Valtra Team customer magazine 1|2012

New transmission N101 Dual Fuel Over 25 years' happy user Unsurpassed Biogas Experience ease of use attracts interest with Valtra page 12 page 16 page 20

new valtra N163 the most powerful four-cylinder tractor

in the world page 6 Valtra Team customer magazine 1|2012

editorial

05

Valtra in UK for twenty years his year Valtra and before that 10 Valmet has been operating directly T in the UK for twenty years. Back in 1992 annual sales were measured in hand- fuls and reports lumped us with ‘others’. Today, with a wider range of than ever before, an expanding dealer network and sales force, Valtra sales are reported under the Valtra name. Interestingly, the Valtra supplies the right tyres latest set of figures available from the UK 14 for the intended tasks. Agricultural Engineers Association – those 23 for 2010 – showed that while total indus- try sales fell in that year Valtra were in a unique position; selling both an increasing number and improving their market pen- In this issue: etration in percentage terms from 3.8 % in 2009 to 4.5 % in 2010. Why? I believe part of the answer is in the following pages – 03 Individual forest tractors 16 Biogas tractor reliability. Valtra customers are not only impresses Swedes remaining loyal to Valtra, they also keep 04 News tractors on the farm longer, finding they do 19 Last of the Volvo BM not suffer from expensive breakdowns as 05 Valtra – The best overall Mohicans a result and while industry figures are not yet available we know that through 2011 Most powerful four-cylinder Over A Quarter Century Valtra sales have continued the 2010 trend 06 20 tractor in the world – N163 of Valmet and Valtra and grown. This spring we ran a series of Valtra Experience road shows, visiting a Valtra 10 Green Energy Farmer 22 Valtra Hockey Team dealer near you and while these are uses Valtra plays local heroes JYP mostly over why not contact your dealer; he may be holding a late event. If you’re 12 HiTech 5 transmission 23 Valtra Collection contemplating a tractor change, try out a enhances comfort Valtra. Your nearest dealer telephone num- 24 Valtra models ber is on our web site www.valtra.co.uk 14 Appropriate tyres Simply follow links to Dealer Locator and straight from the factory click on the map or, call our office 02476 851202. You will not be disappointed. 15 High hours and reliable 12 Mark Broom A Dorset farmers view National Sales Manager of Valtra

2 Valtra Team 1|2012 Forest tractors Innovation

Individual forest tractors

Valtra offers a wide range factory-fitted forestry features, One German customer has customised his T162 such as a forestry cab, reverse-drive system, reinforced into a skidding tractor. The company Otzberger fitted fuel tank, polycarbonate glass, forestry tyres, narrow rear a heavy-duty Epsilon skid steer loader, an S+R winch mudguards and a turbine clutch. mechanism and an HBC remote control system. For road In addition to these regular features, many forestry work this forestry tractor has a factory-fitted stepless tractors are further customised to meet customer wishes. transmission, plus front axle and cab suspension. These vary from country to country. For example, in Scan- dinavia forestry tractors are mostly used to transport cut- • Epsilon skid steer loader to-length wood out of the forest, whereas in Southern • S+R winch mechanism Europe mulching the forest base is often the main task. • Forestry cab

Valtra Team 3 A design competition for customers Valtra is organising a tractor design competition together with the pub- lications Koneviesti (), Bedre Gardsdrift (Norway), Jordbruksaktuellt () and Maskinbladet (Den- mark). Participants are invited to present their ideas about how to improve today’s tractors. The two best ideas from each country will be invited as guests to the Valtra Engineering Centre along with representatives of the publications. Based on the proposals received, Valtra will design a concept tractor that will be presented next autumn. All the submissions should sent to the publications. Valtra will be entitled to use the ideas without further com- pensation.

Valtra wins red dot design award The N113 HiTech tractor was customised with 6478 fingerprints and signatures. The ANTS concept tractor, unveiled The tractor has been on display at fairs throughout the winter and spring. by Valtra to mark its 60th anniversary, has won the prestigious red dot design award following ANTS victory in the 6478 ways mobility category of the design con- cept series. Red dot is the largest design com- to aid Africa petition in the world. In addition to the Valtra ANTS isitors to the Valtra stand at Agritechnica had the chance to use their concept tractor, creativity and help Africa at the same time. The centrepiece of the over 3500 entries stand was the new N113 HiTech tractor, which visitors could custo- participated in mise by adding their fingerprints and signatures in paint.A lmost 6500 the design com- peopleV took the opportunity to leave their mark. petition this year. The tractor will now be sold at the Ritchie Bros. auctions in Meppen, Ger- many, on 24 May. Bids can be made during the auction itself and also via the internet during the month before the auction. The aim is to raise money to sup- Participants in reader port agriculture in Africa. survey receive gifts The proceeds will go towards a new A93 HiTech tractor, technical training In the last edition of Valtra Team we and other material for the Weiveld Agriculture School in South Africa. The asked for your opinions about the school offers studies in agriculture, technology, hotel and restaurant manage- magazine. The results of the survey ment, and data processing to approximately 600 students. Co-operation bet- have been processed and analysed. ween the local Valtra importer and the school will continue after the donation Everyone who participated in the on- has been made. • line survey has been sent a small gift.

