The Fiat Winner range was launched in Paris in 1990 but interestingly were not entirely replacement tractors. The Winner tractors had big boots to fill as the proven 90 series tractors were highly popular amoungst their users- so much so, that Fiat continued to produce them alongside the Winner tractors despite the €1m research and development invested into these new machines.

However, the design of the 90 series had run its course, and Fiat required a tractor with technology to take the brand towards the 21^st century. the range topping F140 didn’t hit dealer forecourts till 1993, at which time the whole range received a revamp to iron out initial niggles and now included the F115, F130 & F140

Power for F140 Winner came from an under stressed Fiat Iveco 5.8 litre engine, turbocharged to produce 140hp. With a distinctive exhaust note, these tractors are renowned for their pulling and PTO power, many were tweaked well above their standard power rating. Rear lift capacity is a very impressive 6.5ton- and it is not uncommon for these tractors to crack the wheel rims due to their lifting ability. Oil flow is not eye watering at 55l/min, and the tractor is fitted with a 3 speed PTO as standard.

The early 32F/16R gearbox fitted to MK1 Winners was clumsy with the splitter operated by side shifting the gearstick. This was remedied on the with arrival of the MK2’s – of which the F140 was the flagship– with a simple splitter button located on the main gearstick. The F140 also used a heavier 14-inch clutch plate which can be retro fitted to its smaller stablemates which use a 13-inch unit.

While some tractors had manual lift controls, many F140’s were fitted with Fiats electronic Lift-O-Matic hydraulic system providing electronic height, draft and speed control of the three-point linkage with a rocker switch controlling raising and lowering of implements. Other features included auto four-wheel drive and diff lock dependant on lift settings.

While solid in principal and becoming a standard feature on 90’s tractors, this early system is prone to electrical gremlins receiving mixed reviews.

For all new cab styling, Fiat once again turned to Pininfarina, an automotive design. The result was an all-new ‘Supercomfort’ cab, which was claimed to be as quiet as a car with a noise level of only 75db. Keen to shake off their reputation for rust, Fiat stressed the all cab components were treated prior to assembly as well as galvanised side engine panels.

The Fiat Winner range was the last tractor badged solely as Fiat with clean examples, particulary the flagship F140, in high demand.

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