ATTENTION to detail is evident pretty much everywhere on the latest Valtra T Series tractors - even down to using a wind tunnel to ensure that warmed air flowing from the cooling pack is pushed away from beneath the cab and engine intake.

It's evidence of how the engineers behind the new range - effectively, the first complete replacement of the T Series in 25 years - have gone through the product with a fine-tooth comb to change, refine and improve as many aspects of the machine as possible.

Headline changes include increased power outputs and a big lift in torque - to more than 1000Nm on the flagship machine - from six-cylinder engines that continue to use only AdBlue injection for exhaust emissions control. Transmissions are unchanged in principle, but are substantially upgraded in terms of the size of gears, the final drive out from the diff', shaft dimensions and clutch packs, with a 50% reduction in hydraulic pipes achieved by using more internal oil channels.

But for an operator's day to day experience, it's the little things that count. There's a better quality aerial and sound system that should bring improved radio reception; the integration of lift/lower controls, a seven-pin socket and hydraulic couplings into the front casting for easier use of front-mounted implements.

And like the intuitive click-action dial that adjusts ground speed 0.1kph at a time on the Direct stepless transmission versions. Valtra people in the UK say some of the quirky control functions have been designed out to make things more familiar to operators across Europe, while highlighting the new full-depth windscreen and optional 270-degree wiper, front and rear demisting glass, and commodious external storage facilities for tools and other equipment.

Further evidence, they suggest, of the thought that has gone into improving the operator experience. The cab is larger in all directions, has almost 10% more glass area, and is available either fixed or mounted on mechanical or air suspension.

The view over the bonnet remains pretty good for a six-cylinder tractor - an achievement that comes from stacking all the emissions hardware in the exhaust pipe, which is tapered to maintain visibility beyond the front right-hand cab pillar.

Nor is manoeuvrability compromised. In fact, the engine's new cooling pack is now positioned over a front axle that has been pushed a little further forward, with the result that the front wheels can turn sharply into the recesses of a deeply sculpted chassis.

The latest emissions regs - Euro Stage 4 / US Tier 4 Final - are met by upping the rate of AdBlue use relative to diesel flow and increasing common rail injection pressure by more than 10% from 1800 to 2000 bar. By way of compensation, power and torque outputs are up a touch on most models and cooling fan speed (and consequent power drain) is down 25% thanks to improved airflow efficiency.

There are also two more powerful additions to the line-up - the T214 comes in with 215hp for draft work, 230hp for demanding pto and hydraulic applications and for road travel, while the T234 packs 235hp and 250hp in these situations.

And for operators not fussed about fully-electronic wizardry for the hydraulics, the new Active spec' comes with lever-operated spool valves for the 160-litre/min piston pump hydraulic system, which also delivers a tonne of extra rear linkage lift capacity and will automatically pile on engine revs to get the flow required.