Valtra unveils the latest generation of its flagship high horsepower tractor, the S Series, nicknamed “The Boss”. The 6th generation will be produced in Suolahti, Finland, heralding a new era for this series. As well as boasting several design and feature improvements, the entire S Series range is available with Valtra Unlimited customisation options.
At 280-420 HP, the S Series is Valtra’s largest and most powerful tractor, promising high torque at low revs. The 8.4 liter AGCO Power engine and CVT transmission offer a 5% reduction in revs and up to 10% decrease in fuel consumption compared to the S’ predecessor.
As farmers and large farm contractors have come to expect from Valtra, the latest S Series places high emphasis on comfort, visibility, and smart technology. And there are several new features and improvements. A new design, improved access, a new spacious cab, an increased number of lights (all of which are LED), and more versatility for all tasks are just a few introductions for the 6th generation S Series. The factory-fitted TwinTrac reverse drive system and SmartTouch user interface have always been popular features with the S Series drivers. The new S Series brings a number of upgrades including a range of suspension options for front axle and cab, and now S Series tractors can also be fitted with Valtra’s Skyview cab option and Valtra Unlimited customisations.
Nordic design
The design of the new S Series draws inspiration from Valtra’s popular 5th generation design, but there are some notable changes. Valtra’s Industrial Design & User Experience Department Lead Kimmo Wihinen explains: “The 6th generation S Series combines form and function in a modern, aggressive form language that conveys the S Series’ power. The sleek slope of the bonnet gives maximum forward visibility. The S Series features a fully integrated light unit including LED low/high beam, LED daytime running lights as well as close range LED working lights in the front. This provides a high level of light output and gives the 6th generation S Series its distinctive look”
There are now a total of 16 work lights, all of which are LED. Fans of Valtra’s 5th generation N, T, and Q Series cabs will appreciate the familiar and ergonomic cab in the S Series, which is accessed via more gently inclined steps than the previous generation.
Efficiency and sustainability
The new S Series offers all the technology advanced smart farmers would expect. Valtra’s SmartTurn automatic headland turning completes the autonomous field driving experience with four turning patterns –Part Field Mode, U-Turn, Y-turn and K-turn, that allow the driver to work the field in the most efficient way.
“Our precision farming offering today meets the majority of customers’ demands, and the SmartTouch user interface makes Valtra smart farming technology the easiest in the market. We are working on new technology features from which Valtra customers will benefit in the near future”, comments product marketing specialist Johan Grotell. For example, Isobus-based Tractor Implement Management (TIM) is planned for release on the S Series in 2025.
The S Series will be one of their most sustainable tractors both in terms of production and supporting farmers to grow sustainably. Two-thirds of the components in Valtra tractors are sourced from within Finland, and their factory runs on 100% renewable energy. The S Series is renewable diesel compatible and will leave the factory with Neste My renewable diesel in its tank. The smart farming technology offered with the S Series reduces inputs and time, and lowers fuel consumption, making farmer’s work more efficient and sustainable.
Fully tailored
Valtra Unlimited customisation has proven popular in recent years, with over one third of all tractors leaving Valtra’s Suolahti plant having some form of Unlimited customisation. Vice President Marketing, Valtra EME, Mikko Lehikoinen explains how these are of particular benefit to high horsepower customers. “Large farms and agricultural contractors, depend on having the right solutions to undertake advanced smart farming tasks in the most efficient way possible. Valtra Unlimited offers exactly what each business needs to farm more efficiently, more ergonomically, and with increased safety.”
Valtra Unlimited features will be available for all 6th generation S Series models. The new S Series tractors are available with Unlimited’s popular Central Lubrication System (CLS) and a sound system (including Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto). The popular Unlimited VIEW camera system also comes to the S Series. This uses cameras mounted on the tractor, a high-definition display, and advanced machine learning algorithms to automatically detect objects moving in front of the tractor and warn the driver for enhanced safety in the field and on the road.
Global launch
The 6th generation S Series marks the first global launch of a Valtra tractor. Serial production is being ramped up in the second quarter of 2024 and first deliveries in Europe can be expected in the summer. Deliveries to regions with less-regulated emission standards, such as South America, are planned to begin in the second half of 2024. Valtra will present the S Series in field and customer events worldwide from November 2023, like the Agritechnica international trade-fair in Hanover, Germany.
