It has been a while since we took an in-depth look at tractor at the lower end of the power bracket, with our group test of 80hp Iseki, New Holland, Zetor and Kubota models appearing way back in 2014. Here we assess six 50hp models — to see whether these little fellas have something to offer other than small size and power.
Although the use of 50hp tractors in agriculture is modest, this class of tractor remains a popular category, compact size suiting markets such as equine, amenity, municipal and estate users, not forgetting the odd scraper tractor, too. Most tractors of this size and power will be bought with a front loader, as the little rascals provide versatility that we think could also suit them to working in a livestock yard.
Here we consider performance of these small platform tractors, but all can be fitted with a cab. In the next issue we look at the individual merits of these tractors and their loaders and sum up other general findings.
Stage V without AdBlue
Our six test candidates meet Stage V exhaust emission standards and are fitted with a diesel particulate filter. Iseki, John Deere and Kubota have four-cylinder engines, with three-pot motors powering the Kioti, New Holland and Solis.
In terms of capacity, the Solis 50 displaces a comparatively large 3.0 litres. And, yes, we acknowledge that it does not strictly fit in with its five stablemates in other ways to include having an all-up weight of 3,290kg.
That is nearly double the mass of the New Holland Boomer 50, which tips the scales at 1,860kg. Because the Solis is not in the same category in many ways to the other tractors in this group, its stats are shaded grey in the table to avoid confusion.
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