Analysis of Market Trends in High end Intelligent Tractors

The high-end and intelligent development of tractors is on the rise, becoming a global trend. This article discusses this topic in order to stimulate further discussion and guide the 

healthy development of China's tractor industry.

Current situation of high-end intelligent tractor market

The high-end intelligent tractor market presents various characteristics. Firstly, from the perspective of the domestic market, the demand for intelligence is constantly increasing. 

With the advancement of agricultural modernization, traditional tractors are no longer able to meet the needs of efficient agricultural production, and intelligence has become a 

new development direction. For example, the unmanned large-scale farms vigorously promoted and applied in China are supported by intelligent tractors. With the popularization 

and promotion of unmanned farms, the demand for high-end intelligent tractors is increasingly evident, which can improve production efficiency and reduce labor costs.

China's tractor intelligent technology is gradually catching up with the international advanced level. Domestic enterprises have made progress in some core technologies of 

intelligent tractors, such as power shifting technology, which uses a planetary variable axis dual gear structure to achieve power shifting and solve the problem of excessive axial 

dimensions in fixed axis transmissions; Autonomous driving technology, based on Beidou high-precision positioning technology, has achieved a leap from manual driving of 

tractors to automatic operation of starting, variable speed clutch, steering, and tool lifting.

The industry as a whole is moving towards high-end and intelligent development. Many enterprises actively carry out strategic layout and launch various high-end intelligent 

tractor products. For example, China Yituo has launched the new generation of intelligent tractor Dongfanghong Intelligent Tractor 2.0, which has seven innovative functions 

including intelligent U-turn, automatic plowing depth maintenance, cruise control, one click lifting and flipping, precise acre counting, rearview image monitoring, and maintenance 

information reminder. The three operating modes have been well received by users.

However, currently there is a surplus of low-end tractor products and a shortage of large and high-end products in the market. Driven by both policy and market factors, the 

popularity of large-scale and high-end products is increasing. However, the overall market share of high-end intelligent tractors still needs to be improved, and further 

development is needed to meet the increasing demand for agricultural production.

Future development trend of high-end intelligent tractor market

1. The level of intelligence continues to improve

In the future, the intelligence level of high-end intelligent tractors will be further enhanced. In terms of autonomous driving, its accuracy may be higher, for example, by further 

improving the current autonomous driving accuracy from ± 2.5cm, allowing tractors to perform seeding, fertilization and other operations more accurately in the field. Moreover, 

intelligent tractors will not only be limited to simple autonomous driving, but will also develop towards more advanced artificial intelligence, such as the ability to automatically 

adjust the depth of operation and fertilizer application based on soil fertility, humidity, and other conditions.

2. Multi functional integration

High end intelligent tractors will develop towards multifunctional integration. A tractor can be equipped with multiple different agricultural tools, which can be quickly switched 

through an intelligent control system to meet the needs of different agricultural production processes, such as sowing, plowing, irrigation, harvesting, etc. This will greatly improve 

the efficiency of tractor use and reduce the time and cost for farmers to switch between different agricultural tools.

3. Deep integration with smart agriculture

With the development of smart agriculture, high-end intelligent tractors will become an important component of smart agriculture systems. It can exchange data with farm 

management systems, meteorological monitoring systems, agricultural product traceability systems, etc. For example, adjusting work schedules based on meteorological data to 

avoid working in adverse weather conditions; Alternatively, the tractor's operational data can be uploaded to the farm management system for the convenience of farmers in 

production management and decision-making.

4. Environmental performance improvement

In the context of increasingly strict environmental requirements, the environmental performance of high-end intelligent tractors will continue to improve. On the one hand, engine 

technology will continue to improve, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions; On the other hand, exploring the application of new energy in tractors, such as 

electric or hybrid tractors, to reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels and achieve energy-saving and emission reduction goals.

5. The intensification of market globalization

Chinese high-end intelligent tractor companies will be more actively exploring international markets. With the improvement of technological level, the cost-effectiveness 

advantage of products will gradually emerge, and their market share in major export markets such as Asia, Europe, and North America is expected to further expand. At the same 

time, foreign companies will also strengthen their layout in the Chinese market, leading to an intensified trend of global market competition, which will encourage companies to 

continuously improve product quality and service levels.

Comparison of high-end intelligent tractor markets at home and abroad

1. In terms of technical level

Overall, tractor technology in China was relatively backward compared to foreign countries, but has developed rapidly in recent years. Domestic tractor brands have successively 

laid out intelligent tractor products and made breakthroughs in some core technologies, such as power shifting technology, autonomous driving technology, etc., gradually 

narrowing the gap with foreign countries. The autonomous driving technology developed by domestic enterprises using Beidou high-precision positioning technology has also 

had good application effects in the agricultural environment in China, and with the increase of national investment in related technology research and development, the speed of 

technological catch-up is also accelerating.

