Prioritising the customer:

Tractor manufacturer celebrates 10 years of "Unlimited" choice

Agco-owned Valtra is celebrating 10 years since it started o ering its tractor customers the widest range of options in the industry. David Williams visited the factory in Finland to nd out more.

Valtra tractors are built in Suolahti, Finland, where there is almost constant daylight in the summer, and deep snow and long, dark days during winter. The factory is one of the biggest employers in the region, and almost 1,100 people produce approximately 46 tractors per day. As well as the modern assembly line where the most frequently ordered options and extras are tted during manufacturing, there is also a separate building – the Unlimited Studio – added 10 years ago, where skilled engineers work their magic to install bespoke accessories and equipment ordered by customers from any of the 75+ countries where Valtra has dealers.

Customer is the priority

“We will install whatever the customer wants, as long as the tractor remains legal for road use,” explained Valtra vice president marketing, Mikko Lehikoinen.

Valtra was one of the rst companies to o er tractors in a range of colours – allowing owners to personalise their machines. Now 10 colours are available on the main line, and an in nite range are available through the Unlimited

Studio. “No two customers are the same, so being able to provide a unique speci cation to meet speci c requirements through the Unlimited Studio is very powerful,” continued Mikko. “For the dealer, it’s something they can o er which those representing competitor brands can’t, but the real priority is the customer – it’s all about how they feel about their machines.”

Valtra began o ering a customisation service in 1992, but it wasn’t until 2013 that the Unlimited Studio opened to meet growing demand. The most speci ed options are tted on the production line, but approximately 36% of tractors go on to visit the Unlimited Studio before leaving the factory.

The Unlimited Studio has proved popular with customers including the Finnish military and municipal users such as local authorities and airports. Demand for bespoke colours and paint nishes can be met, and accessories including special lighting and radio systems can be tted – all covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Finland’s climate means that Valtra tractors are widely used for snow clearing in the country, and heavy-duty mounting brackets and window de-icing systems are in high demand. For forestry applications too, the Valtra brand has a strong reputation, and Valtra has recently added an extremely durable universal mounting bracket to which a range of Unlimited options can be easily tted or removed.

For agriculture, the Unlimited Studio meets demand for complex hydraulic and smart farming upgrades as well as cameras and lighting systems. Wheels and tyres for special applications can be tted, and demand for central tyre in ation is increasing. Cab and body panels, and wheel rims can be prepared in any colour. Other popular requirements include high performance sound systems, and trim and seat coverings in a particular nish or colour. A con gurator allows customers to explore the huge range of options readily available online, but the Unlimited Studio allows anything else to be discussed, and priced if tting it to the tractor is feasible.

“The advantage for customers is that almost anything that they require can be tted at the factory, by the specialist team – it’s a one-stopshop,” explained Valtra UK business manager, Andy Miller. “For dealers, it allows them to o er a unique service, with everything covered under the factory warranty.”

The popularity of Unlimited for agricultural users is highlighted by the fact that 75% of tractors receiving the Unlimited treatment have been bought for farming applications, while forestry accounts for just 7%.

UK sales

The UK and Ireland is one of Valtra’s biggest markets, taking 9.7% of production volume. France accounts for 18.7%, Germany takes 13.4%, and although more than half the tractors sold in Finland each year are Valtra –the home market is relatively small, so this accounts for only 8.2% of the tractors produced.

Valtra’s UK and Ireland market share is increasing and stands at approximately 6% currently. Signi cant improvements and upgrades in recent years including one of the most attractive cabs in the market have helped, and the new Q-series tractor line-up with 230–305hp is a hard act to beat in the size segment.

“Like other manufacturers we have been a ected by component shortages which have extended lead times,” explained Andy. “We have a superb range of tractors to o er, and customer interest has never been higher, so our current order book is the longest it’s been. Although we delivered a very large number of Valtra tractors to UK customers last year, if lead times had been shorter then total sales would have easily exceeded 1,000 units.”

Q-series deliveries starting

Q-series tractors are a perfect t into the new, versatile 300hp market segment, where exible ballasting, a high level of comfort and a generous standard speci cation make the tractor suitable for year-round use –for eld and transport applications.

Farmers Guide enjoyed an exclusive pre-series model test drive last August, along with a small number of customers – many of who placed orders soon after as a result.

