Exclusive Test Drive: Valtra T230 CVT Tractor

The T Series CVT brings two really relevant differences to the tractor market: the CVT transmission and the front hydraulic lift make these tractors complete options for producers looking to combine strength and versatility.

For this edition of Cultivar Máquinas, which runs at the end of the year and beginning of 2018, we present the field test of the Valtra brand tractor, model T230 CVT. To demonstrate its operation and see it working in the field, we went to a production area belonging to Central Energética Moreno Açúcar e Álcool Ltda, on Rodovia SP-253, km 160, municipality of Luiz Antônio, located in the Metropolitan Region of Ribeirão Preto, in the state of Sao Paulo.

The T CVT Series, which replaces Valtra's traditional BT Series, is made up of four models, two that use a 6.600cm³ AGCO Power engine, with 195hp (T195 CVT) and 210hp (T210 CVT), respectively, and two models that use 7.400cm³ engine, which provides maximum engine power of 230hp (T230 CVT) and 250hp (T250 CVT), all with six cylinders and electronic injection. These tractors are manufactured in Mogi das Cruzes, in the state of São Paulo, and were launched on the Brazilian market at the last Agrishow, in May 2017, in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo.

Although Valtra belongs to the AGCO Group, which has other brands in Brazil, the T Series CVT is exclusive, as is the CVT transmission, which was brought from Europe, following the acquisition of the German brand Fendt by AGCO. AGCO Group brands are free to compete in Brazil, but there is a willingness to differentiate Valtra from others, offering high-technology products, enshrining the tradition of Valtra, of Finnish origin, which since its inception has worked with highly evolved products. The intention is to give versatility to the tractor, reducing its limitations as much as possible and therefore achieving differentiation from other products offered by the group. There is currently an understanding that the products offered by AGCO group brands cannot be identical, segmenting them by technology offering and market direction.
The test tractor was the T series, CVT with 230 hp of maximum engine power. In the model designation, the T stands for the series, the number that follows is the engine power, expressed in hp, and the CVT, which accompanies the tractor's nomenclature, refers to the continuously variable transmission used exclusively in the series.
As strong points of this tractor, we highlight the three-point hitch with front PTO and the active front suspension. The front hitch is the first time we've tested it. These were important differences that we want to inform our readers about, explaining their details.

MOTOR
The model tested for this edition is equipped with a six-cylinder, turbocharged, 24-valve engine, with a total volume of 7.400cm3, AGCO Power, with pollutant emissions control that meets the MAR-1 regulation. Through an iEGR system, which provides gas recirculation, it controls emissions, not requiring urea-based additives.
The fuel injection is electronic, common rail type, which uses a SisuTronic injection module and provides, in addition to lower pollutant emissions, the possibility of working with Diesel S10 and S500, without operating problems and compromising the engine's durability. Maximum power is 230hp and maximum torque is 1.009Nm at 1.500rpm.
In front of the engine, a series of radiators exchange heat from the engine, transmission, hydraulic fluids and air conditioning. The positioning of the double air filter, right in front and well exposed, makes cleaning easier.

STREAMING
In general, the transmission of engine power to other organs begins with the clutch, which has the function of connecting the engine with other axles and shafts. However, on this model the clutch pedal is only used to start the engine, as a safety device. 
The transmission used in this model is of the continuously variable type (CVT), which provides an infinite number of speeds or gears, removing the traditional scaling of speeds and composition of gear groups, which sometimes prevents the use of optimal speeds. Another advantage is the ability to fully integrate the engine with the transmission, managing to optimize the entire set and prioritizing the operating parameters.  
This transmission, which was incorporated from the Fendt brand, mixes a mechanical part and a fully hydraulic part with hydraulic motors, which, when changing position, vary the travel speeds steplessly, uniting a mechanical phase with a fully hydraulic one. 
The CVT transmission, used by AGCO in the Valtra brand, is considered fault-proof and can withstand operating errors without damaging the tractor, providing corrections for unforeseen actions. An example of this is the possibility of putting the tractor in motion even with the implement in depth. As an example, we tested stopping the tractor without suspending the scarifier and then starting the tractor in motion. It makes the exit gradual and solves the problem, without letting the engine die, as would happen in other cases.

