Sonalika launches India's most powerful tractor

Sonalika International Tractors Limited, the third largest tractor manufacturer in India, has launched the country's most powerful tractor.

The 120 horsepower engine would be the major export model for the developed European and South American markets, its top executive said. Unveiling the new range under its export brand Solis, Managing Director Deepak Mittal told Business Today that it has developed sophisticated common rail diesel technology for its new model range that will confirm to stringent European and American emission norms.

"We are making the best use of the modern technology in our export models that would also flow into our domestic models in few years. We are one of the largest exporter (of tractors) from India, and the new range of heavy tractors has been specially developed to consolidate our current presence in over 80 countries across the globe."

Sonalika has Yahmar of Japan as its strategic partner and has developed the new model, Solis 120, with 6 cylinder, turbo charged engine with a 24+24 gear box, ensuring 4,500 kg of massive lifting capacity. Ergonomically designed, it will have a closed canopy for all weather usage.

Sonalika ITL is amongst the top tractor players in India, which has over the years emerged as world's largest market in terms of volumes. While Mahindra & Mahindra leads in the segment, followed by TAFE, Sonalika has been an leader in exports in the current fiscal.

According to the Tractor Manufacturers' Association, in the month of July Sonalika ITL shipped 1,534 tractors as compared to 1,256 tractors by TAFE Motor and Tractors; 1,173 by John Deere; 1,100 tractors by Mahindra; 720 tractors by New Holland and 82 tractors by Escorts.

"We want to be an agri-specialist company and our new international range including this 120 HP tractor, we will be focusing on commercial farmers, by providing an ease in doing arduous work along with a host of farm implements. We have also made some new additions like the Solis 20-Solis 26 models that are ideally suitable for orchard and vineyard applications," Mittal added.