High-power tractors emphasized

	The model TS904 tractor from Shandong Wuzheng has a rated power of 66.2kW.

Traditionally a domestic-oriented industry, China’s tractor manufacturing sector now aims to expand overseas by releasing models that will be on a par with those bearing well-known brands. Suppliers are also narrowing the gap between domestic and foreign designs to boost their competitiveness in the home front, where the latter dominate the high end.

Companies are anticipating between 20 and 30 percent growth in 2011 exports. Revenue from local sales is expected to increase 10 percent.

Under efforts to move up the value chain, many suppliers are adopting powerful engines and other technologies that will enable units to handle more work in different types of terrain. In small and midsize tractors, machines 18 to 35PS now dominate production, in contrast to the trend three years ago when units reached only 25PS. The 20 or so major domestic players are producing a greater number of 120 to 180PS types, and a few have even released 200PS versions.

For convenient operation and safety, makers are integrating the latest in computer, hydraulic, transmission and automation technologies in their models. Most are also employing direct fuel injection and other emission control systems to meet environmental requirements such as those of Euro II and III.

To ensure that units perform as designed, several companies are procuring key parts from well-known suppliers. Adopting these components is considered more convenient for clients since popular brands are supported by service centers worldwide.

Cummins and Perkins are the primary options for engines, while Italy’s Carraro is for front drive axles.
Of the interviewed suppliers, Zhengzhou Unique Industrial Equipment Co. Ltd offers tractors equipped with 18 to 90PS Cummins engines. Weifang Map Import & Export Co. Ltd adopts units from Perkins on request.

To support expansion to higher-value lines, several enterprises have strengthened their R&D capability. Shandong Wuzheng Group Co. Ltd, for instance, set up a design and research institute for agricultural equipment in November 2009. Wuhan Kudat Industry & Trade Co. Ltd employs CAD/CAM software in every stage of product planning.

For an additional edge, some are closely collaborating with overseas-based counterparts, research companies and component providers at the R&D stage. Among these is YTO, one of China’s largest tractor suppliers, which has been working with R&D institutes in the US and Austria. In September 2010, the company launched a 270PS model under the in-house Dongfanghong brand.

Aftersales service is also being enhanced. Zhengzhou Unique has established offices in the UK, Vietnam and the Philippines to serve clients in those areas.

Others are building their presence overseas by setting up departments specializing in foreign trade and promoting products via online advertisements and exhibitions.

Products & prices

China offers tractors for a range of applications. Models for agricultural use dominate output, but units for road construction, mining and other industries are also available. Most machines run on diesel, with no more than 5 percent using gasoline.

Tractors rated 25PS and below consist of hand and small 4-wheel types. Designs with more powerful engines comprise crawlers and wheeled versions.

Hand tractors are typically equipped with a single-cylinder 4-stroke engine, a water cooling system and one or two wheels. Quotes start at $150 and increase depending on the engine’s specifications and other features.

Versions with power not exceeding 10PS generally do not go beyond $450, while those capable of 15PS reach $750. More expensive units have a rating of at least 12PS.

In the 4-wheel category, which similarly employs single-cylinder, 4-stroke water-cooled engines, prices start at $1,000. Models with 12 to 24PS power do not exceed $3,600, while 25 to 80PS designs reach $11,900. Larger machines supporting 80 to 120PS or more can hit $30,000 each.

Tractors are available from about 400 companies in China. Of the industry, 90 percent consists of privately owned enterprises and the rest comprises SOEs and joint ventures.

Only 20 percent specializes in tractors. Most produce the line together with trucks, vans and other farming equipment.