This dream turned into reality, starting the business with 25 acres of land six years ago.
This set up is perfect for growing their tasty veges, which are either sold at the local wholesale market or in a pick-your-own form, with punters coming from far and wide due to the low use of chemical herbicide, pesticide and fungicide in their operation.
Another key link in their operation is the LOVOL-branded machines used to prepare the soil and in other aspects of the business. First in their fleet was the LOVOL TB504 50hp cab tractor, which replaced a troublesome machine from a reputable manufacturer. However, this model turned out to be slightly too small for the larger powered cultivation equipment they used, so Gurpreet and Tajinder moved onto the LOVOL P4110.
As the cultivation workload increased, so did their desire to do the bulk of their own work. Gurpreet is an extremely passionate farmer with Tajinder glowingly mentioning how he has always wanted to be a farmer, as that’s where he is his happiest and loves spending his days in the fields.
LOVOL P4110
This specific model is perfect in terms of what Gurpreet and Tajinder were looking for; big enough to pull their 2.5m tine chisel plough, rotary hoe and ridger, and then complete with the loader that can move around seedlings at the start of the growing process and bins of produce at the end.
That said, this machine is one that I think will slot well into the ag sector also as a low upfront cost machine for those feeding a few bales and knocking in some posts, who perhaps need a reliable machine but can’t afford the lofty price tags associated with some of the more ‘recognisable’ brands.
Engine
The LOVOL P4110 tractor is powered by a 4-cylinder, 4.1L Weichai diesel Tier 3 engine, with a max output of 110hp and 485 Nm of torque. The one-piece high lift bonnet easily lifts (without the need for a key or spanner – which is great). The radiator screens can be removed for larger debris, reaching the dipstick is easy and the clever little sight glass for the radiator antifreeze is a nice touch.
Like all of the LOVOL tractors we have tested, the beauty of this brand lies in its simplicity, precisely why I think it would also be perfect for the livestock sector.
Transmission
The P4110 tractor has a 12×12 Power Shuttle transmission. All of the other LOVOL machines we have tested have had a mechanical shuttle shift transmission, but this has been Power Shuttle.
This tractor had both a wet clutch and wet brakes, so the left-hand shuttle allows clutchless, electronic F/R shifting. In terms of gears themselves, there are six on the main stick with a L/H range change lever. It takes a little to get used to the gear pattern as it is even numbers on the top and odds on the bottom – 2-1 not 1-2 – but largely this is only my lazy muscle memory, and, due to its laziness, it also forgets that it’s a problem pretty quickly, which is a beautiful thing.
Hydraulics
The hydraulic system in the LOVOL P4110 tractor has a 35L/min steering pump and a main pump output of 55L/min flow rate. Most other manufacturers take the liberty of adding those numbers together, so the way I see it, this makes it 90 L/min. This makes it suitable for a range of implements, which is achievable given the three rear spools all with float and flow adjustment. Like the gear stick, float is towards you rather than towards the window, which I found a little back to front, but this is easy to get used to after the first few times.
Linkage and PTO
The LOVOL P4110 tractor is equipped with Cat II three-point linkage with hook ends and a long top link. This made switching between the chisel plough and the rotary hoe a doddle.
It has a 2500kg lift capacity which is more than ample for the tasks around the farm, garden or lifestyle block. The two speed PTO (540/1000 RPM) proves ample also. On the rotary hoe the machine wasn’t struggling at all. To be fair to we weren’t setting any land speed records, and it is in heavily cultivated soil but none the less, it proved to be more than up to the task.
Cab
A familiar look here with the 4-pillar design giving good all-round visibility, including down the rear to the linkage and drawbar.
Solid A/C was handy on these autumn days where the weather can never really decide what it’s up to – one minute you are freezing and the next, you’re stripping the layers off. Controls are mainly clustered on the right and have a mechanical feel but work well.
The in-cab joystick controlled the loader with push button third service, and as mentioned the electric F/R shuttle is a nice touch. The mechanical suspension seat was easily adjustable, as is the steering column for individuals like me with unconventionally long limbs.
Loader
The TZ08D loader has proven to be a handy feature for Gurpreet. He has the quick attach mounts for easy removal, and quick release couplers on the hoses, but not a single lever multifastener. Around the front, the Eurohitch tool carrier and third service make it perfect for on the farm, while the self-levelling ensures the attachments and associated loads don’t end up on your lap (also a handy feature).
Tyres
The LOVOL P4110 comes into New Zealand with 380/70R24 front and 520/70R34 rears. This certainly offers enough traction for cultivation tasks, but for floatation the 520s particularly will be ideal for the farm. Additionally for stability and negating the need for water in the tyres, 2 x 82 (164kg) wheel weights either side give loader work a ‘planted’ feel. (See what I did there…. because we are on a market garden…….)
SUMMARY
These LOVOL machines are perfect for those looking for a no-nonsense, simple machine, more than capable of operating in a situation such as Gurpreet and Tajinder’s, and for those who need a machine for the runoff, lifestyle block or just to feed bales to their cattle.
Its no frills design means less things to go wrong, and the high tare weight combined with the wide rear rubber and wheel weights make it a safe and stable machine for lifting bales.
With a comprehensive three years/2000hr warranty with the ability to extend and all for $690/hp, it does represent a compelling case for those looking at high-houred, second-hand machines to do these tasks. Surely the warranty and low finance offers represent a safer option than the unknown risk of high-houred ‘reliability’? Take a test drive yourself and you be the judge.
Top 5
- Price tag: $76,000+GST equals $690/hp, you can also get no deposit, 1% finance for 24 months. Note: The usual retail price for the tractor with FEL and 4in1 bucket is $86,000 excluding GST. It has been discounted to $76,000 excluding GST for a limited time.
- 90L combined hydraulic output – great for the loader
- Power shuttle 12×12 transmission
- High tare weight shows the amount of steel in the machine. All up is over five tonnes
- Three years/2000-hour comprehensive warranty with the ability to add an additional two years and 1000hr powertrain