Clarke Machinery to have the strong T174 on centre stage

Clarke Machinery Group was established in the early 1980s by Gerard Clarke. Initially the company focused exclusively on farming, but over the years it has spread its wings to cover industrial, garden and DIY equipment. Business is now transacted in four locations: New Inn, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan; Cavan town; Kells, Co Meath; and Lanesboro, Co Roscommon.

Clarke will have the Valtra T4 on show. The T4 is available in four specifications – Direct, Versu, Active, and Hi-Tech. The Direct models are the top of the range, with a continuously variable transmission and electrically operated hydraulics. While the Versu and Active models share the same powershift transmission, The Versu tractor models have electrically operated hydraulics, and an integrated display terminal in the armrest. The lower-spec Active has mechanically operated hydraulics and no display terminal. The HiTech model is not available until next year.

Cabin

Valtra claims the T4 cabin is now the biggest in this tractor class. It offers 6.2m2 of glass and 2.6m2 of interior space. The front wiper can travel 270° to keep all that glass clean. The impression when in the driving seat is that the cab has a bright airy feel. It is 20cm wider at the hip area than the previous cab on the older T series. The extra width provided by the curved pillars allow for a decent passenger seat to be fitted. The cab is a five-post design, with one fully functioning door. Valtra claims the door is easier to close and less cumbersome than larger doors.

The controls in the cab are familiar, with the same rally-like steering wheel and forward-reverse selector. The dash has been upgraded, with clearer display dials. The controls on the right-hand side armrest remain similar to previous versions, except the throttle is back on top. An optional C3000 touchscreen can be fitted for operators requiring guidance and telematics options on the tractor.

According to Valtra, customers want a powershift transmission that drives like a CVT. The company has tried to deliver here, with good results. From driving the tractor in Germany at the launch with a Valtra engineer, the hill hold feature works. Clever integration with the electronic parking brake allows this to happen. When you want to stop on a hill, keep your foot on the brakes and at the same time move the shuttle into its park position. Then move the shuttle back to the forward position. Take your foot off the brakes and the tractor will hold itself in position. Press the accelerator and the brake releases.

Power comes from an Agco Power, 6.6-litre, six-cylinder engine for the two smallest models and a 7.4-litre version for the bigger models. Both engines comply with Stage 4 emissions legislation. Agco makes about 70,000 engines per year. Valtra claims the average lifespan of its engines is 25,000 engine hours.

Selective catalytic reduction only is used. While this takes care of the nitrous oxide, high-pressure fuel injection reduces the amount of particles being produced. This eliminates the need for exhaust gas recirculation or a diesel particulate filter. This design reduces the amount of service items and allows service intervals to be extended 600 hours for the engine.

The T174 model is also available with the firm’s Eco Power feature, allowing the nominal engine speed to be reduced to 1,800rpm and the torque increased at the push of a button, where jobs allow. In addition, the Sigma Power feature increases engine output by 15hp when the PTO is under sufficient load or when the tractor is either of the top two transmission ranges. A three-piece bonnet allows good access to engine, with all serviceable items positioned down one side. Hydraulic and transmission oil levels can easily be checked via sight glasses.

Hydraulics and linkage

Rear linkage lift capacity has been up-rated to 9.5t, while at the front the integrated linkage can handle 5.1t.

Whether it is fitted with a loader or front linkage, turning radius remains tight thanks to the repositioning of engine and front axle. This has seen the engine move backwards and the front axle move forwards with the cooling packs placed directly over the top of the axle, allowing the front wheels to turn into recessed areas on the bonnet.

A longer wheelbase also means extra stability, taking the bounce out of the Valtra on the road and delivering more traction in the field, claims the Finnish manufacturer.

Clarke Machinery Ltd, New Inn, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan.

Tel: 049-8544353

Email: georgina@clarkemachinery.ie

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