SMALL acreage specialist SOTA Tractors has released a new 60kW tractor-and-loader combination.
Delivering a safe working load limit of 1200kg, the Apollo 804 loader package provides value for money, according to SOTA Tractors' Steve Watt.
"We've always been strongly committed to the small-acreage market," he said.
"We understand the people we serve and take their needs on board.
"We identified a transition customer, typically having a more substantial landholding than the average small-acreage and who had specific needs, requiring more firepower and capacity.
"Several farmers were telling us they needed a tractor that was larger than the 50hp (37kW) Apollo, so that was the one of the reasons for bringing in the new 80hp (60kW) tractor.
"It was a relatively small number of farmers who originally asked, but by using these specific customer needs as a guide, we determined that there was a significant number of customers who would be interested in a higher-powered utility tractor with greater lifting capacity, at an ultra-keen price."
Steve said the new Apollo 804 was ideal for feeding-out cattle, where heavy hay bales needed to be managed or for utility duties on larger acreage farms and where they would easily accept a 2.1m heavy-duty slasher.
"Our customers have found it's more powerful, it has a huge Safe Working Load limit, so think big round bales, yet it still has the utility and manoeuvrability that makes it extremely useful for larger holdings," he said.
"When we developed the 804's front-end loader specification, we were able to retain the four-in-one bucket, which is a popular feature with small-acreage owners."
The four-wheel-drive Apollo 804 features a five-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection diesel with 12-volt electrical system, dual hydraulic remotes, a Cat two 3PL, a five-by-two transmission and wet disc and dual-plate brakes.
"SOTA Tractors was the first company in Australia to offer a four-in-one bucket as a standard feature and we were keen to retain that benefit for our customers," Steve said.
The Apollo is price competitive because customers deal directly with the importer and not dealers, he added.
"We're not a dealer, we are the importer," he said.
"That means our prices are pared back and are among the most competitively priced in Australia.
"The Apollo 804 offers superb value for money and it is backed by our highly-regarded customer service, so our customers know that they will be fully supported after the sale."
Finding a product for which only a few customers had asked is what SOTA did best, he said.
"We have ongoing contact with our customers - before, during and after the sale or service," Steve said.
"That's for several reasons.
"One is that our customers are often new to farming, so they may not be exactly sure what equipment they need.
"Because we specialise in machinery for small acreage farms, we can help them - starting with talking through what they want to use it for."
For more details, visit apollotractors.com
