Tractor traders hoping for better sales in 2025
With annual tractor sales being a barometer for the state of the industry, New Zealand’s machinery importers and distributors, along with their dealerships, will be glad to see the back of 2024.
We’ve already established that the new U10 Pro seems like a wellsorted platform, solid and stable enough to impress Waikato dairy farmer Dan Hinton, especially at the price point. All U10 Pro models come with a 998cc 3-cylinder, 90hp engine and CVT transmission, a power-train capable of towing 1134kg and tray payload of 454kg. Dan was surprised at how well it towed things like his large mobile calf feeder and effluent spreaders.
“It is a lot sturdier and more stable than I was expecting,” says Dan. “It towed everything, no trouble, especially in low range 4WD.”
He also noted the very tight turning circle, with the U10 turning in nearly the same space as his quad, and the fact that the tow hitch wasn’t tucked right under the back of vehicle, making it easier to lower drawbars onto.
The premium Highland model is mechanically the same as the ‘standard’ U10 Pro but comes with all the fruit, and some. All U10s have as standard, 29-inch tyres, the 8-inch MMI screen with Apple Play, proximity key, front and rear diff locks, auto-hold, audio system with roof mounted speakers, and an electric tilting tray.
The Highland adds a fully enclosed cabin, electric tilt-up windscreen, wiper/washer system, rear glass windshield with ‘trucker’ style slider window, colour-matched doors with glass power windows, heating and air conditioning, premium head-lining and audio system, Highland embroidery and badging.
Some buyers might feel the $6,000 upgrade to the Highland to get those extra features is unnecessary, given how well spec’d the standard U10 is. However, if you want to have the extra comfort and convenience, $29,990 (ex GST) is very competitive – so, why not have it all? The full weather protection may also have added appeal to buyers in more extreme climates.
CF MOTO’S Anton Giacon says a major selling point for the U10 Pro range is the electric push-button gear selection. Mechanical shift levers can be hard to move if the drivetrain is loaded up, such as when on a slope, he says. The push button system easily selects gears under such loads.
Rural News was also impressed with the strong engine braking of the U10, with none of the ‘letting go’ on steep slopes that you often experience in side-by-sides.
As in the lower spec’ U10, fit and finish, and quality of materials in the Highland feels premium. The U10 Pro we tested recently retailed at $23,990 plus GST. The U10 Pro Highland with all the fruit costs just $29,990 plus GST.
