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Orchard Special
Rajesh Mirajker's new design for a farming vehicle is distinctive and unique.

Designed for highly practical, functional and productive purposes, the Swaraj 720 Orchard is a special-application tractor for orchard farming. The Orchard, brainchild of designer Rajesh Mirajker, sports a distinctive fibreglass body integrating the engine, cabin and wheels in a single-volume architecture.

Conventional tractors with their spartan bodywork barely cover mechanical projections and expose the operator, making their use counter-productive in orchards, where the machines have to move between thickets of low trees and shrubs. The smooth envelope of the Orchard prevents damage to buds and fruits when they brush past the vehicle. Furthermore, the enclosed cabin protects the farmer against being grazed by low-lying branches, and eliminates his need for wearing uncomfortable protective gear during insecticide spraying operations. The cabin also increases productivity on the estate by sheltering the farmer against the elements.

Powered by a single-cylinder water-cooled direct-injection R11 Kirloskar diesel engine of 1.75-litre capacity, the Orchard produces 13.5bhp at 2000rpm. Drive to the rear wheels is via a three-forward-plus-one-reverse gearbox, selectable between high and low ratios for on and off highway duties. As in conventional tractors, the engine and transmission of the Orchard form a stressed chassis directly supporting a tilting front and rigid rear suspension. Fabricated metal sub-frames support the bodyshell and special attachments.

Access for routine maintenance is by opening hatches on the body. The single-piece bodyshell, easily removable for major repairs, is hand-made in low volumes from a complex release mould. The single mould ensures consistency in body panel fit and finish, resulting in good build quality.

Access to the cabin is by hinging open a single kerb-side door. The flat toughened glazing is protected by flush-mounted grilles to eliminate scratches and shattering caused by vegetation brushing past. The open rear end can be covered by a roll-and-button-down canvas/plastic screen, and the windscreen tilts upward for ventilation during summer.

The Orchard is equipped with a variety of implements, equipment, towing and power-take-off options. Finished in a choice of single or dual-tone paintwork, the futuristic wedge-shaped hot-rod-dune-buggy-inspired Swaraj 720 Orchard looks set to 'wheelie' on to Indian farmland.