TAFE gears up to launch small tractor next year

The country's second largest tractor manufacturer, Chennai based Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) is planning to introduce small tractor models in 2011.

The company is examining the model for it.“We are checking out the mini tractor model which will be less then 25 hp. It will not divert our focus from regular tractors and right now company is fully concentrated on regular business”, said Cyril Rex Fernando, vice president, sales and marketing, TAFE.

TAFE recently launched 47hp capacity ‘MF 7250’ power drive tractor in Gujarat at Rajkot.

Commenting on the mini tractors segment as against bigger tractors general manager sales of TAFE, Arindam Maulick said, “Total market share of mini tractor is about 6 percent and it is not hurting the regular tractor’s market. Both have its own customers and still most of the farmers prefer big size tractors as it has various uses.”

The Indian tractor industry is clocking a growth of 25 per cent every year. Around 3.05 lakh tractors had been sold last year and this year the number is expected to touch 3.80 lakh in the domestic market and 40000 in exports.

TAFE enjoys a 22 per cent share in the Indian tractor market. It is among the top six largest tractors manufacturers in the world and exports to over 45 countries including developed countries like the US.

A part of the Amalgamations Group of Chennai, it has business interests both directly and through its subsidiaries, in tractors, diesel engine, transmission components, panel instruments, hydraulic pumps, automotive water pumps, fasteners, farm implements and lubes, passenger car distributions and in Tea.