V altra, a leader in tractors started life as Valmet, (from Valtion Metallitetaat – State Metal Works) part of a conglomerate owned by the Finnish State. Production, based near Jyvaskula, commenced after WWII and in late 1969 Valmet moved to Suolahti where it remains today. Valmet researched and manufactured most of the tractor including engines and transmissions, incorporating a high level of innovation. Valmet was the first tractor manufacturer to introduce a fully integral cab, the Valmet 900. First with synchromesh transmissions in six cylinder turbocharged engined tractors - which also boasted a cab radio back in the 1960s. First to introduce a factory fitted reverse drive system and, more recently, Sigma Power, CareTel and a range of colours. During the 1960s Valmet also sold proprietary equipment: ploughs, mowers, forage harvesters back-hoes and more. This badged machinery was named Valtra, from Valmet Trading. The company grew, concentrating on the Nordic countries, and overseas territories not much bothered with by competitors: Vietnam and Thailand amongst others, a scheme that bore fruit. Valmet was also
successful in Brazil and when, in the late 1950s, that country decided on a home manufacture policy Valmet succeeded in the tender process. The Sao Paulo factory, where production commenced in 1960, remains, like Suolahti growing successfully. In the mid 1990s, the Finnish Government reorganised its businesses. In doing this Valmet tractors became Sisu Valmet (The company name changed to Sisu Tractors Inc.) with the long term aim to call the company Valtra, a shortened version of Valmet Trading and Valmet Tractors. Valmet range, first introduced into the UK through importers, was not sufficiently diverse for large arable farms. Smaller dairy farmers were without the capital for new tractors, although those that did find the cash became converts. Ownership costs were lower than many marques thanks to high reliability levels. In 1992, Valmet was relaunched in the UK under the Finnish factory banner, removing one level of profit taking. Steadily the range built a reputation for ruggedness and reliability with stock farmers and smaller arable farmers the main customers for the still rather limited but expanding range.
Today Valtra, a division of AGCO specialising in the manufacture of agricultural machinery, has a range of tractors from 50hp to 400hp. The A Series has three orchard and compact models available with or without a cab at 50hp, 68hp and 78hp with hydraulic outputs of 43 l/min. Above this are two cabbed tractors at 88hp and 101hp with engine torques of 325Nm and 370 Nm and 52 l/min hydraulic output. Next the N Series. Six models from 115hp to 185hp and 510Nm to 730Nm. The smaller models are available with HiTech Five transmissions while the three larger models also boast Active, Versu or Direct transmissions. Direct is a CVT system developed by Valtra as indeed are the manual Versu and Active systems. Sharing a similar design of cab, much acclaimed throughout Europe, is the prize- winning six model six cylinder T Series. Ranging from 170hp to 250hp with engine
torques up to 1000Nm., all are available with Active, Versu and Direct transmissions.
At the top of the line are the five S Series from 270hp to 400hp (1220 to 1600Nm torque). These machines are only available with a CVT transmission, ideal for large farms and contractors. The N and T Series include important Eco models. Their engines speeds can be altered at the touch of a switch: 1750rpm instead of 1900rpm (N114e HiTech) or1700rpm instead of 1900rpm (T174 all models). These reduced engine speeds have many advantages: reduced fuel consumption (and therefore pollutants). Wear and noise down. Service intervals in real time increased. (Therefore cost of ownership is decreased.) Whatever your requirements there will be a tractor in the Valtra range to meet your requirements. Just talk to John Bownes Ltd to find out how.
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