Tractors with a difference Valtra

TRACTORS WITH A DIFFERENCE

Valtra is the leading tractor manufacturer in the Nordic countries and the second most popular brand in South America. Felicity Landon reports on new developments from this Finland-based specialist.

New colours, new models, new features – Valtra continues to make headlines with its product innovations. The company, which develops and manufactures a wide range of tractors for the forestry and agricultural industries, prides itself on building tractors individually, according to the customer’s requirements, and producing equipment that is high-quality and reliable.

From its main site in Suolahti, Finland, and its plant in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Valtra supplies tractors to more than 75 countries. The two sites produce different ranges to meet the specific needs of farmers in Europe and South America, as farming methods, soils and crops vary tremendously between the two regions, but all the tractors are based on the Valtra chassis designed in Finland. Design work takes place at both sites, with the Finnish team providing a high level of support to the Brazilian operation.

For more than 20 years, Valtra, part of the AGCO group, has been the only tractor company to offer customers the opportunity to select the colour of their tailor-made tractor – and the selection of colour options is regularly updated with the introduction of new models. The most popular colour has traditionally been Valtra red, which accounts for almost 40 per cent of all production. Among the newest colour options, black and grey have also grown in popularity.

Biogas technology

Last year (2013), Valtra took an important step in the ‘green’ direction with the decision to begin limited serial production of biogas tractors this year – a decision that puts the company out in front, as the first

tractor manufacturer to begin serial production of biogas models.

“Valtra has undertaken systematic research and development work into biogas tractor technology in recent years,” says a spokesman. A four-cylinder N series prototype biogas tractor was unveiled in summer 2010, followed by a six-cylinder T Series biogas tractor in autumn 2011.

The model chosen for serial production was the 110 hp N101. This dual fuel tractor can run on both transportation grade biogas or natural gas, and diesel. In dual fuel engines, a mixture of biogas and diesel is injected into the cylinders, with 70 to 80 per cent of power produced from the biogas. The tractor can also be driven on diesel alone if biogas is not available.

“The biogas solution does not limit the use of the tractor for different tasks, conditions or implements,” says the spokesman. “The biogas tractor promotes the use of renewable energy in agriculture and forestry, as well as in municipal contracting. When both biogas and biodiesel are used for the fuel, the tractor runs on completely renewable energy. The use of biogas can also generate significant savings in fuel costs. Registering the biogas tractor will require special approval in each market, as common emissions regulations have not yet been agreed for dual fuel vehicles.”

New models

Among other major developments, Valtra has introduced two new smaller models in the N Series. The new N93 and N103 models, which replace the N82 and N92 models, feature a brand new nose and three-cylinder engine. “The newer design significantly improves both visibility from the cab and agility. Working at night and in dark conditions is also improved, thanks to new bi-halogen lights that combine both full and low beams.”

Both models are available with Valtra’s traditional HiTech transmission with three main powershift gears. The N103 is also available with a five-step HiTech 5 transmission. As with all Valtra tractors, the N93 and N103 models can be tailored for specific uses. For example, a forest cab and steel fuel tank are available for forestry work, and an SVC cab can be specified for municipal applications. The larger model is also available with cab suspension and the TwinTrac reverse drive system.

With the introduction of the two new models, the entire N Series has now been updated. The flagship is the N163, the most powerful

four-cylinder tractor in the world, producing up to 171 hp with boost. The N Series accounts for almost 50 per cent of all Valtra tractors produced at the Suolahti factory.

The Valtra T Series has also been updated, in line with the changes made to the N Series. In addition to a new look, the T Series has been given a wide range of updates and new features to further enhance the efficiency and usability of these tractors.

The new 6.6 and 7.4 litre AGCO Power engines feature new turbos, a new belt system, a new engine management system and a new type of SCR system that cleanses exhaust emissions more effectively. Special attention has also been paid to fuel efficiency.

At the end of 2013 Valtra also updated its S Series with a fourth generation look, increased power and new features. The S Series is powered by an AGCO Power 8.4-litre engine that complies with Stage 4 emissions standard yet produces up to 400 horsepower and 1650 Nm of torque with boost. The engine has twin turbos, one of which has an electronically adjustable wastegate. Thanks to the new turbos, the engine offers superb torque at low rpm. At the same time the temperature of the exhaust gases is reduced, which further improves engine reliability and lowers emissions.

The new S Series combines market-leading transmission and engine technologies that are designed to take on the toughest tasks. The stepless AGCO variable transmission (AVT) is very reliable and is controlled ergonomically from the Valtra ARM driver’s armrest. The driver can select from two driving modes to optimise work productivity and fuel consumption.

Valtra’s new S Series can be specified with state-of-the-art farming technology, such as the AutoGuide 3000 steering assist system and AgCommand telemetry. The U-Pilot headland management system and Isobus readiness for implements come as standard.

Introducing the Pink Cat

This year Valtra’s Unlimited Studio has created a customised tractor which it has dubbed the ‘Pink Cat’. Options and features of the Pink Cat are designed together with Young Farmers representatives and Valtra Unlimited Studio.

The tractor is a four-cylinder N163 Direct with stepless transmission. It boasts 171 horsepower, 700 Nm of torque, a 50 km/h transmission and 160 litre per minute loadsensing hydraulics.

Pink Cat will appear at Young Farmers’ events throughout Finland, beginning at the Okra fair in Oripää on 4 July 2014. The tractor will visit all Finnish provinces before returning to its roots in Central Finland at the KoneAgria fair on 11 October. Pink Cat will be accompanied at these events by a customised trailer featuring a hot tub and terrace. After the tour the tractor will be offered for sale to customers just like any other demo tractor. n