Farmliner Farm Machinery
Farmliner's Rich History
First farm machinery brand distributed by Inlon
Many Australian farmers will be familiar with the old Farmliner 445 DTC tractor, but might not know its rich history. Farmliner was, in fact, the first brand ever distributed by farm machinery company, Inlon Pty Ltd, which was established by Joe Jardim in 1984. Joe Jardim's involvement in tractors and farm machinery went back to the 1950s, when he was a Ferguson distributor in British Guiana (British colony in South America). His appreciation of farmers and farm machinery grew out of the golden era of tractors as they mechanised farming around the world.
Best-selling tractor in Australia
From 1984, Joe Jardim imported, assembled and distributed Universal Farmliner tractors from Romania under the trademark Farmliner within Australia. He focussed on ensuring the build quality and finish was suitable for the tough Australian conditions and to the standards that Aussie farmers deserved in a budget product. As a result, for many years, the Farmliner 445 DTC was the highest selling 45 horsepower tractor in Australia.
Interestingly, because the tractors were imported in a knocked down form and then assembled, painted and underwent extensive testing and quality control at Inlon, including the addition of several Australian sourced components, the Farmliner had the highest Australian content of any other tractor on the market.
Value-for-money tractors
From humble beginnings, Inlon soon established itself as offering honest and tough value-for-money tractors. From the steep farming country in northern NSW, and further north into Queensland, to market gardeners in the Sydney basin and Victoria, the Farmliner in its various forms became popular. The tractor's Fiat heritage made it easily recognisable to Aussie farmers and it was a solid and affordable favourite for small and hobby farms around the country.
Inlon’s expansion
In 1989, Inlon moved into its new green field site at Ourimbah, NSW, with offices, a warehouse, parts store and tractor assembly areas including a spray painting facility. Inlon continues to expand, now distributing 14 brands nationally through its 150+ dealer network.
Last Farmliner tractor leaves Inlon
In July 2005, the last Australian Farmliner tractor was delivered, sent off by long term Inlon employees, Gary Surman, Sue Hodge, Robert Montgomery, Peter Hall and Andrew Cheong (pictured).
Farmliner continues to offer a wide range of great value tractor implements
Inlon continues to distribute Farmliner as a wide range of great value tractor implements (e.g. rakes, mulchers and balers), sourced from several niche European manufacturers.
For more information on the Farmliner range, visit www.farmliner.com.au, or call Inlon on 1800 772 407.