Although there is provision for total automation of the operation, it is possible for the operator to choose a completely conventional mode. To achieve this, the manufacturer has four operating modes: manual, field, transport and pedal. During the test, although we tested other modes, we used the automatic mode most of the time, as it is the one that best uses the integration resources, making the most of the tractor's technology. By choosing this mode, the tractor manages the integration of the engine with the transmission, establishing the highest speed that combines with the best fuel economy, using the feature of changing the engine rotation, taking into account the load being used in the drawbar. Therefore, we worked with lever mode using multifunction control, where it was possible to combine all functions into a single command. The Power Control DTM system that electronically manages the engine, integrating it with the transmission, can be enabled or not.
Working in automatic mode, the tractor moves until it reaches the desired speed for operation and, after this, switch C1 is activated, which must be configured for the operating speed you wish to use. When performing a maneuver, press switch C2, where the speed you wish to use for the maneuver has been established, generally lower. After aligning the tractor on the path you wish to follow, switch C1 is activated again, restoring the ideal working speed. By combining this automation with autopilot operation, the operator has more time to dedicate to increasing the efficiency of the operation, in addition to providing greater comfort.
The difference between this model, as we mentioned, is the availability of a hydraulic system and PTO at the front of the tractor. The default speed is 1.000rpm on the front PTO, which is independent. It is driven directly by the tractor engine crankshaft, through an electro-hydraulic package and a transfer case. The carcass comes ready-made from the European unit that supplies it, and is easily installed on the front axle table, in the place where the ballast weight support is conventionally installed. 
The target market for the front PTO is quite broad, however, at the moment the sugarcane industry is envisaged, with its various usage options, especially those that need to use any crusher that uses 1.000rpm rotation, or livestock farming, with alternatives already available. known, mainly one that uses forage cutting operations, in addition to cotton cultivation, also with demands raised by the manufacturer. 
Although this tractor has a large market in sugarcane production, its use can be expanded to other crops, placing it in demand in areas with annual crops that can use the three-point hydraulic system at the front, carrying out simultaneous operations with a just tractor. From this perspective, even crop areas that use direct planting of soybeans and corn may be of interest, as several sequences of operations could be combined, such as spraying and seeding, crushing waste and spraying, among other alternatives.
Remote control valves (VCRs) are installed next to the front structure, one as standard, and one more can be installed on the opposite side of the front system housing.
The Power Control DTM system, exclusive to this series, allows the working speed to be adjusted in an integrated manner to maintain speed. It is possible to configure the DTM system to prioritize the parameters that the operator considers to be most important for a given fieldwork. The so-called triggers can be: rev counter, TDP, rear hydraulic, VCR (any), TDP + hydraulic, TDP + VCR, hydraulic + VCR, that is, these are the parameters that are informed to the system as determining the correction, to provide greater efficiency. 
In this transmission there is no need to mount a super reducer, as with the continuously variable transmission a minimum speed of 30 meters/hour can be established. On the other hand, it is possible to travel at speeds of up to 40km/h for transport and commuting. 
As is usual in this power class, there is a hydraulic reverser placed on the steering column, which allows the tractor to move forward and backward with a simple movement of a lever, with the neutral position located in the middle. For safe operation, the manufacturer placed a device that limits the maximum speed for reverse gear.
The rear Power Take-Off (TDP) offers four options, 1.000rpm conventional and economical (1.000E) and 540rpm conventional and economical (540E). It is possible to configure the PTO to be used automatically, when the equipment is coupled simultaneously to the TDP and the three-point hydraulic system. When this way is configured, the tractor automatically disengages the PTO during maneuvers, when the equipment is lifted by the hydraulic system. 
Even with the technology that is available, mechanical precautions remain, so that the differential lock is automatic, as is the connection and disconnection of the front-wheel drive axle. Simply turn the steering wheel and the lock disarms, just as front-wheel drive disarms when the speed exceeds 20km/h.

