Agritechnica rewards innovation

Impressive figures for the 2025 edition of the German exhibition, which showcases the best technological innovations for the agricultural machinery sector. The winners of the Tractor of the Year award were honored

The 2025 edition of Agritechnica took place from 9 to 15 November at the Hanover exhibition grounds. According to data released by the organizer DLG, this edition saw the participation of 2,849 exhibiting companies from 52 countries, with a total of 476,000 visitors over the seven days of the event, coming from 171 countries. These figures confirm the importance of the German exhibition on the international stage and the strong interest of industry professionals in the technological innovations presented by manufacturers. The focus on innovation was evident not only in the new products showcased at individual stands, but also in the high quality of entries in the Tractor of the Year competition, promoted by the Italian magazine Trattori.

Established 27 years ago - the first edition was in 1998 - Tractor of the Year made a stop at Agritechnica in Hanover last November. The award, which is assigned by a jury of 26 industry journalists from across Europe and is presented annually at the two main industry events, EIMA International and Agritechnica, has established itself as one of the most coveted and sought-after awards for agricultural machinery manufacturers. There are six categories of tractors in the competition: high power, medium power, utility, specialized, sustainability, and TotYBot (autonomous tractors and field robots without cabs), covering the different specificities of the current market. Here, then, is an overview of some of the distinctive features of the winners, starting with what is probably the most coveted award: high power.

The TotY HighPower 2026 is the Claas Axion 9.450 Terra Trac, a tractor that combines high productivity with machine optimization tools suitable for large farms. The Stage V 8.7-liter 6-cylinder engine, compatible with HVO biofuel, is paired with the ZF TMG 45 HD "Silent" continuously variable transmission, which reaches 40 km/h at just 1,350 rpm. The CCLS hydraulic system provides a flow of up to 370 l/min, with a rear lift capacity of over 11 tons and Isobus and Power Beyond connectivity. Intelligent features such as Cemos Dynamic Auto Droop, Cebis Connect, and Auto Stretch Brakes improve precision and safety, while the four-point suspended cab combines high comfort with low noise levels: 66 dB. The jury praised the combination of power, hydraulic capacity, and performance management.

At the top of the medium power category is the Fendt 516 Vario, powered by a 5-liter Agco Power Core 50 engine capable of delivering 164 Hp (up to 174 Hp with boost) and 792 Nm of torque.

The Vario CVT transmission (TA 120) ensures continuous speed control from 20 mph to 50 km/h, maintaining 40 km/h at 1,300 rpm. The eLS hydraulic system has a flow rate of 155 l/min, supports up to 7 distributors, features an electronic lift, and provides complete headland management. The cab is one of the machine's strong points, thanks to the hydraulic front-axle suspension and a noise level of 69 dB (air suspension is optional). The Vario tractor has been defined as the benchmark in the medium power class, thanks to its balance of efficiency, comfort, and versatility.

Another award for the Agco galaxy is the TotY Utility, assigned to the Valtra G125 CVT Active, a machine in which the CVT transmission guarantees precise control and smooth acceleration, ideal for mixed work and front loader applications. The SmartTouch interface provides intuitive access to Smart Farming functions such as section control and variable-rate distribution. The Valtra G125 CVT Active offers a robust hydraulic system, optimal visibility, and an ergonomic cab specifically designed for loader work. It was awarded for its perfect blend of agility, ease of use, and technological integration.

In the world of specialized tractors, the New Holland T4.120 F Auto Command stands out, introducing continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology to the narrow tractor segment. Equipped with an FPT F5 Stage V 4-cylinder engine (118 hp, 506 Nm), it guarantees precise power management via Auto Command CVT. PLM Intelligence connectivity offers remote diagnostics, OTA updates, and fleet management. Advanced automation includes IntelliSteer RTK+ guidance (accuracy up to 1.5 cm), IntelliTurn for automatic headland turns, CustomSteer variable steering, and full ISOBUS Tim Class II compatibility. Safety and comfort are enhanced by the intelligent braking system and the new positioning of three control cameras. According to the judges, the compact design and premium technology of the raise the specialized New Holland to a new benchmark among vineyard and orchard tractors.

One of the most recent categories added to Tractor of the Year is sustainability, which saw the JCB Fastrac 6300 take top honors in the 2026 edition. Powered by an FPT Industrial NEF 6.7 Stage V 6-cylinder engine and a ZF Eccom 3.1 transmission, the machine optimizes fuel consumption and reduces emissions through the Smart Transmission Control (STC) system. Hydropneumatic suspension, 50/50 weight distribution, and ABS disc brakes ensure stability and safety up to 70 km/h, reducing time and fuel consumption during transport operations. The integrated central tire inflation system (CTIS) adjusts the pressure directly on the wheels to minimize soil compaction, while the new four-wheel steering with Twin Steer improves maneuverability and precision. Inside, the iCON control system integrates Isobus, GPS, configurable work profiles, and LiveLink telemetry.

The Tractor of the Year circle closes with the TotYBot, a category for autonomous tractors and field robots without cabs, which saw the AGXEED 2.055 W3 come out on top, an autonomous platform equipped with a 55 kW Deutz TCD 2.9 L4 Stage V engine that powers an electric transmission with Engiro generators and Bosch Rexroth motors. The AGXEED 2.055 W3 robot is offered with an electric PTO up to 55 kW at 700 V, a CCLS hydraulic system (85 l/min), and a 2.5-ton rear lift, compatible with standard implements. Connectivity includes Isobus, cloud-based fleet management, and telemetry, with Tim functionality under development. Safety is ensured by LiDAR, cameras, GPS-RTK, and tactile sensors, while the 2.8-ton curb weight and wide tires ensure low ground impact. For judges, the AGXEED 2.055 W3 has an architecture that meets the needs of increasingly autonomous, labor-independent agriculture.