Some advanced foreign enterprises, such as Fantawild, John Deere, and Case New Holland, started early in the field of tractor intelligence and have relatively mature 

technologies. They extensively apply automation, intelligence, and information technology to upgrade tractors, and have comprehensive solutions for smart agriculture and 

precision agriculture technology, such as Kaisersworth's AFS system, New Holland's PLM system, John Deere's AMS system, Klaas' EASY system, and AGCO's FUSE system. 

These systems are widely used worldwide, providing efficient and accurate solutions for agricultural production. Simultaneously pushing back the technological progress of 

China's tractor industry to enhance the competitiveness of domestic tractors.

2. In terms of market size

Domestically. In terms of sales revenue, tractors account for a relatively high proportion of the total sales of agricultural machinery in China. In 2021, the total sales of agricultural 

machinery in China reached 253.339 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.81%. Tractors ranked first in agricultural machinery product sales with a sales revenue of 86.039 

billion yuan, accounting for 33.96% of the total sales revenue. This proportion is much higher than other agricultural machinery products, such as rice harvesters and corn 

harvesters, with sales of 47.85 billion yuan and 35.9 billion yuan, accounting for 13.82% and 10.37% respectively. Although the high-end intelligent tractor market in China 

currently accounts for a relatively small proportion of the entire tractor market, its market size is gradually expanding with the acceleration of agricultural modernization and the 

increasing demand for intelligent products.

Overseas: According to research and statistics conducted by the QYResearch research team, the global smart tractor market sales will increase rapidly in 2023. It is expected 

that the sales amount of tractors will reach over 50% by 2030. The high-end intelligent tractor market in foreign countries has a relatively large overall market size due to its long 

development time and high level of agricultural modernization in some developed countries, resulting in a high demand for high-end intelligent tractors.

3. Product features and applications

Domestically, high-end intelligent tractor products in China continue to enrich their functions, such as the Dongfanghong Intelligent Tractor 2.0 launched by China Yituo, which 

has multiple innovative features. In terms of application, it mainly meets the needs of domestic agricultural production, including adapting to different terrains, soil conditions, and 

crop planting patterns in China. At present, the application of intelligent tractors in large and medium-sized farms as well as some agricultural cooperatives in China is gradually 

increasing.

Abroad: High end intelligent tractor products abroad have diverse functions and focus on precision agriculture. For example, the functions in precision sowing, precision 

fertilization, precision irrigation, etc. are more refined and precise. In terms of application, in addition to meeting the needs of domestic agricultural production, it is also widely 

exported to various parts of the world and applied in different agricultural environments around the world, especially in some large-scale farms and countries and regions with 

high levels of agricultural modernization.

Factors affecting the high-end intelligent tractor market

1. Policy factors

Subsidy policy: The national subsidy policy for smart tractors has an important guiding impact on the market. For example, the government has continuously increased subsidies 

for the application of Beidou satellite navigation autonomous driving technology on tractors, which has reduced the cost of using smart tractors, increased user purchasing 

enthusiasm, and promoted the development of the smart tractor market. If the subsidy policy can be continuously optimized to cover more intelligent tractor related technologies 

and products, it will further promote the expansion of the market.

Industrial policy: The government's industrial policy encourages enterprises to conduct research and production of high-end intelligent tractors. In order to implement the decision 

and deployment of promoting high-quality development of manufacturing industry in China, accelerate the promotion and application of the first (set), and continuously improve 

the innovation level of major technological equipment, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has revised and released relevant guidance catalogs, added the 

product category of intelligent tractors, and guided enterprises to develop towards high-end intelligence, which will help enhance the technological level and market 

competitiveness of the entire industry.

2. Technical factors

Core technological breakthroughs: The development of core technologies for high-end intelligent tractors, such as power shifting technology, autonomous driving technology, 

closed center load sensing and pressure compensation hydraulic comprehensive control technology for electro-hydraulic suspension systems, and design technology for 

acoustic solid coupling, is crucial. These technological breakthroughs can improve the performance of tractors, for example, power shifting technology solves the problem of 

power interruption during gear shifting and improves work efficiency; Autonomous driving technology has improved job accuracy and reduced manpower demand. If enterprises 

can take the lead and fully control the independent intellectual property rights of core technologies, they will build a resilient supply chain system, form new quality productivity, 

and occupy an advantageous position in market competition.

