Driving a tractor in work situations is not always an easy task. The vehicle can be moving in all directions and all the time changing acceleration. Furthermore, it is often necessary to hand over the valuable machine combination to an operator who has never driven it before. To meet this challenge Valtra has developed two main innovations: a new design-patented armrest control, and similar control functions on different transmissions.
The Valtra ARM armrest combines a solid handgrip with ergonomic push button, rocker switch, rotating knob and slide switch controls. No other control system on the market offers such a solid holding position for the operator’s hand. This holding position is especially important in difficult terrain and in conditions where the operator has to concentrate on steering. In addition, the armrest can be easily lifted by means of a hand rail, which is especially useful when using Valtra’s genuine TwinTrac reverse drive system that is available as option on N, T and S Series models.
Valtra’s second innovation is the introduction of similar control functions on different transmissions. Altogether four different transmissions can controlled by this system:
- The three-step powershift transmission on Valtra Advance models.
- The five-step highly automated powershift transmission on Valtra Versu models.
- The sophisticated CVT transmission on Valtra Direct models.
- A new generation of the first and trendsetting CVT transmission used in tractors on Valtra S models.
The first three transmissions were developed and are built at Agco’s Suolahti factory, whereas the last was developed and is built at Agco’s Marktoberdorf Fendt factory.
In the industry there has never been such a possibility to operate such a wide range of products, partly made in different factories, using one user interface. For a customer with several tractors, a contractor or fleet owner, this makes it much easier to interchange between tractors and drivers. In addition, the learning time for new operators is shorter.
These four Valtra model ranges also share the state-of-the-art Advance II hydraulics and optional Auto-Guide_ automatic steering system. Advance II hydraulics offer full electronic control and very high output, as well as separate oil for the working hydraulics on Versu, Direct and S models.
The new Auto-Guide_ automatic steering system featuring satellite navigation with hands-free operation also offers a new and simplified user interface, as well as many improved features compared to earlier systems. The new console can also be used for Isobus compatible implement management.
For more information visit: www.valtra.com.
