Dealers Like SAME's New Crawler.

The recent introduction of SAME's first rubber track crawler tractor, based on the SAME Rock 60C, received an enthusiastic reaction from dealers. The tractor is the first rubber tracked tractor in the 60 horsepower size to be introduced in the US. Previously, it had been available only as a steel track crawler.

The initial market for the tractor will be California's rapidly expanding winegrape industry, where tens of thousands of acres have been planted in the last few years. The Rock 60C fits well into the vineyard market. Its overall width of slightly under 51 inches allows it to be used in narrow rows of the newer vineyards.

The tractor's narrow width, low profile, folding ROPS and rounded shape also make it well adapted to the newer high density orchards that are becoming popular for many tree crops.

The rubber track, which is nine inches longer and 1.5 inches wider than the steel track, results in 30 percent less ground pressure, according to SAME. The company says the rubber tracks also reduce vibration and noise, provide better traction in wet conditions and allow the tractor to be driven on paved roads from field to field. The track drive is positive, thus eliminating slippage in the drive system.

The driver's area on the tractor is well laid out, with controls easily assessable, particularly when considering the low profile and narrow width of the tractor. Features on the tractor include air-oil cooling, good torque response, three-point hitch, remote hydraulic valves and 540 and 1000 rpm PTO speeds along with a 540 rpm economy mode.

The environmentally-friendly engine meets current diesel exhaust emissions requirements, including the standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Standards (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The engine is also biodiesel compatible.

The tractor's introduction in Santa Rosa, California, was particularly appropriate because California should be a major market for the tractor. Santa Rosa is located in the Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino vineyard region, which is noted for its high quality, world class wines. Dealers from areas where grapes and trees are major crops especially welcomed the addition of rubber tracks to the choice of traction systems for their customers.

Robert Ohannesian, from the Farmer's Equipment Company in Hollister, California, told Implement & Tractor that the tractor was well suited to vineyards in his area. "I can probably sell all the units I can get," he said. Another dealer had a customer who didn't want to wait for the units to get to the dealership, so the dealer brought a trailer to the meeting and took back one of the demonstration models.

In this writer's opinion, SAME has scored a breakthrough with this tractor and is setting the standard for this type of rubber track tractor.

John Inman, P.E., is an independent consultant and machinery advisor. An agricultural engineer, he was formerly with the extension department at the University of California - Davis.