The Tractor of the Year (TotY) 2026 award winners were announced to the public at the recent Agritechnica Show 2025. This international award aims to recognize excellence in agricultural mechanization, continues to showcase the best tractors in the European market.
Established in 1998 by the Italian magazine Trattori, this annual accolade is bestowed upon the top-performing tractor as determined by a group of 25 independent journalists with specialized knowledge in the field.
The following are the awards categories for 2026:
TotY High Power Category
The TotY HighPower Category is dedicated to tractors above 300 horsepower. Its aim is to recognize the growing importance of high- powered tractors in modern farming practices and emphasize their critical role in enhancing productivity, efficiency and sustainability.
This year’s winner, the Claas Axion 9.450 integrates high output with machine optimisation tools suited to large farms. A Stage V 6-cylinder, 8.7-litre engine with HVO compatibility is paired with the ZF TMG 45 HD “Silent” stepless transmission, achieving 40 km/h at just 1,350 rpm for exceptional transport efficiency.
Its CCLS hydraulic system delivers up to 370 L/min flow, with a rear lift capacity exceeding 11 tonnes and full ISOBUS and Power Beyond connectivity. Smart functions like CEMOS Dynamic Auto Droop, CEBIS Connect, and Auto Stretch Brakes enhance precision and safety, while the four-point suspended cab ensures high comfort at only 66 dB.
The jury valued the Axion’s combination of power density, hydraulic capability, and data-driven performance management.
TotY MidPower Category
TotY MidPower Category is specifically focused on tractors with horsepower ranging from 150 to a maximum of 280. Tractors in this range offer a unique balance between power, versatility, and efficiency.
The compact dimensions and premium technology in this year’s winner, the Fendt 516 Vario Gen4, powered by a 5.0-litre AGCO Power CORE 50 engine delivering 164 hp (up to 174 hp with boost) and 792 Nm of torque under the Fendt iD low-rpm concept.
The Vario CVT transmission (TA 120) provides seamless speed control from 20 m/h up to 50 km/h, maintaining 40 km/h at just 1,300 rpm. The eLS hydraulic system delivers up to 155 L/min of flow, with up to seven valves, electronic linkage, and full Headland Management.
Cab comfort features include hydraulic front axle suspension, optional pneumatic cab suspension, and an ultra-low 69 dB noise level.
The jury highlighted the 516 Vario’s balance of efficiency, comfort, and versatility as a reference in the mid-power class.
TotY Utility Category
TotY Utility rewards tractors in the power range from 70 to 150 horsepower, max 4 cylinders engine and maximum operating weight of 10.000 kilograms. These tractors are more fuel-efficient and they also excel in maneuverability.
This year’s winner, the Valtra G125 CVT Active represents the evolution of compact versatility. Its CVT transmission ensures precise control and smooth acceleration, particularly in front-loader and mixed-field operations.
The SmartTouch interface offers intuitive access to Valtra’s Smart Farming features such as section control and variable-rate application. Designed for practicality, it features a robust hydraulic system, excellent visibility, and an ergonomic cab layout optimised for loader work.
The jury appreciated the G125’s blend of agility, user-friendly operation, and technological integration.
TotY Specialized Category
TotY Specialized focused on orchard, vineyard hill and mountain tractors. Tractors with more than 40 Hp.
The New Holland T4.120 F Auto Command was the winner in this category with its continuously variable transmission (CVT) technology to the narrow tractor segment. Equipped with a 4-cylinder FPT F5 Stage V engine (118 hp, 506 Nm), it delivers precise power management through Auto Command CVT.
The tractor features PLM Intelligence connectivity, enabling remote diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and fleet management. Advanced automation includes IntelliSteer RTK+ guidance (up to 1.5 cm accuracy), IntelliTurn™ automatic headland turns, CustomSteer™ variable steering, and full ISOBUS TIM Class II compatibility. Safety and comfort are enhanced by the Intelligent Trailer Brake System, reversible fan, and three-camera setup.
The jury recognised its compact design and premium technology as a new standard for vineyard and orchard applications.
TOTYBot Category
TOTYBot Category will exclusively focus on tractors equipped with a 3-point hitch, no cab, PTO, or electric power transfer to implements, available in the European Market, with a minimum Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of 8.
This year’s winner the AgXeed 2.055 W3 is an autonomous platform marking a concrete step toward robotic field operations. It is powered by a DEUTZ TCD 2.9 L4 Stage V diesel engine (55 kW, 300 Nm) driving an electric powertrain with Engiro generators and Bosch Rexroth final drives.
The system includes an electric PTO up to 55 kW at 700 V, CCLS hydraulics (85 L/min), and a 2.5-ton rear lift, compatible with standard implements. Connectivity encompasses ISOBUS, cloud-based fleet management, and telemetry, with TIM capability under development.
Safety is ensured by LiDAR, cameras, GPS-RTK, and tactile sensors, while its 2.8-ton unladen weight and wide tyres ensure low soil impact.
The jury valued its commercial readiness and open architecture as key steps toward scalable, autonomous agriculture.
TOTY Sustainable Category
TotY Sustainable promotes innovation and highlights the agricultural industry’s efforts in providing environmentally sustainable tractors. Five tractors chosen by the jury among the shortlisted ones will be admitted to the Sustainable Toty Category.
The new JCB Fastrac 6300, the Sustainable Category winner, redefines the balance between performance, efficiency, and sustainability in high-speed tractor engineering. Powered by a 6-cylinder FPT Industrial NEF 6.7 Stage V engine and a ZF Eccom 3.1 transmission, it optimises fuel use and lowers emissions through Smart Transmission Control (STC), providing seamless transitions between pedal and joystick operation.
Its full hydro-pneumatic suspension, 50/50 weight distribution, and ABS disc brakes ensure stability and safety up to 70 km/h, reducing time and energy consumption in transport operations.
The integrated Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) adjusts pressure directly at the wheels to minimise soil compaction and preserve soil health, while the new four-wheel steering with Twin Steer Guidance enhances manoeuvrability and precision.
Inside, the iCON control system integrates ISOBUS, GPS, configurable work profiles, and dual-screen operation; telematics via JCB LiveLink support data-driven efficiency and preventive maintenance.
The jury recognised the Fastrac 6300 as an example of sustainable innovation that combines intelligent engineering, digital connectivity, and care for the soil to deliver productivity with responsibility.
