The Valtra N Series tractor was first launched in 2005 at Agritechnica. To mark the tractor’s 20th anniversary, we take a look back at the 20 (+) year history of the N Series.
Long before the N Series, there were the “Big Four” diesel pioneer tractors
Valtra has always been a pioneer in making powerful tractors with 4-cylinder engines. The 702S with 91 hp was launched in 1972. In those days, it was considered to be the most powerful 4-cylinder tractor around - although it was only really well known in Finland. Ten years later, with the Volvo BM Valmet 805, the story of the powerful 4-cylinder tractor was retold, this time, to a wider, Nordic audience. In the early nineties, Valmet’s sales expanded around in Europe, and even beyond. The new 6000 Series consisted of four-cylinder models, including famous machines like the 6400, which stayed in production for a magnificent 17 years! In later years, the 6850 boasted a bold 120 hp. But as time went by, emission rules changed - as did customer needs. Finally, the successor to these machines, the new N Series, was introduced in 2005 at Agritechnica. Today, 20 years (and almost 65000 N Series) later, we can confidently say that the N Series has been the most successful Valtra series so far.
The turbocharger Valmet 702 S was launched in 1975. A couple of years later an attempt was made to be a full-liner with forage machinery.
TwinTrac was already popular in the 6000 Series, just like today in the modern N Series, where almost every fourth tractor has it.
Some work was needed to find the right path
The N Series was not the first tractor to try and replace the good old 6000s. First, there was the more compact C Series, and after that, the direct successor to the 6000, the M Series. Unfortunately, both newcomers found it difficult to win over the customers. The C Series had a small cabin, and the M Series’ bodywork had become much too long. So, the winning concept was found to be a kind of hybrid of these two short-term players. Anyhow, it meant we had to say farewell to the chassis-integrated fuel tank. However, some solace was found in the many other good features and options kept as carry-overs from the 6000.
Of course, the N Series’ customers could choose the power and options they needed. All models featured advanced common rail engines, programmable transmissions and hydraulics. Basic options included suspended cabs and front axles. At this time, the axel suspension used a technology borrowed from a sister brand, so not air suspension. In the first phase, the launch comprised the Classic models with a dry main clutch, and HiTech models with power shuttle. The Advance models with the much-desired load-sensing hydraulics took a good half year more to come.
The model numbering now started with “1”. Anyhow, already in 2008, the smallest model N91 was replaced by models N82 and N92. The “Small N” used the front end from the A Series, thus, it had no front suspension. The only transmission option was the traditional HiTech.
The N Series ‘N #1’ rapidly developed further
Development was fast in those days. The year 2009 saw the production of the bigger “second generation” models in Versu (with 5-step power shift) and Direct (with Valtra’s own Continuously Variable Transmission). These also had sophisticated electronically controlled hydraulics. But, unlike the predecessor, Advance, the new models now had separate oils for hydraulics and transmission. This feature (as well as the new large pump options), was well respected by heavy users.
Agritechnica 2011 saw the introduction of the “third generation” N Series, which fulfilled the new exhaust emission standard - Stage IIIB. Tractors used SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction): AdBlue as a catalyst against nitrogen oxide emissions. The appearance of the tractor was also modernised. However, the chassis and transmissions were mostly “carry-overs” from previous models. Anyhow, the new front-end design, with both fully integrated front lift and loader, brought much improved agility to all models! – And, of course, the following year saw the opening of the Unlimited Studio! Also, the Valtra X articulated models were later reintroduced to the third-generation N Series. Despite being well-known and even requested by the network, sales were not huge, and so the “articulated history” soon came to an end. The award-winning Valtra LH Link pivoting front linkage, offered as a factory-fitted option for the third-generation N Series, had an even shorter career.
Three-cylinder tractors – but five power shift steps!
Soon after the big ones, the small models were totally renewed. They featured an AGCO Power 33 engine -This was the only time three-cylinder engines were used in the N Series! The N93 and N103 had somewhat moderate engine performance, and the tractor could not be equipped with a front PTO. So, the sales figures were not that high in Central Europe. Instead, these steep-nosed and agile tractors did well in the Nordics.
The HiTech 5 was also presented in the small-end N Series. So, in other words, 5 powershift steps instead of three, and all the switching done electronically -with no levers! The same option soon became available in the four-cylinder N113 and N123. Only the larger N143 with the 4.9-litre engine continued with the HiTech 3. The top-end Versu and Direct portfolio included the N143 and N163. A bit later, even the N123 was added mainly at the request of the French market.
The first-generation N Series released in 2005
The Valtra N Series has always been a multi-purpose machine like this N123 in the snowy forest
The fourth- and fifth-generation Valtra N Series – A lot of power, but always smooth
The time soon came for a bigger update. The fourth-generation N Series, with a totally new cab and appearance, was introduced a year after the very successful launch of the fourth-generation T Series. Serial production started in 2016. The range had six models of similar size and appearance, this time, with four-cylinder engines. The introduction was synchronised with the EU Stage IV emission standard.
The small end models N104 –N124 with AGCO Power’s 44 engine were available with HiTech (5) transmissions only. Those were also the last models which could be equipped with HiTrol turbine clutch, a very respected option in the Nordics, but unknown in countries like Spain and France. When it was time to adopt the Stage V emission standard, the more compact fifth-generation G Series took over in this horsepower class. So, when the production of the smaller N Series’ models ended in 2020, it was also time to say goodbye to HiTrol with its over 30-year story.
The three bigger models, N134 – N174, also had a new additional feature combination: Active model (LS hydraulics but with mechanical levers), which became popular. These models with AGCO Power 49 engines have received several updates since launch. In 2019, the emissions class was changed, model by model, to Stage V, and hydraulic front axle suspension was changed (“back”) to the pneumatic, Aires suspension.
The fourth-generation N Series was also available with pivoting front linkage
Valtra N Series fourth-generation from 2015
Valtra fifth-generation N Series.
Finally, in 2021, the N Series “generation” evolved from “fourth” to “fifth” with a major cab inside update. In the same step, the software was made EU RMI regulation compatible. The change was made visible from outside by the new standard daytime driving lights. For years now, the biggest model has been the most popular and 42% of the fifth-generation N Series are sold with Direct CVT, slightly more than the next in popularity, the Active models. During these 20 years, the most sold model has been the N101 with 6400 units, but the N175 is already coming closer! We can state that the Valtra N Series is now stronger and more stepless than ever!
This year at Agritechnica, there will be a Valtra N175 Direct on display featuring Valtra Unlimited customisation. To visit Valtra at Agritechnica and receive your free gift, pre-register here: Ca’t get to Agritechnica? Ask your local Valtra dealer for a demonstration of the fifth-generation N Series.
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