India has the worlds largest tractor market selling 600,000
units annually, compared to the USA with 200,000 annual tractor sales. It makes sense that today was spent at
International Tractors Limited (ITL), India’s 3rd biggest company,
selling 85,000 tractors a year. Sonalika International tractor lines are
exported to 90 countries with 15,000 units a year globally. They just recently announced their launch
into the U.S. market in partnership with Yanmar, a Japanese tractor builder, to share distribution centers and dealerships in the U.S.A. for
these small tractors under the label “Solis”.
They currently have 25 dealerships established in the southeastern
states like Georgia and Florida.
Starting in 1969, and focusing on “back to basics” and a tag
line of “simple, solid, Solis”, their tractors are all small and low horse power ranging from 24-90 hp, to accommodate the smaller acreages and lower inputs. Along with tractors, they have a line up of
implements including self-propelled combines, disc plows, rotatory plows,
mobile corn dryers, and cultivators. The Sr. Manger, Sajal Bagga and Chief
Manager, Sundeep Kumar were our presenters for the day.
ITL one of India’s fastest growing companies, being a
billion US dollar company, with 5,000 employees and rolling out 500 tractors per
day. 70% of the building process is done
in house, including plastic injection molding and die sets for the 400 T – 1200
T press. All engines and transmissions are made in house. No excessive “gadgets” are on these tractors,
keeps them from expensive service needs and keeps the cost down. Prices for these tractors ranged from
$12,500 to $24,000.
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A Solis garden tractor awaiting export to the United States in April this year. |
We were given a tour of one of the main production campuses,
which was just a small portion of the 53 acres making up ITL. We followed the assembly of a tractor from
beginning to end. The first stop was the
gear division and the motor assembly where parts are tested thoroughly before
moving on. In here 250 different types
of components are made with 120,000 getting produced a month. Next, we went to
the press shop, watching a 1200T press operate was a highlight along with
feeling the floor moved when it pushed with all its force. These machines were huge!
From there, we entered the assembly building, we watched
them bring up transmissions from the other building from under ground, and haul
engines with cranes from above to attached to the base of the tractor. Painting is also done in this building, 2
liters of paint is all that is used for each tractor. We also saw the detailed inspection process
of testing, and checklists to ensure each tractor is specific for the country
its destined for.
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Each tractor is put on a treadmill and run at full speed, throttle open for
45 minutes to heat the engine and test for any defects before it is approved for export.
The PTO is run and the hydraulics are put to the test as well to test RPMs |
This was definitely one of the cleanest factory’s we have
been in over here, also using more safety precautions than we have been seeing,
safety signs were all over and have yellow painted drive and walk way
areas. But, there was no dress code, no
hard hats, no safety goggles or earplugs, however they said accidents are only
.02% a year. Average starting wage for
the employees is 10,000 rupies per month ($150 per month). Bonuses are available and have the option to
move up in the company. This is one of
the best jobs around the region, and most
employees live in the local village.
One thing we noticed is that no women were on the
production line. They will hire them but
don’t have any applicants because women don’t do “technical” jobs. Also, their wardrobe would be a danger to
them. Women are employed by Sonalika, but mostly do office work or are in the Research and Development division.
After lunch we had the opportunity to test drive 4 of their
tractors: a 24 HP, 40HP, 50HP and a 90HP
with each having a different implement behind it - a mulcher, disc, rotatory
plow and a disc plow. We were able to see how well they handled the implement,
how much power they had, how easy they were to operate, and make any general
observations. From there, they took us
back to the main office and the ITL staff had questions for us. They wanted to know what we liked and didn’t
like about their tractors, and what we would recommend to make them more
attractive for the U.S. markets. We like
the simplicity of use, ease of shifting and the size for the target
market. We didn’t like the turning
radius and the roll bar was in the wrong place for some of us. They know for
our area a cold start battery is needed, a plug heater needs to be added, a cab
is necessary, GPS compatible is helpful and a few other things.
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The SDARL women sure left an impression when they all drove
the various tractors. Indian women don't often drive cars, let alone tractors. |
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Bo Slovek taking a turn on the 40HP 2WD with a disc |
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Jason Warrington on the 40HP tractor. |
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Lacey Caffee trying out the 90HP tractor and plow |
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John Kleinjan on the 50HP 4WD tractor with a 3-bottom plow |
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Rebecca Christmann was happy to try the tiniest tractor at 24 HP but with 4WD |
It was a very interesting day to see the
technology and marketing they are using to build a tractor that fits their
small field sizes, and lower input farming practices. Our hosts were wonderful and we greatly enjoyed our time at Sonalika.
Blog post written by Jason Warrington and Lacey Caffee
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