5 minute read

On track for growth Valtra

ON TRACK FOR GROWTH

Valtra is a leading manufacturer of tractors in the Nordic countries and South America. Philip Yorke spoke to Mikko Lehikoinen, the company’s sales and marketing director, about its new generation of advanced ‘eco-tractors’ and its unique, customised approach to the market.

Valtra develops and manufactures a wide range of tractors for the forestry and agricultural industries. The company is based in Finland and is the brand leader in Scandinavia and the second most popular brand in Latin America. Valtra has manufactured tractors since 1951, but its roots can be traced back to 1832 and today it operates some of Europe’s most advanced factories at its plants in Suolahti, Finland.

Today, Valtra tractors are sold in more than 75 countries worldwide and represent the global brand of the AGCO Corporation of America, a fortune 500 company that is the world’s third largest agricultural equipment manufacturer with sales of around $7 billion.

More power and cleaner engines

Valtra has always been committed to leading the field when it comes to investing in new technology and the development of cleaner, more efficient engines. As a result, the Valtra S-series was the first agricultural tractor in the world in 2008 to feature AGCO e3 SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology. The latest S-series has now entered its third generation, all of which feature higher torque ratings and a reduction in cab noise levels. The SCR engines on the latest models also benefit from the use of AdBlue, which is an additive that is sprayed into the exhaust to clean the emissions still further in the catalytic converter. Furthermore, engine cooling has been improved to allow Valtra S-series tractors to be used to work with even bigger loads and in extremely hot conditions.

Mr Lehikoinen said, “We have been investing heavily in new technology for many years to meet the new emissions legislation. This commitment has resulted in a big increase in value for our customers, due to the extra versatility offered and significant savings of up to 10 per cent on fuel costs. Our thirdgeneration tractors are ‘best in class’ and feature our unique SCR and EDR technology. Valtra’s SCR technology treats the downstream exhaust gases with a special additive AdBlue which breaks down the emissions into harmless nitrogen and water vapour. This treatment significantly extends the lifespan of our engines, as consequently they are able to run at cooler temperatures and work more efficiently. These latest, 3rd generation tractors with our SCR technology, were showcased recently at the Agritechnica Trade Fair in Germany to wide acclaim from the trade press and customers alike.”

Valtra’s A-series tractors are also renowned workhorses designed for heavy work in fields and forests, and they have moved into the high-tech age with electro-hydraulic shuttles and other advanced features. In addition to this they offer hydraulically controlled multidiscclutched two-speed PTOs, which form an integral part of the latest A-series models.

Operating comfort has also been significantly enhanced in the A-series, with the cab having undergone a considerable transformation. As a result, the new models offer reduced noise levels, increased comfort and a larger foot-well and wider doors to make cab access easier, as well as greater flexibility and range regarding steering wheel and seat adjustments. In addition, the latest A-series can be equipped for forestry operations as well as for field work with a rear accelerator pedal and rear window designed for crane hydraulic valves. A low roof version is also available and although the new series has countless new features it still remains one of Valtra’s most cost-effective, reliable, light and versatile tractors.

Also showcased at the Agritechnical trade fair last November was Valtra’s latest N series N163 Versu and Direct models, which are the

world’s strongest 4-cylinder tractors. These tractors offer even more power and torque than before with new software and revised transmission design. The N163 stands out as the most powerful four-cylinder tractor in the world, developing 163 horsepower as standard and up to 171 horsepower with added, Valtra Power Boost technology.

Innovation and customised equipment driving sales

Valtra is the only tractor manufacturer in the world that builds tractors on the basis of individual customer needs. This unique selling

We are a family company founded in 1971.

We are operating from city of Vasa in Finland Our main market is Scandinavia including exports and imports.

For our customer Valtra AGCO we are taking care of all their transports to Norway on door to door basic. KALOTTSPEDITION KALOTTIHUOLINTA

AT YOUR SERVICES

Phone: +358-6-3203500 Fax: +358-6-3203550 Mail: info@kalotti.com www.kalotti.com

proposition is backed by the most advanced tractor technology, and is a powerful combination that has proved a major factor in increasing demand globally for Valtra tractors and accessories.

Mr Lehikoinen added, “We are seeing strong growth in all of our major markets as a result of our innovative technology and unique service offering. We have been in Brazil since 1959 and are the second biggest brand there. Traditionally we have always been strong in the Baltic countries too, where today we have over 18 per cent of the market. Our market share is also growing in Russia where we are attracting sales in the forestry and municipality sectors.

“In other key regions such as in our EMEA countries we are also enjoying strong, consistent growth. By increasing the horse power and versatility of our latest series, we have extended their use and versatility to a point where they can be used for all-round tasks, in areas such as dairy and general trailer work. Our ‘individual customer concept’ meets all our customers’ needs in the best possible way, added to which we have an after-sales service that is second to none.” n

This article is from: