Tractor test: Valtra T182 Versu Although it may not seem like it, the Valtra T-series has been with us since 2002. As part of its seventh birthday celebrations last year, the Finns’ mid-ranger enjoyed a radical overhaul in the gearbox department, with the semi-powershift gaining more on-the-move speeds, and there was also the introduction of an in-house CVT. Here we focus on the T182 in Versu spec, a tag that denotes a mechanical box and five semi-powershift steps
There is nothing worse than knowing that, if only you had one more powershift step, you could be pressing on just that little bit faster and be home in time for tea. Well, this is clearly something Valtra considered when developing its latest generation seven-model T-series, which now comes in Versu spec, complete with a five-step semi-powershift transmission. At the same time the Finnish firm took the opportunity to add a bit more detail to its six-cylinder line-up.
We have already spent several test hours in the seat of a Valtra T202 Versu in last year’s November issue, and also had a drive of the CVT-equipped T202 Direct in the March 2009 magazine. But this time round it’s the T182 Versu that’s subjected to the full profi and DLG treatment.
When our test T182 Versu rucked up into the yard we were surprised by the subdued purr from the six-cylinder motor. This is thanks to the park gear being incorporated into the tractor’s powershuttle, so that, when the brake is applied, the idling speed of the Sisu 74CTA-4V drops from 850rpm to a meagre 650rpm, which not only helps reduce noise but also saves on costly fuel. It’s a neat feature, and one that’s shared with the company’s smaller four-cylinder N-series tractors.
Brochure stats for the T182 include a rated power of 125kW/170hp (metric hp at 2,200rpm) to the ECE R24 standard and a maximum output of 147kW/200hp down at 2,000rpm (ISO 14396). This latter figure includes a power boost, which is prompted by pto work and transport speeds in range C and above.
To find out if these claimed figures are way off the mark, the DLG hitched our test T182 up to the dyno. With the boost eng-aged, rated speed was 132.1kW/179.6hp at the shaft, and this stat rose to a maximum of 139.8kW/190.1hp as the engine revs fell back to 1,900rpm. As we’ve come to expect from Sisu engines, there were no tester complaints with fuel economy: at rated speed, Sisu specific consumption recorded 262g/kWh and, at maximum output, it measured just 235g/kWh.
Our Powermix test, which produces a more real world fuel consumption guide, ended up at 284g/kWh, again underlining the frugal nature of this mid-sized Valtra. Indeed, the only aspect of the Sisu engine that could do with some spicing up is its power curve, which reflects a 36% increase in torque (30% speed drop); 8kW/10.9hp extra power and a 100% drive torque aren’t too exciting, either.
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