FRONT AXLE
The three-point hydraulic system is installed on the same support where we have the front PTO, with quick coupling. This system has all the characteristics of the one used in the rear, with a lifting capacity of 4.000kg.

Although there are brands that provide three-point hydraulic systems at the front and do not mount active suspensions on the front axle, this combination is essential, as balance compensation is necessary, which is completed by this combination. There are several indications of the occurrence of power hop when working without suspension in this engine power range, with a distribution close to or just above 40% of the total weight over the front axle, in dynamic conditions. The power hop phenomenon is an oscillatory movement, known as tractor gallop, which arises, among other factors, from improperly placed ballast.
For operations in which the front implement is not used, the manufacturer offers a front weight of 850kg, attached to the system. Considering the possibility of coupling an implement at the front and using the power in hydraulic and mechanical form, through the hydraulic system and the PTO, it can be deduced that just for this coupling we have almost another tractor with medium power doing this work. It's almost like combining two tractors into one, with two implements activated at the same time, but with considerable savings and use of power. Furthermore, we have to consider that the CVT transmission system and the integration with the engine will be responsible for improving the engine parameters and travel speed.
Reinforcing the novelty of the automatic active front suspension system placement, it was noted in the test that there is the possibility of the tractor lowering the front part until close to the ground, allowing the coupling of the hydraulic system arms to adjust to any type of implement, no matter how low your hitch points are. This front suspension absorbs oscillations occurring on the tractor's front axle, promoting greater adhesion of the wheelsets to the ground, increasing traction and comfort.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
The hydraulic system, with a flow rate of 189 liters per minute and a maximum pressure of 200kgf/cm2, uses a variable flow hydraulic pump. The three-point hydraulic system is Category III, with quick coupling for the lower arms, which facilitates the coupling of large and heavy implements by just one person. The version we tested can be equipped with a three-point hydraulic system at the front as an option. 
The coupling of implements in the three-point hydraulic system makes it possible to use a slip balance control device and is prepared to reach a maximum lifting capacity of up to 9.600kg on the rear elevator. To drive implements that use hydraulic pistons such as harrows, seeders and subsoilers, the T230 CVT model offers as standard equipment a set of four electronic VCR valves. The pumping system is closed center, with flow and pressure control. The valves can be activated in two ways, by the joystick, pushing forward and backward, or by two activation switches placed on the side console.

ERGONOMICS
The arrival of imported tractors from the 1990s onwards progressively allowed customers of Brazilian brands access to machines with advanced technology. There are several highlights in this regard. Ergonomics and safety items became common and adopted by almost all national manufacturers after the Regulatory Standards of the Ministry of Labor and Employment came into force. Some manufacturers not only began to meet these regulations, but also exceeded expectations by bringing cutting-edge technology from their countries of origin.

An interesting item found in this model is the possibility of controlling the steering wheel steering, so that the relationship between the rotation of the steering wheel and the change in wheel position and, consequently, the turning radius can be changed. This functionality can be interesting when maneuvering at the end of the journey. The steering wheel has depth and position adjustment and can be hidden for better operator access to the workstation.
To the right of the operator we have a console called Armrest, where the manufacturer has positioned almost all of the controls. Among these are located the multifunction control and a joystick, which is optional, but very useful for bringing together different controls, especially VCR valves, which are increasingly used. Although several commands are present in this console, most of those used in operation can be grouped together in the multifunction command.
The seat is of high quality, with pneumatic suspension and extensive adjustments, and can be automatically adjusted to the operator. Furthermore, the seat features an internal ventilation system in its standard version. This system serves to heat or cool the fabric, depending on the ambient temperature. A passenger bench was placed on the left side of the seat.
The cabin, which is the same as that used in the Hightech A Series, is very glassy and spacious, and as a result has excellent forward and backward visibility. There is a rear window that also provides great visibility to the implement coupled to the rear hydraulic system. This cabin, of high standard, with mechanical spring suspension and shock absorbers on the rear pillars. The air conditioner, fully digital, is comparable to the best equipment offered on the market.
Entry and exit to the operator's station are via two doors, which are accessed by a ladder with four steps, non-slip and of sufficient size. 
To facilitate operation and maintenance, the front tilting hood is wide and easy to open and close. The hydraulic system and PTO activation controls can be operated from outside the cabin, if the switches located on the fenders on both sides are configured in this way.

