Zetors first appeared in the mid-1950s and by 1969 were being advertised and sold by Motor Lines in Takanini. It took the business seven years to sell its first 1000 tractors, then three years more to hit the 2000 mark.
In the late 1980s distribution passed to CB Norwood Distributors, before Doug MacFarlane in Hamilton stepped up to the plate in 1992. The history from then is scarce, but Stu Macfarlane says they supported the brand with parts long afterwards.
In Europe, the brand’s enjoying a revival, following a return in 2015 to its original production base at Brno, Czech Republic. It had gone to ZTS Martin in Slovenia for about 20 years, during which the Zetor name disappeared.
The recently launched Crystal HD model resurrects a name that first appeared in 1968. It will be remembered for its utilitarian design and a cab larger than most Kiwi baches of the day.
The new Crystal HD, in 150 or 170 designations, has the latest Deutz 6-cylinder 6.1L engine delivering 150 or 171 hp, in turn mated to a 30 forward/30 reverse speed ECO transmission already used in Zetor’s existing Forterra range.
The transmission has a power-shuttle design with 3-stage powershift and delivers 40km/h at only 1750rpm, hence the ECO monika.
A six-post suspended cab sits 10cm higher than previous models’, offering improved visibility, and the tractors get the obligatory multi-function control panel, a new dashboard and improved ergonomics.
At the rear, electronic linkage controls take care of the 8.5 tonne lift capacity. Now it needs only a new distributor in NZ.
