The history of STEYR

1947

FIRST STEPS TOWARDS A GLOBAL BRAND

September 29, 1947: the start of a new era. Steyr lays the cornerstone of a unique success story with the Type 180. On this Monday, Leopold Haider, a farmer from Steinbach, Steyr, drove away his Steyr 180 with chassis number 1001.

1948

FARM IMPLEMENTS LAUNCHED

Steyr starts manufacturing tractor implements such as cutter bars; the first front loaders are provided by subcontractors.

1949

THE FIRST STEYR TRACTOR MODELS

The legendary Type 80 is launched: a single-cylinder tractor for small farms developing 13 hp at 1500 rpm and later 15 hp at 1575 rpm. Some 45,068 units are produced up to 1964.

1950

EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC HITCH

The first Steyr tractors are equipped with hydraulic hitches, which can also be retro-fitted to existing models. The Steyr-Agrar-System becomes the standard for mounting implements.

1952

MANUFACTUING ROBUST TRACTORS FOR LARGER FARMS

From 1952, Steyr starts producing robust tractors in the form of the Type 280. It has a series 13 four-cylinder engine which develops 60 hp at 1650 rpm and is equipped with a 5 forward/1 reverse ZF transmission.
Graphical material: Book „Österreichische Traktoren bis 1975, Band 2: Steyr-Warchalowski“ (Willi Plöchl) published by www.bulldogpress.de

1955

TYPE 185 WITH THREE-CYLINDER ENGINE JOINS PRODUCT RANGE

The Type 185 with a three-cylinder engine and a power output of 45 hp is added to the range. A 55 hp version is available from 1958 at a retail price of 78,500 Austrian Schillings. The Type 280 with 68 hp is also introduced in 1958. When Austria becomes a free nation in 1955, the Republic of Austria takes over the St. Valentin plant.

1956

RAPID DEVELOPMENT

The Type 84 series starts production. The engine power of this single-cylinder model is increased to 18 hp for this series. The 182 series is also launched in 1956, increasing power output to 36 hp with a 6F/1R transmission and larger tyres.

1957

ENORMOUS GROWTH

The St. Valentin plant becomes part of Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG. The number of tractors in Austria increases to almost 79,000 by 1957.

1960

ANNIVERSARY SERIES LAUNCHED

Numerous pioneering ideas were featured in the Steyr anniversary series: high-speed diesel engines, reversing transmission with a PTO that could rotate in either direction to power stationary implements, a PTO with 540 and 1000 rpm, planetary rear axles and hydraulic controls.

1962

PRODUCTION STARTS ON STEYR 288

The Steyr 288 with 45 hp starts series production in this year. The number of tractors in Austria increases to over 147,000 with 13,701 new tractors sold this year.

1963

LOADER WAGON PRODUCTION IN ITS HEYDAY

The legendary Steyr Hamster loader wagon celebrates its launch and goes into series production at St. Valentin. A total of 64,000 loader wagons are built. 1963 also sees the start of Steyr front loader production.

1964

THE FIRST STEYR 4WD TRACTOR

The Steyr 190 is launched, with the narrow track width version, the 190s, following in 1965. Steyr develops, tests and builds a 4WD version of the Type 190 in the 1960s, but it is not until the next generation, however, that this system is introduced to series manufacturing. As a result, the 4WD tractor for grassland farming in alpine areas is born.
Graphical material: Book „Österreichische Traktoren bis 1975, Band 2: Steyr-Warchalowski“ (Willi Plöchl) published by www.bulldogpress.de

1966

ERGONOMIC SEATS INSTALLED AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Comfort seats are fitted as standard equipment from this point, while Steyr also adopts its distinctive red and white livery. Some 500 Steyr Type 288 tractors are exported to Thailand in 1966.

1967

STEYR PLUS SERIES LAUNCHED

The use of direct injection with improved fuel efficiency and application-friendly performance culminated in the red and white Steyr Plus series, launched at the Vienna Fair in 1967. The Plus series began with three models: Steyr 30 (32 hp), Steyr 40 (40 hp) and Steyr 50 (52 PS), provided for the first time with an approved driver protection system.
Graphical material: Book „Österreichische Traktoren bis 1975, Band 2: Steyr-Warchalowski“ (Willi Plöchl) published by www.bulldogpress.de

1968

STEYR PLUS SERIES EXTENDED

In 1968 the 70hp Steyr 70 with and 90hp Steyr 90 joined the Plus series, replacing the Type 13 models and aimed at large farms. It was in this year that a licence was issued to the Hungarian company Hodgep for manufactuing loader wagons.

1971

STEYR 760 SUCCESS SERIES LAUNCHED

The Plus series is complemented by the Steyr 760,osignalling the launch of this successful, record-breaking model. As an all-purpose tractor for use in medium-sized farms, it is manufactured for a total of 16 years with a production volume of 33,407 units. Many of the 760 tractors are exported, some to Tunisia. In 1971 a cooperation is started with the Hungarian company Dutra to equip tractors with Steyr engines and begin a joint sales venture.