Internet: valtra.co.uk Valtra Team

Editor in chief Hannele Kinnunen, Valtra Inc., [email protected] Edition Tommi Pitenius, Valtra Inc., [email protected] Editorial Bogdan Rachwal, AGCO Sp. z.o.o., [email protected] // Siegfried Aigner, Valtra GesmbH, [email protected] // Sylvain Mislanghe, AGCO Distr. SAS, [email protected] // Lucy Jones, Agco Ltd., [email protected] // Kim Pedersen, LMB Danmark A/S, [email protected] // Astrid Zollikofer, AGCO Deutschland GmbH, GB Valtra, [email protected] Publisher Valtra Oy Ab, Valmetinkatu 2, 44200 Suolahti Coordination Medita Communication Oy Layout Juha Puikkonen, INNOverkko Printed by Forssa Print 2011 Valtra is a worldwide brand of AGCO Photo Valtra archive is not otherwise mentioned

4 Valtra Team 1|2012 Valtra The best overall TEXT Roger Thomas PHOTOs Valtra archive

e all know how emotive own that’s really arguments about the best important and W tractor, best overall, best while residual jacket can get, particularly amongst value is not younger people. Well now it’s as of- likely to enter ficial as it gets – Valtra overalls are the equation serviceabil- the best. ity, comfort and appear- Earlier in the year James Rick- ance almost certainly ard, Farmers Guardian machinery will. reporter gathered together overalls Valtra overalls are from seven leading tractor manu- available from Valtra facturers and gave them a bit of a dealers along with a work out. To quote James; ‘Valtra wide range of other came out on top with an almost per- merchandise. fect fit’ and at just £41.00 James’ To see the full range large size overalls were described check out www.valtra- as; ‘practically a steal.’ shop.com (www.valtra. Read for yourselves what James co.uk) and follow the had to say before investing in anoth- links to Fun & Down- er pair of overalls because, like trac- loads and on to Valtra tors, it’s not what they cost to buy Collection and open that matters. It’s what they cost to the brochure. •

Reprinted by permission of Farmers Guardian. Valtra Team 5 6 Valtra Team 1|2012 SCR engines for the N Series N163 – the most powerful four-cylinder tractor in the world

The Valtra’s N Series has entered its third generation and the top models are now the N163 Versu and Direct; the most powerful four-cylinder tractors in the world. In addition, the new engine technology has allowed the front of the N Series machines to be fully redesigned, making it even more user friendly.

TEXT tommi pitenius PHOTO valtra ARCHIVE

CR engine technology re- is simple to operate; as electron- prove the steering angle thus reduc- duces fuel consumption by ics manage the system. The driver’s ing the turning radius considerably. approximately 5–10 per- only task is to fill the AdBlue tank. Additionally, the front linkage and cent. Additionally, partic- loader, being integrated with the ulate and nitrogen oxide Up to 171 horsepower tractor nose do not affect the turn- emissions S are reduced to a fraction from just four cylinders ing radius. of that produced by older engine New tractor models offer even more Standard fuel tank capacity has designs. Tractor operators also ben- power and torque. The Valtra N163 been increased to 230 litres and a efit from the fact that SCR technol- is the most powerful four-cylinder protected metal tank is available as ogy reduces engine cooling require- tractor in the world, producing 163 an option for forestry operations. ments and keeps the lubrication oil horsepower as standard and up to N Series longer wheelbase also en- cleaner, extending engine life. 171 horsepower with power boost. hances road driving stability. The Valtra has years of experience The redesigned nose of the trac- five-pillar SVC cab is also available with SCR technology with the tor improves forward visibility with Versu and Direct models in addi- Valtra S Series, introduced in 2008, new high and low beam driving tion to HiTech models. Valtra’s new the first agricultural tractor in the lights improving night time driving, N Series tractors may also be speci- world to feature SCR technology. adding to safety. The front of the fied with TwinTrac reverse drive For tractor users SCR technology chassis has been designed to im- system.

Valtra Team 7 SCR engine technology reduces fuel consumption by approximately 5–10 percent

Valtra N SERIEs new engines

Versu and Direct models in the Model Standard kW/hp/Nm Boost kW/hp/Nm new N Series are available with a HiTech new factory-fitted Auto-Steering N113 91/124/510 96/130/530 readiness or the complete System N123 99/135/540 105/143/560 150 Auto-Steering package, which can steer the tractor with an ac- N143 112/152/600 118/160/650 curacy of just a few centimetres. HiTech 5 The factory-fitted AGCOMMAND N113 91/124/510 96/130/530 satellite navigation system is also available, allowing the tractor’s lo- N123 99/135/540 105/143/560 cation, current task, productivity Versu and servicing requirements to be N143 112/152/600 118/160/650 monitored over the internet. N163 120/163/650 126/171/700 These latest N Series models represent the third generation of Direct the N Series, and this is denoted N143 112/152/600 118/160/650 by the last number in the model N163 120/163/650 126/171/700 designation. •

