Tractors For Sale: Kioti's A Tough Tractor For A Tough Operating Environment

Tropical Fruit And Coffee Plantation Thrives Putting Its Trust in Kioti Tractors For Sale

Growing tropical fruit and coffee in sub-tropical conditions is challenging work. There are inclines and declines to deal with, narrow plantation laneways and all manner of changeable weather.

For Skybury, a tropical fruit and coffee plantation located a little more than an hour west of Cairns in Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands, a lot of effort and investment goes into research, especially single-cell cloning, as the business looks to expand varieties to fuel growth.

Above: Skybury invests heavily in research to expand varieties. Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

“Each month, we plant out 1,000 plants of multiple crops, looking for that variation,” says Ian MacLaughlin, who along with partner Marion (pictured above), other members of their family, and staff, produce an astonishing quantity of produce all-year around on 300 hectares sitting more than 500 metres above sea level.

Founded in 1987, the property – and its 150 staff – produce approximately 40 tonnes of green coffee per annum, 10,000 tonnes of red papaya, and increasing quantities of other varieties.

“It’s mainly coffee and papaya but we do other things as well – avocados, limes, lemons and passionfruit,” he says.

Above: Skybury produce approximately 40 tonnes of green coffee per annum. Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

In such a tough operating environment, Ian has put his trust in the ever-reliable Daedong and Kioti tractor brands for years.

The fleet consists of multiple models. For heavier work he uses Kioti’s RX Series, powered by Daedong’s high-output and low-noise diesel engines, and for lighter and tighter work, Kioti’s ultra-versatile 50+ horsepower EX range.

Testament to their robustness and dependability, Ian says some of its Daedongs and Kiotis have done 10,000 hours and they’re still going strong.

Above: In a harsh operating environment, Skybury puts its trust in Kioti tractors. Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

“On the property now, we have three of the RX Series Kiotis, the 7620s, and they’re about mid-life; I’d say they’ve done 5,000, possibly 6,000 hours. Plus, we have three RX 8030s and three new EX5810 models on order,” he says.

“They’re very reliable tractors and we’re pleased with them. The bigger Kioti tractors we use for spraying; the 8030s pull about 3,000 to 3,500 litres behind them.

“Each week I’d say we’d put about 50 hours on each tractor.

“With the new 5810s on the way, we’ll again use those with the three-point linkage to connect a sprayer. They’ll carry 600 litres behind them.

“We’ll also use them for hauling – they’ll be good for carrying a tonne and a half.”

Above: Each month, Skybury plant out 1,000 plants of multiple crops, looking for variation. Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

It’s no surprise that Kioti has forged a reputation for toughness and reliability in difficult terrain and applications, with the brand backed by genuine innovation and refinement.

With outputs ranging from 60hp to 80hp, the new RX Series tractors feature increased fuel capacity, improved hydraulic flow, faster road speed, larger tyres, and a significant boost in lift capacity.

Available as a ROPS or cab version, the RX Series has a 24 x 24 fully synchronised transmission, 4WD power steering, forward-reverse shuttle, and independent rear PTO.

There’s also a step-through platform, a streamlined hood and the anti-vibration tech in the cabin enhances driver comfort – important when carting a load of papayas!

Standard dual remote hydraulic valves accommodate multiple attachments and implements.

Above: James Fisher from NQ Agricultural Services in Tolga delivers another Kioti for Ian

Ian buys his Kiotis through James Fisher at NQ Agricultural Services in Tolga.

“James is amazing,” he says. “He understands our business and our needs. His service is excellent, particularly with parts, although we don’t need many, which is why I choose Kioti. Other tractors need a lot of work but these Kiotis survive on oil and water.”

For more details about Kioti call 1800 186 866 or visit www.kiotitractors.com.au.