Finn’s Swiss Army knife tractor
As a sign of the times, last week Valtra brought together 180 journalists from around the world for the “livestream” launch of its first, fifth-generation tractor – the new G series.
Built at Deutz Fahr Land in Lauingen Germany, the tractor uses a 6.1-litre twin-turbo Deutz six-cylinder Stage V (SCR/DPF) engine to deliver maximum power and torque of 287hp and 1226Nm, respectively.
The powertrain includes the new SDF T7780 continuously variable transmission. This comprises a multi-stage, epicyclic gearbox – mated with a clutch unit and two hydrostatic units – to create a new composite transmission. This is said to offer industry-beating performance in terms of power flow management, efficiency and traction force.
Where local regulations allow, maximum speed is 60km/h, with an engine speed of 1830rpm, while 40km/h comes up at a very frugal 1220rpm.
The standard spec includes dry front disc brakes, two-speed (1000/1000Eco) front PTO, three-speed (540Eco/1000/1000Eco) rear PTO, 210lit/min hydraulic system with up to 90 litres take-out. The tractor also comes with a rear lift capacity of up to 11.1 tonnes and a maximum permissible weight of 16 tonnes.
Up front, an intelligent front axle suspension system provides three settings (auto, normal and soft). The tractor also comes with air sprung cab suspension and automatic air conditioning.
The company says separating the Maxivision 2 cab from the newly designed engine cowl reduces heat, vibration and noise levels. The 8280 also comes with 50,000 lumen LED work lights.
With connectivity becoming a prerequisite for modern tractors, the new 8280 TTV incorporates ISOBUS. This comes with up to 200 Sections Control, Variable Rate Control and Universal Terminal, ‘TIM’ (Tractor Implement Management). This means equipment can communicate with the tractor and manage operations and SDF Guidance, including an Auto-Turn function.
Additionally, the system includes SDF Fleet Management, with all the main data received in real time, Agrirouter for data upload and download via cloud or USB port and XTend. This allows the tractor’s control screen to be used remotely via a tablet or smartphone.
Service intervals are 1,000 hours for the engine oil and 1,500 hours for the hydraulic oil, easily inspected via a sight-glass, while access to the cooling pack is via a single lever.
www.powerfarming.co.nz