First deliveries of dealer demonstration and customer machines started this month, and with the new model due to be in full production shortly, this should provide a healthy boost to Valtra’s market share in the UK and overseas.

Unlimited special editions

Marking the rst 10 years of Valtra Unlimited, during which more than 15,000 Unlimited machines have been delivered, two special equipment packages are being o ered for the N-, T- and new Q-series tractors.

The Full Edition includes an Unlimited branded stainless-steel plate on the air intake, similar branding on the ignition switch surround, a special steering wheel logo, Unlimited-branded oormats and a black leather logo embossed seat, plus an Unlimited-branded siderail. Extra equipment includes an additional roof-mounted USB socket and a phone holder with wireless charging. Customers also receive tools, a cleaning pack and Unlimited-branded clothing.

A Light Edition is similar but doesn’t include the leather seat or clothing.

Range of options displayed

The factory visit, in mid-March, provided an opportunity to view and try out many tractors from the smallest A-series to the Q-series, working with a selection of implements. Deep snow – usually present at that time of year, meant that snow clearing machinery from small ploughs to large blades and snow throwers for airport use could be demonstrated. Suppliers included Nokian tyres, Piippo hydraulics, Kesla, Vuomet, Noremat, PTG and Arctic Aebi Schmidt, and representatives from all the companies were on-hand to explain features of their equipment.

Typical market sectors represented included agriculture, aviation, forestry, municipal and other specialist areas.

Agricultural options

Highlights for agricultural users included PTG Central Tyre In ation (CTI) – available through the Unlimited Studio. Fully integrated, using air from the standard tractor compressor, the system is Isobuscompatible and controlled through the SmartTouch display. Connection to the front wheels is through external pipework, but customers can specify either external pipes or a tidier internal supply through the rear axle when a bar axle is tted. The main bene t of CTI is that pressures can be optimised for use in the eld and on the road, without needing a separate compressor and without the operator leaving the cab. In ating tyres from 0.8 Bar for eld work to 1.4 Bar for transport takes 8–10 minutes, but reducing pressures takes just a few seconds. An uprated system, which in ates tyres up to 10 times more quickly, is expected to be available shortly.

Improved vision

Valtra previewed its Unlimited View camera system at LAMMA earlier this year, but it was demonstrated e ectively at the working day. Consisting of high-de nition cameras and a high-de nition display, the system increases operational safety for a range of applications. The cameras come with magnetic mountings, and for standard eld operations a typical set up would include a single camera at the rear of the tractor, and one on each side of the front weights or weight box, pointing to the left and right. Images from all three cameras can be displayed on the screen simultaneously or separately. The main bene t Unlimited View o ers over conventional systems is that images are analysed by built-in arti cial intelligence software. Anything moving is automatically highlighted within yellow borders on the display. This can include pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and other vehicles, so for an operator pulling out of a eld gateway onto a public road or footpath, the operation is much safer.

At the Valtra event, the front cameras were attached on either side of a front-mounted snow plough, and manoeuvring on the snow-covered tracks with trees obscuring the view to the sides, and pedestrians and other tractors present, the bene ts were quickly obvious.

The system is so clever that it recognised and highlighted people in the cabs of other tractors nearby.

Hydraulic Side Limiters

Piippo Hydraulic Side Limiters were demonstrated. These are tted in place of standard chains to limit rear linkage side movement and sway.

Valtra Unlimited View uses highde nition cameras, a high-de nition display and arti cial intelligence to recognise, and alert the driver to, potential hazards including moving people, animals and vehicles. The in-cab display shows hazards highlighted within yellow borders.

The kit consists of a pair of double-acting hydraulic rams,

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Contact: Adrian Tindall UK & Ireland Sales Manager 07708 919597 a.tindall@bauer-at.com connected to the tractor’s hydraulic supply, and controlled through an Isobus link to the SmartTouch terminal. The user adjusts the rams to provide the required amount of side movement, just as he would using conventional chains but without leaving the cab, and adjustment is also possible on the move.

Each ram has an integral pressure release which helps absorb shock loads and prevents damage. Additional bene ts include easier implement attachment as each arm can be controlled and moved in or out individually. The arms can also be adjusted as a pair, moving in parallel or in opposing directions.