8 Valtra Team 1|2012 HiTech transmission now has a five-step powershift New transmission option for Valtra N Series

The third generation of the Valtra N Series has been expanded with the introduction of a new transmission option. The new HiTech 5 transmission features a five-step powershift and mechanical hydrau- lics and the new transmission will be available on N113 and N123 models. The new transmission features robotised shifting between the main gears. There is no gear lever. The HiTech 5 transmission offers 20+20 speeds or, 30+30 speeds if the creeper gear option is speci- fied.T he robotised shifting provides operators with ten consecutive powershift gears. Operating the new transmission is extremely simple. The cab has just one fixed lever with a button that controls the transmission’s functions. The transmission’s versatile automated features make the driver’s life much easier. The hydraulics are the same as those on other HiTech models and are controlled by a mechanical lever. A 73-litre/minute hydraulic pump is standard, with a 90-litre pump available as an option. •

Valtra Team 9 Neil Gourley presented with the Farmers Weekly Green Energy Farmer of the Year award 2011 with LR Jane King (editor Farmers Weekly). Andy Adcock of Marks & Spencer, the category sponsor. Matt Baker the event presenter. (pic Mark Mac­ kenzie/Farmers Weekly).

Green Energy Farmer uses Valtra text and photos Roger Thomas

riving through Glencairn describe his land as difficult. More of electricity. Costing about £70,000 past Auchencheyne, a officially Auchencheyne is described to install using farm labour it is 1,900 ha holding run by as marginal to upland supporting budgeted to pay for itself in eighteen Neil and Mary Gourlay, beef and sheep enterprises; the 500 months. A second 11kW hydroelec- touristsD could think it simply an- commercial suckler cows’ progeny tric scheme makes use of a seven other Scottish farm. Like many of are raised as stores, sold on to a cou- acre lake built by Neil’s Victorian his fellow farmers Neil will assert ple of lowland specialist finishers predecessors as a reservoir. Costs that he is the custodian of the land to take on to slaughter weight. The were similar and payback is expect- in which he lives and works. How- farm’s 3,200 ewes produce fat lambs ed to take a comparable period. Neil ever, at this point he and Mary dif- which are sold through Scottish is paid for the electricity he produc- fer from many other farmers; they Beef to the retail trade – Marks and es and as a result he hasn’t had an are acting positively to improve the Spencer. “We do sell a few mules for electricity bill (apart from the stand- sustainability of their farming com- breeding,” adds Neil. ing charge) for some time. This is a pany, Auchencheyne Ltd. “Sustain- So far, it all sounds fairly conven­ serious saving as the central heating ability is paramount and we have tional so what is different? How system of the very large Victorian looked for and acted on practical did Neil win the Farmers Weekly farm house is partially powered by ways to reduce our carbon foot- award? electricity. The house, now split into print.” As a result Neil and Mary For a start, the garden shed-like three units; one for Neil and Mary, have received Farmers Weekly building at the bottom of the farm one for relatives and one a holiday Green Energy Farmer of the Year house garden is in fact a small hy- let was previously heated exclusive- award. dropower scheme fed from a stream ly by an oil fired boiler (there are Five grassland farms make up originating in the hills above the some solid fuel fires) but now con- Auchencheyne Ltd. and Neil will home farm house producing 12 kW sumption has dropped by over half

10 Valtra Team 1|2012 to just £2,000 annually. “Remember, spraying. “We’ve a sat nav system it is not only the house that benefits which saves a lot of time not having from free electricity, the farm build- to set out markers and is very ac- ings are also included,” comments curate – marvellous. And we could Neil. spread or spray in thick fog or the Alongside the hydro schemes dark,” he adds with a grin. Auchencheyne also has a small The four cylinder N111, may be farm financed wind turbine sup- operated in either Power or Eco plying electricity to the farmstead. mode and produces either 122 hp While this runs efficiently enough at 2,200 rpm or 124 hp at just 1,800 Neil plans to replace it with a larger rpm is fitted with a loader. With get- unit producing 330 kW; capable of ting on for 4,000 head of adult live- providing 90 % of the local village’s stock on the farm the N111 is often requirements. “I can accept that found working in conjunction with wind turbines are not for everyone,” the N92 and a diet feeder. but as Neil points out, his farms are “We’ve been using Valtra for ten Neil Gourley with the 12 kW hydro gener­ in one of the windiest areas of the or twelve years now and have been ator – one of two systems installed at country, “it would be a pity not to very satisfied with their reliability. Auchencheyne with the help of farm labour. utilise it,” he comments. I change all three tractors at three There are also plans for a larg- years regardless of hours worked er wind farm; planning permission and new machines come with a for 23 turbines has been applied for. three year extended warranty and “Farmers can do quite nicely out of service contract,” Neil explains. a wind farm deal but, all most of us “This may sound a little expensive do is lease the land to turbine own- but it does help budget. I know my ers and generating companies.” In machinery costs in advance – no some cases representatives of these nasty surprises and, as a general companies just arrived in the farm- rule, residual values are higher with yard. “Like a feed sales rep – and un- the dealer knowing what services til I became involved with one spe- and repairs – if any - have been car- Drivers Alec Blackstock (L) and Ken Hough (R) with three of the farm’s four Valtra cific company they just kept coming; ried out.” Again Neil is adamant. tractors. it was amazing how many.” “Yes the tractors are fuel efficient, Farm vehicles have also come un- particularly the Eco models but the duction standards but also the sys- der the microscope; a Polaris elec- sums must add up correctly includ- tems used to reclaim heat and mini- tric buggy is used for lighter trans- ing any down time - we’re in quite a mise waste; the factory runs a wood port duties and the farm’s several remote spot out here.” chip fired heating system with ex- quad bikes have been converted to There is a forth Valtra, or more cess heat piped to the nearby town. dual fuel allowing them to run on correctly Valmet tractor on the farm “It’s these features that matter when LPG which is cheaper and cleaner is a rather elderly Valmet 900. “Its building for the future,” said Ken than both petrol and diesel. used by stockmen and I’m not sure Hough. Neil Gourley’s attitude is of the hours but it performs well obviously rubbing off on his staff. All Valtra fleet and is reliable,” says Neil. It may be Finally Neil is now fulfilling a long The farm’s four tractors are all Valt- a stockman’s tractor but reliability is held ambition and erecting a ‘carbon ra; the six cylinder T162 produces important; there can be little worse negative’ house which, on completion 172 hp at just 1,800 rpm and is used that trying to work with stock on a will be rented out. Features include for the farm’s heavier operations remote farm in bad weather, prob- a ground source heat pump, solar which include hauling a 14 tonne ably on a Sunday – and the tractor thermal water heating, a bio-mass bulk feed trailer to and from a feed packs in far from a replacement.” boiler and a rainwater harvesting sys- mill in Dumfries, some 20 miles With Neil’s approach to sustainable tem. The farm will play its part in the distant. “With the Direct transmis- farming would he consider the building with home grown wool used sion the journey’s an easy drive,” Valtra dual fuel – diesel and gas for insulation. comments driver Alec Blackstock. powered – tractor currently on trial? “It all goes to prove sustainability There is also a large flatbed trailer Well, that would depend on econom- is possible, I’m sure a green revolu- used for bale haulage or, when fitted ics; an answer that underlines his tion will help keep people in rural with a stock body, the transfer of approach to sustainability. It must communities. The great thing about sheep and cattle between the vario- stand up economically. wind and hydro is that it works well us farms or to market. Other duties Both Neil and his drivers have on hill land like ours and will not sig- for the T162 include some primary visited the Valtra factory and were nificantly interfere with food produc- cultivations, fertiliser spreading and impressed; not only with the pro- tion.” •

