At SITEVI 2021, New Holland Agriculture revealed its innovative Straddle Tractor Concept. This concept is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the narrow vineyards that are typical of the premium wine-growing regions, such as Champagne, Médoc and Burgundy.
Vineyards in those areas produce high-quality, high-value wines from grapes grown in rows less than one and a half metre wide, often on steep slopes and on small vineyards. In these conditions, grapes are picked by hand and most of the vine maintenance work is done by means of a tractor travelling overhead the rows.
The Straddle Tractor Concept has been developed in partnership with Pininfarina, and it offers a glimpse of the future and begins a new era for the narrowest of vineyards.
Pininfarina have designed a futuristic machine, around a high-comfort, high-safety cab, ready for the electric traction accordingly to the New Holland Clean Energy Leader strategy.
The shape of the machine references its main customer base, tall and wide at the top and tapering down at the bottom, it mimics a champagne flute. However, the shape has functionality too. Together with wraparound glass, the machine’s wide top provides the operator with exceptional visibility on the vines all around.
The overall exterior design stands out for the flowing and dynamic automotive-inspired lines. The exposed frame confers a sporty look, and the shape of the cab, angled in the direction of travel, adds to the vehicle’s dynamism. The vehicle’s cab is easily accessible because of a large single door and rotating seat, offering a comfortable environment for the operator.
New Holland brand president, Carlo Lambro said that the Straddle Tractor Concept is “a testament to New Holland’s constant striving to develop new solutions to meet the most specialised needs of our customers, and foretells a further expansion of our extensive offering – the widest in the industry.”