New Tractor Featuring 12-Valve Cummins and No Electronics Returns to Simplicity

      Bearco Machinery via YouTube

      The latest car news and reviews, no nonsense.

      Sign up for our free daily newsletter to receive the most important stories directly in your inbox every weekday.

      Anyone looking for a new tractor knows they come with a hefty price tag—quite a hefty one. Not only is there a significant initial investment, but maintenance can also be quite complicated, as manufacturers increasingly integrate proprietary software, which has recently led to at least one major lawsuit. A Canadian company named Ursa Ag aims to change that with its new line of tractors powered by 12-valve Cummins engines that any technician can service.

      Additionally, their prices are approximately half that of competitors.

      These straightforward machines are assembled in Alberta. Ursa offers 150-horsepower and 180-hp models equipped with 5.9-liter Cummins engines, while the larger 260-hp model features an 8.3-liter Cummins similar to those used in combines from the 1990s. All models come with P-pumps, which signifies “mechanical fuel injection superiority.”

      When I spoke with Ursa Ag owner Doug Wilson about the engines, he clarified that they are remanufactured units. Wilson mentioned that customers have had no issues with that, and I trust him—most people I know would prefer a remanned 12-valve over a new engine filled with electronics.

      While Ursa Ag manufactures some components in-house, others are sourced externally. For instance, the cab is obtained from a supplier; however, it is designed to be as straightforward as the engine, featuring just an air ride seat. All controls are mechanically connected, eliminating concerns over complicated circuit boards.

      Wilson's vision for Ursa Ag is to provide affordable equipment that third-party shops can easily service. Given that the 12-valve Cummins has powered a wide range of vehicles from farm equipment to pickup trucks over the years, virtually anyone with mechanical knowledge has experience working with them. Parts are also readily available, so downtime isn't an issue.

      URSA AG – ASSEMBLED IN ALBERTA

      Ursa Ag has a limited dealer network in Canada, but purchases can be made directly from the manufacturer. Wilson stated that the company hasn’t established a large chain of stores because it wouldn't be feasible to maintain adequate stock. However, he did mention plans to manufacture more tractors in 2026 than in any previous year in its history combined.

      Online pricing indicates that the Ursa Ag 150 is priced at $129,900 CAD ($95,156.30 USD), while the 180-hp model costs $149,900 CAD ($109,807 USD). If you opt for the 260-hp tractor, the price is $199,900 CAD ($146,433.75 USD). Wilson claims this is about half the cost of similar Zetor tractors and significantly less than a John Deere.

      It wasn’t immediately evident whether these tractors could be sold in the United States, so I inquired with Wilson. “The simple answer is yes, we can ship to the United States,” he said. Ursa Ag currently lacks U.S.-based distributors, but Wilson suggested that this may change soon. After a recent interview with Farms.com, he reported receiving a plethora of inquiries, with around 400 coming from the U.S.

      I am looking forward to seeing how this initiative works for farmers who have previously opted for used tractors over complex new models. This appears to offer an ideal solution, and unless operating on a large scale, choosing an Ursa Ag unit seems to be a more financially sensible option than purchasing a well-known brand. Hopefully, they can manage the demand.

      Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly at: caleb@thedrive.com