A positive Fieldays, says Langford
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the 2025 Fieldays has been one of more positive he has attended.
Manufactured at its Suolahti factory in Finland, Valtra has released the sixth-generation S-Series tractor range for Australia and New Zealand.
The Series gains a new engine, transmission and cabin from the previous version, with six models from 280–416hp, each powered by a new Agco- Power 8.4 litre engine which, says Mark Hamilton- Manns, product marketing manager for Valtra in ANZ, meets Stage V regulations without the need for EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation).
“Using SCR (AdBlue) and avoiding EGR improves the engine’s combustion efficiency and means the engine runs cooler,” he says.
A single turbocharger layout and long-stroke engine develops maximum power at 1,850rpm, with peak torque produced at only 1,500rpm. The flagship S416 produces up to 1,750Nm of torque – 9% more than its predecessor, while fuel consumption is reduced by 3%. In operation, the S416 always has maximum power and torque. Its siblings have between 20–30hp boost for specific operating conditions where PTO, implement or transport conditions require additional power.
The ML260 CVT transmission, with field and transport operating ranges, uses an upgraded hydraulic pump and heavy-duty PTO drive train, while the rear axle diameter is increased to 125mm to handle the higher torque output and effective power delivery to the ground.
“Combining the new engine with the updated transmission increases efficiency, and fuel consumption is reduced, compared to its predecessor,” says Mark Hamilton-Manns.
The S6-Series shares a similar cab frame to the latest N, T and Q Series models, offering improved air distribution at various levels around the cab, with the option of TwinTrac, reverse drive controls, or the Skyview cab for greater vertical visibility.
Valtra Unlimited features will be available for all sixth generation S Series models, including the popular Central Lubrication System (CLS) and Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS). The latter is controlled via ISOBUS and displays actual tyre pressures on the SmartTouch screen.
The SmartTouch user interface is available with features including Smart- Turn automatic headland turning, offering Part Field Mode, U-Turn, Y-Turn and K-Turn turning patterns.
“Our SmartTouch user interface makes Valtra smart farming technology the easiest in the market. We are working on new technology features which will soon benefit our customers,” explains Mark.
The S6 wheelbase is 93mm longer than the recently released Q-Series tractors at 3,092mm, with weight distribution without ballast at 45% on the front axle and 55% to the rear, with a maximum gross operating weight of eighteen tonnes.
A rear linkage lift capacity of 12 tonnes is complemented by the optional front linkage with a maximum lift of 5.8 tonnes. Hydraulic oil requirements are met with the base Eco unit producing two hundred litres/min at just 1,650rpm, while the option of twin 200 l/min pumps is available, with six ESCVs including one with flow rates up to 170 litres/min.
The S6 has separate transmission and hydraulic oils, importantly eliminating oil contamination from shared implements damaging the transmission, with reduced service costs due to the long oil change intervals.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the 2025 Fieldays has been one of more positive he has attended.
A fundraiser dinner held in conjunction with Fieldays raised over $300,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
Recent results from its 2024 financial year has seen global farm machinery player John Deere record a significant slump in the profits of its agricultural division over the last year, with a 64% drop in the last quarter of the year, compared to that of 2023.
An agribusiness, helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sector, has picked up a top innovation award at Fieldays.
The Fieldays Innovation Award winners have been announced with Auckland’s Ruminant Biotech taking out the Prototype Award.
Following twelve years of litigation, a conclusion could be in sight of Waikato’s controversial Plan Change 1 (PC1).
OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…
OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…