Gap-filling model has what it takes to compete

Farmers Guide enjoyed an early test-drive of Valtra’s new Q-series flagship – the Q305.

Valtra announced limited details regarding the new Q-series during an online press event in late June. Just one early release flagship Q305 visited the UK for a few days in late July, before travelling on to Europe for the start of a new model launch tour, and Farmers Guide caught up with it on a Lincolnshire farm.

Filling a gap

Very few details regarding the specification were given during the initial launch, but these have now been confirmed and are quite impressive. The Q-series fills the gap between current T-series and the most powerful S-series and includes five models from 230–305hp.

T-series models (155–271hp) have engines of 6.6 or 7.4 litres capacity and a 2,995mm wheelbase, and the Q-series shares a similar Agco Power 7.4-litre power unit but with upgrades, and has a longer 3,050mm wheelbase. By comparison – the largest S-series starts at 270hp (300hp with boost) and has a 3,105mm wheelbase. The Q-series engine has a relatively large displacement for its power output.

Valtra’s EcoPower operating strategy reduces the revs by approximately 5% for work applications, contributing to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption. Only SCR (AdBlue) is needed to meet latest Stage 5 emission regulations – avoiding the need for Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR).

A new cooling system has been developed especially for the Q-series, allowing a steeper angled engine hood and excellent forward vision from the seat. For the new tractor demonstration, current T-series and S-series models were parked alongside the new tractor, and the advantages of the new cooling pack design were immediately obvious.

Intelligent boost

A hydro-mechanical, two-speed CVT transmission is standard – shared with other brands in the Agco family.

Valtra SigmaPower provides a 20hp boost for all models, except the flagship Q305. Maximum power is at 1,850rpm and the power curve is flat between 1,600–1,950rpm. Maximum torque is between 1,000–1,600rpm, ensuring smooth performance across a wide rev range.

Maximum speed is 40kph or 50kph, with 50kph achieved at only 1,450rpm.

SigmaPower boost engages during transport operations at over 18kph, for PTO work, or when hydraulic flow demands exceed 30kW.

The Q305 always has maximum power and torque, but maximum power engages gradually for transport tasks to ensure smooth operation and is available for stationary PTO applications too.

Valtra’s engine and transmission management system always selects the lowest possible engine revs for the application to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. Selectable ‘droop’ allows the operator to adjust the engine and transmission response to suit the task. Minimum droop means that the engine adjusts constantly to maintain pre-set revs or provide maximum power for the highest work rates, while increasing the droop means that in tougher conditions the engine revs will reduce temporarily – slightly reducing productivity, but saving fuel.

The transmission has two ranges – field work and transport. The transmission uses a combination of hydraulic and mechanical drive although, on the road, at higher transport speeds, power is transferred almost exclusively through the mechanical section for optimum efficiency. The maximum 50kph is achieved at just 1,500rpm.

The Q305 is an imposing tractor, but from the seat it feels nimble and compact.

Flexible ballasting

The new Q-series weighs in at only 9.2t unladen but a maximum gross weight of 16.0t provides plenty of scope for ballasting for demanding draft work, and also allows heavy loads to be transported legally. Unladen weight is split 60/40.

Valtra claims class-leading ground clearance up to 60cm, making the new tractors particularly well suited for spreading and spraying in growing crops, as well as for forestry applications. The tractor’s smooth underside prevents snagging.

Many Valtra Q-series tractors will spend a lot of time on transport operations, and a highly efficient braking system with six oil-immersed discs on the rear wheels is standard.

There is a choice of bar or flange axles at the rear.

Powerful hydraulics

Maximum rear lift capacity is 10t and the optional integrated front linkage which includes concealed and protected hydraulic pipework lifts 4.8t. There are separate gearbox and hydraulic oil reservoirs, and up to 75 litres can be drawn from the hydraulic system. Hydraulic oil flow rate is up to 200 litres per minute, and an optional Eco version with a secondary gear pump achieves maximum flow at only 1,650rpm for significant fuel savings.

Up to nine hydraulic valves can be fitted – four at the front, and five at the rear. Power Beyond is standard for all hydraulic packages, and a Hydraulic Assistant increases the engine revs when extra flow is needed. A Baseline valve package provides flow rates up to 120 litres, or an optional upgrade to four or five Highline couplers accommodate flow rates of 140 litres each, with convenient lever-type hose and pressure release. Valtra senior product specialist, Seth Bradford, said that most UK buyers will specify the Highline upgrade.

