A star named Valtra
Valtra, a widely known brand of AGCO, has put on the market new series T tractors. AgroCentre specialists were the first to familiarise themselves with these novelties. AGCO Corporation arranged a dealers’ trip to Germany where the machines were presented.
The engineers tested the machines in the labs and on the field at 100% workload. As a result, modern farmers get a real workhorse.
The new product line of the Valtra tractors includes seven models with hp varying from 155 to 250. Their turning radius is a mere 5.25 m. The ground clearance has increased, reaching as much as 60 cm. A wheel track of 2,995 mm ensures tractor stability on the road.
The upgraded mounted tool in the tractor rear lifts a load of up to 9.5 tonnes while the incorporated mounted unit does up to 5.1 tonnes.
“We’ve tried out the tractors in operation,” said Nikolai Bashkirov, head of the equipment orders department in AgroCentreZakharovo. “We used the plough, the disc and the conventional cultivator, and we loaded and unloaded bales of hay on the farm. The designers have done a really fine job. The tractors are so very simple and convenient to control! They coped with all the tasks perfectly. Next year series T tractors will appear on the Russian market.”
Starting from scratch
The fourth generation, series T Valtra tractors have been created virtually from scratch and designed in four versions: Direct, Versu, Active, and HiTech. The Active model is fitted with the Powershift transmission and a mechanically controlled, load-responsive hydraulic system.
The Versu, Active and HiTech models are a new approach to controlling Powershift fitted tractors.
The automatically controlled Powershift transmission is based on a new operating principle. Here the gas pedal controls not the engine revolutions but the tractor speed as it happens during movement with the Direct stepless transmission. Such a system is very convenient for using mounted tools.
The clutch pedal is required only for starting up the engine. The brake pedals also can be used for clutch control since the automatic clutch control is permanently engaged here (AutoTraction). The Powershift system has convenient functions for holding the tractor on a hill slope (hill-hold).
Smartly made
Depending on the tractor model, the reliable AGCO Power engine, 6.6 and 7.4 l capacity, minimises pollutant emissions by using the SCR Stage 4 system. The turbine is fitted with an electronic overflow valve. As a result, the engine promptly responds when you depress the pedal, developing an excellent torque even at low revolutions. Use of the SCR system and optimised software substantially reduce fuel consumption.
All-inclusive services
The special feature of series T tractors is a roomy, noise-proof cabin providing all the services required. Special outwardly bent posts maximise cabin interior space. It is 20 cm wider than previous generation tractors, offering such amenities as electrical heating of the front and rear windows, a windscreen wiper with 270 degree span, parking cameras, LED torches for work site illumination, taillights, plus six square metres of glazed observation area. In short, the designers have done their best to make the operator’s work comfortable and enjoyable. The extra glazing in the roof front simplifies the use of the front-end loader. Even an audio system and a freezer bag are installed in the cabin!
Convenient in everything!
In creating the new tractors, special attention was given to ease of operation and maintenance. The between maintenance period is 600 hours. The daily oil check is a quick procedure due to inspection ports. The access to radiators and filters is also convenient, requiring no tools.
The tractors are fitted both with an automatic steering system (AutoGuide) and telemetric unit (AgCommand). The AutoGuide system uses satellite-supplied and corrective signals for controlling the tractor with an accuracy of 1 cm. The AgCommand remote control system enables the operator to monitor the tractor operation, predict the need for maintenance, and sum up the machine-related information.