As we reported from Agritechnica, Versatile is looking to making a splash in Europe. Although known for big articulated tractors, within its line-up the company also has the relatively young Nemesis, which we were able to get on and drive.

KEEPING IT BRIEF

  •  Versatile is now part of ASKO Holding from Turkey, which also owns Basak Traktör.
  • The 170hp to 250hp Nemesis could be the key range in making this a successful venture.
  • Prices are not yet available, and plans are afoot to set up a wider dealer network.

It is surprising it has taken this long to see the Nemesis arrive in Europe. When it was unveiled in 2019, the spec sheet was littered with familiar component names: Cummins, ZF and Zuidberg, to name but a few. Not only that, but this completely new range had been developed with Kubota, whose orange liveried M8 would be offered solely in North America. Yet the Japanese machinery giant was adamant the M8  would not be sold into Europe despite its dealers screaming out for a 175-250hp tractor.

For Versatile, its story took a curve ball. Having been bought by the Russian outfit Rostselmash in 2007, the Canadian tractor maker once again found itself under new ownership. In December 2023 ASKO Holding from Turkey bought a majority share before turning it into a privately owned business in March 2024. 

At the time it announced a planned major investment of CAD$25 million for improvements at the 72,000m² factory in Winnipeg.

Looking for a return on that investment, ASKO is now giving Versatile a renewed push in Europe, and, while there is a market for the maker’s bigger articulated tractors, the Nemesis is much more mainstream. 

In addition the Turkish owners have also not ruled out supplementing the line-up with  lower horsepower models from its other tractor business Basak.

Black, red, gold

In 2017, Versatile returned to its original colour scheme, having celebrated 50 years of tractor production the previous year. Looking the part in black, red and gold is the five-model Nemesis line-up with rated power ranging from 129kW/175hp up to 186kW/253hp (see ‘The Nemesis series’ for full spec). On top of this there is a 15hp boost for pto work when the tractor is on the move. 

Under the easy-to-open bonnet is a 6.7-litre capacity Cummins engine. The front linkage and pto come from Zuidberg.

That power is supplied by a B6.7 Cummins, a 6.7-litre, six-cylinder unit with a variable geometry turbo. It has an easy to access cooling pack and can be ordered with the reversible Cleanfix fan (something which is standard on some of its larger tractors). 

The engine meets Stage V emissions regs with a combination of DOC, DPF and SCR which are integrated into the huge exhaust stack that is in line with the A-pillar. Key siting benefits are that there is space under the bonnet when maintenance is needed and any heat dissipates more easily. Fuel tank capacity is 375 litres and 35l of DEF.

The diesel tank only holds 375 litres, and the climb into the cab could be nicer. But there’s …

ZF transmission

Regarding the gearbox, we can keep it brief: The three smaller models are available with either a five-range, six-stage powershift (ZF TPT 20) or the continuously variable ZF Terramatic TMT 20. The two larger models are only offered with a stepless ZF TMT 25 transmission as standard.

However, the Canadians still need to work on the accelerator pedal’s calibration and settings. In the current version, for example, the saved cruise control setting is reset every time the vehicle speed is changed using the nice scroll wheel on the drive lever. We would also like to see an active standstill function and automatic park brake on a tractor in this power bracket. But one thing at a time…

Separate oil circuit

The swashplate pump delivers 120l/min as standard. On the smaller models there is the option to up this to 160l/min and 180l/min on the larger tractors. The hydraulic oil is separate to the transmission oil, but only 44 litres is available (62 litres when specced with an auxiliary tank). 

In base spec the Nemesis comes with three electric spools with time and flow control. Five or six spools and load-sensing couplers are available as options. 

The Cat III rear linkage is rated at ‘only’ 7.0t or 8.8t; however, these brochure stats are measured 61cm behind the quick-release hooks. In reality, the Nemesis should be able to handle anything that it can pull. Versatile sources its front linkage from Zuidberg.

… plenty of space in the cab. The hydro-pneumatic suspension still needs a bit of fine-tuning.

Huge cab

This brings us to the massive cab by climbing the narrow steps. Upstairs, you are greeted by almost 4.2m³ of space with nearly 6.9m² of glass.

Even if you don’t want to fully believe the maker’s specifications, the sheer size of the cabin is impressive. We would like to see higher-quality trim instead of steel and hard plastic. More importantly, Versatile needs to further refine the hydro-pneumatic cab suspension.

A multi-function armrest complete with drive controller and joystick, touch-screen display and electric spools — the full package.

Terminal and joystick

The armrest and joystick are a step in the right direction. The 10-inch terminal handles all  settings, including headland management functions and displaying ISObus machines. The computer could do with being a little faster.

We think that the touch screen isn’t sensitive enough; it takes a firm finger. According to Versatile, this is to prevent unintentional operation. It also wants to let its customers choose whichever GPS supplier they want so Versatile only installs the corresponding steering valve. This makes retrofitting or upgrading easier.

Three smaller models are available with either a powershift or stepless transmission. The front loader is a rebadged Alö.

Everything else in brief

  • Three pto speeds can be selected from a rotary switch on the side console.
  • There is a full-size door on the right-hand side.
  • The hydraulic front axle suspension was developed with Dana, with dampers on the left and right of the chassis.
  • The Grammer seat is also available with leather and semi-active suspension.
  • Halogen lights are standard but can be upgraded to 18 LEDs from Hella (2,500 lumens each) with 360° illumination.
  • On the right there are phone and bottle holders, while on the left side behind the passenger seat is a storage compartment, although it isn’t cooled.
  • There is a toggle switch for an emergency driving mode under the armrest.
  • Versatile says the maximum wheel size is 600/70 R30 at the front and 710/70 R42 (2.05m) at the rear.
  • Front loaders are sourced from Alö, which delivers them in Versatile’s own colours. The standard armrest joystick is easy to operate.
  • Full European homologation is underway. Wider rear mudguards are reckoned to be already available, and the firm is working on a hitch and air brakes.

Summary

It is full steam ahead for Versatile entering the European standard wheeled tractor market. Since the larger MFWD range (275 to 365hp) doesn’t yet comply with Stage V emissions, the main focus is on the Nemesis and the already homologated articulated wheeled and tracked tractors. 

With a Cummins engine, ZF transmissions and large cab, the Versatile Nemesis has a solid foundation for its launch into Europe. However, finding dealers who can guarantee service will be absolutely critical to the product’s success. 

Perhaps some of those Kubota dealers who are keen to have access to a more powerful range of tractors might be tempted into taking them. Business development director Arnold Kemkemer says he is after people who are ambitious and want to grow. 

All of the above aside, attractive offers will be needed to win over customers in this highly competitive market — in other words, it will take more than a long-standing name and good looks. We certainly look forward to a more in-depth test of the product in a future issue of profi.

Hubert Wilmer

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