Big Valtra is no one-trick pony

With a 20-year history of running Valtra tractors, one Dorset contractor has chosen the Finnish maker’s flagship S394 model to handle his extensive operations. Geoff Ashcroft went to find out more.

Big Valtra is no one-trick pony

Reliability is increasingly at the forefront of many a contractor’s mind. And it comes as no surprise, given the electronic complexity and emissions paraphernalia that today’s tractors bring.

Bernard Cox operates a diverse general contracting business that also takes on share farming and contract farming agreements with customers around Dorchester and Dorset, totalling several thousand hectares.

He explains: “We have had our fair share of breakdowns and hassles over the years but, lately, it has only been a few sensor issues rather than mechanical failures.

“Downtime is softened by choosing the most reliable kit you can and relying on the service and support of a knowledgeable local dealer,” he adds. “And when we put our tractors to work, it is not just for a few hours here and there.”

It is a process that led him to Valtra ownership more than 20 years ago, but he admits the early offering was more functional and less involving for operators. And while he has since tried many other makes, the business continues to revert to Finnish-form.

The Cox fleet is not an allinclusive affair. Hidden in the line-up of 11 Valtras are three Case IHs – a pair of Puma 185s and an Optum 300CVX.

“We still look at other makes, but invariably end up coming back to Valtra,” he says.

Fuel

“Fuel consumption does not vary that much between tractor types, but when you do get large variances in fuel consumption for two tractors doing the same job, it is usually the operator. A little training and guidance goes a long way.

“For 150-250hp tractors, we have found that the Valtras can run 10,000-12,000 hours with little problem – it is almost twice what we can get from other makes,” says Mr Cox.

“And it happens without having to rely on costly extended warranties or swallowing expensive repair bills. And that is very important for our business.”

This confidence in tractor reliability steered Mr Cox towards Valtra’s Beauvais-built S-series. His first S-series – an S353 – was bought to replace a Case IH Magnum and went on to clock up 8,100-hours in less than five years. Based on that performance, it was replaced two years ago by a more powerful S394.

“I had not the confidence to push the first S-series quite as far as we normally run our smaller T3 and T4 models, but these bigger tractors are certainly living up to expectations,” he says. “The T-series are easier to substitute at short-notice if something serious happens, whereas the S394 is more likely to be stood down while waiting for a loan tractor. This makes running them under warranty much more practical for our business. It also fixes costs.”

Bernard Cox tractor fleet

- Valtra S394 Smart Touch

- Valtra T234V

- Valtra T214V Smart Touch

- Two Valtra T194A

- Three T174A

- T174V

- T213V

- T183V

- Case IH Optum 300CVX

- Two Case IH Puma 185

Operator Rob Hallett likes the S394’s agility.

Mr Cox says the S-series was chosen for its ability to be much more than a one-trick pony and the current S394 brought a considerable leap in power to the contractor’s fleet.

“Tractor availability saw its replacement arrive much sooner than a factory-ordered model, which really suited us. We did not really need 400hp, but it has certainly come in useful this autumn with a big chain, to pull out tractors and trailers on maize harvest on the days it could not go drilling. And for a 400hp tractor, it does not look out of place on more regular tasks.”

The S394 shares arable duties with the firm’s Case IH Optum 300CVX, but operates with a 6m Horsch Terrano and a six metre Horsch Sprinter, leaving a smaller 5m Terrano for the lesser-powered Optum. While it could be considered overkill, the rolling Dorset countryside has confirmed that having a bit of power up your sleeve can be useful.

The Smart Touch terminal and customisable armrest is a big step forward over the previous S353 model.

Away from cultivations and drilling, the S394 is also used to run a set of Claas triple mowers with grouper belts, and chasing Mr Cox’s three Lexion combines with a Case IH LB433 six-string 120 by 90cm large square baler.

Now, with 4,068 hours under its belt, the S394 is proving its worth for operator Rob Hallett, who has spent the last 26 years working for Mr Cox.

“With groupers, the triple mower is heavy, but the weight of the S394 adds so much more stability to the combination, particularly on hillsides,” says Mr Hallett.

“I do find the Claas mowers to be power-hungry, though we can drop grass at speeds of 25kph using auto-steering, as long as the field size is reasonable.

“We have run the triple mower on a T234 Versu and, while there is enough power, the tractor is just too light to handle the weight of the mowers on steeper banks,” he says. Comfort While the S394’s spec includes reverse drive capability, current mower choice prevents this feature being exploited.

With a peak of 405hp, a Valtra S394 currently holds top spot for tractor power in the Bernard Cox fleet.

Tractor data

- Model: Valtra S394

- Engine: 8.4-litre, six-cylinder, Agco Power

- Transmission: Agco continuously variable, 0-50kph

- Power: 405hp

- Torque: 1,600Nm

- Weight: 10.3 tonnes

Comfort

While the S394’s spec includes reverse drive capability, current mower choice prevents this feature being exploited.

Mr Hallett adds that the S394’s cab offers good space and comfort, though the latter has been tarnished in the wrong conditions.

“Cab suspension continues to give trouble, but when it works properly it is really good,” he says. “It seems that the mechanism and the front airbags get gradually bunged up with dirt and debris, which then restricts the range of movement available.

“I do try and keep it cleaned out, but it needs a proper solution and this only happens when cultivating and drilling, never when mowing.”

He says the front axle suspension does give a smooth ride on and off-road and while the cab is not the quietest he has driven, it is not the loudest either.

“But where the S353 offered 0-100 per cent adjustment of hydraulic flow rates, the S394 adjusts in 5 per cent increments. Sometimes, a 5 per cent shift in fan speed when drilling is just too much and I would like to see finer adjustment of flow rates through the terminal.

“Headlights need a rethink too, as we have extra lights by the cab, but you cannot fully isolate them to prevent dazzling other road users – so these get unplugged when I am on the road,” he adds.

Storage

Mr Hallett has fitted a pair of additional storage boxes below the right-hand steps to supplement the tractor’s original, small toolbox. He has also fabricated a bolt-on holder at the front of the tractor, where a grease gun and pry bar now reside.

“Considering the many jobs we do and the distances we travel, it is important to carry extra kit to help you,” he says.

Mr Hallett says that traction for the S394 has rarely been an issue. The tractor arrived on Trelleborg TM900s, using 650/60 R34 up front and 710/75 R42 on the rear.

“We do raise and lower tyre pressures within the guidelines to suit and, when the opportunity arises, we will also add or subtract front-end ballast,” he says. “Though the rear wheel weights have yet to be removed.”

He says the increase in power over his previous S-series has been very useful and the performance of the engine has not had a detrimental effect on fuel consumption.

The Smart Touch terminal and customisable armrest is a big step forward over the previous S353 model.

“The S394 is no better and no worse on fuel than the S353,” he says. “So we are getting more work done on the same amount of fuel. AdBlue consumption varies, but when working hard, it needs topping up with every other refill of the diesel tank.”

Mr Cox says the Valtras are reliable performers.