This is a subscriber-only article
Based in Newtowncashel, Longford, suckler farmer Paddy Flood runs a small agricultural contracting business which mostly carries out hedge-cutting and round baling.
Previously, Paddy had been running a fresh Case IH Puma 130. He felt it was time to upgrade as the hours crossed the 8,000 mark, and had come across the Valtra range at the Ploughing the previous September. He liked the compact form of the high-horsepower four-cylinder models. Paddy opted to purchase the Finnish manufacturer’s flagship four-pot N174 Versu model fitted with a Valtra G5 front loader.
I was unsure if I was making the right decision buying a four-cylinder tractor, but I have to say any doubt I had is gone
Key factors in the decision were good dealer support, operator comfort and the tractor’s compact stature, which he says is great for front loader and tight yard work. But Paddy still has plenty of power, weight and stability for his 7m reach Arbocut hedge cutter.
He said: “I had driven other four-cylinder tractors before and found them bouncy on the road but this I found drove more like a six-cylinder – it was comfortable on the road. I was unsure if I was making the right decision buying a four-cylinder tractor, but I have to say any doubt I had is gone. The tractor has well impressed me after 1,650 hours.”
The tractor is well shod on 540/65R28 and 650/65R38 Trelleborg tyres.
It is fitted with an Agco Power 4.9l block which churns out 165hp or 201hp (at 2,100rpm) max with boost. Maximum torque values are 730Nm and 680Nm with and without boost. Paddy said the VAltra and his Kuhn i-BIO + combi-baler make a compact outfit. The baler is Isobus and load-sensing ready, which means Paddy controls all its functions using the Valtra’s 91in SmartTouch terminal.
High spec
Paddy opted for the Versu model, which boasts a high level of specification, including the SmartTouch armrest. This brings with it all the bells and whistles including electric spool valves, full Isobus compatibility and other features including QuickSteer and some quirky transmission functions just to mention a few.
The tractor is fitted with a 30Fx30R powershift 50km/h transmission, which Paddy said is a standout feature: “The transmission provides good customisability, when hedge-cutting I can pre-programme speeds for forward and reverse so for example when I’m reversing to give the hedge a second run, the tractor defaults into the higher gear which I pre-set. It’s the closest thing to a CVT you’ll get while having all the benefits of a powershift.”
He noted how the transmission hill hold function holds the tractor in position while on a hill either sitting still or if starting off, without having to touch the brakes.
The QuickSteer function impressed him also. He said it is a great feature for front loader work around the yard, with the ability to go from lock to lock in a few steering wheel rotations. The front loader is controlled electronically using the little joystick mounted on the SmartTouch arm, with no need for an additional joystick.
Cab
Paddy said the cab is well-finished off with almost all controls at his fingertips. Visibility is good all round, although since the door isn’t the full cab width there is a fifth pillar obstructing his view of the hedge cutter head to the left.
Unlike the Case IH, which had a full-width door hinged off the rear corner post. This really only proves an issue when hedgecutting but for most other work it causes little to no problem. Paddy noted how the mirror on the rear window is essential to view the pushout hitch, otherwise it wouldn’t be seen hooking up implements while seated.
Engine: Four-cylinder 4.9l Agco Power
Rated horsepower: 165hp (121kW)
Maximum horsepower: 201hp (148kW)
Transmission: 50km/h five step powershift (30Fx30R) with creeper gears.
Hydraulic capacity: 115l/min standard (160l/min or 200l/min optional)
Rear lift capacity: 7,800kg
Fuel tank capacity: 265l (315l optional)
Weight: 6,300kg
SHARING OPTIONS: