Valtra at Grassland

At the forthcoming Grassland Event Valtra will be demonstrating a comprehensive selection of tractors from their A, N and T Series, plus recently introduced features available across various models or ranges.

Steerable front linkage

As an aid to productivity, front linkages have become increasingly important. Front linkage implements tend to scribe a larger arc than rear mounted equipment. The result is a strip of untreated or uncut crop between the work of the two implements

Valtra has overcome this problem by introducing the LHLINK. This award winning front linkage attaches to the tractor's frame by a vertical pivot. Using Ackerman's steering geometry principle and controlled by a hydraulic ram, the linkage can be set either to swing horizontally in step with the front wheels or independently, thus avoiding the untreated or uncut strips

Four modes are supplied to control the swing of the front linkage.

In mode one, the front linkage left/right swing is fully independently of the front wheels and controlled by the driver.

In the second mode the front linkage swings across in relation to the front wheels. The ratio between the swing of the front linkage and the steering angle of the wheels is infinitely adjustable. The response in the middle of the adjustment range is 50%, so a 35-degree steering angle results in a front linkage swing of 17.5 degrees. At a response of 1:1 the front linkage movement is directly proportional to the front wheels up to a full 35 degrees, the maximum turning angle of the front linkage in either direction.

In the third mode the front linkage operates as above, but the central position of the front linkage can be varied in either direction.

The fourth mode is designed specifically for operating front and rear mower combinations, allowing a higher turning angle for the front linkage than for the wheels. These adjustments eradicate underlap and poor quality work.

Importantly, since the implement follows the turning radius, reduced lateral loads are put on the implement. Also this system does not restrict the use of the front PTO in any way as the universal joints are located in the same vertical plane as the pivot centre.

Further features

The lift arms of Valtra's LHLINK are powered by a pair of hydraulic rams which may be operated independently or together. This makes hitching of equipment on uneven ground easier and safer. The lift arms may also be adjusted in relation to each other and then locked in their relative positions so that after an implement is lifted from work it will return to the same setting. There is also a saving in space as there is no mechanical torsion bar between the lift arms.

The Valtra LHLINK front linkage lift capacity is 3.5 tons.

AutoComfort

Also on display will be Valtra's AutoComfort active cab suspension. Like other tractor manufacturers Valtra offer both front axle suspension and a passive cab suspension. However unlike many other manufacturers Valtra also offer an active cab suspension. Usually specified alongside front axle suspension, active cab suspension is in fact a stand alone Valtra feature which also won a Silver Innovation Award at Agritechnica 2007.

AutoComfort consists of electronically controlled shock absorbers, a position sensor and control unit connected to the tractor via a CAN bus system, while air springs maintain a steady height regardless of load. Reacting to movement data from the position sensor and information about driving conditions from the CAN bus, the system is capable of adjusting the rate of shock absorption every two milliseconds. The AutoComfort system is capable of absorbing information – the position of the shuttle control, brakes and so on – and is then able to predict certain changes in movement, reacting accordingly to prevent bouncing. The same applies when used in conjunction with Valtra Aires front suspension; this system relays information to the cab suspension control unit which again reacts to improve ride comfort.

AutoComfort may also be set to operate automatically or manually on the cab control panel.

EcoPower

Also of importance at Grassland will be Valtra's EcoPower models. The four cylinder N111 comes in at 124hp (91kW) (Eco Mode) at 1800rpm which, at the flick of a switch, can convert to Power Mode and 133hp/98kW with transport boost. In Eco Mode torque is 570Nm at just 1200rpm and in Power Mode 540Nm. The six cylinder T151 is available in both HiTech and Advance base specifications with rated power in Eco Mode at 159hp/117kW at 1800rpm (173hp/127kW with transport boost) and a torque of 680Nm (730Nm with transport boost) at 1100rpm. In Power Mode the T151 produces 167hp/123kW at 2200rpm with transport boost and torque of 680Nm at 1500 rpm.

Essentially these figures mean that in Eco Mode at the lower engine revs and higher torque there is a 10% reduction in fuel consumption in both the N111 and T151 compared with Power Mode – ideal for high torque operations such as cultivations. Indeed, at today's prices this equates to a saving of £6,000 over 4,500hrs – say two or three years' operation. Not a figure to ignore. Interestingly, Valtra tractors, particularly EcoPower models, hold their second hand value well with recent sales indicating depreciation charges of just £3.20/hr.

Valtra tractors have gained a reputation for toughness and reliability. Now, increasingly, farmers and contractors are appreciating their value – competitive pricing, low running costs, low depreciation and high resale values.