Exclusive Test Drive for Valtra Series Q5 tractors and Momentum seeder

With a lot of technology, Valtra's Q5 Series arrives on the Brazilian market with three models from 265 hp to 305 hp and CVT transmission, together with the Momentum seeder

29.04.2024 | 10:16 (UTC -3)

For a long time we have suffered and complained about the technological lag of tractors produced in Brazil, in relation to those abroad, mainly in Western Europe. It was common to comment that our machines were years behind in terms of technology and ergonomics.

Thanks to the action of some manufacturers, including Valtra, today we can have available to Brazilian producers a machine exactly the same as the one currently sold in the most demanding markets, with all the technological resources in operation and with comfort and safety.

In this field test, we were able to see one of Valtra's new Q5 Series tractors, which confirms this entire argument, as the same tractors produced in Finland are offered in Brazil, with all the configurations that are already prominent in that demanding market. This series, launched in 2022 in Europe, is being brought to our country with three models: the Q265 with 265 hp, the Q285 with 285 hp and the Q305 with 305 hp, which we tested in the north of the state of São Paulo, to present to readers of Cultivar Máquinas.

These three models fill a gap in Valtra's portfolio, as models up to 250 hp are currently offered, from the T Series CVT with the Valtra T250 CVT, then there is a gap in power supply, between 250 hp and 325 hp, as the series The brand's greatest power, currently offered in our country, is the S4 Series, with two models, the S324 and the S374. This power range covered by the Q5 Series is not very competitive, and the Q265 will find two models from other brands competing. The Q285 will have greater competition, with four models offered with similar engine power, and the Q305 has no direct competitor, although a model with a 311 hp engine from another manufacturer could be considered.

As Valtra worldwide completes its 70 years of activity, the Q5 Series is launched in Europe as a technological highlight, with five models ranging from 230 hp to 305 hp – Q225, Q245, Q265, Q285 and Q305. This series, which is one of the most qualified in Valtra's product line abroad, has already entered the market with a highlight, as it was awarded the “Farm Machine” 2023 distinction, which Traction magazine organizes and awards the title to during the Fair Hannover, Agritechnica, in even-numbered years and at the International Agricultural Machinery Show, Sima, in Paris, in odd-numbered years. The Q5 Series also received the “Red Dot Design” award, a German highlight for advanced equipment in Product design.

Three models of the series are being brought to Brazil, with the purpose of advancing in the competitive grain and sugarcane market, mainly offering the tractor set with the Momentum seeder, but also for grain production in general , with scarifiers and other soil preparation equipment, and in sugarcane, mainly for transshipment and soil preparation operations.

Beforehand, it is possible to visualize the main highlights of this series’ entry into the Brazilian market. The first of them is the expectation of reliability from a tractor, which uses the new generation of the already established 7.4-liter engine, from the same family as the T Series CVT, combined with the new CVT transmission, even more modern and intelligent, following the same concept. of the S4 Series. Another point to highlight are the items that are present on the tractor - as standard, especially regarding the precision agriculture of the satellite receiver - that best meet the customer's needs. All tractors come predisposed to receive all "smart farming" technology items, but the customer can choose which ones they want to purchase at the beginning, such as, for example, the precision of the autopilot or even the automatic headland maneuver. Even so, if he wishes to purchase it later, the tractor will already be prepared to receive the option. Configuration is free.

Other points that can highlight these Q5 Series models are the pneumatic suspension, the ergonomics of access and cabin and the onboard technology items, mainly the ability to perform maneuvers automatically.

For the field test we were supported by the dealer Mercadão, a store in São José do Rio Preto, and the area in which we worked was Fazenda Nossa Senhora de Lourdes, close to the municipality of Paulo de Faria, northern region of the state of São Paulo, almost on the border with Minas Gerai

Main ladder with aluminum steps, non-slip material and with all the safety items required, with emphasis on the inclination and height of the first step (left) and auxiliary ladder for maintenance, cleaning and changing fuses (right).
Main ladder with aluminum steps, non-slip material and with all the safety items required, with emphasis on the inclination and height of the first step (left) and auxiliary ladder for maintenance, cleaning and changing fuses (right).  

Motor

The engine that powers the Q5 Series is the latest generation 74 LFTN-D5 model, with six cylinders and a total volume of 7,4 liters. As a positive feature, which we were able to confirm in the test, this engine offers maximum power at a very low speed of 1.850 rpm, which reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. The zone where the highest torques appear ranges from 1.000 rpm to 1.500 rpm. As for maximum torque, very important for heavy operations, the engine provides 1.200 Nm in the Q265 and 1.280 Nm in the Q285 and Q305 models, always at 1.500 rpm. During the test, operating at approximately 1.400 rpm, we saw that the Momentum's 22 lines were too few for it, even when working with a machete-type fertilizer furrower. As is natural in this class and technological level, the Q5 Series engine uses a variable geometry turbocharger. Another point we highlighted is the fact that the engine is assembled with wet liners, which reduces the temperature concentration in the area, prolonging the engine's useful life. The reduction of emissions, to comply with international standards, occurs through post-treatment of gases, with urea, whose reservoir is next to the fuel tank.

