Yanmar has launched a lightweight tractor specifically designed for the Southeast Asian market.
In a grand ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, the manufacturer presented its YM agricultural machine range that it hopes will form the foundation of its tractor business in the region over the coming years.
“With the entry of the YM into the burgeoning Southeast Asia tractor market, Yanmar is poised to deliver 21st century agriculture toward improving lifestyles and delivering value to the region’s farmers,” said Yanmar Agribusiness corporation president Hiroaki Kitaoka.
The YM tractor has been developed to meet the specific needs of rice farmers operating in wet paddies and those cultivating the dry field crops typically grown in the region – including corn and sugar cane.
Fields are often tilled by contractors who demand highly efficient, light weight and reliable 50-60hp tractors, to lower costs and maximize their income. The YM series meets these demands in a highly functional and attractive package featuring design by world-renowned designer, Yanmar Holdings director and member of the board Ken Okuyama.
Powered by a four-cylinder, direct injection, water-cooled, diesel, in-house-built engine, the 1,680kg YM351A model offers 38kW (51hp), while the heavier (1,790kg), more powerful YM357A provides 42.4kW (57hp).
An intuitive user interface enables operators to access vital operational information about the vehicle from their smartphone, with a geolocation feature enabling them to see exactly where it is and how it is working. The service can also issue warnings when the tractor is operating outside preset parameters or designated boundaries, helping to reduce down time.
Gear ratios on the vehicle are matched to work speed with eight forward and eight reverse gears packed into a full-synchromesh gearbox.
