A Series history

06.09.2004

Although there are no visual similarities between the new A Series and its forefather, their basic philosophy remains the same: reliable and straightforward solutions are combined with strong performance to create working efficiency. The internationalisation of Valtra began with exports of Diesel-Valmets to China and Brazil at the end of the 1950s. This model was also used to launch foreign manufacturing operations with the new factory plant in Brazil in 1960.

The Valmet 565 introduced new features, most notably the fully synchronised transmission. The next step was taken by the 502, whose ergonomics revolutionised the way we think of tractors in this segment. Here was a 50-hp tractor that came with a quiet and heated cab, vibration-free hydrostatic steering and ergonomically placed controls. With its cab innovations, this tractor provided the foundation for sustainable development. Engine power was increased with the 602 model. Four-wheel-drive was introduced in 1980, followed two years later by the 04 Series. This model was one size smaller than the Volvo BM 05 Series and replaced the Volvo BM Series in the Nordic markets.

In 1985 a totally new and modern 8+4R fully synchronised, easy-to-use transmission was introduced alongside a new four-wheel-drive system. Power continued to increase, and by the 1990s the tractor came with 72 hp. At this time, electronic load-sensing Autocontrol hydraulics were also offered as an option. In 1992, the Series was expanded to include the four-cylinder 80-hp 665 model, which was a huge success. The cab was redesigned with the 100 Series introduced in 1997. Production of the 100 Series also began in Brazil in 1998. In the same year, the 60-hp 365 model was sold under license to Eicher in India. The A Series name was adopted in 2002, the same year that a forward-reverse shuttle transmission was introduced. The A Series shared design elements with larger Valtra tractors.

The development of the A Series and its predecessors has continued non-stop over the years, maintaining proven solutions while improving other areas. Many basic features remain the same. For example, after almost 50 years the basic engine concept is unchanged: a direct-injection liquid-cooled diesel engine with replaceable wet cylinder liners. This continues to be an ultra-modern concept. The efficiency of the easy-to-use powertrain is as high as on earlier models, as the engineering solutions continue to be as straightforward as possible. An estimated 300,000 of the half million tractors produced by Valtra have belonged to this product family, which continues to be in high demand around the world. For example, production of an open-cab model is currently commencing under license in Turkey.

Valtra Inc.

More information:
Marko Muhonen, Product Manager, +358 40 5010 969, marko.muhonen@valtra.com

www.valtra.com

Valtra Inc. develops, manufactures, markets and services Valtra tractors. Valtra is the leading tractor manufacturer in the Nordic countries and the second most popular brand in Latin America. Net sales in 2003 amounted to 852 million euros and the number of employees to 2600. Total production in Finland and Brazil amounted to 19,000 tractors. Valtra subsidiary Sisu Diesel produced 27,000 diesel engines at its plant in Nokia, Finland. Valtra is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation.

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