A MOVE up the power ladder is being promised by Czech tractor maker, Zetor, following the launch of its Crystal tractors, which were being shown for the first time at Agritechnica, in Hanover, Germany, this week,

A MOVE up the power ladder is being promised by Czech tractor maker, Zetor, following the launch of its Crystal tractors, which were being shown for the first time at Agritechnica, in Hanover, Germany, this week,

The most powerful series at present, the Crystals are the first tractors from the brand's portfolio fitted with a six-cylinder engine. Two models have outputs of 144hp and 163hp.

They use a four-stroke, 24-valve 6.1-litre engine with common rail fuel injection and is fitted with SCR system to get them within EU IIIB emission regulations. As is usual with Zetor, the gearbox is a fairly uncomplicated design, with 30 forward and 30 reverse gears.

The gearing works through a three-stage torque multiplier, or PowerShift to you and me, with a shuttle-type reverser and clutch button on the gear lever. From the gearbox also comes a pto system with four independent speeds as standard.

A new cab has improved noise reduction and comfort, with better views all round for the operator.

The Crystals join freshened up Major, Proxima and Forterra series tractors in the UK. Zetor also promises to take its current four-series range up to six, with developments also in the Major and Crystal ranges.

At Agritechnica, Zetor also revealed its new 'Pininfarina design' concept and this new direction in design will be the template used in all Zetor model series and products.

The Czech manufacturer unveiled its new look as it is about to enter its 70th anniversary year and comes at a time when the brand is also expanding its product portfolio and developing a larger distribution in Western Europe.