Valtra Team 11 N Series HiTech 5 transmission

Enhanced ease of use for HiTech models New HiTech 5 transmission The new HiTech 5 transmission, available on the N Series offers an alternative for customers who are looking for high levels of comfort without the need for particularly powerful hydraulics. The HiTech 5 transmis- sion features a five-step power- shift and mechanical hydraulics offering either 73 or 90 l/min of output. There are 20+20R speeds or 30+30R speeds if the creeper gear option is specified.

text tommi pitenius photo Lauri Jokela illustration 3Dolli

he range gear is robot- The entire powertrain has been de- easy, requiring just the thumb, but ised and shifts extremely signed to be straightforward and it is also possible to grip the lever quickly. The range gear cost efficient, as well as comfortable without changing gears by mistake. shifts automatically from to use. The button-controlled clutch is op- C to D range and back erated with the forefinger and is when T the automatic powershift is Even easier to use very convenient, particularly when engaged. In C range it is possible to In terms of usability, the new trans- coming to a stop. work at speeds from 6 to 23 km/h mission far surpasses previous sys- The fixed lever is positioned so depending on the engine speed and tems. Since the range gear is robot- that the driver’s hand rests on it tyres. ised, there are no gear levers. The naturally. If the lever was in the The new transmission is also cab has only one fixed lever that is vertical position, the driver would available with many familiar Valtra ergonomically located and has only have to hold it, whereas in the hori- features. For example, customers three buttons: powershift, range zontal position the hand and arm can specify a turbine clutch and and clutch. remain relaxed. The lever leans for- ground speed PTO. The N Series The fixed lever provides a lot of ward by 30 degrees, so the driver’s also has excellent ground clearance, support when driving over bumpy wrist remains in the most comfort- and the belly of the tractor is flat. terrain. Operating the powershift is able position. •

12 Valtra Team 1|2012 The new transmission is also available with many familiar Valtra features.

The driver interface is extremely simple. The fixed lever has only three buttons for the powershift, gear range and clutch. The transmission can be programmed using the familiar screen on the A pillar.

The HiTech 5 transmission is based on tried and tested components. The forward-reverse shuttle is familiar from the three-step HiTech transmission, while the drive axle is based on that of the Versu. The powershift is all new. Visually the new transmission is similar to the traditional HiTech transmission.

HiTech 5 transmission

Model Standard kW/hp/Nm Boost kW/hp/Nm N113 91/124/510 96/130/530 N123 99/135/540 105/143/560

Valtra Team 13 Sidewall markings (mm)

Tread for agricultural tyres Side surface 710 Width in millimetres Body plies 60 Aspect ratio % Belt R Radial ply tyre Sidewall 42 Rim diameter in inches XEOBIB Brand 155 Load capacity index A8 Speed rating H Recommended pressure

Speed markings Weight markings (lci = Load capacity index)

