Caterpillar Farm Tractor

Caterpillar Farm Tractor TRACTORS New Tractors 9-1-5 Caterpillar Tractor Co. has produced engines for Steiger tractors for years but the company is now planning to introduce its own farm tractor in late 1985 or early 1986, according to reports leaking out of its recent nationwide dealer meetings. One farmer, who's seen the tractor but prefers to remain anonymous, calls it "totally revolutionary" and "unlike anything you've ever seen" and says there are already at least six prototype machines now in testing around the country. The farmer says he's "put in his order" for one of the tractors, which is fitted with an all-new rubber tracked drive system that provides "super in-field traction with less compaction" but allows the tractor to be driven down the road, unlike conventional metal tracks. Another farmer, who told FARM SHOW he'd test-driven one of the tractors, says the ride is "so much smoother than a conventional wheeled tractor you can't believe it," a feature which allows it to work at higher speeds in the field. At 270 hp., the tractor is reportedly comparable in pulling power to a 340 hp. Steiger. It's fitted with a conventional 3-pt. hitch and pto. FARM SHOW contacted Caterpillar but company officials declined comment. (Mark Newhall, Editor.)

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