Valtra's new BH HiTech Line features semi-Powershift transmission in its five models and innovations such as three different driving modes, with electronic accelerator, pedal function transfer system and Ecomode
Back to testing agricultural tractors, we had the opportunity to get to know and work in the field with the Valtra BH 184 HiTech tractor, a recent launch from the Finnish brand. This model, which is part of a line called HiTech, is accompanied by the BH 144, BH 154 and BH 184, with four cylinders, and BH 174 and BH 194, with six cylinders. All of these models carry the HiTech nomenclature. The difference is established because there is another line that is also called BH, but conventional, with the models BH 144, BH 154, BH 174, BH 194, BH 214 and BH 224. All models in the two lines are identical in dimensions, the other than the distance between the axles, which in the conventional line is 10cm less, depending on the transmission that is mounted. The basic difference between the lines is the Heavy Duty constant gear transmission, in the conventional version, and the semi Powershift, in the HiTech. These two lines represent an evolution of brand and models, which constitutes generation 4 of the BH line.
The BH 184 HiTech model that we tested is a launch of the last Expointer 2018 and will be entirely manufactured in the country. The company expects that the greatest concentration of customers will be among sugarcane producers, mainly mills, where the BH line is quite respected for its resistance, cost/benefit ratio and important attributes in the sector, but producers with larger areas and highly demanding agricultural operations can also be potential customers. The company has been receiving information from plant records that this line has the lowest fuel consumption ratio per ton transported in the transshipment operation. This information is very important for the brand's positioning in the market and in the creation of its model portfolio. In this sense, the development of new tractor projects using plant activities is a great alternative, as, in general, companies practice very detailed and precise management controls over mechanized activities. It is also attractive for manufacturing companies to make development agreements with sugarcane mills, due to the fact that results are obtained in a short time, as while in several situations in grain production the average use of a tractor reaches around 800 to a thousand hours per year, it is very common that in the sugarcane production activity it reaches four thousand hours/year, with averages of 3.400 to 3.600 hours per year.
The big difference that motivated us to field test this tractor is the HiTech3 (HiTech Three) power transmission, semi Powershift, of which we will explain the characteristics and functioning in operation. All tractors in the BH line that carry the term HiTech in their designation are equipped with this type of transmission.
Applied across the entire BH line, from the front part (grille) to the fenders, the new design, awarded in models produced by Valtra for the world market, which received prominence during the Hannover Fair, with the Tractor of the Year seal in 2016.
The AGCO Power engine that equips this tractor is a recent design and was configured to meet all the requirements of the Air Pollution Control Program by Motor Vehicles for Agricultural and Road Machinery, of the National Council for the Environment (Conama), which since January of 2017, in its Phase 1 (Proconve MAR-1), requires that agricultural machinery engines emit exhaust gases within restricted limits.
The company's option was for the internal gas recirculation system (iEGR), which does not require the addition of liquid catalyst (urea). To provide this mandatory requirement, all engines are equipped with a turbocharger and intake air cooling system (intercooler).
This engine, AGCO Power, four-cylinder model 49CW3, has a displacement volume of 4.900cm3, reaching a maximum power of 132kW (180hp), according to the SAE J-1995 Standard, with a Common Rail electronic injection system. With all the demand that this engine meets, there is a set of six radiators for cooling fluids, two for the hydraulic oil, one for the fuel oil, one for the water, one for the air conditioning and one for the intercooler, positioned at the front of the engine.
In relation to the previously used four-cylinder engines, the design with the new generation of engines provided for an increase in stroke and maintenance of the cylinder diameter, thus providing more torque, especially at medium speeds.
As is traditional for Valtra, the structural tank remained, however, with hydraulic oil instead of diesel, which is now stored in a plastic material tank on the left side, below the cabin, with a capacity of 200 liters. for models BH144 HiTech, BH154 HiTech and BH174 HiTech. The BH184 HiTech and BH194 HiTech models have two fuel tanks with a capacity of 400 liters. Even though it is a four-cylinder tractor, the fuel filtration is the same as that used in six-cylinder tractors.
For those who are observant, you will notice the presence of a spacer placed in front of the engine, which fills the space resulting from the change from six to four cylinders, as the tractors have the same wheelbase.
The transmission system starts with an oil-bathed multi-disc clutch package, which replaces the conventional dry-disc clutch. In these tractor models with hydraulic aid transmission, the clutch is less and less required during use, but with the large torques developed by the engine and the demanding operations that a tractor in this power range is subjected to, it is necessary that it is each increasingly robust and smooth-acting.
As we will tell you in the test, it can be activated by a conventional pedal or by a switch placed on the lever. This way, you can change gears on the move. However, switching between groups must be done with the tractor stopped. When activating the power shuttle reverser there will be no need to use the clutch.
