With a robust build and a list of well-regarded component manufacturers, Armatrac has developed a range of simple tractors that are steadily gaining traction on a growing number of farms. Alex Heath speaks to one Warwickshire user to see how his 110hp model is performing.
For Andrew Green, based near Kenilworth, Warwickshire, a 100 to 120hp tractor is the ideal size for his wide range of farming and contracting tasks carried out.
"A lot of work I do is for smaller farms, local authorities and equestrian premises, so having a fleet of mid horsepower tractors is necessary. My workload includes making 150 acres of my own hay and haylage, 250 acres for customers, plus hedge cutting, topping and muckspreading."
Having run Kubota tractors for the last 12 years, Mr Green has recently broken with tradition and introduced an Armatrac to his fleet, with a second on its way.
"I first came across the Armatrac brand at LAMMA show in 2018. What struck my initially was the component list, with big names such as Perkins, Carraro, ZF and Bosch all featuring. The simplicity of operation, with a synchromesh transmission is just what I needed."
An order was placed and a 1104 Lux arrived at the start of this year. Until recently Perkins was the engine manufacturer of choice, but this has recently changed in favour of a Deutz four-cylinder powerplant of 3.6-litre capacity.
When we visited, Mr Green actually had Armatrac UK's demonstration tractor to tide him over while he awaited the arrival of his second tractor. The demo tractor was fitted with the Perkins engine.
Mr Green says "The Deutz engines are well regarded and found in lots of different machinery, so it is by no means a problem having it in my tractor. If anything, it probably runs smoother than the Perkins and I would guess it is a little bit more fuel efficient. The cab on the new models is also better with a more logical layout and more refinement."
He says there is lots to like about the tractors.
"Specification is very generous, with a hydraulic top link, hydraulic linkage levelling, reversing camera, air brakes, suspended cab, LED lights and good air con all included. There is very little extra you need to tick on the option sheet," he says.
Mr Green also comments the tractor came with a versatile weight package as standard, that allows him to tailor the ballast depending on the task.
"For hay work, the wheel weights come off, making the tractor as light at possible, however for field work and trailering they go back on. I can vary the weight by about 800kg, with the base weight a shade over four tonnes."
While the tractor has many mechanical components that make servicing and operation for the most part simple, it does have some quirks, says Mr Green.
"I would recommend anyone buying one to sit down, read and digest the operator's manual. Compared to most mainstream brands, there are a few areas where the tractors are built and designed differently.
"An example is the start up procedure. You turn the key, wait for the tractor to boot up, clutch, and simultaneously turn the key and press the start button. To the uninitiated, this could catch you out, but after a few hours in the seat, you soon get into a rhythm.
"Also, you have to forward plan, if your going on the road on a cold morning. The gear box will not engage high range if it is under 18 degrees, but once up and running it will.
"The steering is incredibly positive and you get good feedback through the steering wheel although the brakes are quite heavy and require a firm push to activate."
The construction of the tractor is a big plus point says Mr Green, with plenty of steel where it is needed. In addition, parts that could be prone to accidental contact, such as the rear mudguard are made of blow-moulded plastic, which should be more resistant.
"The tractor came with lots of addition features," he adds. "Things like spare spool valves, flat faced in addition to the normal female spools and a decent sized, lockable toolbox in the tombstone on the front finish the tractor off nicely.
"It has four double acting spools on the rear. There is a variety of free flow, floating and standard valves, which is okay, but you need to remember which do what. It would be better if the hydraulic top link and the levelling were integrated into the rear end, or had a tap to divert the flow as on a plough, there is not enough spool valves when everything is connected. Another quirk, which I quite like, but was not aware of initially is the hydraulics and gearbox have different reservoirs, which keeps the transmission oil clean and that can only be a good thing."
So far, the tractor has had very little go wrong. "When it came the steering angle was poor, but we soon adjusted it to be very agile. Also, there was a dodgy jubilee clip holding the air con pipe on which wriggled loose. Any problems it has had have been minor and not affected the operation, and the dealer has been quick to fix them.
"There are a couple of bits I would like to see addressed. The pickup hitch does not push out, which on a tractor of this size that will be swapped regularly between trailers and trailed implements, it should. I would also like to see an air seat added and larger mirrors, but these are things you live with," Mr Green says.
Overall, Mr Green is impressed with the tractor and its performance. "It does everything I have asked of it. We had it on the dyno one day and it was putting out 92.3hp from the shaft, which is a good result. The cab it comfortable and well specced, with an airline that allows me to blow the cab down. It is good on fuel and pulls well.
"For me, this size of tractor is ideal. It will pull a nine-tonne muck spreader all day and can turn its hand to most jobs. it is a real goffer, do it all machine and the build quality is very good," he adds.
