The N92 is a robust tractor. It scores high marks with respectable performance, a big cab and good auto gearchange functions.

Engine 6/10

The Valtra’s Sisu 4D DTA engine uses two valves a cylinder, intercooling, internal exhaust gas recirculation and mechanical injection. The cooling fan output, however, is fixed.

Despite its unsophisticated technology, the Valtra delivered a respectable performance in the lab tests: Specific fuel consumption at rated rpm of 297g/kWh was just 2% above the test average.

Maximum power of 87hp, meanwhile, is only 1hp above that achieved at rated rpm. Here, the Sisu used 281g and around 3% more diesel per kWh than the test group average of 272g.

The important average from the mix of six partial loads was 298g/kWh, only just over the group average of 296g/kWh. At 16% the constant power range tends to be small and the same applies to the torque rise of 43%.

Put in front of the brake truck the N92 achieved the second best specific consumption (336g/kWh). At maximum draught of 76hp it is also more efficient than the group average. However, points were lost for the poor positioning of the hand throttle.

A neatly integrated loader joystick fits tidly on the armrest.

Transmission 7/10

A three-range, four-speed mechanical box with three-step power-splitter takes the total number of gears to 36F x 36R. In the key 4-12kph fieldwork range 13 gears are available and overlaps are acceptable.

For roadwork, the three powershift steps in fourth gear are usually enough.

Between gear changes the transmission’s speed-matching function always finds the right ratio.

Both gearsticks have buttons for the splitter and de-clutching, but the range lever is a long reach.

The N92 offers two auto gearchange programmes: The first ensures revs never drop below 1700. The second allows the driver to alter up/downshift points. A hidden button under the shuttle lever activates a menu where various powershift and shuttle shift-points can also be pre-selected.

A switch activates the AutoTraction function and the clutch kicks in as soon as revs are under 1000 or when the driver brakes.

This is great for transport jobs or when round baling and we liked the shuttle action and the integrated park lock.

Cab 6/10

This Valtra has the largest cab of the test group. The steps are low, the doors open wide and handgrips are where they should be. The steering wheel is adjustable with a kick of a pedal – it doesn’t get better than that.

With the largest cab in the group, the Finns haven’t been stingy on space, but they have forgotten about storage.

As usual with Valtra, the seat can be spun round 180° and even the passenger seat offers impressive legroom. The only thing the Finns have missed is decent storage space, although to the left of the seat there is plenty of room for a toolbox or lunchbag. At 73dB(A) it’s pretty quiet in the cab, too.

The four worklights front and rear score well. However, identifying the function of the many identical toggle switches remains an ongoing Valtra mystery. Forwards views are acceptable but a strut spoils the rearwards view of the drawbar. There is no roof-window option.

Hydraulics 8/10

The armrest’s neatly integrated electronic loader joystick completely blocks access to the electronic linkage controls, including the all-too-easy-to-twiddle depth dial which is swiftly caught when reaching for the out-of-the-way hand throttle. There’s another linkage rocker on the right-hand console.

Linkage lift capacity is never a problem with the Valtra. Over the total lift range (65 cm) it’s over 5.8t – much more than the group average.

The dials for implement drop rate, lift height and draught are first rate, though we found the top link holder impractical.

Up to four spool-valves (plus two proportional valves for the loader) are available. The first has priority and a flow-rate dial is positioned directly alongside it. But the notchy lever travel is at right angles to the armrest which makes repetitive jobs annoyingly awkward. Pump output of 75 litres/min is good, as is its capacity to pump a total of up to 40 litres out of the separate reservoir.

Pto 5/10

The N92 offers just two pto speeds (540 + 750; 750 + 1000 or 540 + 1000). This is not enough for a modern tractor and the lever isn’t very easy to operate. The controls are electro-hydraulic and can be automated to kick out when the linkage is lifted, however the pto won’t then automatically re-engage. To use the exterior controls (on both mudguards) means the pto switch in the cab must be activated.

4WD/diff-lock 6/10

The 4wd switch has two positions – “Auto” and “In”. In the first, it is activated as soon as the driver locks the diff. The “In” position is a better bet as it then operates independently of the diff-lock.

The diff-lock works with the linkage when it is in its auto mode. It is also disengaged temporarily when the steering or brakes are used.

Driving comfort 7/10

The small, sporty steering-wheel needs only three turns from lock to lock. The indicator stalk is positioned to the right and has a good self-cancelling function.

The brakes are very precise and the park position of the shuttle lever also activates the trailer brakes – an excellent system.

At 2.54m, the Valtra had the longest wheelbase in the test. This brings great ride quality on the road, but also a large turning circle at 12.27m.

For more from our tractor test click here.