If you’re a farmer in need of greater efficiency during harvest season, you’ll want to consider incorporating high-crop tractors into your operation. These superior machines can increase yields and save hours of time on the job.
In this blog post, we take an in-depth look at what a high-crop tractor is and why it could help to improve your farm’s output this coming year.
Read on for more insight into how this technology might benefit and enhance your operations!
Take away key points:
- Thanks to advancements in technology, high-crop tractors offer reliable performance at an affordable price.
- High-crop tractors are an invaluable asset for every farmer as they can handle tough tasks with ease.
- Traditional tractors differ from high-crop tractors in terms of axle length, tire size, and frame height. High-crop tractors usually have longer axles, bigger tires, and taller frames.
Table of Contents
What is a high-crop tractor & how does it work?
A high-crop tractor is a type of agricultural tractor designed for use in row-cropping applications where crops are planted in closely spaced rows. These tractors have an increased ground clearance that allows them to straddle the crop rows without damaging the crops.
High-crop tractors typically feature longer axles, larger tires, and taller frames than traditional tractors. They also feature adjustable wheel spacing and a high hydraulic system that allows the operator to adjust the height of the tractor as they drive through the field.
One of the key components of a high-crop tractor is its three-point hitch system, which is used to lift and lower implements such as planters, cultivators, and harvesters. Some models also feature a front-end loader for added versatility.
Types of high-crop tractors
There are a few different types of high-crop tractors, each with their own unique features and capabilities. Here are two common types:
Specialty crop tractors: Specialty crop tractors are similar to row-crop tractors but are designed for use in fields with particularly narrow or specialty rows – such as those used in vineyards, orchards, or berry farms. These tractors typically feature a more compact design, narrower frames, and adjustable wheel spacings to accommodate different crops.
Industrial tractors: While not specifically designed for row-crop applications, industrial tractors often feature high-clearance undercarriages that make them well-suited for use in rough or uneven terrain. These tractors are often used for a variety of heavy-duty applications, including digging, grading, and clearing land for crop planting.
Benefits of using a high-crop tractor on your farm
Reduced crop damage: One of the main benefits of using a high-crop tractor is that it helps to reduce crop damage. The increased ground clearance of these tractors allows them to straddle the crop rows without driving over or damaging the crops, minimizing the amount of plant loss during the planting and harvesting process.
Increased productivity: Because high-crop tractors are designed to work in row-crop farming applications, they are highly specialized and can help to increase productivity in the field.
Improved operator comfort: Many high-crop tractors are designed with operator comfort in mind, featuring spacious cabs with ergonomic tractor controls and air conditioning systems to help keep operators cool and comfortable during long hours in the field.
Versatility: While high-crop tractors are primarily designed for use in row-crop farming applications, many models are versatile enough to be used for a variety of other tasks, such as hauling hay or clearing land. This versatility can make them a valuable asset for any farm operation.
Top high-crop tractor models on the market
#1. John Deere 8R Series
The John Deere 8R Series is a high-crop tractor designed for row-crop farming applications. It features a narrow front end and increased ground clearance, allowing it to straddle crop rows without damaging the plants. The 8R Series is available in several different models, ranging from 230 to 410 horsepower.
Some of the key features of the John Deere 8R Series include an e23 PowerShift transmission that provides smooth shifting on the go, Automated Crop Steering (ACS) technology that minimizes operator stress and reduces input costs, and a variety of integrated technologies, such as John Deere’s JDLink™ telematics and guidance system.
The tractor’s cab is designed with operator comfort in mind, featuring a spacious interior, an air-ride, a rear floor mat, a secondary brake park lock, and ergonomic controls. It also features a panoramic glass roof that provides a clear view of the field and helps to reduce operator stress and fatigue.
#2. John Deere 3020 High Crop
From 1964 to 1972, John Deere produced the John Deere 3020 Diesel Syncro High Crop, a vintage high-crop tractor. It was designed for use in row-crop farming applications where crops are planted in closely spaced rows.
The tractor features a high-clearance undercarriage that allows it to straddle crop rows without damaging the plants, and an adjustable wheel spacing system that can be modified to match the width of the rows.
