ZETOR Celebrates 80 Years – Anniversary to Be Marked Also at the Brno AGRISHOW
March 13, 2026 / 1:03 PM
On 15 March 2026, it will be exactly 80 years since the first three ZETOR Z 25 tractors rolled off the production line at the Brno-based Zbrojovka plant. This moment marked the beginning of a legacy that would grow into one of the most renowned names in the global tractor industry. To celebrate this milestone, ZETOR will not only launch a series of anniversary activities but will also present its heritage and future directly at the Brno AGRISHOW, where selected historical models and the new ZETOR 6 Series will be on display.
From the First Z 25 to Modern Tractors
The first post-war Z 25 model emerged as a timely response to the urgent need for agricultural mechanization and quickly earned a reputation as a reliable workhorse. By the 1950s, ZETOR had become a major export product, with tractors shipped to dozens of countries. In the 1960s, the breakthrough unified model range UŘ I was introduced, streamlining production and servicing thanks to unified components. This was followed by the more powerful UŘ II and the iconic CRYSTAL tractor, one of the first in the world equipped with a safety cab and known for providing exceptionally comfortable working conditions.
The 1970s marked the company’s greatest expansion, with tens of thousands of tractors produced annually, including ZETOR’s first six-cylinder tractor delivering 160 horsepower. After 1989, the company underwent significant changes and modernizations, resulting in new generation models such as PROXIMA, FORTERRA, MAJOR, and the updated CRYSTAL. Since 2002, ZETOR has been part of HTC holding.
Today, ZETOR tractors operate in more than 100 countries. Beyond its European portfolio, the company produces five additional model ranges for non-emission markets, exporting to Mexico, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, thereby reinforcing its presence in historically important regions.
Present Day and New Models
In recent years, ZETOR has focused on strengthening stability, improving product quality, enhancing service efficiency, and ensuring better parts availability. Modern ZETOR tractors feature top-quality European components and prioritize machine design, operator comfort, and long-term durability.
In 2025, ZETOR introduced the new 6 Series, representing a major step forward in the brand’s evolution. It will soon be followed by the upcoming 5 Series, positioned in the 100–130 horsepower segment. Development also continues on non-emission tractors, including an 80–100 HP cab model tailored for international markets.
80 Years Celebrated at the AGRISHOW
ZETOR will mark its 80th anniversary together with the public at the Brno AGRISHOW, where selected historical tractors will be showcased alongside the new 6 Series. The exhibition will highlight important milestones in the brand’s history as well as the role ZETOR tractors have played in agricultural modernization worldwide.
The 80-year celebration is not only a tribute to the brand’s rich heritage but also a reminder that tractor development in Brno continues to move forward, carrying the ZETOR name into the future.