The AGCO/FENDT TRISIX prototype tractor may or may not ever reach production, much less distribution in North America, but there was always a crowd near it at Agritechnica in Hannover, Germany. Billed as the world's most innovative tractor, the 6-wheel, triple axle unit is one of the largest, with a 540 hp engine, yet only a 9-ft. width.

The TRISIX may be narrow, allowing it free movement on European roads, but it isn't short at 25 ft. long. Claims for the big tractor include greater stability on slopes than offered by standard wheeled tractors and better handling of poor soil conditions than tracked tractors.

While it's not the first triple axle tractor, it's the most sophisticated and also the fastest. Neither an early Valtra with a bogey axle nor a more recent Czech version could travel at road speeds of 40 mph or more. And definitely not while pulling a full payload.

The high road speeds under load are made possible by a high performance braking system, two continuously variable transmissions (CVT) and independent suspension on all six wheels. The TRISIX is also the largest tractor to feature the fuel and power efficiencies of a CVT transmission.

A feature of the tractor, which is equipped with front and rear lift linkage, is the rear platform with a third mounting area. Positioned between the two rear wheels, it's designed for mounting ballast weights, transport containers or as a fifth wheel for trailers.