TECHNOLOGY
For those who use tractors and are interested in learning about them, this model is a good example of high technology. At the same time as there is enormous mechanical potential, represented by a strong engine and a highly evolved transmission, including the integration of both, electronics is an important item to mention.
For the comfort and facilitation of the operator's work, the possibilities of bringing together more than 15 functions in a single control (multifunctional) is highly interesting.
The two monitor panels, placed to the operator's right on top of the console, can be used to control the operation and even the tractor's functionalities. The C1000 panel, placed at the bottom, serves various control and diagnostic functions of the tractor, but also some operations of the tractor-implement relationship can also be monitored. The 3000” AG10 top panel features GPS functions and manages implements with Isobus technology. 
The function of instantly checking the tractor's slippage is processed by measuring the rotation of the driving wheels and the travel speed evaluated with a radar, positioned in the lower part of the transmission housing.
Following global guidance, communication using the Isobus standard is complete on this tractor, and there can be full communication with all equipment that uses this standard. The Isobus socket is located at the rear of the tractor, above the third point of the hydraulic system, together with an eight-pin electrical socket, which can be used to supply 12 volt electricity.
The tractor we tested was equipped with Autoguide 3000 autopilot, as is the trend in most equipment that will be sold to the Brazilian market.
Next to the remote control valves (VCRs), both at the rear and at the front, the manufacturer placed oil recovery tanks, in order to prevent this fluid from entering the environment, as required by Brazilian standards.
Between the rear and the cabin there is a triangle-shaped symbol for a slow motion vehicle (SMV), important for alerting drivers who come across a tractor traveling on the highway.

TIRES
This tractor uses a flanged rear axle, which means that the wheel width on the rear axle can be easily and variedly modified. The tractor we tested was equipped with Trelleborg model TM800 radial rear tires, measuring 710/70R38, and Trelleborg model TM800 radial front tires, measuring 600/65R28. As a form of ballast, at the rear there were eight 80kg discs on each wheel on the outside of the center of the wheel. A crusher was attached to the front. The internal tire pressure was 16 PSI on both axles. The total mass of this tractor is 12.551kg, with ballast.

TEST LOCATION
As we mentioned at the beginning of the text, our field test was in a sugarcane post-harvest condition with an abundance of straw. The area selected for the test had been harvested less than a week ago and was covered in sugarcane residue, so we chose an activity frequently used in the region, which is scarification. The plant's technicians estimated a quantity of straw of approximately 40 tons per hectare.
In general, sugarcane producers, after five or six cuts on average, look for options to prepare the soil to renew the sugarcane field, using straw, opting for baling for energy purposes or incorporation using a harrow or plow after chopping the straw. It is important to remember that sugarcane soil preparation operations are high-cost and have a major impact on production values.

In the region, it is common for producers to use harrowing followed by scarification and light harrowing, or to combine crushing, followed by decompaction and then preparation with a plow or harrow.
To scarify this area and cause superficial decompaction, we use a set of two implements. At the front, connected to the three-point hydraulic system and the PTO, we attached a Herder shredder, model FM 310, operating at 1.000rpm, consisting of a chopper rotor and a support roller. At the rear we used a Tatu Marchesan scarifier, model AST/MATIC 500 with seven rods, adjusted to work at an average depth of 40cm. 
The engine speed chosen was 1.950rpm, where maximum power is found and a good torque reserve is obtained. We varied the speed between 5km/h and 8km/h, where both implements managed to do a good job, in the conditions we had, with plenty of moisture from both the straw and the soil surface. 
We were accompanied in the test by engineer Alberto Toledo, coordinator of Product Marketing – Valtra Tractors, and by agricultural technician Juliano Roque Origuela, who is a specialist in Product Marketing – Valtra Tractors, who helped us learn about the functioning and operation of the tractor and They were with us during the time we operated the tractor, showing all the model's features.

(Check out the full version of the test below)