Valtra has tweaked its 133hp-185hp T-series tractor range to ensure it meets the latest round of emissions rules.

Along with Tier III compliant common-rail Sisu engines, the tractors gain a number of other features.

Although it looks almost identical to that of previous models, the cab is claimed to be bigger, quieter and boast more glass.

Three levels of transmission and hydraulic specification are now available:

• Classic – basic, fully mechanical 36-speed gearbox with dry clutch and mechanical hydraulic controls.
• HiTech – mid-specification, 36-speed gearbox with clutchless shuttle and mechanical hydraulic controls.
• Advance – top-spec, 36-speed gearbox with clutchless shuttle and electronic hydraulic controls.

Gadget-packed

It is the gadget-packed Advance models where most upgrades have occurred. Hydraulic output has been boosted to 115-litres/min and oil-flow is now load-sensing.

Up to eight electronically-controlled spool-valves can be fitted with this system. Timing and flow set-up is programmed via a new armrest-mounted computer and valves are activated by a single joystick.

T-series tractors can be specified with an economy transport mode that reduces engine rpm at 40kph to reduce fuel consumption. Alternatively the tractor can be set up to run at 50kph. Advance models’ have extra brake cooling and their additional hydraulic output is used to boost brake capacity.

VALTRA TRACTOR RANGE
A-series	63hp-98hp
6000 series	94hp-125hp
N- series	101hp-152hp
T-series	139hp-211hp
S-series	280hp

The mid-range T151e has an EcoPower engine option. In ‘Eco’ mode, the tractor achieves its rated output of 159hp at just 1800rpm – a factor which is claimed to reduce noise and fuel consumption by up to 10%, at the same time boosting torque levels.

However, at the flick of a switch the engine takes on normal characteristics, pumping out 163hp at 2200rpm.

THE FUTURE FOR VALTRA…

Valtra management this week revealed a number of future developments for SisuDiesel engines and the tractor range: • Sisu engineers are working on an engine capable of running on 100% raw, unprocessed vegetable oil • Valtra has its own stepless continuously variable transmission (CVT) and semi-powershift gearboxes in development • A high-horsepower replacement for the S-series will be launched in early 2008 • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and urea exhaust gas additives will be used to meet the next round of emissions rules – Tier IV. This has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by 10% • Sisu is investigating the possibility of developing a ‘hybrid’ engine that could run on bioethanol as well as mineral diesel, biodiesel and raw vegetable oil

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