Proposal of a small-size reversible articulated tractor for safe operating in very steep hillsides

A new tractor suitable to be used in extreme slope and narrow spaces is here proposed and described. It was primarily designed to address the problem of working in terraced vineyards trained with the so-called “pergola” system, very common in mountain areas. The mechanization problems in these vineyards are: i) very narrow inter-rows, often lower than 1.00 m and with the risk of roll-over, ii) reduced spans under the arbours (commonly ≤1.80 m, often 1.60 m), preventing normal tractors from being used with their ROPS in ordinary position; iii) steep and very tight curves in row heads, with great difficulties of manoeuvre. The prototypes were realized by WM srl (Prato all’Isarco, BZ, Italy), in collaboration with FUB and FIR, following the needs of a team of farmers. After OECD and field tests on these first prototypes, several technical solutions, focused especially on safety issues, were then proposed.