September 12, 2025 – Río Negro, Argentina — The agricultural machinery market in the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén is undergoing a notable shift, as farmers and contractors increasingly request tractors with more than 200 horsepower.
For decades, the region’s fruit industry relied on compact and mid-range machines in the 50–80 horsepower range – sufficient for orchard work and operating implements in confined spaces. But diversification in the Alto Valle’s production matrix is driving new demand. Large-scale forage production, horticulture in open fields, and land-clearing projects are all requiring more powerful equipment.
“Historically, fruit growers used tractors of up to 80 or 90 horsepower,” explained Gastón Casagrande of César Zanellato, a regional distributor. “Today, some contractors are asking for 160- to 200-horsepower machines, while companies producing forage at scale need tractors over 200 horsepower to operate mega balers and leveling equipment.”
Quality and Origin Still a Factor
While horsepower is becoming a key buying criterion, Casagrande noted that quality remains a decisive factor. “Japanese tractors stand out for their durability, robotics, and materials. The tractor you buy here is the same you would find in the U.S. or Europe, especially in fruit-growing operations,” he said.
He added that tractors offered in Argentina largely originate from Mercosur markets, with quality that often trails behind Japanese, American, or European imports.
Pricing and Market Range
The market currently offers equipment from 25 to 200 horsepower. According to Casagrande, a top-brand orchard tractor in the 50–80 horsepower range sells for $35,000 to $60,000. This pricing reflects the premium producers are willing to pay for durability and brand reliability.
Kubota’s Role in the Region
César Zanellato represents Kubota, one of the world’s top ten tractor manufacturers, in the Río Negro and Neuquén markets. Founded in 1890 in Japan, Kubota has built a global reputation for compact and mid-size tractors, while also expanding into higher-horsepower segments. Its products are widely recognized for their reliability, long service life, and consistent build quality—traits that have made Kubota a preferred choice among fruit growers and diversified producers in Argentina and around the world.
