Twelve months after launching the stylish S-series, Valtra now brings at least some of those high hp curves down the line – on to the 110-120hp T-series models. Andrew Faulkner hitches the 92kW/125hp T130 tractor up to a six-furrow Besson reversible.
Style, sophistication and some six appeal. The Valtra T-series sixcylinder tractors give the Finnish firm’s mid hp offering more design style and hydraulic sophistication. As for extra six appeal? We’ll come to that later.
First, however, a brief overview of T-series (see box), a tractor range that will now be offered alongside Valtra’s existing HiTech models at least until July 2003, the date when Tier II emission restrictions kick in.
Come Tier II time, Valtra will either have to clean up the existing HiTech act or drop the tractor altogether, which it is understandably reluctant to do. Valtra in the UK, for example, is very keen to sell both ranges – HiTech to customers who prefer a relatively basic spec, and T-series to those prepared to pay a premium for extra features.
Now back to the ‘T’. Valtra has, in effect, taken the current HiTech unit platform and upgraded it to create the T-series tractor:
■ Tier II-compliant engines on T140 and above, achieved in the main by fitting an air/air intercooler. T120 and T130 tractor models will meet restrictions by July 2003.
■ A 4% increase in fuel economy.
■ Load-sensing hydraulic line from a fixed displacement gear pump. This enables time and flow control of spool operation.
■ Different in-cab layout, including armrest-mounting for the spools and linkage controls.
■ Cabin noise levels reduced from 74dB(A) to a claimed 71dB(A).
In addition, the top pair of tractors (the T180 and T190) gains electronic engine management, which brings with it a host of associated functions. These extend to cruise control, auto engage/disengage of 4WD/diff lock and, more importantly, top-up hp (see the table’s note).
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