Inside the Winners: Leading tractor manufacturers rely on metal grating solutions from Graepel

Many of the most successful tractors of the current model year have one thing in common: they contain components from Graepel. Four winners of the ‘Tractor of the Year 2026’ award, presented at the last Agritechnica trade fair, are equipped with components from the globally active family-owned company based in Lower Saxony, Germany. Graepel supplies grilles and structural parts that shape the technical performance, safety and design of modern agricultural machinery in equal measure.

Recognised industry benchmark: Four TOTY winners with Graepel components

The ‘Tractor of the Year’ is one of the most prestigious awards in international agricultural technology. Every year, a jury of 25 European trade journalists honours models that respond to key trends with innovative solutions, including energy efficiency, sustainability, automation and digital system integration.

Among the six winners in 2026 are four machines equipped with Graepel components:

• Claas Axion 9.450 – Winner in the High Power category
• Fendt 516 Vario – Winner in the Mid Power category
• VALTRA G125 – winner in the Utility category
• JCB Fastrac 6300 – winner in the Sustainable Tractor of the Year category

The awards underscore how much high-quality component manufacturing contributes to the overall performance of modern tractors.

Ventilation grilles and structural components from Graepel set new standards

One of the technological highlights in the winning tractors is the high-performance Graepel DuraVent ventilation grille. Thanks to its high air flow rate, low weight and high dimensional stability, it supports maximum engine performance under demanding operating conditions. The specially perforated and painted structure ensures efficient cooling, robustness and long-term corrosion protection. In addition to functional advantages, Graepel DuraVent offers a wide range of design options that are becoming increasingly important in premium tractors, such as aerodynamic lines and brand characteristics.

Graepel also supplies other key components used in numerous tractors and machines, including non-slip, ergonomic steps, such as those installed on the Fendt 516 Vario, as well as precision-manufactured structural parts and shaping covers. These components contribute significantly to safety, reliability and durability in daily use – critical criteria for manufacturers and users alike.

Why OEMs rely on Graepel

With nearly 140 years of experience, Graepel is one of the most established suppliers in the field of complex sheet metal components. The company manufactures in six plants worldwide for manufacturers of agricultural and construction machinery, commercial vehicles and sports cars. All relevant steps, from design and tool and prototype construction to series production, are carried out in-house. This integrated approach ensures high process reliability, quality and adherence to delivery dates, making Graepel a valued technology partner for leading OEMs.

For components such as ventilation grilles, Graepel also offers an end-to-end process chain: from engineering support at the beginning to punching and forming the raw material to welding and coating. The components are delivered ready for installation, giving manufacturers a high degree of planning reliability and efficient integration into their production processes.

The presence in four award-winning tractors underscores the contribution of precisely manufactured components to the performance of modern machines. With innovations such as Graepel-DuraVent and a consistently integrated manufacturing approach, Graepel is strengthening its position as a reliable and technologically leading partner in agricultural technology.