Speed rating Speed km/h lci kg lci kg lci kg lci kg

A1 5 130 1900 141 2575 152 3550 163 4875 A2 10 131 1950 142 2650 153 3650 164 5000 A3 15 132 2000 143 2725 154 3750 165 5150 A4 20 133 2060 144 2800 155 3875 166 5300 A5 25 134 2120 145 2900 156 4000 167 5450 A6 30 135 2180 146 3000 157 4125 168 5600 A7 35 136 2240 147 3075 158 4250 169 5800 A8 40 137 2300 148 3150 159 4375 170 6000 B 50 138 2360 149 3250 160 4500 171 6150 D 65 139 2430 150 3350 161 4625 172 6300 140 2500 151 3450 162 4750 173 6500

A ppropriate tyres straight from the factory

text Tommi Pitenius photo Valtra archive

altra’s unique customer order wide 65 and 70 series tyres. Cross- system covers not only trac- ply and other forestry tractors ac- Vtors but also tyres, allowing count for approximately 5 percent each customer to select tyres that of the tyres we supply. Industrial are most suitable for the intended tyres account for around 4 percent,” task. Tiina says. “Almost 50 percent of our tyres Tyres often account for 6 to 9 are Continentals and 40 percent percent of the total price of the trac- Michelins. The remaining 10 per- tor. Since it is not possible to com- cent are Trelleborgs and Nokian bine all the optimal properties in a Tyres,” says Tiina Savolainen, who single tyre, all tyres are a compro- is in charge of tyres at Valtra. mise between grip, durability, com- A wide selection of sizes are fort, speed and ground compaction. available, from narrow tyres for The current trend is towards proved for specific models are fitted row crop operations to 710 mm turf wider tyres with high speed ratings at the factory. When the time comes tyres. Similarly, customers can se- as road driving is more common to change tyres it is important to lect from different tread patterns, and ground compaction is a chal- check tyre specifications in the op- such as agricultural tyres with lugs lenge everywhere. The contact area erator’s manual. Professional tyre or industrial tyres, and construction of radial tyres is around 10 to 15 per- dealers may also be consulted for – cross-ply or radial tyres.. cent larger than that of similarly technical information such as cal- “Almost half of the tractors leave sized cross-ply tyres. culating speed ratios between front the factory with low profile and Only tyres that have been ap- and rear tyres. •

14 Valtra Team 1|2012 The Valmet 465 is the oldest tractor but most recent arrival at Lynch Farm. Stephen Lynch believes there’s plenty of trouble free life in it yet.

465 with 5,200 hours on the clock. “It High hours and reliable came from a farm sale; Sam drives it most of the time.” Stephen explains his introduction A Dorset farmers to Valmet and then Valtra. “We were happy with another brand when my brother had a Valmet 6750 on dem- view of Valtra onstration. Suitably impressed he suggested we try it. The only serious Stephen and Janice Symes farm around 1,000 Dorset work was ploughing being done by our main six cylinder tractor. With acres with half the land owned, the remainder rented the Valmet having only four cylinders or share farmed. producing 110 hp we thought there would be no chance. How wrong we text and photos Roger Thomas were! That 6750 handled a heavy plough – no problems.” tephen Symes explains. “In Neil, daughter Jessica and son Sam, However, not needing a new trac- recent years neighbours have recently returned from Brymore tor immediately, Stephen let sub- Sretired, we’ve been lucky to School of Rural Technology. ject rest until one of his fleet needed absorb their land into Lynch Farm.” Stephen also assists a contrac- replacing. Local Valtra dealer, C. J. Lynch is predominantly a livestock tor with a range of jobs and as a re- Cox of Bagber, demonstrated an 8150 farm with 260 milking cows plus fol- sult Lynch Farm runs five tractors: a which Stephen liked and purchased. lowers and a herd of 20 Simmental T121 driven by Neil, an N121 HiTech “That did us well so we traded in our cows with calves. “The dairy cows with loader, “that’s my tractor,” ex- loader tractor and purchased a 2½ year calve year round, beef cows between plains Stephen, a 6750 and a 6550. old 6550 with just 2,300 hours. (The April and October. We keep all dairy All the tractors have clocked up 8150 has since been replaced with calves, heifers as replacements, bull high hours for their age: the year old the T121) Later the 6750 came up at calves finished for beef making the N Series has over 2,000 hours un- a farm sales and Janice was given a total number of cattle around 850.” der its belt while the 6550 has given ceiling price. “I bid a bit over, but it’s Additionally Lynch Farm grows over 18,000 hours of mostly trouble been worth it,” She remarks with a 100 acres of feed barley, 30 acres of free service. “A bearing gave a mi- wry smile. feed wheat and 120 acres of silage nor problem, but at that age I sup- What do Lynch Farm’s tractors get maize. Stephen and Janice are as- pose we ought to expect something.” used for? The answer, just about eve- sisted by a herdsman, tractor driver A recent addition is a 70 hp Valmet rything. Continues on page 21 ...

Valtra Team 15 Valtra has produced two concept tractors that run on biogas: the four-cylinder N101 Dual Fuel and the six-cylinder T133 Dual Fuel, which also features SCR technology for cleaning exhaust emissions.

N101 Dual Fuel Biogas tractor impresses Swedes

Over the past couple of years, Valtra has been testing its N101 Dual Fuel tractor in Sweden. The biogas tractor has attracted a lot of interest among Swedes, including the Minister for Rural Affairs, Eskil Erlandsson, who has been very active in seeking type approval for vehicles powered by environmentally friendly dual fuel technology.

text visa vilkuna photo valtra archive

16 Valtra Team 1|2012 Johan Franzen calculated that running on biogas was significantly less expensive than the diesel option.

