Bristling with high-tech gadgetry – cruise control, screen-based operation, seven spools with progressive setting options – the Valtra S-series certainly boasts all the ingredients needed to make a serious impact in the UK’s highly competitive 200-300hp tractor sector. We get an early drive on a couple of Valtra’s pre-production ‘S’ models.
In a world where big tends to rank as beautiful, the Valtra S-series conforms. The largest and most powerful conventional tractor yet to emerge from the Finn’s stable is also the prettiest – and by some considerable margin. No wonder then that many industry observers reckon the flagship’s elegant styling will appear on more mainstream Valtra models in the near future. Available from January 2002, the two S-series tractor models are powered by the Sisu 645 DSBAE engines. These turbocharged and watercooled 8.4-litre motors incorporate six cylinders and intercooling:
- S230 169kW/230hp 2,200rpm
- S260 191kW/260hp 2,200rpm
NB Constant and/or extra power are unavailable.
In terms of engine hardware, the motors feature the new Bosch VP44 electronic in-line injection pump, which also controls the cruise control system for maintaining engine speed. Intriguingly, though, Valtra has refrained – for now – from tapping the full potential that the engine/pump design offers; if pto and wheels were equipped with the appropriate sensors, the engine would be able to deliver more power on demand during heavy pto and transport work. Vice versa, the injection pump could reduce engine output when the tractor was pulling, say, an empty trailer. Indeed, with the engine capable of generating 320hp and the Bosch unit in place, it would seem a relatively simple job to add variable power output – and particularly with Valtra being one of the pioneers of the concept with its 8950 Sigma Power. In short, we suspect there is more engine news to come.
