By Chris McCullough

VALTRA has hit the 'G' spot on the alphabet by launching a brand new fifth generation of tractors consisting of four models from 100hp to 145hp.

With some bright distinctive new colours, plus new cab and engine, the G Series favours those operators who wish to use a front loader, or need to jump in and out of the cab frequently. This is the first in the fifth generation of Valtra tractors and at the same time a brand new model series that fits between the popular A and N Series.

During its launch, Valtra described the new G Series as the ‘Swiss Army knife of tractors made in Finland’ referring to its multitude of uses. It said the G Series is also the first tractor in the 100hp to 145hp range to offer SmartTouch controls, as well as full precision farming capabilities – that means the popular SmartTouch armrest is now available on all Valtra tractors in the 100hp to 400hp range.

Valtra Connect telemetry is also standard on Versu models of the G Series, while powerful load-sensing hydraulics are standard on Active and Versu models.

The new G Series is available in four equipment levels – Basic, Comfort, Technology and Technology Pro. Customers will also be able to order their Finnish-made G tractors with tailored features from the Unlimited Studio at the factory. The tractors are already rolling off the productions lines in Valtra’s factory in Suolahti and will be available in most areas later this year in Q4.

Mikko Lehikoinen, Valtra vice-president of sales and marketing, outlined the key benefits of the new series: “The G Series is typically an all-purpose farm tractor that can be used for front loader tasks, spraying, producing feed and cultivating vegetables using smart farming techniques, for example. Operating an all-purpose tractor like this should be easy and safe with comfortable working conditions, a powerful front linkage and hydraulics, and excellent visibility. Altogether, the G Series is compact but still powerful."

Under the hood

Taking a closer look at the component list of the new G Series, Valtra is using its four-cylinder 4.4-litre Agco Power engines to power the tractors. Made in Agco’s plant in Changzhou, China, these compact engines allow for a very low nose that gives excellent visibility from the cab.

The engine complies with Stage V emission targets, but without exhaust gas recirculation. An electronic wastegate and 1600 bar Bosch common rail injection gives fast response and plenty of torque across a broad range of engine speeds.

All models offer power boost already at field speeds when driving in B5, or higher gears. Valtra’s traditional Sigma Power boost is also available for the pto. The G125 Eco is the fuel-efficient EcoPower model that lets the driver select Power or Eco mode, which lowers the engine speed while increasing torque to up to 555 Nm.

Inside the cab

The G models have a modern and spacious cab with 5.7 square metres of glass, including 0.35 square metres in the panoramic roof, while cab suspension further enhances comfort along with heated mirrors, air conditioning, a lower cab heater and USB charging plugs that are available with the auxiliary power pack.

Versu models with the SmartTouch interface can access the same SmartFarming features as the bigger N and T Series models. Active models are also available with autoguidance and precision farming features that can be activated via the SmartTouch Extend terminal.

The G Series has been designed to be the ideal tractor for front-loader tasks. It offers excellent visibility, good weight distribution, front-loader that is integrated with the chassis, a hydraulics assistant that automatically increases the engine speed, and the Live 3 feature, which enables the simultaneous use of up to three different front-loader functions.

In addition to field and farmyard tasks, the G Series is also suitable for forestry tasks, as Valtra tractors always have been. For forestry tasks, they can be specified with narrow mudguards, a steel fuel tank, polycarbonate glass, forest tyres, a rotating seat and cab protection.

The auxiliary light pack provides four working lights at the front and six at the rear, which also turn on automatically when reversing, facilitating work in dark conditions.

Finding a gear

The G Series has a 24+24R transmission with four ranges and six Powershift gears. The shifts from B to C range and between C and D ranges are automated, making it even easier to operate the tractor, especially on roads.

In traditional Valtra fashion, the parking brake is integrated with the forward-reverse shuttle lever, and the driver can also programme the transmission settings. The slowest working speed, with the creeper gear, is just 120m per hour, which is ideal for cultivating vegetables, for example.

Versu models can be operated using just the drive lever, and other models also do not require much use of the clutch pedal thanks to AutoTraction. The hill-hold function keeps the tractor stationary even on steep hills without having to use the brakes.

HiTech models have an open hydraulics system that produces 100 litres per minute, while Active and Versu models have load-sensing hydraulics that produce 110 litres per minute. Up to four hydraulic blocks are available at both the front and rear. Versu models are available with up to five rear spool valves and up to four valves in the front.

The minimum lifting power at the rear is 50 kN across the entire lifting range and 30 kN at the front. Front pto is also available and ground speed pto is available at the rear, along with two additional pto speeds.

Tech spec's:

Power (hp/kW) Boost (hp/kW) Torque Nm (std/boost)

G105 105/78 110/82 440/470

G115 115/85 120/90 460/510

G125ECO 115/85 125/93 518/555

G125 std 125/93 130/97 520/540

G135 135/100 145/107 550/560