New Tractor For The Small Grower On The Horizon

Oggun tractor

Oggun tractor

Entrepreneurs Horace Clemmons and Saul Berenthal are pushing their new business venture, Cleber, LLC, which will be producing low-tech tractors for small farmers in the not-so-distant-future.

What makes this business even more interesting is last winter U.S.-based Cleber got permission to build a tractor-manufacturing facility in Cuba’s ZED Mariel duty-free zone. The tractor, called Oggun, is based on an open-source manufacturing model that uses off-the-shelf components.

Advertisement

The base structure of the unit, called the Universal Power Platform, is centered around existing engine technology, hydraulic pumps, motors, and hubs, according to a data sheet about the machine. Modeled after the Allis-Chalmers Model G that hit the market in 1949, Clemmons says the tractor is designed for single-row production. The unit will retail for about $10,000.

Both former IBM employees, Clemmons and Berenthal were known in the retail sector “because we were the guys they sent around the world to fix problems, so this made it easier for us to start an international business,” Clemmons explains.

Top Articles
Indoor Farming Insider Talks About Evolution of the Sector

The problem to be fixed in this situation is that Cuba imports 80% of its food. “Building a simple tractor for small growers would have a great impact on the vitality of food production and rural life,” Clemmons says. “If we are going to do this, however, first we have to understand why the 40-acre farmer in America can’t afford a new tractor.”

The short answer is, the vertical nature of the equipment manufacturing business, which patents as much as possible, offers very few shared components across equipment, and has unique parts by model. This has pushed the small farmer out of the equation.

The Cuban Angle

Entrepreneurs Horace Clemmons and Saul Berenthal are pushing their new business venture, Cleber, LLC, which will be producing low-tech tractors for small farmers. Photo courtesy of Horace Clemmons

Entrepreneurs Horace Clemmons (left) and Saul Berenthal are pushing their new business venture, Cleber, LLC, which will be producing low-tech tractors for small farmers.
Photo courtesy of Horace Clemmons

Why manufacture in Cuba? According to Clemmons, Berenthal, who is Cuban, always said they would eventually do business in the country. So when President Obama said diplomatic relations were to be re-established, Berenthal wanted to make his move.

For the Cuban deal to go through, Clemmons says they had to further sweeten the pot. That is why he says virtually everything that has to do with revenue after the tractor comes off the assembly line will be pushed back into the Cuban economy. After the tractor rolls out the door from the plant in Cuba, the idea is for the local Cuban farmer to seek a local manufacturer for any part that may wear out.

“The key is to design a tractor that can be fixed in the field or the shop and the components must be all off-the-shelf, and there must be multiple suppliers for each component,” Clemmons explains. “Now we have changed the whole business model and the logistics channel. It is much easier; you can go on the Internet and search for equivalent parts.”

Clemmons says their role is to establish the manufacturing facility and have good engineers to ensure design quality and product quality.

Fabrication Done In Alabama

Not wanting to waste any time, however, the duo is currently employing the services of Alabama-based Liberty Steel LLC, who is doing all of the fabrication for the equipment because it will take them nearly a year to get the facility up and running in Cuba. Growers should be able to check out the equipment online sometime in July, with orders being accepted for delivery after Sept. 1, 2016.

The machine also has the potential to be more than a tractor, Clemmons explains. They have a provisional patent on the base model, the engine, and all the hydraulics, for a module that a local economy can turn into a wide range of farm equipment. The unit can be customized to attach components that can convert the base module into an excavator or a skidsteer, as well. “It will be simple and less expensive,” he says.

They will license the patent for free to anyone under the condition that anything they patent also becomes a free license. “Patents are what increase the price of products,” Clemmons says, and that is definitely something he wants to avoid.

 

0

Leave a Reply

Avatar for Steve Wiley Steve Wiley says:

OSHA might not like the lack of a ROPS or fender guards.

Avatar for Horace Horace says:

This was a proof of concept model for Cuba. For the U.S. it will meet all OSHA requirements

Avatar for Rol Hesselbart Rol Hesselbart says:

No one in Cuba can afford a $10,000 tractor! A $20 per month national wage, even with free education, housing, and medical doesn’t leave much savings for that kind of investment.

Avatar for Horace Horace says:

Things are changing rapidly in Cuba, small farmers are among the highest earners in the new expanding economy

Avatar for Ed Valkenburg Ed Valkenburg says:

Looks like copy of old AC and Tuff Built that was made in North Georgia during the 80’s.

Brings back memories of my growing up on a Truck Farm in the 60’s.
The Allis Chalmers G was a GREAT tractor. Had several attachments from a single 14″ plow to a Sickle Mower. Great for cultivating because of the sight line directly in front and under your feet. Should sell well to small growers.

Avatar for john john says:

The G was a decent tractor but to handle a 5-40 acre farm the 140/274 was heads over the G bring that concept back and you will hit a grand slam bring back a Cole style side dresser for it. and keep the package under30K and you win the series.

Avatar for Southern Tier Farmer Southern Tier Farmer says:

Sounds like a good idea since many of use “micro” farmers like the old IH tractors that can allow us to get closer to the crop. I would prefer it be manufactured here in America as opposed to a communist country.

Avatar for Horace Horace says:

It is manufactured in Fyffe Alabama

Avatar for Helge Hensen Sorensen Helge Hensen Sorensen says:

Excellent work, fellas! Your ideas, prototype, offerings, etc, will improve going forward. Your machine won’t be all things for everyone but in agriculture ‘less’ is generally ‘more.’. Keep up your great work Clemmons and Berenthal !!

Thank you,

Sorensen

Avatar for Bob Swartwout Bob Swartwout says:

Interesting,and may be just what many people, including me, are looking for. When are they available?

Avatar for George Wallace George Wallace says:

I am looking for a high crop tractor. What is the ground clearance for your tractors?

Avatar for Joe Waldorff Joe Waldorff says:

Where can I buy one? How do I become a dealer?

Advertisement