Global agricultural equipment manufacturer CNH has unveiled new compact tractor models under its Case IH and New Holland brands, offering 35-horsepower and 40-horsepower options designed for versatility and ease of use.
The new Farmall 35A and Farmall 40A from Case IH, alongside the Workmaster 35C and Workmaster 40C from New Holland, are positioned as practical solutions for smallholder farmers, mixed farming operations, and agribusinesses requiring reliable mid-range power.
Designed for Versatility
Powered by 3-cylinder 1.9-litre engines, the tractors offer a choice between a three-range hydrostatic transmission and a 12-by-12 mechanical transmission. This flexibility makes them suitable for a range of agricultural tasks common across Sub-Saharan Africa, including land preparation, planting support, transport, livestock operations, and orchard management.
Each model comes equipped with a 12.6-gallon fuel tank, supporting extended working hours — an important factor for farmers operating in remote areas with limited refuelling infrastructure.
Operator Comfort and Practical Design
The compact tractors feature a semi-flat deck design with minimal transmission obstruction, making entry and exit easier — particularly valuable for farmers working long hours. Rubber floor mats and ergonomically positioned controls improve operator comfort.
The dual pedal system allows smooth forward-to-reverse transitions, which is beneficial for loader work and confined farmyard operations.
Strong Implement Compatibility
For African farmers seeking multi-purpose machinery, the new compact tractors support a wide range of factory-matched implements including loaders, backhoes and grapples.
The heavy-duty three-point hitch offers a lift capacity of 2,067 pounds (approximately 938 kg), enabling use with rotary cutters, ploughs and other rear-mounted implements commonly used in crop production.
A redesigned backhoe attachment system allows farmers to quickly detach the backhoe while retaining the three-point linkage arms — improving efficiency during multi-task operations such as trenching and brush clearing.
Technology Integration
The tractors are telematics-ready, allowing installation of an entry-level modem compatible with CNH’s FieldOps data management system. Through a smartphone or tablet, owners can monitor GPS location, speed, fuel levels and battery status.
While advanced telematics adoption is still emerging across much of Sub-Saharan Africa, such features may appeal to commercial farmers and contractor operations seeking better fleet management and operational tracking.
Potential Impact in Sub-Saharan Africa
Compact tractors in the 35–40 horsepower range are particularly relevant to African agriculture, where farm sizes are often smaller and capital budgets more constrained. Their adaptability across cropping systems, livestock operations and small-scale mechanisation services positions them as potential tools for improving productivity and reducing labour intensity.
As mechanisation continues to expand across Sub-Saharan Africa, equipment that balances affordability, durability and versatility will play a key role in supporting food security and rural economic growth.