The John Deere 3020 Diesel Syncro High Crop also features a diesel exhaust fluid engine that delivers up to 61 horsepower, and a Syncro Range transmission that provides eight forward and two reverse gears. It also comes with a three-point rear hitch system, which allows the operator to lift and lower rear implements such as planters, cultivators, and other implements.
#3. John Deere 5100MH
The John Deere 5100MH is a versatile high-crop tractor designed for use in a variety of agricultural applications.
It features high-clearance undercarriage and adjustable sway bars, and interchangeable hitch balls that make it well-suited for use in row-crop farming applications, as well as other jobs such as mowing, gauge wheels, tilling, and hauling. Also, the rear fender options allow operators to adjust the rear hitch tool-free.
The tractor is powered by a 4.5L John Deere PowerTech rated engine power PS that delivers up to 100 horsepower, providing plenty of power to handle a range of tasks. It also features a 12F/12R PowrReverser transmission and gear shift lever that allows for quick and easy direction changes without the need to clutch pedal between forward and reverse.
The creeper gears are also accessible by engaging the lever in the rabbit or turtle position. However, you should know that the neutral start requires the directional lever to be in a neutral position before you start the engine.
Power bulge and torque rise work together when the tractor is under load to help overcome difficult areas without requiring downshifting. To maintain or increase horsepower as the rpm decreases, additional torque must be provided.
Other features of the John Deere 5100MH include a comfortable operator station that features ergonomic controls and a suspension seat.
This three-point hitch system allows the operator to operate the implements such as planters and cultivators with the hitch control operation raise and lower controls, and a variety of advanced technologies and other tractor controls, such as John Deere’s iMatch™ Quick-Hitch system (ElectroHydraulic hitch controls, mechanical hitch control), daytime and nighttime modes controlled by a light switch and by presented PTO target bars.
On some models, you can even find an updated version of the existing welded quick hitch!
By setting higher and lower limits, the EH hitch control allows reproducible movements. Both controls have an adjustable depth stop for hitch-lowering uniformity. The position control lever stops at the depth stop when pushed forward. Attachments are controlled easily with the RockShaft Control lever as well.
#4. John Deere 4250 High Crop
The John Deere 4250 High Crop is a vintage high-crop tractor that was produced from 1983 to 1988. It was designed for use in row-crop farming applications and features a high-clearance undercarriage that allows it to straddle crop rows without damaging the plants.
A six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that can produce up to 141 of rated engine power, giving it plenty of strength to handle a variety of tasks. It also features a PowerShift transmission that provides eight forward and four reverse gears, as well as a three-point hitch system that can lift and lower implements such as planters and cultivators.
Other features of the John Deere 4250 High Crop include a cab with air conditioning and heat, hydraulic steering, creeper hydraulic pump and a comfortable operator seat. It also has adjustable front and rear axle spacing that allows it to adapt to different row widths, making it a versatile option for different types of crops.
Plus, the rearview mirror is perfectly positioned to see the rear operations clearly.
#5. John Deere 6150RH Hi-Crop Row Crop Tractor
The John Deere 6150RH Hi-Crop Row Crop Tractor is a high-clearance workhorse designed for use in row-crop farming applications.
It features a 4.5L John Deere PowerTech engine that delivers up to 150 horsepower, providing plenty of power to handle any task the farm throws at it. When the engine RPM drops below the rated speed, having more torque can help maintain the horsepower.
Other features include an automated Hi-Crop transmission, which provides eight forward and four reverse gears; an adjustable front and rear axle width; and a three-point hitch system that can lift and lowering hitch implements such as planters and cultivators. Plus, it has an increased lift capacity for dumping loads or easier bale stacking.
In addition to its practical uses, the John Deere 6150RH also offers a number of convenience features, such as air conditioning, premium cab, lower engine vibration front selective control valves, power steering, cruise control, air suspension seats, and ergonomic control layouts.
#6. Case IH Magnum Rowtrac
The Case IH Magnum Rowtrac is a row-crop tractor designed for use in applications such as planting, cultivating, and harvesting. It features an 8.7-liter diesel engine that delivers up to 380 horsepower and a 16-speed transmission with two reverse gears.
