Zetor’s new Major sports a big capacity four-cylinder turbodiesel. A test drive? Certainly, sir. We find out what this refreshingly simple tractor has to offer…
The Major name goes back a long way — and not only to Dagenham. The very first Zetor Majors saw light of day during 1960 in the Czech city of Brno. Fast forward to 1992, which brought a substantial update with more power and comfort, along with all wheel drive, an optional cab and a standard compressor. Five years later a bunch of ‘Super’ variants appeared, but despite their better hydraulics and higher top speed, the range sank in 2006.
Now the Major is back. This time it comes armed with a sizeable 4.2-litre engine built inhouse: the Z11 105. And EGR, mechanical injection and two valves/cylinder take it over the Stage IIIA emission hurdle without electronics. Turbocharging and an intercooler deliver 56.3kW/77PS/75.5hp at rated speed, backed by 317Nm torque and a claimed 35% torque rise.
A one-piece bonnet leaves the engine, the main radiator and a slide-out oil cooler all easy to access. As is the nearside-mounted 73-litre fuel tank, whose filler (like the cab steps) is in line of fire from the front wheel: we’d suggest a longer mudguard here would help keep mud off the filler and step treads.
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