Torque and power did not notice any significant differ- Johan Franzen, a contractor and ences to his previous N101 running farmer in Linköping, used the purely on diesel. The biogas tractor Valtra N101 Dual Fuel tractor for had to be refuelled every other day snowploughing, sanding roads and when used for three hours a day. transporting timber. According to Thor Andersson, Product Man- Johan, Linköping is the biogas capi- ager for the Valtra importer Lant- tal of Sweden with the city’s buses männen, has been overwhelmed and garbage trucks already operat- by the positive publicity the biogas ing on biogas, so Valtra’s N101 Dual tractor has received in Sweden. Fuel tractor fits perfectly into this Having been in the industry for regime. over 40 years, Thor cannot remem- Johan’s experiences with the ber any other new tractor launch biogas tractor have been complete- to receive such a positive reception. ly positive. When driven on biogas, the tractor felt like it had even more Towards a cleaner future torque and power than when driven Scania, the southernmost province on diesel alone. Fuel economy also of Sweden, already has several improved significantly, cutting fuel dozen biogas stations, and more are costs in January alone by around being opened all the time. Malmö, one third. the largest city in the province with Martin Knutsson runs a major a population of over 300 thousand, biogas plant with his father in Vram has set itself the target of having 75 Gunnarstorp. Martin tested the bi- percent of its vehicle fleet running ogas tractor with a front-loader and on biogas by 2015. The Valtra N101 Dual Fuel trac- tor supports Scania’s strategy well, as biogas production potential is he Valtra N101 Dual Fuel ten times current consumption. De- tractor has undergone test- centralised energy production also ing in locations throughout improves self-sufficiency and secu- Sweden. Zerny Johansson rity of supply and with Valtra trac- Tand Dan Nilson, who work for the tors running on biogas, it means the City of Kristianstad, found the bi- tractors can be operated on 100-per- ogas tractor to be even more power- cent renewable energy with biogas ful than their standard N101 model. and biodiesel. One of the end prod- According to Zerny and Dan, the ucts of biogasification is nitrogen test tractor would run for 6 to 7 and phosphorus containing slurry, hours on biogas, even when fitted an ideal fertiliser for growing new with a grapple loader and trailer. biomas for local gas reactors.

Valtra Team 17 Biogas engines are very similar to traditional diesel engines. Mostly Exhaust just the fuel injection system and fuel tanks are different. AdBlue Methane catalyst + DOC SCR Air intake Diesel ECU Gas ECU

Gas Diesel Common Rail

Methane + Diesel = Dual Fuel

Over the years Valtra has been a sprayed as close to the inlet valve as refuelling the concept biogas tractor, trendsetter in innovative fuel solu- possible. This helps generate opti- the idea of removable fuel tanks tions. Biodiesel is already a familiar mal torque and power curves. The arose. Full tanks could be left by fuel, with Valtra tractors in Brazil closer the curves for diesel alone the edge of the field swapped with already running on ethanol. Biogas and the diesel-gas mixture are, at all empty tanks by means of a quick is primarily methane an ideal die- engine speeds and power demands, coupling when needed. sel engine fuel. However, since the smoother and less noticeable it is Biogas tractors make a lot of methane does not combust by itself, for the driver. sense, especially considering the even under high pressure, a small Filling the tanks from a standard environment in which tractors are amount of diesel is used to start high-pressure pump takes five to used. The manure produced by live- combustion – hence the name Dual eight minutes. When testing and stock farms contains large amounts Fuel. of methane, as does the biomass One of the advantages of Dual waste of crop farms. Similarly, Fuel systems is that the tractor property maintenance services are engine will automatically continue required in areas where a lot of to run on diesel should it run out of municipal waste is created. biogas. Kjell Christensen, Project Man- The Valtra N101 Dual Fuel con- ager at Biogas Syd, is convinced cept tractor has four 42-litre com- that carbon dioxide emissions are posite fuel tanks on the right side of reduced significantly when vehi- chassis. The tanks can hold 34 cubic cles run on biogas. Fossil fuels are metres of biogas under pressure, not required, and the methane con- which corresponds to approximately tained in biomass is not released 30 litres of diesel fuel. into the atmosphere. In fact, it has In the technology used by Valtra, Valtra’s biogas tractor was at its best when been calculated that the carbon used for short everyday tasks. When used the electronic gas injection system for loading three hours a day, the tractor footprint is reduced by as much as is extremely precise with gas had to be tanked every other day. 180 percent! •

18 Valtra Team 1|2012 oldtimer text Hannu Niskanen photo valtra archive

Two new large models, the Volvo BM Valmet 2005 (140 hp DIN) and 2105 (163 hp DIN) were introduced in Feb­ ruary 1985. The latter was among the first tractors in Europe to feature an intercooler. The basic structure was based on the Volvo BM 2654 model, but the new ZF front axle made the large tractor more agile.