One UK farmer who has experienced the bene ts is Steve Cope, of Cope Farming in Shropshire. Steve owns two Valtra T-series tractors, and he invested in his rst pair of Hydraulic Side Limiters when large attachments caused the standard limiting chains to jam or fail. “We use a large plough and cultivators, and a heavy silage compactor,” he explained. “We needed a reliable system to limit the free movement, particularly for travel on the road. The hydraulic ram adjustment allows us to secure the implement and prevent sway during transport, and to easily increase the free movement for operation in the eld.

“It’s also proved helpful when hitching up implements as the operator can move the arms into exactly the right position from the cab. There is less time wasted getting in and out of the cab and it’s safer.”

Bright work lights

A curved array of LED lights was demonstrated on a tractor tted with a side-arm hedgecutter. The lights mount to the top of the cab facing the cutting head and provide bright light for safe and e cient operation, even on dull days and for working at night.

Many additional lighting options are available, and Valtra works with preferred suppliers to obtain solutions for bespoke requirements.

Smart loading and handling is possible using Valtra’s Precision Lift & Load app, available through the Unlimited Studio. Operators can monitor and record the quantity and weights of loads handled and set working parameters for the loader.

Kesla re ghting trailer

With a tank capacity of 10,500 litres, the Kesla self- lling, re ghting trailer is designed for use in remote forestry locations. The trailer’s systems are powered from the tractor’s PTO and drive to the water pump is hydraulic. High pressure water cannon nozzles, mounted on the crane arm, accurately direct water at targets up to 30m away, with control from the cab ensuring the user remains a safe distance from the re. Powered axles are an option with hydraulic drive to two or all four of the hubs. The water tank and pump unit are easily removed, leaving the trailer and integral crane available for conventional tasks such as timber haulage and extraction.

Valtra tractors are frequently chosen for forestry work. At the event, the new Quad Link universal mounting bracket was displayed carrying a Kesla crane (above left and right). The bracket attaches to the tractor in front of the cab and behind the rear axle, and is easily tted and removed using the rear linkage arms to lift and pivot the assembly. This adds convenience when the tractor is needed for other tasks where the crane isn't required.

Rear back-hoe

A heavy-duty back-hoe was operating at the event. Suitable for use with N- or T-series tractors, this model has a 6.38m maximum reach from the swing point and can load at heights up to 3.35m. An impressive 41.2kN digging force is available with a bucket, and maximum digging depth is 5m. The backhoe can be operated from the cab or by using an optional remote control. FG

Dealer announces new territory in Norfolk

DeLaval dealer T H White’s territory now stretches from Wales to the Norfolk coast following the opening of a new depot in Norfolk.

T H White has extensive knowledge of dairy operations o ering installation, parts, servicing, and support for conventional and robotic parlours across the southwest and is now expanding eastwards as a substantial DeLaval dealer in southern England.

When the Norfolk dairy business Taylor IMS decided to close activities, a pledge was made by T H White to invest in the Attleborough-based operation and develop it to further support dairy farmers on the eastern side of the UK.

Adrian Lovegrove, divisional director for T H White said: “We are very excited about this project, and we’ll strive to establish, maintain, and grow relationships with Taylor IMS customers.”

T H White’s current dairy depots in Frome, Somerset and Huntley, Gloucestershire will be supplemented with the additional facility in Attleborough, Norfolk.

Steve Taylor, of Taylor IMS said of the move: “We are delighted to become part of T H White and can reassure our customers they will continue to see the same friendly faces o ering the very best customer service with our new dealer brand.”

This territory expansion will take immediate e ect, with Taylor IMS winding up activities thereafter. FG

Dealer adds Italian imported mobile grain drier to range

Thorburn Group is now distributing Agrex mobile dryers, imported from Italy. The company has teamed up with Perry of Oakley, who will represent the south while Thorburn Group will serve as dealer for the north.

The driers o er a number of bene ts, including more uniform drying and less fuel usage due to no centre auger, and allow for unattended operation thanks to remote connectivity, Thorburn says.

Agrex driers are not new to the UK, however it has been some years since there has been an o cial dealership for the brand. Not only is this a great opportunity for farmers to try this drier out for themselves, but it is also very convenient for those who already own one, Thorburn reckons. Both companies will have Agrextrained engineers who can provide servicing and stock spare parts.