1972

THE FIRST POWERSHIFT TRANSMISSION

At the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts Gesellschaft) exhibition in Hanover, Steyr presented a prototype of the first 760 tractor with powershift.
Graphical material: Book „Österreichische Traktoren bis 1975, Band 2: Steyr-Warchalowski“ (Willi Plöchl) published by www.bulldogpress.de

1973

DEVELOPMENT STARTS ON LARGE TRACTORS

Work starts on concepts for large tractors designed for higher pulling power on larger farms. The engine, also used in the truck industry, is the 6.6 litre WD 612 with turbocharger and a power range between 120 and 160 hp. As part of the 'Steyr Hellas' project, the Steyr tractor and other products from Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG were exported to Saloniki/Greece in 1973. New market opportunities open up, although these are heavily dependent on political issues.
Graphical material: Book „Österreichische Traktoren bis 1975, Band 2: Steyr-Warchalowski“ (Willi Plöchl) published by www.bulldogpress.de

1974

MOVE TO ST. VALENTIN PLANT

The assembly line and tractor sales division move from the main factory in Steyr to the St. Valentin plant.

1976

PRODUCT RANGE EXTENDED UP TO 140 HP

The 8160a, following on directly from the Type 1400a, is the first tractor with exhaust-driven turbocharger, powershift and scientifically engineered power transmission concept. It features centrally-controlled 4WD, front and rear wheels of the same width, and a sound-proofed cab. In 1976 a Steyr delegation consisting of 600 dealers and sales people travels to the world ploughing championships in Sweden.
Graphical material: Book „Alle landwirtschaftlichen Steyr-Traktoren von 1947 bis 2007“ (Willi Plöchl) published by www.bulldogpress.de

1977

NEW STEYR PROJECTS

In 1977/78 Steyr establishes the start of a long cooperation with Donatim in Turkey. The first order is for 1,000 tractors for the Turkish market. The cooperation with Donatim continues until 1995.

1978

TYPE 80 SERIES LAUNCHED

With the Type 80 series, Steyr meets the growing demand for driving comfort and cabs with heating and air conditioning - starting with the Steyr 8060, 8070 and 8080 and later with the 8090, 8100/8110 and 8120/8130, from 48 to 130 hp. In 1978 a licence contract is also signed with Donatim in Ankara. Production starts on what will ultimately be a total of 60,000 tractors between 1978 and 1995 at the Adapazzari plant in Turkey.

1979

SUPPLY CONTRACT WITH VIETNAM

At the end of the 1970s a supply contract is signed with Vietnam for 1,400 rice tractors with agricultural implements and the construction of three workshops. In the same year the factory that started construction in 1976 in Bauchi, Nigeria goes into production.

1980

STEYR 8300 WORKHORSE LAUNCHED

Another spectacular product is launched: the Steyr 8300. This tractor is designed as a new mechanisation system for large farms and for use by contractors. It delivers 280 hp. The increasing demand for high-performance equipment for forage harvesting leads in 1980 to a cooperation with Pöttinger in Austria for the manufacture of maize harvesters. Together a self-propelled vehicle is developed, equipped with truck engines ranging from 245 to 320 hp.
Graphical material: Book „Alle landwirtschaftlichen Steyr-Traktoren"

1982

8055 SERIES IS LAUNCHED WITH THE STEYR 4WD OPTI-STOP BRAKING SYSTEM

This year sees the launch of the 8055 series. These so-called 'riding seat' tractor are designed for easy manoeuvrability in grassland and alpine areas. The revolutionary Steyr 4WD Opti-Stop system is also presented this year.

1983

MODERN NARROW PLANTATION TRACTORS

Three narrow track width tractors are launched for working in vineyards, orchards and plantations. This leads to the Steyr 8075 series which, thanks to its all-purpose design, takes over from the 760 series.

1986

DEVELOPMENT OF STEYR EHR AND STEYR INFOMAT

Larger tractor models are now equipped with Steyr EHR and Steyr Infomat. EHR is the only fully-electronic hitch regulation system with proportional control and electrically-controlled remote valves, while the Infomat is a driver information system that reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent while promoting a time-saving driving style. In 1986 Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG (SDP) is split up with the operative business sectors forming separate companies under the SDP holding. A supply contract with Valmet in Finland is signed for transmissions and gear wheels. In return Valmet continues to develop the Steyr engines.

1987

NEW HPCE COMBUSTION PROCESS

Steyr launches the first tractor with a diesel fuel consumption of less than 200 g/kWh, a success attributed to the new HPCE combustion process. During the celebrations for '40 years of Steyr tractors', the largest international dealership gathering is held in Salzburg/Austria in 1987. More than 1,000 Steyr dealers and sales partners from 27 nations attend this event.

1990

TRACTOR AND MACHINERY DIVISION REGROUPED

Restructuring at Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG leads to the tractor and agricultural machinery divisions regrouping as Steyr Landmaschinentechnik GmbH (SLT), based in St. Valentin.

1992

900 SERIES LAUNCHED

At the beginning of the 1990s Steyr replaces the 'riding seat' tractors with new compact tractors, the 900 series. These are equipped with MWM three-cylinder engines and are characterised by high PTO power, driver comfort and performance on slopes.