Volvo BM Valmet/Valmet 2005 and 2105 Last of the Volvo BM Mohicans n the early 1980s Volvo BM an- R&D department of Scantrac, a joint to many from previous models; nounced that it was discontinuing venture between Valmet and Volvo, what it lacked in style, it made I production of its large six-cylin- in , Sweden. up for in space and practicality. der models, the BM 2650 and 2654. The Volvo BM Valmet 2005 and Altogether 455 units of the 2005-4 Around the same time Valmet had 2105 were unveiled in February model and 545 units of the 2105 planned that its large tractors would 1985. The new tractor models were model were produced, satisfying be based on the 12+4R transmission only available with four-wheel-drive the main markets up to the end of of Valmet do Brasil’s large model, and an APL Series front axle by ZF, the 1980s. • the 138-4. Valmet’s co-operative which reduced the turning circle sales organisation in the Nordics to 5.4 metres. The 2005 model was nevertheless criticised the project powered by a 5.5-litre Volvo TD 60 B since the proposed model lacked engine with 140 hp DIN. The 60 K a powershift and planetary gearing engine that powered the larger mo- in the rear axle. Since Valmet del featured an intercooler, increa- lacked the resources to solve these sing power to 163 hp DIN. The hyd- technical issues, it had to look to raulics were improved by increasing another manufacture to supply a lifting capacity to 5 tonnes and tem- large model. porarily up to 6.5 tonnes. Negotiations were held with In- The new models met with a re- ternational Harvester, Ford and latively positive response from the Allis-Chalmers, among others, but market – after all, the tractors featu- to no avail. Since a solution was not red 14 forward gears and 4 reverse available from outside suppliers, gears with the powershift. However, Valmet turned to Volvo BM. The the largest main gear, 8+2R, was not The ZF front axle made the 2005/2105 new large model would be a moder- accessible since it would have excee- models more agile. The lifting capacity of the linkage, 5000 or 6500 kg, was nised version of the Volvo BM 2654. ded the maximum 30 km/h speed particularly impressive at the time. The The model was redesigned by the limit in Sweden. The cab, familiar curb weight of the tractor was 6230 kg.

Valtra Team 19 Jonathan & Tim Sell with Alex in the tractor cab.

Over A Quarter Century of Valmet and Valtra

maize makes a good break crop and Marsh Farm on the Essex bank of the Thames it gives us chance to produce a false estuary just south of Basildon today extends to seed bed, useful for black grass con- trol.” Around 70 acres of rye grass is around 700 acres. Initially a 150 acre tenanted planted annually for silage and as a farm it has been in the same family for five break crop. Grazing ranges from high quality rye grass to rough grassland. generations – since 1894 – and originally sup- “We’ve a contract to graze adjoin- ported a dairy herd plus a retail milk business. ing land owned by the RSPB – the South Devons do well on the rougher text and photos Roger Thomas ground and the mixture of cattle and sheep produces the sward demanded oday the farm, owned and tumn calving with heifers and steer by the RSPBs managers. Alongside worked by brothers Tim and calves being finished on farm and the land at Marsh farm the Sells also Jonathan Sell plus Tim’s sent for sale as stores. There are rent a 100 acres at Grays, some eight son Alex concentrates on also 30 pedigree South Devon cows miles distant plus some other parcels Tbeef and cereals with a small flock with many of the heifers retained a little nearer. The family also un- of sheep. The ground, mostly with- for breeding with the remainder, dertake a range of contracting opera- in a ring fence is described by Tim like the commercial herd, sold as tions for neighbours including muck as real Essex clag and no one disa- stores at either Colchester or Ash- spreading and baling. “We cut around grees. “Its heavy clay, the type of ford markets. “We’ve a pedigree a 1,000 acres of grass last year and ground which if worked at the cor- bull going to the South Devon sales produced 10,000 big square bales and rect time, produces a fantastic seed at Exeter shortly,” comments Alex. 30,000 conventional bales of silage, bed,” says Tim. “Try working it in The flock consists of 100 Suffolk hay and haylage – there’s a good mar- the wrong conditions and you’ll cross ewes with lambs sold fat. ket for conventional bales amongst run into all sorts of problems.” Crops include milling wheat, win- the horse fraternity,” reports Tim. The beef herd consists of 100 ter feed barley for on farm con- Other contract work includes muck commercial suckler cows put to a sumption. Around thirty acres of spreading for other farmers. “We’ve Limousin bull for spring and au- maize is grown for silage. “The spread cattle, pig, poultry – from