The HiTech3 transmission of this tractor is semi Powershift, with the possibility of 18 forward and 18 reverse gears, due to the presence of a reverser placed on the left side of the steering column. Any gear can be used with this reverser, however, this line brings a great new feature. The reverser is programmed to only reverse the tractor's direction of travel after satisfying two parameters, operator action and travel speed.
By activating the reversal lever, the operator satisfies the first requirement, but the system will only reverse direction once the second requirement is met, that is, at speeds lower than 2km/h. The operator activates the reverser and the tractor waits to reach the appropriate programmed speed, presenting this information on a small panel located on the right front column of the cab. The reversing signal is flashing and only takes effect when it reaches the appropriate speed.
The manufacturer believes that this device will solve a common problem in all tractors that use disc packages, increasing the durability of the transmission, as it prevents the packages from burning. This Powershift system provides three travel speeds, which are combined with the mechanics.
As the transmission is semi Powershift, the mechanical part is activated by two levers, one that activates groups L, H and M, and another that activates the gears, which are two, A and B. Due to the inverter there is no longer the reverse position, on the gear lever. In this way, a combination of three groups, two gears, with the three of the Powershift system is provided, providing 18 speeds in total.
To transmit power and torque, the project featured a ZF front axle, with a built-in wheel position sensor, very useful when using an autopilot system. The Power Take-Off (TDP) is independent, with electro-hydraulic drive, with speeds of 540rpm and 1.000rpm, which are achieved with engine speeds of 1.874rpm and 2.000rpm, respectively.
Analyzing this model in ergonomic terms, we find as its central item a spacious cabin, called HiComfort by the manufacturer. This project, which comes from Finland and is manufactured in Brazil, provides for the operator to remain there for long working hours, as occurs in several agricultural activities in our country. We noticed a great space for the operator, both in the front and on the sides, and with emphasis on in finishing and arrangement of places for objects, on both sides.
During the test, it caught our attention and we commented to the technicians who accompanied us that the noise that reaches the operator is quite low, due to the quality of the door and window seals, and perhaps the construction and damping material itself. We also noticed little vibration affecting the operator's station and, due to the use of a pneumatically cushioned seat, we felt very comfortable when operating.
The seat, by the way, has a presence sensor, making it impossible to operate with the operator standing and, therefore, without wearing a seat belt. On the left side, a seat for a passenger.
Access to the cabin is made possible via a four-step ladder, with emphasis on what we immediately observed, which is the height of the first step, low, which provides great comfort when starting the climb to the operator's station. At the end of the stairs there is a wide door on the left side, with no entrance or exit on the right side. However, the rear window serves as an emergency exit, as provided for in safety regulations. At the rear of the cabin there is a clean water reservoir for the operator's hygiene.
Inside the cabin, on the right, there is a control panel, with the transmission levers at the front, then those for the remote control system, the controls for the hydraulic system and the PTO. On a small panel, the manufacturer positioned the electronic throttle switch. Particularly at this point, we find something new and interesting, which is a rotary switch for the accelerator and another to press that remembers the resumption rotation, after the maneuver or on any other occasion in which we reduce the rotation and want to return to a normal one.
The middle column of the cabin on the right also has controls and the autopilot system monitor (Auto-GuideTM 3000) and other precision agriculture items are positioned there, with decimeter and centimeter levels of precision.
On the steering wheel column, which has depth position adjustment and proximity to the operator, we also have a small panel with tractor operation functions. It is noted that the brand took care to establish standard colors in a function-based assignment convention, with orange for engine and transmission and yellow for TDP, for example.
For maintenance tasks, the model features a retractable hood with good opening and traditional removable side panels. When opening the hood, in front of the radiators a large air filter stands out, with easy access for cleaning.
The hydraulic system of the tractor we tested had an optional item, which is a variable flow piston pump (HiFlow II), which provides a flow of 170 liters per minute for 6-cylinder engines and 162 liters per minute for 4-cylinder engines. cylinders. In the standard system, the flow rate is 67 liters per minute for 6-cylinder engines and 64 liters per minute for 4-cylinder engines.
The pump and valves are all external and easily accessible for maintenance. With the central and structural oil deposit, this fluid is exclusive to the hydraulic system, which, in a way, is a great advantage, especially in agricultural systems such as plants where there is a wide variety of equipment that is interchanged between tractors.
The user can add a volume of hydraulic oil compatible with use. The manufacturer's project foresees that the oil is returned without flow restriction through filtration, going directly to the tank.
The remote control system consists of three VCRs in the standard version, one with normal return and two with the kickout system, but there can be four VCR valves as an option.
The three-point hydraulic system has lower arms with quick coupling option and can lift up to a maximum capacity of 8.000kg. In the two lower arms of the system there are load cells to measure the effort and adapt the position for uniform operation. This system is called HiLift and is intended to reduce wheel slippage and improve operation efficiency.
