Samuel is Europe’s top tractor driver

Samuel is Europe’s top tractor driver

5 July 2017

A YOUNG Killinchy farmer has been named Europe’s top tractor driver.

Twenty five year-old Samuel Graham beat off tough competition from farmers across Europe to win the European Drivers’ Championship 2017, organised jointly by John Deere and Michelin.

Samuel earned his place at the final after registering to take part online and winning hundreds of votes to secure himself the chance to compete at an international level. 

Held at the Michelin Technical Innovation Centre Test Circuit in Ladoux, France, Samuel and farmers and contractors from 13 countries tested their skills behind the wheel of John Deere’s new 6250R series tractor.

Despite the work involved, Samuel said he enjoyed his two-day visit to Ladoux, which is one of the world’s largest vehicle test centres, featuring 20 test tracks with a combined length of 45km.

To compete in the challenge each participant had to master the challenges of speed, manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency and soil protection by developing their own winning driving strategy for tasks that are typical for the daily work of a farmer or contractor.

The winner was the farmer who adopted the best overall strategy combining speed with lowest possible fuel consumption and lowest soil compaction in the field. 

Their skills were tested around a carefully constructed 18km long course where even the smallest mistake mattered.

“I had to drive a loaded tractor trailer, it was full concentration, with the course all measured and judged through GPS,” he said.

“It was great fun and a great experience as I do driving competitions with young farmers at home.”

Alexandre Gasc, marketing product manager for Michelin’s new Roadbib tyres, which were on the tractor driven by Samuel, said he had used a great strategy.

“Tyre pressures are critical and Samuel ensured maximum fuel efficiency and minimal soil compaction across this demanding road and field circuit,” he said.

“It was an event designed to challenge even the best drivers, but he put in a fantastic effort and was a truly deserving 

winner.”