Here’s a crisp, buyer-focused roundup of the notable tractor launches in India in 2025—what arrived, who it’s for, and why it matters.
New in 2025: The quick read
- Compact/orchard specials got a big push (Sonalika Cheetah series; VST FEN™ compact range).
- Mainstream 40–45 HP sweet spot heated up (Kubota MU4201).
- OEMs leaned into warranties, comfort & uptime (Swaraj’s 6-year/6,000-hour standard warranty on “Naya Swaraj”).
- Top-end power stepped up (John Deere’s 130 HP 5130M entered the domestic range).
- CNH/New Holland refreshed the 40–45 HP turf (new 3230 TX).
Launch-by-launch highlights
Swaraj (Mahindra Group) — “Naya Swaraj” (30–42 HP)
Swaraj rolled out five new tractors in the 30–42 HP band with more lift (up to 1,650 kg), side-shift, dual clutch/DCV, select 4WD/IPTO options, and an industry-leading 6-year/6,000-hour warranty—aimed squarely at small/medium farms. Announced Feb 17, 2025.
Good for: rotavation, puddling, and general tillage where reliability and lower upkeep matter.
John Deere — 5130M (130 HP) & platform updates
At its Power & Technology 6.0 event, John Deere introduced the 5130M—now the most powerful model in the India lineup (130 HP; 3,700 kgf lift)—plus GearPro™, PermaClutch expansions, and higher lift capacity on popular D/E series. This targets large implements and high-demand, multi-crop operations.
Good for: big farms & contractors running heavy reversible ploughs, power harrows, and large balers.
Escorts Kubota — Kubota MU4201 (41–44 HP)
Launched Aug 25, 2025, the MU4201 marks Kubota’s entry into India’s crucial 41–44 HP category, bringing flat deck ergonomics, synchromesh gearbox, dual clutch and refinement (balancer shaft) tuned for Indian duty cycles.
Good for: multipurpose row-crop work, haulage, and rotavator/disc harrow combos where comfort matters.
New Holland (CNH) — 3230 TX (42 HP)
Billed as a “New Launch” for 2025, the 3230 TX adds a 42 HP package with constant-mesh side-shift, multi-speed & reverse PTO, Softek clutch, and heavy-duty hydraulics—slotting into the high-volume 40–45 HP bracket.
Good for: mixed farms that need a do-it-all 42 HP with proven PTO flexibility.
Sonalika — Cheetah Series (MM-18, DI-30 4WD, DI-32)
Launched Apr 26, 2025, the Cheetah family focuses on compact & orchard work: the MM-18 (863.5 cc, dual-speed PTO), DI-30 4WD (2,044 cc, 1,120 kg lift), and DI-32 (2,780 cc, 1,325 kg lift), all with Sonalika’s “4D air-cooling”, transport lock, and tight dimensions for vineyards/orchards.
Good for: orchards, vineyards, vegetable belts, inter-row work, and light haulage.
VST Tillers Tractors — FEN™ Compact Series (≈18.5–29 HP)
In August 2025, VST unveiled the FEN™ (Fuel Efficient & Torque Max) compact tractor line—five variants squarely focused on frugal running and torque-rich performance for small/mid-sized farms, with 2WD/4WD options.
Good for: horticulture, inter-cultivation, and smallholder mechanisation with low operating cost.
One-look comparison
| OEM / Model (launch) | Power (HP) | Notable bits | Best suited for |
| Swaraj Naya Swaraj range (Feb ’25) | 30–42 | 1,650 kg lift, side-shift, DCV, select 4WD, 6-yr/6,000-hr warranty | Small/medium farms seeking value + uptime |
| John Deere 5130M (2025) | 130 | 3,700 kgf lift; 5M series; P&T 6.0 launch | Heavy tillage & commercial contracting |
| Kubota MU4201 (Aug ’25) | 41–44 | Flat deck, synchromesh, dual clutch, refinement | Core 40–45 HP row-crop/haulage |
| New Holland 3230 TX (2025) | 42 | Side-shift constant mesh, MS/R PTO, Softek clutch | All-round 42 HP duties |
| Sonalika Cheetah (Apr ’25) | ~18–32 | Compact/orchard geometry, 4D air-cooling, 4WD option | Orchards, vineyards, inter-row ops |
| VST FEN™ (Aug ’25) | ~18.5–29 | Fuel-efficient, high-torque, 2WD/4WD | Smallholders & horticulture |
What this means if you’re buying in 2025
- Pick your power band by implement first.
If you regularly run a 6-ft rotavator and trolley, the 41–45 HP bracket (New Holland 3230 TX, Kubota MU4201, Swaraj 30–42 HP) is the value sweet spot. Heavy reversible ploughs, large balers or 12-row planters? That’s Deere 5130M territory. - Orchard/vegetable belts:
Check turning radius, width, and ground clearance—exactly what Sonalika Cheetah and VST FEN™ optimise—so you reduce crop damage and fuel burn between rows. - Don’t ignore warranty & service intervals.
Swaraj’s 6-year standard warranty shifts TCO maths in its favour if you plan to hold 6–8 years. John Deere’s extended service intervals and clutch tech updates also trim downtime. - Try before you buy.
Demo with your heaviest implement on your soil. Match PTO rpm and working speed; listen for driveline harshness; check heat management (important on compact orchards).
A note on electric tractors
You’ll see more pilots and prototypes, but 2025 mass-market launches remain limited; most action is still in diesel efficiency and compact geometries. Keep an eye on domestic players and policy signals before committing; today’s mainstream lineup is what you see above.
