Farmtrac Europe tractors in horticulture

How to Maximize Orchard Mechanization for Higher Efficiency

Mechanizing work in the orchard is a key step toward successful business development. This is confirmed by Farmtrac Europe, a tractor manufacturer whose machinery is trusted by farmers worldwide. In an interview with Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I., Mr. Priyank Kalra, Director of Farmtrac Europe, explained which tractors are available, which orchard processes can be mechanized with the right tractor, and how to maintain equipment to extend its service life.

Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I.: Could you tell us about your factory? What is its history and global experience?

Mr. Priyank Kalra: Escorts Kubota Limited is one of India’s leading engineering conglomerates, operating in the rapidly growing sectors of agricultural machinery, construction and material-handling equipment, railway equipment, and auto components. The Agri Machinery Group of Escorts Ltd. began production in 1964 and has since become a pioneer in agricultural mechanization in India and globally.

The company follows globally accepted best manufacturing practices while continuously focusing on research and development. Escorts’ production excellence is evidenced by more than one million tractors and over one thousand units of construction and material-handling equipment produced. Customers are highly satisfied with their cooperation with the company.

Our efficient tractors are present in 70 countries worldwide, serving farmers and helping nations achieve self-sufficiency. Our tractor brand has been a symbol of reliability and trust for 60 years. We were the first Indian tractor manufacturer to establish production facilities in Europe.

Our European range is fully homologated and complies with strict EU standards. Thanks to Polish engineers and designers, Farmtrac builds machines tailored to the needs of the modern farmer. Over the past 20 years, our goals have been to expand our product range and strengthen brand presence in Europe and globally—both goals have been successfully achieved.

Farmtrac Tractors Europe has been rapidly developing and producing agricultural tractors since the early 21st century, drawing on Escorts Ltd.’s vast experience and expertise.

Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I.: What types of tractors do you produce?

Mr. Priyank Kalra: Currently, we offer more than 20 models and variants of tractors. These include the COMPACT, EUROPLINE, and NETS series, which we supply to Europe, Australia, Brazil, and other markets.

Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I.: Which tractors are designed for berry fields, orchards, and open fields? How do they differ?

Mr. Priyank Kalra: Tractor specialization depends on the mounted or trailed implements used. Our COMPACT series offers 20, 25, 30, and 40 hp models. The maneuverability and 4WD of the FARMTRAC 26 mini-tractor make it the flagship choice for berry plantations throughout the season.

The 6050 series tractor features a powerful 50 hp engine and a high-quality 8x8 CARRARO transmission, making it ideal for working with tillers, cultivators, and mowers during soil cultivation. It sells well in Ukraine at a very competitive price for its class.

We also offer the specialized orchard tractor 6075 EN—a narrow (135 cm wide), powerful (75 hp), 4WD tractor with excellent maneuverability.

Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I.: Which processes in orchards and berry fields can be mechanized with your tractors?

Mr. Priyank Kalra: The tractor itself is the central unit that enables mechanization. We offer specialized tractors specifically designed for intensive orchard and berry operations. Thanks to various configurations, we can provide tractors suitable for a wide range of tasks.

Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I.: What new equipment have you recently introduced?

Mr. Priyank Kalra: Together with leading component manufacturers such as MITSUBISHI, CARRARO, BOSCH, MITA, BKT, COBO, BUCHER, HYDRO-TEK, and with design by PORSCHE DESIGN STUDIO, we have developed new NETS and COMPACT series tractors for the European market. We are very pleased with the rapid growth of our dealer network in Europe. Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands are market leaders where our tractors are topping sales in their segment, even surpassing Kubota and John Deere.

Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I.: What are your recommendations for tractor maintenance?

Mr. Priyank Kalra: Service and warranty in Ukraine fully meet the requirements for maintaining FARMTRAC tractors. Through the “SmartAgro” service and engineers from our Farmtrac plant in Poland, we manage tractor servicing in Ukraine. We supply all necessary spare parts and perform scheduled maintenance.

Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I.: How should a farmer choose the right tractor?

Mr. Priyank Kalra: Tractor selection depends on its intended use. Every European country has requirements for safety, reliability, and ease of service. Dealer representatives can provide key recommendations when choosing equipment. We conduct regular training sessions with them, covering tractor features, updates, and configuration options—from tire types to transmission systems. That’s why we recommend contacting our distributor in Ukraine, SmartAgro LLC.

Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I.: What about tractor pricing?

Mr. Priyank Kalra: Tractor prices in Ukraine are generally lower or comparable to those in neighboring European countries. Globally, production costs are rising due to higher logistics costs and energy tariffs. For the Ukrainian market, we strive to maintain stable pricing and ensure timely delivery to farmers. Prices are accessible and standardized across Ukraine.

Horticulture and Vegetable Growing T.I.: Which models are most popular among Ukrainian orchardists?

Mr. Priyank Kalra: In Ukraine, we began working with our distributor SmartAgro LLC in autumn 2021. Despite a very difficult period, our cooperation has been effective, and Ukrainian farmers now use FARMTRAC tractors. The 26 4WD and 6050 models (25 and 50 hp) are the most popular in Ukraine. Our 75 hp orchard series tractors also hold strong potential. We provide solutions for small farms and developing enterprises. Our affordable tractors are essential for everyone working the land and cultivating orchards or berry crops.

Together with our official distributor SmartAgro LLC, we believe in Ukraine’s victory, support its economy, and contribute to the development of its farming sector.

Due to wartime conditions, our logistics have changed significantly. We have temporarily lost some clients from Kherson, Donetsk, and Kharkiv regions. Many clients in Chernihiv region also suffered severe losses—their farms were destroyed, and equipment was stolen or burned. We are now operating in a relatively stable rhythm, as our products remain strategically important for agriculture. In the future, after victory, we expect strong growth in small-scale farming and cooperatives, which farmers will join. State programs and European grants will also support this development. Ukraine has all the prerequisites for growth. What is needed is the right mechanization to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and ensure high-quality products—products that Ukraine will inevitably supply to many countries worldwide, says Alexander Logvinov, Director of SmartAgro LLC.