Technology integration and innovation: In addition to core technologies, integrating multiple technologies for innovation is also a factor that affects the market. For example, 

integrating Beidou high-precision positioning technology with electro-hydraulic control systems to achieve more accurate operation of agricultural tools; Alternatively, automation 

technology can be integrated with intelligent decision-making systems to enable tractors to automatically adjust operating parameters based on different working environments 

and crop needs. This technology integration innovation can enhance the added value of products, meet the increasingly diverse needs of users, and promote market 

development.

3. Market demand factors

The demand for agricultural modernization: With the advancement of agricultural modernization, the demand for high-end intelligent tractors in large farms, agricultural 

cooperatives, and other areas is constantly increasing. These agricultural operators need to improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, and enhance the quality of 

agricultural products, and high-end intelligent tractors can meet these needs. For example, the precise operation function of intelligent tractors can improve the accuracy of 

sowing and fertilization, thereby increasing crop yield and quality.

Labor factor: The reduction of rural labor force has led to the development of agricultural production towards mechanization and intelligence. Due to the decrease in the number 

of labor engaged in agricultural production, the demand for high-end intelligent tractors that can replace human labor and improve labor efficiency has correspondingly increased. 

Moreover, the operation of intelligent tractors is relatively simple and does not require too many professional skills, which also makes more agricultural practitioners willing to use 

them.

4. Cost factors

Production cost: High end intelligent tractors have relatively high research and production costs due to their high technological content. This includes the procurement cost of 

components, investment in technology research and development, and updates to production equipment. If enterprises can reduce production costs through technological 

innovation, optimize production processes, and other means, it will help lower product prices and improve product competitiveness in the market. For example, some companies 

reduce production costs through large-scale production and the use of new materials.

Usage cost: The usage cost of smart tractors will also affect the market. The maintenance of intelligent tractors requires professional technicians and equipment, and if the 

maintenance cost is too high, users may hesitate. In addition, the energy consumption cost of smart tractors is also an aspect. If fuel efficiency can be improved or more 

economical energy sources can be used, it will reduce usage costs and increase market acceptance.

Emerging technologies in the high-end intelligent tractor market

1. Artificial Intelligence Technology

The application prospects of artificial intelligence technology in high-end intelligent tractors are broad. Through machine learning algorithms, tractors can analyze a large amount 

of agricultural data, such as soil data, crop growth data, meteorological data, etc. For example, predicting the optimal sowing time and fertilization amount based on data such as 

soil moisture and fertility; Using image recognition technology to identify weeds in the field and carry out precise weed control. In addition, artificial intelligence can also achieve 

intelligent fault diagnosis of tractors. Through real-time monitoring and analysis of tractor operation data, potential fault hazards can be detected in advance, and maintenance 

personnel can be notified in a timely manner to reduce downtime and improve production efficiency.

2. Internet of Things technology

IoT technology connects high-end intelligent tractors with other agricultural equipment and systems. Tractors can interact with the farm's sensor network (such as soil moisture 

sensors, weather stations, etc.), agricultural machinery management system, agricultural product traceability system, etc. for data exchange. For example, tractors can 

automatically adjust the irrigation amount based on data from soil moisture sensors; Upload homework data (such as homework area, homework time, homework quality, etc.) to 

the agricultural machinery management system to facilitate farmers' management and decision-making. At the same time, IoT technology can also achieve remote monitoring and 

operation. Users can remotely monitor the operation status of tractors through their mobile phones or computers, and perform some simple operations such as starting, stopping, 

adjusting job parameters, etc.

3. New energy technology

The application of new energy technology in high-end intelligent tractors is an emerging trend. On the one hand, electric tractors have advantages such as zero emissions and 

low noise, making them suitable for use in areas with high environmental requirements, such as farms around cities. The battery technology of electric tractors is constantly 

developing, the endurance is gradually improving, and the charging time is also constantly shortening. On the other hand, hybrid tractors combine the advantages of traditional 

fuel engines and electric systems, allowing them to use fuel engines when high power output is required and switch to electric mode when low power demand is needed, 

improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

4. Big Data and Cloud Computing Technology

Big data and cloud computing technology provide powerful data processing and storage capabilities for high-end intelligent tractors. By collecting various data of tractors during 

operation (such as operation speed, operation trajectory, tool status, etc.) and surrounding environmental data (such as soil data, meteorological data, etc.), and uploading these 

data to the cloud for storage and analysis. By utilizing big data analysis techniques, more valuable information can be extracted, such as the optimal operating modes for different 

regions and the best fertilization plans for different crops. Cloud computing technology can also provide powerful computing support for the intelligent control system of tractors, 

ensuring that the system can quickly and accurately handle various complex tasks.

Original: Hanzhong Woodcutter

Source: Agricultural Machinery Information Network