The
company's activities were initially dedicated to the development of a series of 1 and
2 cylinder petroleum engines, but it was only in 1947, during the first hard years of
post-war reconstruction that the 3R 10 reversible drive universal tractor was created,
affectionately known as the "tricycle". The model was publicized by the Cassani
brothers as "a low cost jewel of Italian industry - an investment that pays for
itself in only one year of work". Designed to mount all the main tools in use at the
time, from the cutter bar to the plough and the potato digger, the model perfectly
interpreted the Cassani ethos, i.e. to alleviate fatigue while meeting the needs of even
the smallest farming enterprise. This simple 3-wheel tractor, featuring lateral and rear
PTO's, mounts a petroleum or diesel engine, removable for fixed use on-site, and presents
an exclusive innovation of reverse drive - virtually the predecessor of today's modern
tractor models mounting farming implements.
The universal tractor soon developed into a four-wheel model with new-design tank,
hood and gearshift. The Cassani stroke of genius was however seen in 1951, with the
appearance of the DA 25, featuring front-wheel drive - the World's first volume-produced
4WD tractor, with air cooled diesel engine. Four-wheel drive is synonymous with greater
adherence and pulling power, without compromising handling, not even on the smallest
fields. Indeed excellent results were immediately seen in the rice fields, where the extra
traction outperformed all competitor models, even in the most extreme conditions.
One of the characteristics of the SAME tractor was the
air-cooling system, in contrast the conventional water cooling system adopted on the
competition. This design feature however allowed SAME to achieve two important objectives:
greater operating maintenance-free efficiency ( unlike water, air cannot freeze), and
modular engine components, to offer the user a range of engine sizes with standardized
parts. The enormous success of these 4WD tractors crossed the oceans, to make SAME a
familiar name in South America, Africa, and Asia.
In 1953, after only eight months of construction works, SAME
engineers made a toast to the new production site; a rectangular building designed with
rationality in mind, along the road between Milan and Venice. Covering an area of
19.8 acres (of which half covered by factory buildings), the site was centered
around a workshop 820 feet long. SAME designs all tractor assemblies, but decides to
produce all the main components internally, such as engines, transmissions, hydraulic
systems, 4WD axles etc., while commissioning and purchasing other parts such as castings
from external manufacturers. In this way, SAME favors growth in economically subordinate
industries, with the necessary capability to supply SAME’s increasing productivity
rate.
The work site was gradually equipped with entire lines of
machines tools, designed and constructed by SAME itself, which in 1957 transforms residual
US wartime operating machines originally used for the production of aircraft. The first
automated production lines were soon to become a reality.
The company, based in Treviglio, Italy, was gradually
transformed into a large-scale industrial concern, while the engineering department became
increasingly involved in improving tractor performance. The mechanical lift becomes
hydraulically-actuated, and the first automatic control station Sac SAME was developed. To
the benefit of the tractor and the farmer alike, this innovative lift, further testimony
to SAME’s leading role in technological development, automatically controlled the
operating performance of the attachment in relation to draft. A system utilizing a simple
lower link sensing shaft, that will thereafter become a constant feature of tractors was
presented in the early Sixties for the first time on the 240 model, the "intelligent
tractor".
1966 saw the dawning of a new era in 4WD technology. The
design developement and patenting of the first coaxile 4wd system by SAME. A patent held
for ten years and later adopted by all tractor manufacturers.
This was the eve of a technological revolution, generated by SAME engineers
in the design of new inline engines. The monolithic injection pump was replaced by the
single injectors directly actuated by the camshaft, a feature that still characterizes all
SAME engines. The first engine was configured with an immersed injection pump, which
solved a series of problems involving the injection function seen on previous versions.
Another feature during this period was its "synchronized"
transmission based on an original Lamborghini project, the first
case of art important relationship of synergy to be developed following the purchase of Lamborghini by SAME
in 1972.
In the mid 1970’s, in the face of increasingly
specialized farming methods and the greater emphasis on agricultural productivity, the
tractor was to undergo another revolutionary change, destined to make a break with the
past in the quest for a more powerful and versatile vehicle.
The farmer now demands more from his tractor, a veritable
mobile power centre, in particular in terms of service and the increasingly powerful
functions of tractor attachments and implements
The driving position was finally to become a safe and
protected work place, ergonomic and comfortable, where hydraulic control systems replaced
obsolete mechanical solutions. The advent of the driver cab, suspended above the drive
mechanisms against which it was soundproofed, was a veritable breakthrough in tractor
design, as all controls become indirect, from the steering wheel on. In fact hydrostatic
steering was soon to become a constant tractor feature.
During the late years of the 1970’s, SAME acquired
the Hurlimann company to form the S+L+H group, which was immediately faced with the
difficult task of managing three separate production lines. The group policy nonetheless
remained faithful to diversification, with the group indeed deciding to double investment
allocations to R&D. This era marked the beginning of the Vittorio Carozza presidency
of SAME, which continues to this day. Design projects are no longer centered on single
models, but on entire tractor families, with wide use of standardized assembly components.
New air and water cooled engines were presented, as were gearboxes, now with 40 forward
and reverse gears. Between 1980 and 1983, SAME launches the first tractors equipped with 4
wheel braking system,which combined with the new gearboxes, allowed
SAME tractors to reach a maximum of 40 km/h.
