2026 marks a historic milestone for Valtra – 75 years of pioneering tractor technology worldwide. From humble beginnings in post-war Finland to becoming a global leader in smart farming solutions, Valtra’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep connection to farmers. And just last year, in 2025, Valtra celebrated 65 years in Brazil, underlining its strong roots in South America.
The Early Years: From Valmet to Valtra
Although Valtra can trace its heritage all the way back to 1913, when its predecessor, Munktells, produced their first tractor, Valtra’s journey truly begins in 1951, when the first Valmet tractor rolled off the production line in Jyväskylä, Finland. Designed for Nordic conditions, these early machines were compact, robust, and reliable—qualities that remain at the heart of Valtra today. Farmers needed equipment that could withstand harsh winters and rugged terrain, and Valmet delivered exactly that.
Among the first models was the Valmet 15, a small but sturdy 15 hp tractor with three forward gears and one reverse. It proved to be ideal for post-war farms. Soon after came the Valmet 20, offering 19.5 hp and 22 hp respectively for the kerosene and petrol engine variants. The Valmet 20 became a trusted workhorse for small farms across Finland. These tractors were more than machines—they were lifelines for farmers rebuilding their livelihoods in a challenging era.
By the 1960s, Valmet tractors were gaining popularity across Europe. Production capacity at the former rifle factory in Jyväskylä was exceeded by the late 1960s, and so production moved to the current location in Suolahti in 1969. Even that capacity was soon exceeded, and so a further 0.6-hectare expansion was undertaken in 1975. Meanwhile, in 1960 (just 9 years after Valmet was established), production started in Brazil in Mogi das Cruzes, laying the foundation for Valtra’s enduring presence in South America.
65 Years of Serving Farmers in Brazil
The Valmet 360 ID was introduced in 1961 as the first tractor produced in Brazil by Valmet. It was designed to meet tropical farming conditions and marked the beginning of Valmet’s strong presence in Latin America.
Over the decades, Valtra continued to innovate for South American conditions. Features like robust cooling systems and heavy-duty transmissions were developed to handle extreme heat and heavy workloads. In the 1990s, Valtra do Brazil introduced high-horsepower tractors tailored for large-scale farming, cementing its reputation as a trusted partner for growers across the continent.
TwinTrac: Tractor Reverse Driving Made Easy
Valtra introduced reverse driving capability at the Elmia Agriculture trade fair in Sweden in 1986. Today’s TwinTrac system remains unmatched in the industry. It allows operators to rotate the seat 180 degrees and work efficiently in reverse, using a second steering wheel and pedals at the rear. Independent tests by TTS (Work Efficiency Institute of Finland) show 12% faster work and 11% fuel savings compared to conventional mowing. Ergonomic advantages are clear—less neck strain and improved posture. TwinTrac is ideal for forestry, mowing, snow removal, and municipal work.
Watch: TwinTrac: Timo Mattila (watch on YouTube)
Valtra Joins AGCO: A New Era of Global Strength
Valtra became part of the AGCO Corporation family in 2004, a turning point that brought significant benefits to customers worldwide. AGCO’s global resources enabled Valtra to accelerate innovation and develop its product range.
The first models launched after joining AGCO included the Valtra T Series, which was first presented in Hungary in 2002. The T Series quickly became a favourite among contractors and large-scale farmers. Known for its versatility and comfort, the T Series embodied Valtra’s commitment to combining power with precision. This era also saw the introduction of advanced transmission technology, including the introduction of the first S Series with CVT transmission in 2007, and improved cab ergonomics, setting new standards for operator comfort.
Valtra SmartTouch: A Revolution in Tractor Control
Introduced in 2017, the Valtra SmartTouch armrest changed the way operators interact with their tractors. With its intuitive 9-inch touchscreen, ergonomic design, and customisable profiles, SmartTouch makes complex tasks simple. Operators can manage everything—from tractor settings to ISOBUS implement control—on one screen, reducing stress and saving time.
Valtra Unlimited: Customisation Without Limits
Valtra has a long history of offering highly customisable solutions. In 1988, Valtra was the first tractor brand to offer a range of five cab colour options for customers to choose from. A decade and a half later, Valtra took things to another level. Launched in 2013, Valtra Unlimited allows customers to tailor tractors for specialised tasks in any sector. From custom paint to advanced hydraulics, Unlimited makes every tractor truly unique. Today, more than one in three Valtra tractors made in Suolahti is customised through Unlimited, proving that farmers value individuality and functionality.
Valtra Unlimited offers practical solutions such as extra lighting for night work, specialised toolboxes, and even municipal equipment like snow plough mounts with fully integrated controls. For contractors, this means one tractor can handle multiple jobs, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Read more: The easiest way to customise your tractor for any type of work
Making Farming Easier, Every Day
Every innovation Valtra introduces has one goal: to make life easier for farmers. SmartTouch simplifies complex operations, TwinTrac saves time and fuel while reducing operator fatigue, and Valtra Guide, Auto U-Pilot, and SmartTurn automate headland turns. In fact, a joint study by respected publications Koneviesti from Finland, Trekker from the Netherlands, Bedre Gårdsdrift from Norway, and TraktorTech from Denmark, Valtra Guide was found to be the best tractor autoguidance on the market thanks to it’s ease of use and functionality.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Smart Farming
Valtra has been committed to sustainability for a long time. For example, our Suolahti factory hasn’t sent any waste to landfill since 2016. The factory has also been run on electricity from 100% renewable sources since 2022. Valtra was also the first tractor manufacturer to use Neste MY Renewable Diesel TM for all our first fills.
Celebrating 75 Years of Valtra Tractors
To mark this milestone, Valtra has launched the special 75 Years web page, which collects customer stories and innovations over Valtra’s global history. To celebrate, at Agritechnica 2025, Valtra also introduced the special 75 Years packages available through Valtra Unlimited.
The Valtra 75 Years Basic Package is available for A105, A115, and all G, N, T, Q, and S Series models and includes a floor mat featuring the 75 Years logo, a window sticker with the anniversary branding, a seat cover with the 75 Years logo, and a small stainless-steel plate with the 75 Years logo. The Valtra 75 Years Premium Package is available for all SmartTouch models. As well as including everything in the basic package, the Premium Package also includes painted rims in black metallic finish, tinted windows, a corner table, new driver and passenger seat covers, and stainless steel plates for the exhaust pipe and air intake with 75 Years logo.
At Valtra, we know our customers. This year, to mark our special celebration, we’re looking for customer stories from across our 75-year history. Perhaps your farm has been using Valtra or Valmet tractors for many generations, or perhaps you are a new convert to the Valtra family. Either way, we want to hear from you! Send us your photos and videos (old and new), or share your story with us. We would love to hear from you! Reach out to us on any of our social media channels.
