The Tractor of the Year presentation was one of the most energetic and exciting announcements during EIMA International 2016 in Bologna, Italy. Tractor of the Year (TOTY) is an annual award voted on by 24 independent journalists from magazines, websites, agricultural TV shows and social media outlets in 23 countries who specialize in European agricultural mechanization and the tractor market.

There was standing room only in the glass-walled presentation room. The bright neon pink and blue TOTY logo glowed brightly in front of international tractor company representatives and news editors as “The Final Countdown” played over the public-address system.

AND THE WINNER IS: Fabio Zammaretti, Tractor of the Year chairman, announces the 2016 winners during a press conference held at EIMA International in Bologna, Italy.

Two familiar tractor brands, as well as two not-so-familiar names, took home this year’s honors. Here are the category parameters and winners for Tractor of the Year 2016:

Best Design. Jury members ranked the finalist tractors based on the following factors: engine, transmission, electronics, hydraulics, cab comfort, innovative technical features, options and design.

The 2016 Tractor of the Year for Design: Duetz-Fahr 6215 RCshift

Judges were impressed with the new Deutz-Fahr series’ elegance and style.

Best Utility. This award goes to the top 70-horsepower, 4-cylinder, multipurpose and utility tractor under 8,500 kilograms. Tractors were judged based on the engine, transmission, hydraulics, comfort, innovative technical features, options, design and versatility.

The 2016 Tractor of the Year for Best Utility: New Holland T5.120

SMALL YET MIGHTY: The Antonio Carraro Tony 9800 TR earned the Best of Specialized title.

The T5.120 is a new midpowered, multitask tractor for dairy and livestock farmers. Judges described the tractor as reliable, robust, compact, versatile and ideal for front-loader handling. It received high marks for in-field performance and on-road transport.

Best of Specialized. This includes tractors for the orchard, vineyard, hill and mountain markets. Voting parameters included engine, transmission, comfort, agility and design.

The 2016 Tractor of the Year in the Specialized Market: Antonio Carraro Tony 9800 TR

This highly specialized, compact tractor is complete with a new transmission and modern-electronic control system.

Tractor of the Year. All finalists from all categories are eligible for this award, and overall design is the key factor.

The 2016 Tractor of the Year: Case IH Optum 300 CVX

The Case IH Optum 300 CVX is a new high-power tractor with more compact dimensions and lower weight than conventional models over 300 horsepower, meeting the demands of European farmers looking for tractors with high performance, reliability, versatility and drivability.