Deutz Agrofarm 100 tractor
First Drive: Deutz Agrofarm 100
The latest addition to Deutz Fahr’s line-up, the Agrofarm 100, offers something the brand hasn’t had for a while – it’s a simple, all mechanical (well, almost) work-horse purpose-built for livestock farmers.
Of course the success of Deutz’s sister brands – Same, Lamborghini and Hurlimann – has been built on this principle. If you’ve already got a winning formula, then you might as well share it across your portfolio, reasons Italian parent company Same Deutz Fahr (SDF).
The Deutz Agrofarm 100 is no different – the Agrofarm adds to Deutz’s range but replaces existing models for other brands in the SDF stable (see ‘Deuta Agrofarm 100 Replaces…’).
Deutz Agrofarm 100 replaces:
| New Model | Replaces |
| Same Explorer3 | Explorer Classic and New |
| Lamborghini R3.Evo | Target 95 |
| Hurlimann XB Max | Prestige 95 |
| Deutz Fahr Agrofarm | All New |
We got our hands on the larger of the two models offered – the Agrofarm 100 – in top GS specification.
That means it benefits from clutchless gear splitter, power-shuttle, wet-clutch package, air-con and electronic 4wd engagement.
IMAGES: Deutz Agrofarm 100
PERFORMANCE: Deutz Agrofarm 100
Deutz Agrofarm 100
Likes
- Straightforward mechanic controls
- Brakes on all four corners
- Tight turning Circle
- Positive power-shuttle
Dislikes
- Low Headroom
- Filmsy wing-mirrors
- Awkward range change
All 100s come with air-suspended seat, telescopic Dromone hitch and assistor rams to boost linkage lift capacity to 6.2t.
One thing to remember about this tractor is that it’s been designed to be as compact and light as possible – it’s got that Dinky Toy feel to it which of course limits the space available to the operator.
That said, SDF’s men in white coats have done a good job of making the cabin feel roomier than it actually is. Headroom is going to be a bit of an issue for anyone over 6ft but those of us of less impressive stature won’t feel cramped.
A sloping glass roof-hatch lets in a good bit of daylight and offers probably the best views skywards of any machine on the market – a real bonus where loader work is concerned.
When it comes to ergonomics, the tractor’s still in the points zone. All the controls are handled by straightforward mechanical levers bar pto engagement, diff-lock and 4wd (although on standard spec tractors tugging on a toggle gets the rubber up front turning).
Deutz Agrofarm 100 on Youtube
INTERIOR: Deutz Agrofarm 100
The main gear lever handles four manual changes and a stubby stick to the left of the seat swaps between high and low ranges, making for eight straightforward speeds.
A simple, button-operated splitter halves each gear for on-the-move speed changes.
Clutchless direction changes are made with a column-mounted shuttle – simple so far.
What muddies the water is Kubota’s “Swing Shift” function. Knocking the main lever out of gear and tapping it to the left initiates a further range change, making for a total of 32 forward and 32 reverse speeds.
In operation, this complex, electro-hydraulically controlled set-up seems like an unnecessary complication. In effect, it just replicates the manual range change without extending the working speed range and complicates the engineering set-up in the process.
THE TEST: Deutz Agrofarm 100
Weapon of choice for our test run with the Agrofarm 100 is a 3m Bomford flail-topper. Although a hefty lump, the tractor feels remarkably well-balanced with it on the tail.
It drops into work on an old-school quadrant lever and then it’s a case of giving the pto rocker-switch a couple of flicks (one to activate, one to engage) and things start to spin.
Heading off up the field, the engine’s got plenty of go in it so it’s easy to pick up the pace. Splitter shift is smooth and to notch up a gear you’ve got the option of using the lever-top clutch dump button.
As you’d expect, at high revs this is pretty jerky. Chances are that once the gearbox is bedded in and you’ve got a decent load on behind, shifts like this will be a whole lot smoother.
Selecting the required range isn’t quite such a cinch. High, low, creep and super creep are arranged in an illogical order on a stubby lever labelled with a collection of small mammals, reptiles and molluscs.
Changes between forwards and reverse are seamless on this power-shuttle version, though.
VERDICT: Deutz Agrofarm 100
Deutz Agrofarm 100 Profile
| Rated Power | 90hp |
| Engine | 4-Cylinder Deutz 4-litre turbo, liquid cooled |
| Transmission | 40F x 40R, 4-range, 5-speed manual with cluthless splitter and power-shuttle |
| Top Speed | 40Kph |
| Linkage lift | 6.2t |
| Tractor weight | 3.7t |
| Turning radius | 3.5m |
| PTO | 540, 1000, 540 eco and 1000 eco |
| Service intervals | 500hrs |
| Price | £29,976 |
SDF has really got the balance right with the Deutz Agrofarm 100. It’s engine meets all the latest emissions rules without the need for high-tech common-rail fuel injection systems.
The gearbox can be a simple as you like but should you want it (and we’d certainly recommend it) you’ve got the option of power-shuttle and a clutchless splitter.
The cab is a well thought out space, if a little cramped. And perhaps most importantly for a tractor of this size, the price is right. Dealers are offering this tractor, complete with a Quicke loader and 24 months interest-free finance, for less than £25,000.
Whatever colour you order it in, it’s a bargain.
RIVALS: Deutz Agrofarm 100
| John Deere 5820 | MF 5455 | McCormick CX105 | Landini Vision DT105 |
 |  |  |  |
| 93hp | 100hp | 102hp | 99hp |
| £34,476 | £36,971 | £27,934 | £32,367 |
