expect a new manufacturer to jump boldly into the depressed North American market. But Andrews feels he's filling a niche other manufacturers have overlooked. "There's always a market for a quality machine. Twenty years ago,. Ford, White and most other manufacturers in the trucking industry were making low quality equipment. That's when Peterbilt, Kenworth and others started to make an impact with their high quality, top-of-the-line models. "Today, most truck manufacturers are making high-quality, long-lasting machines. That's what we'd like to see happen in the tractor market," Andrews told FARM SHOW. There are two intermediate-size Laurentias, at 87 and 110 hp. Both are 4-wheel drives with large rear and small front wheels. The tractors have Detroit diesel engines, and a torque converter with power shift transmission. The tractors are bi-directional, with a driver platform that swivels around to the rear in seconds. Other features include: . Being able to remove any one component without removing another. "The differential, transmission, axles and other parts are all mounted on an independent frame, versus most tractors where the component housing makes up the machine and removing them is a major affair. Maintenance takes only 25% of the time required by conventional tractors, especially important in the spring or at harvest," says Andrews. • An exchange unit system for all components. Failed components will be rebuilt and placed in inventory. . Construction of heavy steel. The tractors will be 800 lbs. or more heavier than similar tractors. • Components designed to last 10,000 hours before needing overhaul. "The design permits it to be built in small quantities. It can be repaired simply," Andrews says of his machines, adding that the 10,000 hour component route is one which the construction industry has been following. "It's about time the farm machinery industry used it too." . Front and rear hydrostatic pto, as well as front and rear 3-pt. hitch. "When used for combining, the cutterbar will mount in front and drive off the pto and the threshing unit will drive off the rear," he points out. . A comfort cab, well insulated. Four 4 by 2-in. steel corner pillars make it strong enough "to drop off a cliff and not collapse." So far, Andrews has lined up half a dozen dealers in Ontario and Quebec in Canada, and in New York State in the U.S., to handle his first year's output, scheduled to be one tractor a day by July and twe per day by the end of 1981. He has a number of investors behind him, as well as the financial backing of the Ontario government. Projected price on the 87 hp.

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.