The long-awaited finals of the new edition of Tractor of the Year 2023 (TotY), the important recognition awarding the most innovative tractors on the European market has just concluded. BKT has been main sponsor of the event the third year in a row and will be it until 2024.

The TotY 2023 Awards Giving Ceremony held on November 9th, on the opening day of Eima International, is the conclusion of a long process that lasts almost all the year long. Starting from the selection of the tractors in competition, which first phase is at the beginning of every year, followed by the kick-off event called “Let the Challenge Beging” that this year took place in June, during which the manufacturers of the candidate tractors could present their products to the 25 journalists who make up the international jury, and then September, the month dedicated to the field tests.

16 tractors from 13 different brands are the lineup of the finalist tractors in competition for the 4 TotY awards:

• 8 tractors competing for Best of Specialized 2023
• 3 tractors competing for Best Utility 2023
• 5 tractors competing for Tractor of the Year 2023
• Additionally, each one of the 16 finalist tractors run also for Sustainable TOTY 2023

Tractor of the Year 2023

FENDT 728 Vario

The main features of the Tractor of the Year 2023 winner, include a brand new 6 cylinders 7.5 liter AGCO-Power engine that produces 283 max hp that also allows an extra power up to 20 hp in all conditions; a new transmission, a new hydraulic and cooling system and a safe cabin filtration (cat. 4).

Among the new features we can find: Separate hydro motors drive front and rear axels; constant 4-wheel drive automatically regulated for best traction, pull-in turn to reduce the turning radius up to 10%; The Fendt iD low-speed concept, intelligent VarioDrive, integrated tire pressure control system, superior manoeruvrability, very low weight-to-power ration, new generation front loader, new premium drivers seat and Fendt's “on & offboard”digital universe FendtONE.

Best Utility 2023

MCCORMICK X6.414 P6-Drive

One of the main highlights at the new McCormick X6.414 P6-Drive is the robotized powershift P6-Drive transmission -made in house-, which offers 6 Power Shift gears in 4 ranges and 40 + 40 when a creeper is fitted.

A distinctive feature of the McCormick High Visibility cab with a mechanical suspension that, combined with the suspended front axle with independent arms further improves driving comfort. The cab is designed with high-quality automotive-derived materials. The same attention to design and functionality can be seen in the control instrumentation with its fully ergonomic design, a 12-inch touch screen monitor, and all-in-one multifunction joystick.

McCormick has brought open field technology down to the utility segment, recognising the need for increased versatility for tractors of this size and a demand for precision farming technology.

Winner Best of Specialized 2023

NEW HOLLAND T4.120 F

All the components required for Stage V approval are under the bonnet and do not affect the size of the tractor or visibility. The design concept comes directly from higher ranges of New Holland among the most interesting features we can find; a standard flat deck cabin, Front suspended axle; Lowest noise level in the cab of the segment; VIS Screen from higher ranges of New Holland; Updated Hydraulics Specs offering Power Beyond connection and HER.

Electric architecture ready to transpose Telematics, Advanced Features and auto guidance.

Winner Sustainable TOTY 2023

JCB Fastrac 4220 iCon

Despite the generous dimension JCB Fastrac iCon is very agile thanks to the numerous steering options including the “crab mode” that make this tractor “gentile on soil”.

The gps systems and integrated connectivity services such as fleet management and predictive maintenance are at a new level, all of that goes together with fact that Jcb provides a coaching service that allows the client to customize the tractor to its needs.

The profound optimization of the whole packadge “hardware + software” makes this tractor more efficient, safer, more comfortable, more connected, more reliable and it positively effects on TCO and consumptions costs.

Last but not least, the maximum speed (where permitted) on road,  can be up to 60 kmh: less time on road means more time on field.

Tractor of the Year is actually the “place” the future of agricultural mechanization is experienced and celebrated, where tractors and their equipment are at the center. An initiative sustained by BKT since from the beginning:

“We cannot but being proud of supporting this award directed towards the future of agriculture“, comments Lucia Salmaso, CEO of BKT Europe. Innovation, technology, and the stimulus of doing always more and better with a sustainable viewpoint are actually true motors that drive BKT, pushing us to produce tires of always improved features that are perfect for every situation.

It amazes me every year when I see the unbelievable solutions developed in terms of technology and for the manufacturers' in-depth studies.

My heartfelt congratulations to FENDT, McCormick, New Holland and JCB, who have demonstrated that they are a model of growth for our entire sector, reminding us of the importance of looking at the future full of passion and enthusiasm.”

“We are very satisfied that also this year the challenge for the 4 TotY awards has been very intense”, confirms Fabio Zammaretti, President of Tractor of the Year. - “On the whole, the jury has assessed 16 tractors of 13 different brands, some of which debuting in the contest.

The assessment path started in June this year with the launch event ‘Let the Challenge Begin'. During the event, manufacturers presented the competing tractors. Later, for the entire month of September, the jury has been able to test the tractors in the fields. Today's awarding ceremony is hence the last stage of a year-long path. My congrats to the winners of the 4 TotY 2023 awards.”

Spotlights are turned off on Tractor of the Year 2023. Now, the only thing we can do is waiting for next year's extraordinary novelties in the sector. And BKT will be there.