6 simple, low-cost loader tractor options

In the small loader tractor sector, the demand is for simple, reliable tractors that will get the job done with minimal expense.

Most of the big manufacturers offer models to meet these demands, but it can often be more cost-effective to plump for some of the lesser-known names, particularly those that have sufficiently small sales figures to be grouped into the “other” category in the Agricultural Engineers Association’s official tractor sales figures.

The tractors featured here are small agricultural models, which tend to have a tougher build than some of the largest compact machines.

This means they can carry bigger loaders, tow heavier trailers with brakes and travel faster on the road.

We’ve picked out six models ranging from 75hp to 92hp.

See also: 10 scraper tractor options for dairy farms of all sizes

Zetor Proxima

© Zetor

Zetor has announced an updated version of its popular Proxima loader tractor, fitted with a four-cylinder Deutz engine rather than the firm’s own power plant.

The key reason for this is to help the tractor meet the latest emissions regulations.

Power from the 3.6-litre block ranges from 97hp to 125hp – compared with the old model’s 76-117hp spread – and it uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF), an AdBlue system and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) to clean up exhaust smuts.

Other updates include an easier-to-access compressed air outlet for blowing out filters and inflating tyres, plus improved dashboard controls.

The firm is continuing to offer the Proxima in three spec levels, with the base CL having a simple 12-speed mechanical box, the GP getting 16 speeds with two-stage powershift, and the HS sporting a 24-speed semi-powershift with hydraulic forward/reverse shuttle.

Some stock of the current Proxima range will likely be available from dealers until the new tractors begin to filter through. 

All Proxima tractors come with the option of a 540/540e or 540/1000 pto setup and a 50- or 60-litre/min hydraulic pump running between two and four spool valves.

Simple models get mechanical control of the 4,588kg-rated rear linkage, while higher-spec versions have Bosch electronic control.

Retail prices start at £51,000 for the entry-level Proxima CL80.

Farmtrac FT6075

© Farmtrac

Like many small tractor brands, Polish maker Farmtrac builds its machines with a catalogue of proven components from the likes of Perkins, Carraro and ZF.

UK importer Reesink Agriculture brings in a wide range of models from 21hp compacts up to 113hp loader tractors.

The most powerful versions are being updated to meet the latest emissions regs and should be available in the summer.

The FT6075 is the firm’s 75hp offering, sporting a 3.5-litre, four-cylinder engine from parent company Escorts that develops 75hp, combined with a 12F x 12R manual transmission from Carraro.

The back end has a Cat 2 linkage that can lift 2,500kg, a 540/540e pto, two spool valves and hydraulic trailer brakes.

Driver comforts include a five-pillar air-conditioned cabin with roof window and LED work lights.

List price is £34,650, plus £5,400 for the 7000E front loader.

Landini 4-080

© Landini

Landini is the lesser known of AgriArgo’s two tractor brands in the UK and tends to focus more on the smaller end of the market than its sibling, McCormick.

However, the tractors are near identical, save for the colour of the paint, the decals and a few different specs.

The 4-080 is the largest of the firm’s 4-series tractors and, with 75hp on tap, is a popular choice for those wanting a compact loader tractor.

AgriArgo sources the 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine for this tractor from Kohler, which is teamed with either a simple 12-speed mechanical box, or a 24F x 24R with hydraulic power shuttle and 40kph top speed.

Hydraulics run off a dual pump system, with one providing 30 litres/min of oil flow for the steering and another supplying 52 litres/min to all other functions.

This includes up to three rear spool valves and two in the mid-mount position controlled by a joystick, allowing them to operate a front linkage or loader.

There is also a pressure-free return line into the oil tank.

Other features include a Cat 2 linkage rated to lift 3,000kg and a 540/540e pto with ground speed control.

As for the cab, this has a four-pillar frame with wide opening doors, a roof window, folding passenger seat and flat floor.

List price is £49,000, plus £9,395 for a loader.

Same Dorado 90 Natural

© James Andrews

Of the four tractors in the SDF Group – Deutz-Fahr, Same, Lamborghini and Hurlimann – just the first two are officially available to buy in the UK.

Deutz-Fahr is by far the senior partner in terms of UK sales with its full range of tractors, but there are still several dealers offering Same models from 51hp to 143hp.

The three-model Dorado Natural line-up spans the 75-97hp category, fitted with a 2.9-litre, three-cylinder Deutz engine and a 15-speed mechanical transmission rated to a  40kph top speed.

This is available with an optional splitter that doubles the number of forward speeds.

Occupying the middle position of the series, the Dorado 90 Natural delivers a maximum of 91hp and 372Nm of torque. Other than the power difference, the specs across the range are almost identical.

These include a 540/540e pto with the option of 1,000rpm, a 2,500kg or 3,500kg rear lift capacity and up to three spool valves.

The cab has six slim pillars, enabling the firm to fit smaller doors and curved rear quarter windows. It also has a part-glazed roof and the option of air conditioning.

Retail price of the Dorado 90 Natural is £53,758.

Of the four tractors in the SDF group – Deutz-Fahr, Same, Lamborghini and Hurlimann – just the first two are officially available to buy in the UK.

Deutz-Fahr is by far the senior partner in UK sales, offering a full range of tractors, but there are still several dealers offering Same models from 51hp to 143hp.

The three-model Dorado Natural range spans the 75-97hp category, fitted with a 2.9-litre, three-cylinder Deutz engine and a 15-speed mechanical transmission with 40kph top speed.

This is available with an optional splitter that doubles the number of forward speeds.

Occupying the middle position of the series, the Dorado 90 Natural delivers 91hp maximum power and 372Nm of torque.

Other than the power difference, the specs across the range are almost identical.

These include a 540/540e pto with the option of 1,000rpm, a 2,500kg or 3,500kg rear lift capacity and up to three spool valves.

The cab has six slim pillars, enabling the firm to fit smaller doors and curved rear quarter light windows.

It also has a roof window and the option of air conditioning.

Retail price of the Dorado 90 Natural is £53,758

ArmaTrac 904e+

© ArmaTrac

Turkish-built ArmaTrac tractors have been available to buy in the UK for almost a decade, offering a simple source of horsepower for a relatively modest outlay.

There are a handful of dealers in the UK, with Scotland and Northern Ireland being the most popular markets to date.

The Republic of Ireland also has a decent customer base.

Models available here range from about 50hp to 110hp, and tend to be fitted with either Perkins or Deutz engines.

In the case of the 92hp 904e+, it comes with a 4.4-litre, four-cylinder Perkins developing 93hp and 393Nm of torque.

This is mated to a 12F x 12R transmission from Carraro that has a top speed of just over 30kph.

At the back is a Cat 2 mechanically controlled linkage with 3,000kg lift capacity, two spool valves powered by a 48.5-litre/min pump and a 540/540e pto.

Operators get to sit in a six-pillar cab that has a simple set of controls but comes with the option of air conditioning.

As this is a “plus” model, it also has an air seat and electric mirrors.

List price of the 904e+ is £32,000, plus £7,000 for an in-house branded Quicke loader.

Kioti HX

© Kioti

Kioti doesn’t currently have a tractor in our horsepower category, but its new HX model should be arriving later this year.

It replaces the PX and will initially come in a range of outputs from about 90hp to 120hp, with 145hp coming sometime next year.

A key change from the PX is a move away from Doosan engines to four-cylinder Daedong units – Kioti’s parent company.

Details are yet to be confirmed, but early models will come with a manual gearbox featuring a hydraulic power shuttle, with powershift versions expected to be launched in 2023.