Highlighting two models in Antonio Carraro’s tractor range shows the extent of unique features offered as standard, along with further specialisation for different conditions
While Antonio Carraro’s point of difference is providing tractors that meet specialised needs, this doesn’t mean the manufacturer’s entire range can be treated as fulfilling an identical purpose.
Designed and manufactured in Italy, Antonio Carraro tractors are built to excel in horticultural environments, with its European origin influencing design in ways which are creating unique benefits for Australian growers.
Taking a look at two models at opposite ends of its offering shows that while many of the manufacturer’s distinctive features are present on both, its areas of excellence and target markets reveal that Antonio Carraro is certainly not a one-trick pony.
With a 38hp engine, the TTR 4400 is the smallest of the brand’s hydrostatic transmission tractors and contrasts in many ways to the TRX 9900 – which with an 89hp engine is among the largest of Antonio Carraro’s tractors.
Looking deeper into both the similarities and differences between these two machines highlights what Antonio Carraro has available across its Australian range.
Special effects
Arguably the most unique feature which Antonio Carraro offers on many of its tractors – including both the TTR 4400 and TRX 9900 – is reversible driving.
This, as the name suggests, means the steering and driving position can be completely turned around 180 degrees by simply rotating a turret.
This impressive feature enables operators to work equally comfortably with front and rear-mounted implements by having identical vision and operating function for both, rather than the operator needing to look behind themselves to see rear-mounted implements.
Complementing this feature is the transmission, with both tractors having the same number of forward and reverse speeds to provide seamless operation with all implements.
The TTR 4400 is fitted with hydrostatic transmission and offers a mechanical selector with three speed ranges, an independent two-speed PTO, and front and rear differential lock.
Another common feature to both tractors, and one which also points back to Antonio Carraro’s European influence, is its ability to handle hilly conditions.
They have a low centre of gravity, helping to provide excellent stability, which is in part due to the manufacturer’s patented Actio chassis.
With this, the front and rear axles oscillate independently up to 15 degrees, which makes the tractor crawl over uneven ground and operates in constant 4WD.
Their stability is also highlighted by manufacturer data which shows the TTR 4400 HST can handle slopes of up to 43 degrees longitudinal while ascending or descending and up to 36 degrees while inclined either side.
The TRX9900 can handle up to 33 degrees of incline without overturning when stopped either uphill or downhill in a longitudinal position, and up to 38 degrees when stopped on an incline.
These common design features are based on what Antonio Carraro knows all tractor buyers require, however each is also fitted with additional characteristics to meet even more specialised needs.
Small but mighty
Antonio Carraro’s TTR 4400 might only have a 38hp engine, but it has been designed to do a variety of specialised jobs to an exceptional standard.
Its versatility means it is ideal not only for agricultural uses, but also in other environments such as golf course and sports ground maintenance as well as in nurseries and construction sites.
The stability offered by the Actio chassis makes it ideally suited to these environments, which often have more varied terrain than broadacre country.
Its short wheelbase and tight steering radius help to make the tractor extremely agile in crop rows, while its compact overall nature – capable of being just 1.13m wide depending on tyre settings – makes it well suited to orchard and vineyard settings.
Further versatility is offered by the choice of cabin or ROPS configurations, both of which still mean the machine measures under 2.1m high and is therefore suited to the low rows favoured in some horticultural environments.
Its PTO shaft enables easy switching of implements, enabling users to complete a variety of tasks not only in orchard rows but around the farm and in gardens.
Operation is via an intuitive joystick, while the cabin option brings the additional advantages of air conditioning and soundproofing.
Power packed
Different scenarios require different tractors, which is where the TRX 9900 enters the equation.
Offering the same reversibility and stability of the TTR 4400 but with extra power and other features – it has been described as the “pinnacle” for macadamia farmers by one New South Wales dealer with almost 40 years of experience using the Antonio Carraro product.
Macadamias are just one industry where the TRX 9900 excels, with it also being suited to larger farms with open fields as a general purpose tractor, along with being ideal for horticultural settings that require additional power.
Its four-cylinder engine produces 89hp, making it one of Antonio Carraro’s most powerful models, and a 2,400kg lift capacity gives further evidence of its strength.
It comes with the choice of either a rollbar or fully enclosed cabin and provides 16 forward and 16 reverse gears.
Despite its increased size and power, the tractor can still measure under 1.4m wide, depending on tyre settings, and less than 2.2m high to maintain its strength under low-hanging fruit.
It also has equal-sized front and rear wheels, helping its stability and usability while the steering position is reversed.
Other features include two double-acting hydraulic distributors – one of which has a floating position – and one oil reflow, making five rear couplings in total, plus adjustable three-point linkage arms.
It also contains simple manual transmission without complex electronics – something the manufacturer believes has further bolstered its popularity.
Both the TTR 4400 and TRX 9900 –along with Antonio Carraro’s full tractor range – can be viewed online at www.antoniocarraro.it/au