1993

9000 SERIES STARTS PRODUCTION

New 9000 series large tractors with MWM four-cylinder engines start serial production. In addition, the Steyr 8300 evolves into the 320 hp two-way tractor, the Steyr Power-trac.

1996

TAKEOVER BY CASE CORPORATION

Steyr Landmaschinentechnik AG is taken over by Case Corporation, one of the world's leading tractor manufacturers, and renamed Case-Steyr Landmaschinentechnik.

1999

THE FIRST CVT TRACTORS AND MERGER WITH CNH

Steyr presents its first tractors with continuously variable transmissions (CVT), where the engine and transmission are regulated automatically by the S-tronic system depending on load, and easily controlled with the Multicontroller or accelerator pedal (parallel mode). In November 1999 New Holland and Case Corporation are merged to form CNH Global N.V. Steyr now belongs to the one of the largest agricultural machinery manufacturers in the world.

2000

CVT TRACTORS LAUNCHED WITH 120 TO 170 HP

Steyr presents the first tractors with continuously variable transmissions (CVT) in the power range 120 to 170 hp. This revolutionary technology is today still the benchmark in the higher power classes.

2002

MORE THAN 9,000 STEYR TRACTORS FOR THE FIRST TIME

A production record is reached in 2002 at the St. Valentin plant. It is the first time that more than 9,000 Steyr tractors are manufactured. Tractor production is now managed by CNH Österreich GmbH.

2003

STEYR PROFI SERIES LAUNCHED

Steyr launches the 100-136hp Profi series, with modern 4- and 6-cylinder engines and common rail injection as well as intercooling. With their comprehensive range of transmissions, hydraulics and comfort, they cover the requirements of today's all-purpose tractors. The CVT range now features electronically-controlled, low emission engines between 137 and 192 hp (101 to 141 kW). Another highlight is Easy Tronic, the new electronic headland management system.

2004

STEYR KOMPAKT SERIES LAUNCHED

As a universal tractor in the lower power class between 60 and 90 hp, the Kompakt series joins the product range in 2004, with features including newly-developed 3 and 4 cylinder engines, transmissions with powershift and enhanced comfort cabs.

2005

500,000 STEYR TRACTORS

In February 2005 the 500,000th Steyr tractor - a Steyr 9100 M - drives off the assembly line.

2006

ST. VALENTIN BECOMES EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS

In 2006, St. Valentin becomes European Headquarters of Case IH and Steyr. The new role brings many positive developments: the entire management team from sales, development, training, finance, service and spare parts is brought together at this location. With more than 600 employees, the company is one of the region's most important employers.

2008

RECORD PRODUCTION OF 11,500 TRACTORS

In 2008, the St. Valentin plant manufactures almost 11,500 tractors – a new record for the location.

2009

LAUNCH OF STEYR PROFI CLASSIC AND THREE NEW STEYR CVTs

The Steyr Profi Classic series is launched with three models. They are characterised by their versatility and tailor-made specifications for farming as well as for forestry and municipal applications. In 2009, the CVT range is also extended upwards. Three models between 197 and 224 hp feature new cabs with the latest Multicontroller armrest operating system and DKT – Double Clutch Technology.

2010

CVT ECOTECH SERIES LAUNCHED

Steyr focuses on the cost effectiveness and environmental compatibility of its tractors and introduces the new CVT ecotech models.

2011

15,000 STEYR MT TRACTORS

The Steyr 9000 MT has led the way for years in the 80 to 100 hp power class. The 15,000th tractor rolls off the assembly line in 2011.

2012

INTRODUCTION OF THE STEYR MULTI AND KOMPAKT ECOTECH SERIES

During the Agraria 2012 farming show in Wels, Austria, Steyr presents the Steyr Multi for the first time. This completely newly-developed universal tractor is matched precisely to the modern requirements of mixed crop and livestock farming businesses. At the same time the newly-developed Kompakt ecotech series is launched. These tractors are equipped with 3.4 litre common rail turbodiesel engines with 85, 95 and 105 hp , bringing the technology, comfort and economy of the large Steyr tractors to the cost-effective compact class for the first time.

2013

PREMIERE OF THE NEW STEYR PROFI CVT

Equipped with innovations and newest technology STEYR presents the new Profi CVT. Technical highlight of this machine: the STEYR developed CVT transmission, stepless adjustable conversion based on double clutch technology (DKT) as well as the S-Tronic engine transmission management as standard feature.

2014

THE NEW GENERATION – STEYR LAUNCHES THE STEYR KOMPAKT ECOTECH

Modern engine, newly developped transmission concept as well as additional enhancements describe the new STEYR Kompakt. After the successfull launch of the STEYR Kompakt Ecotech tractors with 3 models available in the past years, STEYR now presents the second generation of the allround tractors with two additional models available..

2017

70 YEARS OF STEYR

In 2017 STEYR celebrates its 70th anniversary. Since the beginning STEYR stands for innovation and is specialized in the manufacture of tractors to the highest standards of quality, excellent comfort and high stable value. STEYR will continue this success story also in future with full dedication.

History