increase font size
The new Valtra A series tractors see a range of new transmission options that will appeal to those looking for a compact workhorse.
Recently released in Europe, with expected delivery yet to be confirmed for New Zealand, the new Valtra A series tractors see a range of new transmission options that will get those looking for a compact workhorse.
Making way for the fifth generation of A series, the outgoing A4 tractors were always popular for livestock operations, resulting in more than half the production supplied with factory-fitted front-end loaders.
This fact has not been missed by the new A5’s designers who have focused on introducing powershift transmission options and an upgraded armrest control system usually seen on the company’s larger hp ranges.
At the heart of the tractor, the A5 series retains the three-cylinder, 3.3 litre AgcoPower engine in the three smallest models, while the four larger tractors in the seven-model range get the 4.4 litre, 4-cylinder engine from the same camp.
Horsepower output remains the same for the 3-cylinders, but the 4.4 litre units each gain 5hp over the outgoing A4 series. Both engine formats meet the latest Stage 5 emission regulations using a combination of DPF and SCR technology, with service intervals pushed out to 600 hours.
Like its predecessor, the A5 is offered in three different wheelbases, with three smallest measuring in at 2250mm, the middle pair is stretched to 2430mm and the two largest models are fitted with a 2500mm chassis.
A basic 12F/12R speed GL transmission is the base unit choice for all models, while a two-step powershift HiTech 2 set up, offering 24F/24R speeds is now available on all the three-cylinder models. Elsewhere the mid-range A105 and A115 get the choice of three gearbox options, with the base 12F/12R GL, a 16F/16R HiTech 4, powershift and a 32F/32R speed creeper set up that can get down to 100m/hour. The HiTech 4 unit is controlled electronically, while all models incorporate a F/R shuttle with an integrated handbrake.
Other notable features include the selectable AutoTraction control system, redesigned engine hood and wheels and the main power isolation switch incorporated into the ignition switch. Options include rear fender PTO control on the HiTech 4 models and the Valtra Connect remote monitoring system.
The market is in decline in the United States, Canada and Brazil. In Europe, sales are falling in Germany, France and Spain. Turkey is experiencing a sharp decline, whilst the economic strategies and policies implemented by India and China are driving purchases in both countries.
Areare Farms, a dairy operation in the Waikato region spanning multiple properties and milking 760 cows, now has Jenna and her brother Brian Rogers, the third generation of the family business, working alongside their parents Phil and Jackie.
Hamilton-based manufacturer SAM Machinery and Hawke’s Bay’s Tabula have joined forces to offer customers more ways to connect its spreaders with the technology they already use in the cab.
Installing two GEA DairyRobots R9500s marks a major step in the Coubrough family’s journey towards a more automated, future-ready farming operation.
Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years and the fifth generation of the Variant name, recently complemented by the new Cerex Series introduced in 2025.
Overseer Ltd has released an update to OverseerFM, the farm environmental modelling software, incorporating research findings that refine its estimates of crop nitrogen uptake.
New Zealand's red meat sector says it is disappointed that the United States' investigation into lamb imports will move to its next phase.
Three men have been sentenced in District Courts after Ministry for Primary Industries prosecutions over animal welfare, food safety and cattle tracing offences.
Fonterra’s 2026 financial year was a year of delivery, with record volumes of milk collected, processed and shipped by the co-op.
OPINION: The Government's decision to reinstate agriculture and horticultural science as a standalone subject from Year 11 is the right one.
Dairy farmers, still holding onto their Fonterra shares despite switching milk supply elsewhere or exiting the industry, now face a stricter share sell-down requirement.
