Krone XDisc 710 Now Fits John Deere, New Holland Foragers
Krone's XDisc 710 direct-cut header can now be used by John Deere and New Holland forage harvesters, as well as the Krone Big X it was originally designed for.
Manufactured at its Suolahti factory in Finland, Valtra has released the sixth-generation S-Series tractor range for Australia and New Zealand.
The Series gains a new engine, transmission and cabin from the previous version, with six models from 280–416hp, each powered by a new Agco- Power 8.4 litre engine which, says Mark Hamilton- Manns, product marketing manager for Valtra in ANZ, meets Stage V regulations without the need for EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).
“Using SCR (AdBlue) and avoiding EGR improves the engine’s combustion efficiency and means the engine runs cooler,” he says.
A single turbocharger layout and long-stroke engine develops maximum power at 1,850rpm, with peak torque produced at only 1,500rpm. The flagship S416 produces up to 1,750Nm of torque – 9% more than its predecessor, while fuel consumption is reduced by 3%. In operation, the S416 always has maximum power and torque. Its siblings have between 20–30hp boost for specific operating conditions where PTO, implement or transport conditions require additional power.
The ML260 CVT transmission, with field and transport operating ranges, uses an upgraded hydraulic pump and heavy-duty PTO drive train, while the rear axle diameter is increased to 125mm to handle the higher torque output and effective power delivery to the ground.
“Combining the new engine with the updated transmission increases efficiency, and fuel consumption is reduced, compared to its predecessor,” says Mark Hamilton-Manns.
The S6-Series shares a similar cab frame to the latest N, T and Q Series models, offering improved air distribution at various levels around the cab, with the option of TwinTrac, reverse drive controls, or the Skyview cab for greater vertical visibility.
Valtra Unlimited features will be available for all sixth generation S Series models, including the popular Central Lubrication System (CLS) and Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS). The latter is controlled via ISOBUS and displays actual tyre pressures on the SmartTouch screen.
The SmartTouch user interface is available with features including Smart- Turn automatic headland turning, offering Part Field Mode, U-Turn, Y-Turn and K-Turn turning patterns.
“Our SmartTouch user interface makes Valtra smart farming technology the easiest in the market. We are working on new technology features which will soon benefit our customers,” explains Mark.
The S6 wheelbase is 93mm longer than the recently released Q-Series tractors at 3,092mm, with weight distribution without ballast at 45% on the front axle and 55% to the rear, with a maximum gross operating weight of eighteen tonnes.
A rear linkage lift capacity of 12 tonnes is complemented by the optional front linkage with a maximum lift of 5.8 tonnes. Hydraulic oil requirements are met with the base Eco unit producing two hundred litres/min at just 1,650rpm, while the option of twin 200 l/min pumps is available, with six ESCVs including one with flow rates up to 170 litres/min.
The S6 has separate transmission and hydraulic oils, importantly eliminating oil contamination from shared implements damaging the transmission, with reduced service costs due to the long oil change intervals.
OPINION: In politics, credibility is and should be big. It must surely rank higher than charisma, which is quite trite and superficial. Yet, voters nowadays are often wooed and influenced by how someone looks or talks at a superficial level. TV plays a huge role in this.
Farmers can spend less time on paperwork, thanks to a new data sharing agreement between DairyNZ’s DairyBase and LIC’s MINDA software.
Kaikōura families affected by July's severe storm have found a practical solution to a problem that's kept some children away from regular schooling for weeks: a washed-out section of Inland Kaikōura Road, which has stopped the local school bus from running its usual route.
Rural New Zealand is welcoming the Government’s recent package of rural healthcare initiatives.
Interest in agritech and production animal systems has prompted Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment to new majors to its popular animal science degree.
Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…