South Africa’s fruit and wine industries are among the most advanced agricultural sectors in the world. Serving international markets while remaining profitable requires equipment that increases productivity, reduces input costs, and protects the quality of the final product. This is precisely where New Holland’s range of specialty tractors and Braud grape harvesters prove their value.
With decades of experience in orchard and vineyard mechanisation, New Holland offers solutions specifically developed to address the challenges producers face every day, from narrow row spacing and steep slopes to the need for greater operational efficiency.
T3F Series: A Compact Specialist for Precision Work
The New Holland T3F Series is designed for producers who require a compact, lightweight, and versatile tractor. These tractors are ideal for smaller vineyards, fruit orchards, and mixed farming operations where manoeuvrability and agility are essential.
The narrow design allows operators to move easily between tight rows without damaging branches, foliage, or fruit. At the same time, the economic engine performance ensures lower fuel consumption, which is particularly important during a period of rising input costs.
For producers, this means a tractor capable of comfortably handling sprayers, mowers, and other implements while keeping operating costs under control. The T3F delivers straightforward reliability and excellent value for money.
It is available in three models, namely the T3.50F 2WD (37kW), T3.55F 4WD (40kW), and the T3.75F in both 2WD and 4WD configurations (53kW). With an overall width of approximately 1 440mm and a height as low as 1 310mm, it is ideally suited for operating beneath table grape trellises.
TDF Series: More Power for Greater Challenges
Where larger implements and heavier workloads are required, the TDF Series comes into its own. These tractors combine compact dimensions with increased horsepower and stronger hydraulic capabilities.
For producers using large air-blast sprayers, pruning equipment, or tillage implements, the TDF provides the power reserves needed to maintain high productivity. The range delivers excellent stability on uneven terrain and slopes, a key advantage in many South African vineyard and orchard regions.
The powerful hydraulic system ensures faster implement response and improves overall performance during busy seasons. Less downtime and faster work cycles ultimately mean more hectares can be covered each day.
It is available in two models, namely the TD75F (53kW) and the TD90F (65kW). Both models are available only in 4WD and without a cab. A 12×12 power shuttle transmission is fitted as standard. Depending on tyre size, the minimum overall width and height are 1 654mm and 1 482mm, respectively.
T4FS Series: Premium Performance for Professional Producers
The T4FS Series represents the pinnacle of New Holland’s specialist tractor technology. These models are developed for modern high-density plantings where precision and productivity go hand in hand.
The tractor’s low-profile, narrow design makes it ideal for vineyards and orchards where space is limited. The spacious cab offers excellent visibility, modern ergonomics, and a high level of operator comfort during long working days.
The rear linkage system provides an impressive lifting capacity of 2 800kg, while the optional front linkage can support up to 1 800kg, making the T4FS suitable for a wide range of implements and attachments.
For professional producers who are constantly seeking greater efficiency, the T4FS delivers everything expected from a modern specialist tractor. There is, however, a clear distinction between the smallest model and the three larger models in the range. The smallest model, the T4.80FS (55kW), is powered by the FPT S8000 engine. This engine uses only a catalytic converter to reduce emissions and therefore does not require AdBlue. It is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, with or without a cab.
The three larger models, namely the T4.90FS (63kW), T4.100FS (73kW) and T4.110FS (81kW), are equipped with the FPT F36 engine, which uses the AdBlue after-treatment system to reduce emissions. These models are available only in 4WD, with or without a cab.
A 20×20 power shuttle creeper transmission is fitted as standard. Customers can choose between an Orchard, Narrow, or SuperSteer™ front axle. The SuperSteer™ front axle is available only on the larger 4WD models and is fitted as standard when the front linkage and front PTO are specified.
Hydraulic flow is 49L/min for the T4.80FS and 73L/min for the three larger models.
Braud: The Name Behind World-Class Grape Harvesting
One of the biggest challenges in the South African wine industry is timing. Mechanised harvesting therefore offers a practical solution for making the most of critical harvest windows while maintaining high quality standards.
For more than five decades, Braud has been regarded worldwide as one of the pioneers of grape harvesting mechanisation. The unique technologies used in Braud machines are designed to handle grapes gently, ensuring that harvest losses and fruit damage are kept to a minimum.
Braud 9090X Grape: High Capacity, Maximum Quality
The Braud 9090X Grape has been developed for large commercial vineyards where speed, capacity, and harvest quality are of critical importance.
The renowned Braud SDC shaking system protects the vines during harvesting, while the Noria collection system handles the grapes gently. This combination reduces losses and helps preserve fruit quality.
For producers, this means more tons harvested per day and greater peace of mind during the critical harvest period.
Braud 8.50L: Accessible Mechanisation
The Braud 8.50L offers an excellent balance of capacity, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. This model is ideal for medium-sized vineyards looking to benefit from the advantages of mechanised harvesting.
Its compact design provides excellent visibility and ease of operation, while the efficient harvesting system helps dramatically reduce harvest time. For many growers, the 8.50L is the ideal entry point into modern harvesting technology.
Braud 9.70L: Performance Without Compromise
The Braud 9.70L is designed for producers who demand maximum productivity without sacrificing quality. Advanced cleaning systems ensure cleaner samples, while the high harvesting capacity allows large areas to be completed within optimal harvest windows.
The machine also offers exceptional operator comfort, improving productivity during long working shifts. Reduced downtime and more efficient harvesting processes contribute directly to greater profitability.
The Future of Specialty Agriculture
Whether it is the compact T3F, the powerful TDF, the advanced T4FS, or the world-renowned Braud grape harvesters, New Holland offers solutions specifically developed for the needs of modern fruit and wine producers.
In an industry where every hour, every hectare, and every kilogram matters, these technologies help producers become more productive, more profitable, and more competitive. For South Africa’s growing specialty crop sector, mechanisation is no longer just an advantage; it is a necessity for future success.
Visit us at Nampo Cape, Bredasdorp stands D02, D03, D04, D09, D10, and D11. Visit newholland.com/za.