High spec PTO

Two-speed 540/1,000 PTO is standard with additional 540 Eco and 1,000 Eco operating modes to reduce fuel use, operating noise, and wear and tear.

The cab is like the popular T-series – quiet, comfortable, and with an excellent view from the seat.

Comfortable work environment

The cab is similar to the recently updated T-series, and the design is excellent. The five steps have a generous slope angle; making it easier and safer to get in and out. The steering column moves forward at the touch of a foot pedal and there is plenty of clearance between the steering wheel and the seat. With most controls and displays moved to the A-pillar display the front console is very narrow, so there is plenty of space for the operator’s feet. The small, sporty steering wheel has a chunky rim which is comfortable to hold.

There is a choice of three seats – including the premium Evolution  with air suspension, automatic  driver weight adjustment, and heating and cooling.

The cab’s six-pillar design accommodates 6.5m2 of glass. Powerful air conditioning includes air distribution through 12 vents, including some at lower level allowing heated air to be blown towards the driver’s legs and feet, or cold air to be aimed towards the upper body and head.

The neat cooling pack allows a steep angled engine hood and contributes to the compact size.

User-friendly controls

The A-pillar display is large and well lit, and on the bright test drive day it was easy to read whether the sun was in front or behind. All the main operating information is displayed on the screen, and there is the option of displaying limited GPS-guidance information too. The SmartTouch armrest-mounted user interface allows convenient set-up of most of the tractor’s systems from the seat, implement control through Isobus, and more advanced GPS-guidance tasks. The demonstration didn’t include an opportunity to try the new tractor for field work, but previous experience of the similar T-series cab has proved the system to be very capable and user-friendly. Valtra Connect telemetry is standard – allowing authorised dealers to diagnose faults remotely and making it easier for owners and managers to check task progress and maintain accurate field records.

Mechanical cab suspension is standard and air suspension is an option. Air front axle suspension is also standard, and Valtra argues that using air rather than a hydraulic system means it is more responsive, especially on cold winter days when an oil-based system could be affected by thicker oil viscosity.

Demand for front loaders in this tractor size segment is growing, and Valtra offers a selection of 12 loaders including parallel and tapered arms and various lift capacities and heights.

Low cost of ownership

Engine oil changes are every 600 hours, and transmission oil is changed at 1,800 hours. Very few daily checks are needed and most just require a glance at a sight gauge. Valtra Connect allows remote fault diagnosis for reduced downtime, and a wide selection of precision farming aids are available to maximise productivity and operating accuracy.

Valtra product specialist Seth Bradford (in the seat) with Valtra UK sales manager Alan Sanderson. “The new Q-series will open the door to many more farmers and contractors, and our dealers are looking forward to demonstrating the tractors this autumn at the Valtra roadshow,” explained Alan.

Test-drive and conclusion

Parked beside the current smaller T-series and larger S-series models it was clear to see how the new Q-series fits into the line-up.

From the seat, the view all around is exceptional for a tractor of this power and size. The narrow steering column makes it easy to keep an eye on the two front wheels and the view to the sides is excellent. Travelling through towns and negotiating heavy traffic wouldn’t be a problem. It’s a big tractor with a long wheelbase, but from the cab it feels compact, neat, and responsive. The ride quality is excellent and travelling at high speeds along an uneven farm track clearly demonstrated the benefits of the axle, cab and seat air suspension fitted to the test tractor.

The test day also coincided with the UK’s record high temperatures this year – and even with bright sun and more than 40ºC outside, the cab remained comfortable and cool as cold air was blown through vents at waist height.

Smooth and accurate operation

The new CVT transmission is superb. It is smooth, extremely quiet, and easy to use. The operator just selects the required travel speed and the EcoPower engine and transmission management system selects the most efficient engine speed and transmission ratio to suit.

The demonstration tractor had the largest 710/70R42 tyres at the rear and 600/70R30 at the front, but manoeuvrability was excellent. The Valtra’s design allows a tight 6.75m turning radius.

For arable applications, selecting the most capable VF tyres and specifying Valtra’s optional central tyre inflation system will maximise work rates and operating efficiency while also protecting the ground.

Overall, the Q-series is an attractive package with a quality feel, and it has everything it needs to compete with other brands in this popular size and power sector. With extended warranty and service packages allowing ownership costs to be fixed, and back-up available through Valtra’s excellent dealer network there is very little not to like.

UK demonstration roadshow

Valtra’s European Q-series roadshow visits the UK in September and  will provide an opportunity to  view and test-drive the new tractors. Just check Valtra’s website to find  out when and where it will be in  your area.