SAME marked up another technological breakthrough in 1989 with the
introduction of the electronic accelerator and rpm control to their engines.
Tractor models now feature a host of electronic control components in
important functions - the Antares and Frutteto-Vigneto era. The science of electronics was
applied to the lift, operated by control panel inside the cab, with wheel-slip regulated
by a radar speed detector. And thanks to the power shift, gear changes during vehicle
movement are no problem. Most models available with front lift & front PTO
Revolutionary characteristics that allow SAME to win over an increasingly larger share of
the market.
Between 1990. and 1993, SAME amazed dealers and farmers alike with yet
another breakthrough - the first electronic power shift, mounted on the high-power models,
and launches a total range of tractor models to take on the world market. The models
include the Solaris, aimed at the garden tractor sector, the Titan for the high-power
range, the Silver, covering the mid-market area, and the Dorado, designed for the
low-power range of 60 - 70 hp tractors. The electronic power shift, actuated by a single
multifunction I r, makes all drive functions fully automatic, and represents
state-of-the-art technology in the field of control systems. The new gear selector was
fitted on the Titan 150, 165 and 190 hp Solaris models, supercharged by the recently
designed turbo engines.
Solaris was the first small-scale tractor with which SAME decided to take
on a new segment of the market. This compact, low power tractor (25, 35 or 45 hp)
features a suspended platform and optional cab.
Dorado was designed to replace the previous range of small to medium power
tractors in the 60 - 70 hp category, and was equipped with synchronized reverse shuttle
and 20 to 45 speed Agroshift gearbox. Control levers have now been replaced by
push-buttons, while the driver cab was equipped with new-design climate control and air
filter system.
The Silver series represents the new range of medium sized tractors, with
4-cylinder 80, 90 and 100 hp engines (the latter also in the 6-cylinder version), designed
to accompany the Explorer series. The Silver is created in two versions, with platform and
roll bar or with suspended cab, both featuring Agroshift gearbox and hydraulic reverse
shuttle with 60+ 60 gears, and multifunction control panel on the right armrest of the
driver. Among the innovative design characteristics, the hood is made from Telene, a
sturdy, heat-resistant material.
Such attention to detail is the clear demonstration that SAME continues
its endeavor to satisfy the most diverse requirements of its clientele, offering an
increasingly wider range of products that in recent years has developed to include a
complete series of Solaris garden tractors. The series was designed for both traditional
farming jobs and maintenance of parks and gardens, and is available in a host of versions
to meet the particular requirements, whatever the geographical location. SAME has also
dedicated its attention to a range Golden of special products, a field in which it now
plays a leading role on the market. The traditional Frutteto-Vigneto model has been
developed into the Golden range, a series designed for specific farming applications in
fruit orchards, vineyards and poultry farms. The mechanical, stylistic and functional
design of the series offers the user unprecedented comfort standards for the 60-85 hp
power category.
The medium-high power range is dominated by the impressive Rubin (120-150
hp), a technologically advanced tractor made to satisfy the requirements of the most
demanding farmer, able to tackle the most challenging applications with a degree of
operating ease and a modern styling that only SAME can offer.
Ready for the next millennium, SAME will continue to launch new tractor
ranges, innovate existing lines and offer the highest quality and meet reliability
standards.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OVER 70 YEARS OF SAME HISTORY
• 1927 - Development of World’s 1st full Diesel Tractor
• 1928 - Owner, Francesco Cassani, informed the Italian Government on the importance
of the 4WD Tractor
• 1942 - SAME Company is formed in Treviglio, Italy. SAME - Società Accomandita
Motori Endotermici
• 1948 - The world’s 1st reversible drive tractor is developed by SAME •
1951 - Introduction of world’s 1st volume produced 4WD air-cooled diesel tractor
• 1958 - Introduction of world’s 1st lower-link sensing hydraulics, with
patented cranked cross-shaft
• 1966 - Developed world’s 1st co-axial 4WD system. Patented and held for 10
years
• 1972 - Purchased Lamborghini Trattori
• 1973 - Development of “P” series engine, incorporating oil-spray
piston~cooIing 1976 - Purchased Hürlimann Tractor Company
• 1983 - Introduced Explorer series tractors. The world’s 1st tractor series to
incorporate SAME engines fitted with individual cylinder cam-shaft driven injection pumps.
• 1983 - Introduced world’s 1st production tractors fitted with oil-immersed
brakes in the front 4WD hubs, giving true, predictable 4 wheel braking.
• 1989 - Introduced world’s 1st agricultural tractors fitted with diesel engines
incorporating electronic injection control
• 1990 - Awarded gold medal for electronic engine regulator at SIMA - France
• 1991 - Awarded gold medal for PowerShift transmission with electronic control at
SIMA - France
• 1992 - Introduction of the electronic Power Shift gearbox
• 1993 - Opened assembly plant in Poland
• 1993 - SAME was awarded the coveted ISO 9001 quality certification • 1994 -
Introduction of the SAME Electronic hydraulic system
• 1995 - Purchased Deutz-Fahr
• 1995 - Introduced the Automatic Power Shift
• 1999 - Awarded gold medal for Sequential Drive System (SDS) at SIMA - France
Today, SAME DEUTZ-FAHR GROUP is the 3rd largest tractor and farm machinery producer in
Western Europe and produced over 30,000 tractors in 1997.
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