By Martin Rickatson

Chinese firm, Lovol, which two years ago used Agritechnica to reveal its aspirations to create a new full-line farm machinery brand using the Arbos name, has started to come up with the goods.

Its plans included the manufacture of European-designed, Italian-built tractors for the Western market, and it recently held a field event in Italy to unveil the pre-production models of its four-cylinder 110-136hp 5000 series, demonstrate its arable implements, and provide more detailed plans for distribution, larger tractors and a new combine line.

There are three tractors in its 5000 series. All have a five-speed, two-range transmission, with two specification levels, with either a mechanical shuttle and two-speed powershift or powershuttle and three-speed powershift.

Models specified with the latter also benefit from a declutch button on the rear of the main gear lever. Mechanical spool valves are fitted to both types, but electronic linkage controls can be specified on both.

Hydraulic flow capacity is 110 litres/min, and linkage lift capacity at the ball ends is 4.400 tonnes.

Full production of the Kohler-powered 5000 series will commence in January, 2018, with manufacturing plans having been given a boost by Lovol’s recent acquisition of Italian specialist tractor maker, Goldoni, who will build Arbos tractors for Europe.

The move has also added Goldoni’s own 38-75hp models to the Arbos range, while 140-200hp and 220-260hp Arbos ranges are in development. The latter models were originally mooted to have Deutz engines, but now look likely to be powered by FPT motors.

Specification data revealed at the event suggests they will have a 30F/30R semi-powershift, with forward speed numbers doubled if a four-step powershift is specified.

“We believe there is a market gap beneath the premium, high-spec’ makes and above the very basic specification tractors available,” suggested Massimo Zubelli, Lovol Arbos’ sales and marketing director.

“By focusing on simple specifications, such as conventional semi-powershift transmissions rather than full powershift or CVT, we believe we will be able to price our tractors at around 10% cheaper than premium alternatives. For those seeking systems, such as guidance and auto-steering, though, we have a partnership with TopCon.”

Mr Zubelli revealed that Arbos plans to attend either or both of LAMMA and Cereals next year.

“Our aim is to set up subsidiaries where we believe the potential for market turnover to be in the region of at least €8-10m (£7.1-8.9m). From there, we will look to appoint a network of dealers to retail and support our products and we have already begun this in Italy, and other countries such as Spain.

“We already have a sales manager based in the UK to oversee Matermacc precision drill sales, so already we have a presence on which we can build.”

The new operation is being managed from Italy by a team headed by CEO Andrea Bedosti, formerly with Same Deutz-Fahr, Landini/McCormick parent ARGO and Merlo.

The Arbos name comes from a famous Italian combine manufacturer which ceased production in 1994 and Lovol Arbos also plans to re-enter the combine market. Designs for a straw-walker machine are in the early stages and awaiting approval from the parent company, but few further details were revealed.

However, potential customers and dealers were able to view at work and try out the full line of arable equipment Arbos is offering. This is the fruit primarily of another Italian acquisition by Lovol – that of seeding specialist, Matermacc.

The latter’s plant is now producing piggyback drills, precision seeders, twin-disc fertiliser spreaders and mounted sprayers, with these comprising 800-1200-litre models with 12-18m booms and 168 or 200 l/min pumps. A trailed range is planned for launch at Agritechnica this November.

Available in 4.5m and 6m versions, the Arbos AS-F min/no-till seeder is a tine-based unit with small wing points which, says the firm, creates minimal disturbance as the seed furrow is opened and the seed dropped down behind the leg before press wheels close the slot. The seed cart is axle-mounted at the rear of the unit.

Among the Arbos line of precision drills suited to sowing crops such as maize and low rates of oilseed rape is the MS Twin. This places seed in staggered twin rows, a pattern claimed to maximise light penetration into the crop, and hence help to boost photosynthesis.

MK power harrows are available in 3m and 3.5m working widths, and can have the firm’s MSD 2.0 Combi drill mounted onto them.

Lastly – at least for now – Arbos is also offering a range of twin-disc fertiliser spreaders with capacities of 1260-4200 litres and spread widths of 18 or 36m. An auto-calibrating non-stop weighing system uses four load cells to monitor fertiliser weight.