Several features on Valtra tractors carry their own dedicated names. These names make it easier to describe a tractor’s specification—at least as long as you know what each named feature actually means!
The Valtra N Series, our most successful model series, includes many such named features. In this blog, we take a closer look at them: where the names come from, and what technologies lie behind them. Some features have been part of our lineup for decades, and are still going strong, while others are more recent—or now found mostly on the second-hand market.
If the engine is the heart of a tractor, the transmission is its soul. It ultimately determines what you can achieve with your machine.
Valtra’s tractor transmissions
HiTech is one of the most traditional names still alive in our product family. It was introduced in 1998 when Valtra launched the power shuttle. Although “high tech” is a common phrase in many industries, the name was proposed by the National Sales Manager of France, Jean-Pierre Audinos—and no better alternative was found.
HiTech was the first system in the tractor industry to integrate the parking brake into the same lever that controls the transmission shuttle. Its modulation technique was state-of-the-art at the time, fully justifying the name.
Before HiTech, tractors used a mechanical shuttle without a special name. When this mechanical version was reintroduced to the N and T Series, the models were called Classic, following a naming tradition familiar in the automotive industry. Classic did not become a major sales success, but it enabled us to reintroduce an older Valtra feature: HiShift, a mechanical actuation system for the dry clutch. Valmet/Valtra’s history includes several “Hi–” features—as you’ll read further below.
Advance was the name chosen for the first-generation transmission with load-sensing hydraulics in the N and T Series. This genuinely advanced product was in production from 2005 to 2010.
Versu and Direct entered production in 2007 with the launch of our new transmissions that autumn. So much new engineering went into these systems that completely new names were warranted.
Versu was created by Mr. Hannu Niskanen. It is derived from the Latin verb versare, the root of the English word “versatile”. (Interestingly, Case IH later encountered the same root when planning to name their Vestrum series “Versum”.)
Direct was named by the author of this blog. The name communicates the essence of a CVT transmission: the ability to reach the exact desired speed directly and smoothly.
The HiTrol turbine clutch remained popular until 2020, when the G Series replaced the lower-horsepower segment of the N Series. HiTrol’s smooth starts were especially valued in the Nordic countries and widely appreciated in Germany. Large markets like France and Spain never fully adopted the feature—perhaps to their own disadvantage!
The many ‘Auto’ features on Valtra tractors
AutoTraction was introduced more than 25 years ago, with the first update of the HiTech transmission on the 6000 Series. Early versions disengaged the clutch when engine speed dropped below 1100 rpm or when braking below 10 km/h. Today, this standard feature intelligently disengages the clutch during braking—an approach many competitors now imitate.
Automatic functions form the foundation of several Valtra features. One of the earliest “Auto–” features was AutoControl, Valtra’s name for Electronic Linkage Control (ELC), launched nearly 40 years ago together with HiTrol. Since ELC is now standard across most tractor brands, the name is no longer commonly highlighted—though you may still encounter it in some documentation.
AutoComfort is a newer “Auto–” innovation and was awarded a silver medal at Agritechnica 2007. This optional, semi-active, air-sprung cab suspension has been reducing operator fatigue on N Series tractors ever since. As the system operates without the need for user input, the name truly reflects its automatic nature.
Another signature Valtra feature is Aires, the industry’s only air-suspended front axle. In the mid‑1990s, front axle suspension was a major trend. Valtra tested both hydraulic and air-based systems. Since both cost about the same to customers—and air systems were particularly beneficial for those using air brakes on trailers—the decision was clear. The German market was also highly important at the time, and German customers greatly valued advanced technology. Combined with excellent cold‑weather performance, air suspension became the obvious choice and the inspiration for the name Aires.
Valtra features that improve tractor fuel economy
Economy matters to our customers, which is why EcoPower models have earned lasting popularity. The concept—offering two distinct engine curves—was developed in the early 1990s and soon implemented in production. The electronically controlled N155e represents the newest generation, delivering high torque at low rpm, reducing fuel consumption and lowering noise levels.
Another “Eco–” feature is Ecospeed, a transmission variant that maintains a top speed of 40 km/h at very low engine revolutions, bringing additional fuel savings and comfort.
Have a look at our product pages or configurator to explore how you can tailor a Valtra tractor to your needs.
