Rubber-Tracked Tractors

Rubber-Tracked Tractors TRACTORS Traction Devices 18-6-27 Rubber-tracked tractors are springing up all over. Here are three more we've spotted recently in farm magazines from both France and England. • Gregoire - Built by Gregoire Tracteurs Polyvalents in Cognac, France, the Gregoire is powered by a 160-hp. Deutz 6-cyl. diesel. It's fitted with 2-ft. wide tracks with an 8 1/2 ft. long "foot-print" against the ground. It has a hydro-static transmission with speeds up to 15 mph and is fitted with both front and rear 3-pt. hitch. Contact: Gregoire Tracteurs Polyvalents, 89 Avenue de Barbezieux, 16100 Cognac, France (ph 45 82 23 49; fax 45 82 32 56). • Morooka - Built in Japan, the Morooka rubber-tracked crawler is avail-able in 14 different models from 30 to 325 hp. Tomen America, Norcross, Ga. (ph 404 399-8091), is taking preliminary steps toward offering the tractors in the U.S. The tractors are being tested in various crops in California, especially on rice. The Morooka line, with a front hydrostatic sprocket drive, is said to be able to operate in paddy water without problems from mud and without damaging the soil. The tractors are expected to sell for about 15 to 20 percent less than Caterpillar Challengers of comparable size. • Waltana - Built in Australia and fitted with Goodyear rubber tracks, the Waltana has been on the market since the late 1980's and is fitted with a positive drive system that's been used by other manufacturers who say it works better than friction drive systems. In fact, Waltana's drive system is being used for Deere's new add-on track system for combines. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Waltanna Tractors, Glenelg Highway, Tarrington, Victoria 3301 Australia (ph 055 733392; fax 066 733327).

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