increase font size
Valtra’s SmartTurn software allows all field operations to be carried out without the driver touching the steering wheel.
A software update for Valtra tractors combines Auto U-Pilot headland management and Valtra Guide automated steering to help deliver automated headland turns.
SmartTurn is the final piece of the puzzle that allows all field operations to be carried out without the driver touching the steering wheel.
The technology is said to improve precision, save time, fuel and prevent soil compaction. Valtra notes that the system also enables the driver to focus on the quality of work and it improves safety and accuracy in dark, foggy and dusty conditions.
Working with SmartTurn begins by defining the field boundary and headland from where the required turning radius is calibrated, according to the implement width and by turning the tractor sharply to the right and left.
The operator then chooses between the U-turn and part-field automatic turning mode. The former sees the tractor make a small U-shaped turn on the headland into the adjacent undriven way line. In the case of the latter, a smaller headland is required, as the tractor turns back into the third, fourth or further way line.
Available now for fifth generation N and T Series tractors, the software update will be available for fourth generation models and for other fifth generation models later this year, without the need for any mechanical modifications to tractors equipped with Valtra Guide.
In other Valtra news, until now Valtra tractors have only been able to offer section control, working in conjunction with ISOBUS-compatible machines such as sprayers, to divide the working area into 24 or 36 sections.
But now the company’s latest version increases this to as many as 96 sections. Meanwhile, its MultiBoom feature makes it possible to simultaneously control up to three different booms automatically.
Valtra says this makes the system ideal for controlling the likes of ISOBUS-compatible seed drills, sprayers, fertiliser spreaders and row crop cultivators. The sections on the new version can also be controlled by separate feeders in one, two or three consecutive rows.
Alternatively, operators can automate control of one implement at front of the tractor and the other at the rear.
Using a seed drill as an example, fertiliser can be spread in the first feed system, seed in the next and starter fertiliser or small seed in the third.
“Depending on the implement, the seed and fertiliser hoppers are often divided between two or more sections,” the company claims. “Section control 96 can command each of these sections and feeders with centimetre accuracy.”
Operated from the touchscreen on the SmartTouch armrest, the interface is similar to the existing one. It requires the tractor to be equipped with auto guidance and ISOBUS implement control.
Users of fourth and fifth generation Valtra tractors with section control 36 will have free access to the new features once their tractor software is updated at the next scheduled maintenance.
Those using section control 24 can purchase an upgrade to the new version, which is available now for fifth generation Valtra tractors.
Twin rotor swathers have become the ‘go-to’ for forming swaths to feed hungry harvesters and balers, however, the design layout often means that crop located between the two rotors is not picked up, turned over or incorporated into the swath formed for subsequent harvesting.
Operating large tractors became more expensive back in March due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz conflict, meaning contractors had to introduce fuel surcharges and farmers had to adjust their budget forecasts.
Close to the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, Motueka is known for apples, pear and kiwifruit orchards, alongside specialised crops such as hops. Indeed, that specialisation, saw the area being the New Zealand centre of the tobacco growing, until the early 1980s.
Can-Am has introduced its 2027 range of side-by-side vehicles (SSV) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), including the industry leading Defender, the Maverick R and the hugely capable Outlander ATV, incorporating a host of advancements designed to deliver an exceptional riding experience.
With battery tools becoming more widespread and more importantly, productive and reliable, it was only time before we saw augers or post-hole borers.
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
For Canterbury dairy farmers Sian Meijer and Rick Wobben, wearable technology has become one of their most valuable on-farm tools - helping manage 1850 cows across an expansive, high-performing dairy operation while improving efficiency, mating outcomes and day-to-day decision making.
Fonterra has unveiled its annual results for the 2026 financial year, posting $27 billion in revenue and close to $20 billion returned to New Zealand farmer owners and unit holders.
The first major update to the Dairy Cattle Code of Welfare in more than a decade has been released, marking what DairyNZ describes as an important step in ensuring animal welfare standards continue to evolve alongside scientific evidence and on-farm realities.
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…
