Valtra’s Automatic Choices
A new line-up of tractors, a new name for Sisu Diesel, and an insight into what sort of diesel
engine you will be driving in a few years’ time. Valtra have added additional models to their N and T series, and also added a brand new five-model S series at the top of their range. The S series runs from 270 to 370hp. The innovations in the N and T series are based around two new transmissions – Versu and Direct. Both of these dispense with the need for a gear lever in the cab.

Versu is an electrohydraulic powershift five-speed transmission and gears are changed by means of buttons on the armrest – buttons 1 and 2 control the powershifts while the third button controls the gear range. Two automatic settings are also available, giving ten automatic gears. Creeper speeds are included as standard. The stepless Direct transmission
is controlled by a lever on the armrest. The driver selects the gear range using the lever, the speed using the throttle pedal and the direction using the forward/reverse shuttle, which is operated with the left arm.

Martin Richenhagen, Chairman and CEO of Agco, the parent company of Valtra, commented: “Some competitors have invested millions on continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) with limited success. Agco now has two – one from Valtra and one from Fendt.” Both Versu and Direct transmission work equally well in reverse using Valtra’s TwinTrac rotating seat system. Both can be used with ground-speed PTO.

The new N and T models come with load-sensing hydraulics as standard. Standard output is 115 litres per minute, but a 151 litres per minute pump is available for demanding applications. The hydraulic and transmission oils are separate. Heat exchange occurs between them, allowing the transmission oil to heat up the cold hydraulic oil, which in turn cools hot transmission oil when needed.

The two new N models have maximum power ratings of 137 and 152hp. The six new T models range from 141 to 200hp. Production of the new N and T Versu models will be phased in during the first half of 2009, while production of N and T Direct models will commence in mid 2009. The new S series utilises advanced Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) engine technology. SCR is a system originally developed for trucks whereby nitrogen oxide emissions
are reduced by spraying the ureabased AdBlue additive into the exhaust gas stream. The new S series already complies with the Tier 3B emissions norms for 2011.

AdBlue consumption is approximately 3% of fuel consumption, so the 51-litre AdBlue container has to be filled on every second fill of the main diesel fuel tank. SCR was chosen by Valtra as preferable to the alternative Cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) technology. This works by injecting a small proportion of exhaust gas into the air intake, which reduces the violence
of the combustion, resulting in a lower level of NOX emissions. Its biggest advantage over SCR is that no additive is required.

Advantages brought by SCR are that it reduces fuel consumption by approximately 5%, allows power to be increased without a corresponding increase in the heat load, prolongs
the life of lubrication oil and improves reliability. SCR technology is standard on the S352 model and optional on all other S series models, apart from the S232. To comply with Tier 4, which comes into force in 2014, the SCR system, which converts NOX to harmless water and nitrogen, will not suffice. A further filtration system will be required to remove particle matter.
Of course, Tier 3B and Tier 4 will cover all vehicles, including purpose-built forestry machines, so expect to become acquainted with SCR technology, and to be topping up your AdBlue tank, in the next few years, no matter what you drive.

One purpose-built forestry company has been associated with Sisu Diesel for many years – Valmet. However, this is about to change, one way or another. Firstly, the name Sisu Diesel is no more. The company has been renamed ‘Agco Sisu Power’. Secondly, Valmet is now owned by Komatsu, and there is now pressure from the top of the company to switch to Cummins, which is also owned by Komatsu – this after a long and successful cooperation
with Sisu Diesel.

Agco Sisu Power have just added the 9.8-litre 7-cylinder engine to their range. The 98 CTA SCR engine is the biggest in the company’s history, producing a power output of 500hp. It will be going into serial production in 2009. Agco have also announced that they will be entering into a joint venture with Concern Tractor Plants in Russia which will see them making
a $9million investment over the next three years. Agco seems to be growing at a phenomenal rate – it has doubled its revenues between 2004 and 2008.

www.valtra.com

Ready for work in the forest: this Valtra N121 tractor is fitted with a Kesla crane and 18RH head. Valtra tractors are designed with forestry work in mind. The top of the cab is guarded, as can be seen, and polycarbonate windows are fitted. The underside of the tractor has nothing hanging down, giving good ground clearance, and an underslung fuel tank, strong enough to support the weight of the tractor, keeps the centre of gravity low, giving extra stability when using the crane. Trelleborg Agroforest 410 tyres are fitted. With the ability to operate cut-to-length heads, gather energy wood, operate a winch and tow a forestry trailer, it is perhaps surprising that more tractors are not to be found in Britain’s neglected woodlands. The tractor is an economical, versatile solution that can be pressed into both agricultural and forestry service on estates that incorporate both woodland and farmland. This is standard practice in Finland.