The Rowtrac also has a high-clearance undercarriage that allows it to straddle crop rows while providing protection against damage from the ground and plants. Thanks to its adjustable front and rear axle spacing, it can easily adapt to different row widths, making it a perfect choice for farmers who need maximum flexibility in their operations.
Other features of the Case IH Magnum Rowtrac include a cab with air conditioning and heat, hydraulic steering, independent suspension on both axles and comfortable seating for the operator. The Case IH tractor also has an optional guidance system that helps keep the tractor on course while minimizing operator fatigue.
#7. Ford 7710 High Crop
The Ford 7710 High-Crop tractor is a powerful, high-clearance workhorse designed for row-crop farming applications. The Ford tractor features a 5.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine that has a rated engine speed up to 160 horsepower and eight forward and four reverse gears.
The Ford 7710 High Crop also has two adjustable axles that can be easily adjusted for different row widths, making it ideal for farmers who need maximum flexibility in their operations.
Other features include a three-point hitch system with multiple lift points to manage implements like planters or cultivators; air conditioning, premium cab, power steering, and an ergonomically designed operator’s seat; and the optional Field Office Guidance System (FOGS).
#8. Ford 6610 High Crop
The Ford 6610 High Crop Tractor is a powerful, high-clearance workhorse designed for row crop farming applications. It features a 5.4L diesel engine performance rated power of 110 horsepower and 8 forward and 4 reverse gears.
The Ford 6610 High Crop also has two adjustable axles that can be easily adjusted for different row widths, making it ideal for farmers who need maximum flexibility in their operations.
Overall, the Ford 6610 High Crop Tractor offers farmers the perfect combination of power and agility needed to get any job done quickly and efficiently.
#9. Massey Ferguson GC1700 Series
The Massey Ferguson GC1700 Series is a line of compact, high-performance tractors designed with small acreage farmers in mind. The Massey Ferguson features a 20-horsepower diesel engine that delivers up to 24 PTO (power take-off) horsepower, 8 forward and 8 reverse speeds (the rear lever selects ranges control), and an adjustable 3-point hitch system for attaching implements like tillers and cultivators.
The Massey Ferguson GC1700 also offers standard features such as air conditioning, power steering, and an ergonomic operator’s seat. Optional features include cruise control, a deluxe instrument cluster with an LCD display, on-board diagnostics which allow the operator to know engine hours, max engine speed, ground speed, engine oil change interval and other; and the optional Grandview Guidance System to help keep you on track while planting or tilling.
#10. AGCO Challenger MT700 Series
The AGCO Challenger MT700 Series is a powerful line of tractors designed for large-scale farming operations and other demanding applications. It features an 8.4L diesel engine that delivers up to 400 horsepower, 12 forward and 4 reverse speeds, and a full-time four-wheel drive system, allowing it to tackle the toughest terrain with ease.
The AGCO Challenger MT700 tractors equipped with impressive features like an adjustable suspension system that allows you to adjust the ground clearance on the fly; air conditioning, and power steering; as well as an optional auto-guiding system that helps keep you in control when planting or fertilizing massive fields.
FAQs
What is a high crop tractor?
A high-crop tractor is a powerful and reliable machine designed for difficult terrain and tasks
What are high crop tractors used for?
High crop tractors are used for tackling difficulties in terrain and tasks such as tilling, mowing, and transporting materials.
How much is the John Deere 9620RX?
The John Deere 9620RX is approximately $400,000 USD.
What is the biggest row crop tractor?
The biggest row crop tractor is the John Deere 9560 RT which has an engine size of 590 HP.
Conclusion
In conclusion, high-crop tractors are ideal for small and large-scale farming operations due to their versatility and power. These machines offer a variety of features that help make difficult tasks easy, such as adjustable suspension systems, air conditioning, power steering, and auto-guiding systems.
Thanks to advancements in technology, high-crop tractors continue to deliver reliable performance at an affordable price – making them an invaluable asset for every farmer.
