ACI to bring 'smart' tractors
ACI Motors, a unit of ACI, is set to introduce hi-tech tractors that will simplify the lives of farmers and maximise their income.
The tractors will be from Yanmar, a Japanese heavy equipment manufacturer, which last week unveiled two new models that are fuel-efficient and can be accessed through a smartphone.
The two variants -- YM357A and YM351A -- were launched at a ceremony in the Thai capital and are expected to hit the market in Southeast Asia this year before becoming available globally.
The tractors, which were introduced as part of the Yanmar's bid to boost its market share in Southeast Asia, have engine outputs of 57 and 51 horsepower respectively and can work both rice paddies and dry fields and haul loads.
The equipment's engine is manufactured in Japan, the body in India and the final assembly is done in Thailand.
The tractors have the SmartAssist technology, which allows operators to see where and how the tractors are working in the field via a smartphone.
It also provides the machine's operating status, receive error notifications and provide customer service in the event of breakdowns.
Many farmers in Southeast Asia cultivate rice in wet paddies and a range of dry field crops, from corn to sugar cane and others, said Subrata Ranjan Das, executive director of ACI Motors.
“They often demand highly efficient light-weight and reliable 50-60hp tractors to lower costs and maximise income. Yanmar tractors will meet these demands,” he added. Yanmar is poised to deliver the 21st century agriculture to the region's farmers, said Hiroaki Kitaoka, president of Yanmar Agribusiness Corporation, at the unveiling ceremony.
“Customers can use the feature to control the tractor. With this device, they can handle the sudden breakdown and heavy breakdown and can shorten the downtime of work,” said Osamu Omoro, manager of Yanmar.
Omoro added that maintenance will also be made available if a tractor experiences a sudden breakdown in order to minimise the downtime of the equipment.
Set up in 1912, Yanmar Group is engaged in agriculture, marine, power generation, construction, and industrial engine business and has 66 companies worldwide.
It is involved in a variety of initiatives in support of sustainable agriculture. It was the first to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933.
The company has continued to expand its product range, services and expertise to deliver total solutions as an industrial equipment manufacturer.
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