Green and white Chinese Lovol tractors now with CVT at Agritechnica

17-11-2023 | Tech in focus | News

The new flagship model from Lovol is the P7240, with 240 hp and a continuously variable transmission. It is expected that by the end of 2024, the homologation will be complete, making the Lovol tractor available in Europe. - Photos: Mark Pasveer.

At the Agritechnica trade fair, just like in 2017 and 2019, there are again green and white tractors from China. The name Arbos is no longer on the hood, but now it’s Lovol. The highlight is the new Lovol tractor P2740: over 200 hp with its own CVT (continuously variable transmission). Remarkably, there is a 480 hp variant in the works.

The Chinese machinery manufacturer Weichai Lovol has a considerable stand at Agritechnica 2023 and is showcasing a new tractor model: the Lovol P7240. The Chinese company builds the entire driveline itself, consisting of a Weichai six-cylinder engine with 7.5 liters of engine displacement and a Weichai continuously variable transmission (CVT) behind it.

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Weichai Lovol builds its own engines and has also developed the continuously variable transmission (CVT) itself. Here, the complete assembly of the P2740 is on display.

End of 2024 Lovol-tractor in Europe

The series comprises two models: the P7220 with 220 hp and the P7240 with 240 hp. The tractors have a maximum speed of 40 km/h and the transmission is said to be composed of four groups. The manufacturer is not very forthcoming with technical details.

This P7000 series is already being delivered in China. The manufacturer states it is working hard on the homologation for approval in Europe. According to a spokesperson, it is expected that this will be completed by the end of 2024, making the tractor available in Europe.

Market in Eastern Europe

The tractor may not look new. At the Agritechnica trade fairs in 2017 and 2019, practically the same tractors were displayed with the name Arbos on the hood – albeit without a CVT at that time. There is some mystery about the Arbos brand name – which was already owned by the Chinese Weichai Lovol at the time. In short: Arbos is no longer being used.

Weichai Lovol continues to conquer the European tractor market with the same tractor models and color scheme under the Lovol brand name. In Eastern Europe (think Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, and the Czech Republic), the tractors are actively sold. In the future, the Aupax brand name will also appear on the hood. Aupax has been a brand of Weichai Lovol for twenty years, currently marketed in China.

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The 5000 series (in the rear) was available for a while in the Benelux under the brand name Arbos. Weichai Lovol has discontinued that brand name and now markets the tractor under the Lovol name. The company is particularly active in the tractor market in Eastern Europe.

Lovol tractors up to 480 hp

Not present at the fair, but displayed on a large poster, is Lovol’s flagship model: the P8000 series, currently being tested in China. This refers to a tractor that delivers 340 hp and is also equipped with a continuously variable transmission.

The manufacturer also hints at a P9000 series, which for now seems to be only a drawing. The plans: a 480 hp engine with a continuously variable transmission as well.