Delving deeper into ‘The Boss'
Valtra has nicknamed its latest offering ‘The Boss’, which at 280-420hp, is the company's largest and most powerful tractor, promising high torque at low revs, the company says. The 8.4L AGCO Power engine and CVT transmission offer a 5 per cent reduction in revs and up to 10 per cent decrease in fuel consumption compared to the S’s predecessor, according to Valtra.
The latest S Series places high emphasis on comfort, visibility, and smart technology. And there are several new features and improvements, including: a new design; improved access; a new, spacious cab; an increased number of lights (all of which are LED); as well as the factory-fitted TwinTrac reverse-drive system and SmartTouch user interface. The new S Series brings a number of upgrades including a range of suspension options for front axle and cab, and now S Series tractors can also be fitted with Valtra’s Skyview cab option and Valtra Unlimited customisations.
Nordic design
The design of the new S Series draws inspiration from Valtra’s popular fifth-generation design, but there are some notable changes. Valtra’s industrial design and user experience department lead, Kimmo Wihinen explains: “The 6th generation S Series combines form and function in a modern, aggressive form language that conveys the S Series’ power. The sleek slope of the bonnet gives exceptional forward visibility. As an industry-first, the S Series features a fully integrated light unit including LED low/high beam, LED daytime running lights as well as close-range LED working lights in the front. This provides an exceptionally high level of light output and gives the 6th generation S Series its distinctive look”. There are now a total of 16 work lights, all of which are LED. Fans of Valtra’s 5th generation N, T, and Q Series cabs will appreciate the familiar and ergonomic cab in the S Series which is accessed via more gently inclined steps than the previous generation.
Improved efficiency and sustainability
Valtra’s SmartTurn automatic headland turning completes the autonomous field driving experience with four turning patterns – Part Field Mode, U-Turn, Y-turn and K-turn – that allow the driver to work the field in the most efficient way.
“Our precision farming offering today meets the majority of customers’ demands, and the SmartTouch user interface makes Valtra smart-farming technology the easiest in the market. We are working on new technology features from which Valtra customers will benefit in the near future,” comments product marketing specialist Johan Grotell. For example, Isobus-based Tractor Implement Management (TIM) is planned for release on the S Series in 2025. Valtra promises that the S Series will be one of its most sustainable tractors both in terms of production and supporting farmers to grow sustainably. Two-thirds of components in Valtra tractors are sourced from within Finland, and their factory runs on 100 per cent renewable energy. The S Series is renewable-diesel compatible and will leave the factory with 'Neste MY Renewable Diesel' in its tank. The company claims that the smart-farming technology offered with the S Series reduces inputs and time, and lowers fuel consumption.
Fully tailored
Over one-third of all tractors leaving Valtra’s Suolahti plant have some form of Valtra Unlimited customisation. Vice president, marketing, Valtra EME, Mikko Lehikoinen explains how these are of particular benefit to high-horsepower customers: “Large farms and agricultural contractors, depend on having the right solutions to undertake advanced smart farming tasks in the most efficient way possible. Valtra Unlimited is uniquely placed to offer exactly what each business needs to farm more efficiently, more ergonomically, and with increased safety.”
Valtra Unlimited features will be available for all 6th generation S Series models. The new S Series tractors are available with Unlimited’s popular Central Lubrication System (CLS) and a state-of-the-art sound system (including Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto). The Unlimited VIEW camera system also comes to the S Series. This system uses cameras mounted on the tractor, a high-definition display, and advanced machine learning algorithms to automatically detect objects moving in front of the tractor and warn the driver for enhanced safety in the field and on the road.
The S Series global launch
The 6th generation S Series marks the first global launch of a Valtra tractor. Serial production will be ramped up in the second quarter of 2024 and first deliveries in Europe can be expected in the summer. Deliveries to regions with less-regulated emission standards, such as South America, are planned to begin in the second half of 2024. Valtra will present the S Series in field and customer events worldwide from November 2023. For those keen to be among the first to see the new S Series up close, Valtra will be showing the 6th generation S Series at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany between November 12-18. We are looking forward to it!