FARMING

Valtra N tractor models are becoming popular in Ireland

KNOWN in Valtra circles as the new 4 Series, the latest N tractor models may well have been launched back in October 2015 but it is only now that they are starting to become very popular in IRELAND.

If you are not familiar with how Valtra outlines its core specifications, be prepared for a degree of confusion. The latest six model N series spans 104 to 174hp, or 115 to lS5hp if you allow for the boosted output available for PTO and transport duties. That is the easy bit. Now you have a further choice of Active, Versu, Direct and entry.. level HiTech spec packages, these bringing with them different transmissions and standard features.

Before you now dive down to the model tables and note what spec is available for a given power output, another key specification to be aware of is the eco _e’ package. This is offered on just two models, the Nll4e and N154e. In simple outline, these two tractors have a different engine management system that optimises engine torque. In work, engine speeds can be pegged to 1,100 rpm as opposed to the 1,400 to 1,500 rpm of the other models in the N range.

The N104, Nll4e and N124 have a 4.4 litre engine, the unit in the N134, N154e and N174 displacing 4.9 litres, all now meeting Tier4 Final emission regulations and requiring AdBlue SCR exhaust gas after treatment. Those moving from the predecessor series N3 tractors will note that fuel capacities have been upped from 220 to 235 litres on the new models with the option to increase this to 315 litres. The latter is

now claimed to be enough to allow the more powerful tractors to work a long day without the need to refuel.

Although the engine block is carried over from the previous N generation, the intake system is new. The bonnet is designed to seal around the cooling pack and only draw cooling air through the grills to help keep the radiators clean. Intake air now drawn from what Valtra claims to be cleaner air from the rear of the engine around the cab area. A further change is the inclusion of a throttle valve in the air intake that has two functions. First the valve will close to help speed engine warm up in cold weather and second it will automatically limit air coming into the engine when the tractor is running downhill. This is designed to protect the engine from over rowing.

Sitting in a new chassis, the engine is positioned with the cooling pack directly over the front axle. This allows the chassis to narrow ahead of the front of the engine to give extra clearance for the front wheels. The turn radius is reduced from the previous 4.9m to 4.5m on the latest models. A choice of solid or swivel front fenders are available.

The suspension oscillation is also boosted by 35%, with the axle capacity climbing by 25%. The differential locks on entry level HiTech spec tractors is a fully locking dog clutch design, all other variants having heavy duty Hi-f ock clutched system that also combines

with larger wheel hubs. The new chassis design is also

ready for an integral front linkage, the hydraulics running within the chassis to do away with exposed hose runs. Capacity wise, the front linkage is rated at 4,6OOkg

A new cab is fitted that is eight inches wider and six inches longer and taller than on the outgoing N3 series, with adjustable lower step and fender extension guards coming as standard when wider tyres are specified. As before, an Active armrest is fitted to the top spec tractors but it is also offered as an option on entry level Hi-Tech tractors. The latter is a good spec choice for tractors fitted with a front linkage.

AVAILABLE TO VIEW AND TEST TODAY @ MC GINTY TRACTORS, DONEGAL.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT CIARAN ON 0876408883.