The Irish farming landscape is inundated with Fiats, their popularity and respect reflected in the high resale value of clean examples.

Agro Power, previously of the Carrigrohane Road, Cork, is a name that is synonymous with the terracotta brand in the South of Ireland. Established in the mid 1970’s, they first sold the popular Fiat 1000 and 1300DT tractors. The ultimate success of the company came with the release of the 90 series tractors in the mid 80’s.

Fiat 90 series tractors are renowned for their simplicity, performance, reliability and in particular their ability to punch well above their weight. Released in 1984, the 90 series were a direct replacement for the 80 series, and spanned a horsepower range of 55hp to 180hp in small, medium and high horsepower categories.

Across the 90 series, Fiat employed three different engines, all manufactured in-house and were known as the 8000 series. These engines were available in 3, 4, 5 and 6 cylinder variations. The mid-range line-up of Fiat tractors were powered by a number of different engines. The 90-90 was fitted with the 8055.05 five cylinder powerplant with a 104mm bore, and a displacement of 4.9 litres, producing 90hp with its distinctive forward sloping exhaust stack.

Compact and with respectable power, the 90-90 has a commendable lift capacity of 4.5 tons although the 48l/min hydraulic output is below par. The tractor is fitted with a 15F/3R gearbox with five main gears and reverse on the main gearstick, with three ranges on the smaller stick. One common reflection is that the 90 series would have greatly benefited from an ‘on-the-move’ splitter gear for when going got tough. The could also be fitted with a four-wheel drive front axle.

Fitted to all 90 series tractors, the SuperComfort cab was designed by Italian car stylist Pininfarina. Despite the large lay back doors (which have a nice feature of latching ajar), the actual foot entry area is quite narrow, yet the cab offers very good visibility, complete with sunroof for extra ventilation, with the diesel tank in a somewhat awkward position under the back window.

Draft and hydraulic controls fall nicely to hand, with the analogue dash easy to interpret. Cab rust was a major issue on earlier models which was somewhat rectified in the 90’s with the introduction of galvanised cabs.

Contact Peter at psob1987@gmail.com or see Instagram @flashphotoscork