Hawthorns Estate Farm purchased the 20T mobile drier back in 2017, but after a year upgraded to a 34T AGD45.

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Owner Chris said: “The drier has been straightforward to operate and has not needed any mechanical work to be carried out. We are pleased to know that Thorburn Group and Perry are representing Agrex driers, which gives us peace of mind during the harvest period.”

Thorburn Group also o ers a range of steel frame buildings and fabrication services. Contact Ross at Thorburn Group to enquire about an Agrex drier or visit www.thorburngroup.co.uk FG

As Trimble authorised dealers, we offer a wide variety of precision agriculture solutions including hardware, software, cloud-based applications and positioning services.

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Open day sheds light on grain drying and handling options

Roy Mitchell of Lofthillock Farm in Aberdeen, hosted an open day on behalf of Master Farm Services, attracting over 70 visitors from across Aberdeenshire.

Many were Master Farm Services customers who have already installed its mobile driers. They were looking to understand how they could signi cantly increase the e ciency of their existing grain handling systems by improving intake and then discharge of grain into store, ensuring they could achieve maximum grain storage.

Farmers were also looking at options around new grain stores and mobile driers, and for ideas on how to design grain handling projects to maximise storage capabilities.

Visitors saw host Roy Mitchell’s upgraded grain handling plant, which consists of Skandia grain handling equipment installed alongside a Master Farm Service mobile drier, delivered by Master Farm Services, BDC Systems and Ravenhill. Roy spent the day talking to visitors and answering questions about his system and the signi cant bene ts it has delivered.

“My new plant is a huge success. It is very easy to operate, has signi cantly reduced my grain handling, with no need to employ additional harvest sta , and drying my own grain I can market it to whom I want when I want. I think my return on investment will be pretty quick,” Roy said. FG

Popular spreader combines carrying capacity and manoeuvrability

Bunning’s Lowlander MK4 range features nine models with capacities from 7.5–15t. The 105 TVA sits in the middle, o ering users strong build quality, substantial carrying capacity, plus manoeuvrability in small yards and lanes, Bunning says.

The twin vertical auger (TVA) machines allow accurate application of farmyard manure and other products. The Lowlander 105 TVA o ers 12.6t carrying capacity and a body width of 1,500mm, helping smaller users take control of spreading in-house to minimise contractor/hire costs and increase application timeliness.

The design includes full width socket- t oor slats, with 80 grade 16mm oor chains that are standard on Bunning spreaders up to the Lowlander 150 MK4 15t spreader. The oor design ensures that the whole oor is cleared, and an even ow of product is presented to the augers for consistent spreading. The twin vertical augers are dynamically balanced as standard, helping to improve reliability and longevity.

Farmers using narrow lanes and tight gateways can opt for a narrow body pressing, which features a narrower axle and reduces the overall width of the spreader by 100–2,820mm when tted with 580/70 R38 tyres. Another option is a rear canopy that covers the rear beaters during spreading, forcing the material to be spread via the bottom blades. It’s aimed at light materials such as chicken litter, lime and compost, allowing even spread at low application rates. FG

Post driver is a “powerful, reliable tool”

Specialist contractor Ben Rodenhurst invested in his rst Easy Petrol Post Driver in 2019 after seeing a demonstration. Whilst he already had a vehicle-driven post knocker for volume jobs, the Easy Driver makes all the di erence when space and access is limited.

It is powerful enough for all sorts of ground conditions and when necessary, Ben has taken advantage of the useful Pilot Core attachment available with the post driver set.

“When faced with really tough dry ground, just getting that small core of earth out and getting some water soak really helps.”

Ben uses it for 3, 3.5 and 4in posts and the interchangeable threein-one multi adapters in the Easy Driver Box set gives the versatility for all sorts of posts sizes. Now a permanent tool in the van, he sees the Easy Driver as a complementary tool alongside his xed post knocker. It saves a lot of time and e ort and proves invaluable when access is limited or for small quick jobs where the handy portable size works best.

The Easy Post Driver is a reliable, portable tool that is easy to operate safely alone, he adds.

“I always like to invest in good reliable brands and Honda power with 4-stroke engines don’t let you down. I also look after my tools and have had it serviced by EPPD with no problems at all.”

For further information visit: www.benrodenhurst.co.uk; or www.petrolpostdriver.com FG