This model features a semi-chassis, with two side rails that give structure to the tractor. However, due to their position, they give full freedom of movement to the front wheels, as care was taken in the design to reduce the turning radius, improving maneuvering.
One of the characteristics of this model is that, with the adaptations of the tractor to the work, it maintains a mass-power ratio of 55kg/hp, distributing the approximate 10.000kg in 40% over the front axle and 60% over the rear. However, there is also the possibility, using the wheel discs and front weights, to reach 45% on the front axle, recommended especially when using large equipment in the three-point hydraulic system.
At the customer's option, the manufacturer can mount the tractor with radial tires, although the standard version features diagonal tires. The tractor we tested had radial tires of specification 540/65-R30 on the front and 650/65-R38 on the rear, with 15 pounds per square inch of internal pressure and 75% of the volume filled with water, as hydraulic ballast, in addition of the added weight in the metallic form.
For the field test, teams from Revista Cultivar Máquinas and Valtra traveled to a sugarcane production area at Central Energética Moreno Açúcar e Álcool Ltda, on Rodovia SP-253, in the municipality of Luiz Antônio, Region Metropolitan of Ribeirão Preto, in the state of São Paulo.
There we found an area for sugarcane renewal, with conventional preparation on dry soil, as this year, due to climatic factors, preparation is significantly delayed. For secondary preparation, we used a leveling harrow from the Civemasa brand, model GDFH with 72 discs, with 24 inches and 220mm spacing between discs. We decided to opt for the operational test to visualize the most interesting and innovative features of the model, which were the three driving modes, the electronic accelerator, the pedal function transfer system and the Ecomode.
As for the three operating modes, manual, Auto 1 and Auto 2, we tested each one individually. In manual mode, the operator is responsible for changing gears and accelerating the tractor, in a conventional manner. Although it is the simplest, it is the one that leaves the entire decision to the operator and may, at times, not be the most efficient.
The Auto 1 system is not programmable, as it comes with parameters pre-adjusted by the manufacturer and changes gears in the Powershift part, according to the factory programming, increasing and decreasing the gear according to the engine torque, searching for the most appropriate speed and rotation range for the task.
In Auto 2 mode, the rotation and gear adjustment is made based on criteria programmed by the user, who, on the small panel placed on the front column and with two switches, will program the lower and upper limits of engine rotation in which the gears are adjusted. must be exchanged. When these limits are reached in the field, the system will automatically downshift or upshift in the Powershift system.
We tested the three systems and it can actually be concluded that the Auto 2 system is the most interesting, as long as the limits are well defined by the operator. We experimented with expanding and narrowing this delimitation range and the system works perfectly within what was predicted. According to the unevenness of the terrain, if the limits are narrow, it changes gear very frequently. If the limits are far from each other, the system only changes gears when high demands occur. With a good configuration, the system is perfect for what it proposes.
The electronic accelerator also allows the configured working speed to be fixed, and only with the touch of a switch can it be resumed. In this system called Eco Power, which is standard for this model, there is a memory for the chosen rotation. In our test we found that this helps with resumption, not delaying acceleration and, therefore, improving the quality of work.
We made several configurations and the tractor reacted well, even with the implement activated and the harrow locked. The engine starts at a speed close to maximum torque and then compensates by seeking the pre-set speed. Even a careless operator or one with little field experience will have restarted work with this system, without the danger of the tractor's engine suddenly turning off.
We also tested the Auto N system, which transfers the function of the clutch pedal to the brake pedal. With a simple operation of the brake pedal, it turns into a clutch pedal, stopping the tractor's movement, without the engine turning off. This function is very useful when transferring cane from the harvester to the transport trailer and other heavy use operations.
During the moments when we tested the machine, performing maneuvers and harrowing sections, we verified that the various important functions are presented on the front panel of the cabin column, without the operator having to turn his head to the side.
We also took advantage of the time and availability of the machine in the field to test the clutch system activated by a button on the gear lever. It is important to note that only the gears and not the shift between groups can be changed with this device.
Finally, we tested a system that was the big news for us, which is the Ecomode function. In this mode, pressing a button causes the electronic system to assume another injection configuration map, entering economy mode, reducing engine power to 166 hp on all tractors in this line, prioritizing the reduction of fuel consumption.
After having worked for several hours with this tractor, we chose the average speed (M) as the ideal speed for the work, in groups, and gear B, at speed, changing the three gears of the Powershift system, which are very easy to engage using two switches. up and down.
We were accompanied in the test by product specialist Flávio Pinotti Pastori and Product coordinator Alberto Toledo – Tratores da Valtra, who accompanied us from the phase and knowledge of the product until the hours we were operating the tractor, demonstrating full knowledge of the product and patience to explain all the functions.
By José Fernando Schlosser, Nema - CCR
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