20 Valtra Team 1|2012 ... continued from page 15. 60,000 chickens – and horse muck,” comments Alex A Dorset farmers ... With all this activity what do the Sell family use to drive machinery? “This time of year Stephen loads a “For the last 26 years it’s been diet feeder powered by the 6750 with Valmet and Valtra,” says Tim. “We the N121. Sam scrapes slurry with the did have another make until the 465 then switches to a straw spreader manufacturer and our local deal- for bedding down the cubicles. Neil er Roger Bonnet parted company. uses the T121 to spread big bales for At the same time Valmet opened a yarded cattle while the 6550 is fitted UK distributor in Norfolk and Rog- with a hedge trimmer during win- er asked me to look at Valmet trac- ter. Stephen and Neil handle most of tors with him. We both liked them, Tim Sell with the farm’s stock bull. the farm’s other tractor work. “Con- he took on the franchise and I pur- tractors plant maize but we do all the chased a Valmet 505 which just other operations including cereal es- never went wrong. Since then we’ve tablishment; we have a combination had a dozen or so Valmet and Valtra 3 meter power harrow with drill.” tractors with no complaints. With Slurry spreading is done using a vac- Roger Bonnet now retired we use uum tanker fitted with a trailing shoe Colchester based dealer Hosplant system. Other tractor work includes Sales Ltd. They’re a little further spraying and fertiliser spreading. “We away but as Valtra are so reliable the do it for neighbours if asked” inter- distance doesn’t really matter.” jects Stephen. Today the farm runs four Valtras. During the silage season Stephen “We have help two days a week mows with the N121. Chopping and from a Writtle student and take on loading is done by a contractor’s self temporary time help during busy The 6650 spends most of the winter on propelled machine into trailers; his periods,” comments Jonathon Sell. the farm’s feeder wagon. own and those belonging to Stephen “A T163e fitted with a guidance sys- and neighbours. The N121 is used on tem does most of the heavy work, the clamp. “The shuttle makes that and we’ve an N 121 with front link- an easy, enjoyable job.” Lynch Farm age which at a year old has clocked tractors, trailers and equipment also just under a 1000 hours. There’s a work on other farms as required. 6650 at 7,000 hours and a 6350 with Later in the year the team move onto loader at 5,000 hours.” Some of the straw baling and haulage for them- farm is ploughed with a minimum selves and others. “We make maxi- tillage system used on the remain- mum use of our equipment whatev- der. During the winter the two old- er the season. Valtra tractors remain er tractors spend a lot of their time reliable for ages and don’t drink fuel loading or running a feeder wagon. like some I know. We have an excel- Bedding, also done daily, is done by lent dealer. I don’t expect to change The South Devons do well on the mixed hand once the big bale is delivered grazing available at Marsh Farm. the brand any time soon,” concludes to the yard. “Gives us chance to get Stephen Symes. • amongst the animals, keep an eye on them and they’re quieter to han- dle too,” comments Tim. tween a tractor with loader and a The farm’s N121 is to be fitted handler.” Tim also acknowledges with a loader in the near future. that without the telehandler on the “We’re not keen on telehandlers farm his insurance premiums will here,” says Tim. “When we’re work- be reduced. Also in the future are ing away from the farm buildings, plans to replace one of the older muck spreading say, if the handler tractors. “But that may well have to leaves at the same time as the trac- wait a bit, a strategically placed par- tor and spreader the driver can wait cel of land has come on the market ages to the handler to arrive – we’ve which we want to take on if possi- 50 kph transmissions in the T and ble,” says Tim. Whatever happens N tractors. With Valtra’s shuttle there will be another Valtra headed transmission and hydraulics there’s for Marsh Farm in the not too dis- Stephen Symes finds his N121 comfortable not a lot of difference in output be- tant future. • and easy to drive.

Valtra Team 21 The Valtra team played in black home team jerseys and JYP in white jerseys.

The Valtra team was coached by Pertti Laaksonen, Managing Direc­ tor of Valtra’s Finnish sales com­ pany. Pertti did a great job moti­ vating his team before the game. His players had prepared well by watching lots of ice hockey on TV, so they didn’t need to practice. In this picture we can see Pertti explaining to his team which one is the opponent’s goal.

Highlight of the ice hockey season Valtra customers defeat local team JYP 12–10

On 9 February 2012 Valtra customers had the The biggest player transfer of the season occurred when JYP goaltender Joni chance to play against professional ice hockey Myllykoski defected to the Valtra team, while Valtra goaltenders Pauli Kontoniemi players from the local Jyväskylä team JYP. The and Eero Suomäki switched to play for JYP.

Valtra team was made up of Finnish farmers and The JYP team underestimated the strength of the Valtra team, falling to a 4–1 contractors alongside Valtra employees. The Valtra deficit by the end of the first period.

team emerged victorious in the friendly tourna- After the match the Valtra and JYP players enjoyed dinner and saunas togeth­ ment, defeating JYP 12–10. er. There was a lot of discussion about the game and comparisons of the work of ice text Tommi Pitenius photo Juha Sorri hockey players and farmers.

22 Valtra Team 1|2012 Comfortable leisure clothing now open! for the entire family Online Valtra Shop See all Valtra products: www.valtrashop.com Valtra Collection

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See us online: valtra.co.uk Valtra Models

NEW N SERIES ALSO ON IPAD

A series

model max. hp/nm A72 Classic 74/296 A83 HiTech 88/325 A93 HiTech 101/370

T series

model max. hp/nm N series

T151e HiTech 163/620 model max. hp/nm T171 HiTech 184/670 N82 HiTech 88/360 T191 HiTech 189/680 N92 HiTech 101/450 T153 Versu 155/640 N113 HiTech 124/510 T163e Versu 166/740 N123 HiTech 135/540 S series T183 Versu 187/770 N143 HiTech 152/600

model max. hp/nm T213 Versu 215/850 N113 HiTech 5 124/510 S233 270/1195 T153 Direct 155/640 N123 HiTech 5 135/540 S263 295/1310 T163e Direct 166/740 N143 Versu 152/600

S293 320/1455 T182 Direct 186/750 N163 Versu 163/650 ISO 14396 S323 350/1540 T183 Direct 187/770 N143 Direct 152/600 S353 370/1540 T203 Direct 204/800 N163 Direct 163/650

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