Three models will be sold in Brazil: Q265 with 265 hp, Q285 with 285 hp and Q305 with 305 hp
Three models will be sold in Brazil: Q265 with 265 hp, Q285 with 285 hp and Q305 with 305 hp  

Transmission

Power and torque transmission in the Q5 Series is CVT, in all three models. Specified as ML260, the new generation of CVT transmission is even more modern and features intelligent electronic management and follows the same concept as the S4 Series transmission, with two hydraulic motors and a high-capacity pump. The series CVT has two work areas: A and B, one dedicated to lower speeds, with greater torque requirements, up to 28 km/h, and the second aimed at travel and transport operations, up to the speed limit of 40 km/h. For the reverse direction, using the inverter, the speed limit is 38 km/h.

During the test, we verified that there are different modes of using the transmission, which will be used by operators, according to the type of operation, level of training, skill and preference. In general, the modes are automatic and manual, and in the first, the engine speed is selected, preferably lower, in order to save fuel, the system will adjust the travel speed automatically. In manual mode, the operator assumes multifunctional control and will work with the advancement of vehicle and engine speed.

The power take-off (TDP) of these models has two standard speeds: the first of 540E (540 economic rpm), at 1.577 engine rpm, and the second of 1000 (1.000 rpm), at 1.882 engine rpm. There is also the option of 1000E (1.000 economy rpm), at 1.605 rpm. As a choice, the customer can also purchase the tractor with the front PTO, 1000 (1.000 rpm), at 1.900 rpm engine speed.

Cabin

In particular, our best assessment of the tested model was for the cabin, which we consider “top” in ergonomics. Several good impressions can be seen, from the beginning of the entrance to the cabin. A ladder positioned on the left side of the tractor, with aluminum steps, non-slip material and all required safety items, optimal inclination and excellent first step height. The lighting detail and reflective materials that make access to the stairs at night easier. On the right side, we find another ladder with four steps, placed in a vertical position, which is used for maintenance and cleaning, in addition to being the door to the relay and fuse compartment.

The cabin access door is huge, with measurements well above the ISO 4250 standard. In the lower part, where 270 mm is required, it is 340 mm, in the middle part, where 750 mm is expected, it is more than 1.000 mm and at the top, where the standard calls for a width of 670 mm, it is 870 mm. Therefore, plenty of space for easy entry and access to the driver's seat.

The Q5 Series cabin impresses with the level of comfort and technology it offers. The operator has a great experience when faced with a large glass area, measuring 6,2 m2, and a “premium” seat with various adjustments, heating and cooling.
   The Q5 Series cabin impresses with the level of comfort and technology it offers. The operator has a great experience when faced with a large glass area, measuring 6,2 m2, and a “premium” seat with various adjustments, heating and cooling.

One of the highlights of the new cab is that it has a pneumatic vibration damping system, called “AutoComfort”, and also has the effect of the suspension placed on the front axle, also pneumatic, with air pockets and equipped with shock absorbers. It is an optional item, but very important, as, in addition to the comfort it brings to the operator, it serves to increase the adhesion of the front wheels to the ground and increase the traction effect of the front axle. During use, its action is noticeable, which promotes up to nine degrees of oscillation, up and down, resulting in a travel of approximately 50 mm. Also, to prevent the transfer of vibration and noise into the cabin, a space was created between the engine compartment and the cabin, separating the two compartments.

The large glass area is also impressive, with 6,2 m² of glass area and a huge windshield, 1.130 mm high and 1.400 mm wide. The exhaust is placed in a strategic position so as not to obstruct the view, behind the column on the right side. The air conditioning is digital and has 12 strategic air outlets for different parts of the body.

As expected, given the quality of the cab, the operator's seat is “premium”, with all the adjustments expected in this class of tractor, including pressure adjustment according to the operator's weight, heating and cooling. The passenger seat is wide and split for easy entry. All customized settings for operators using this tractor can be stored and recalled by the main monitor (“SmartTouch”). At the front, the steering column is adjustable and the steering wheel is automotive style. On the steering column are placed the controls for the flashing signal, the direction and neutral reversing lever, different from what we knew, the hazard lights, the windshield wiper lever and the horn. Speaking of the windshield wiper, the solution found to place it in the space in front of the column with a huge coverage angle of 270 degrees was very interesting, as was the placement of another wiper on the right side window.

To the right of the operator there are four "SmartTouch" monitors, with all the information about the tractor and the implement used and a console with controls that monitor the movement of the seat.
To the right of the operator there are four "SmartTouch" monitors, with all the information about the tractor and the implement used and a console with controls that monitor the movement of the seat.

Within arm's reach of the right there is a console, which accompanies the movement of the seat, with all the main switches and 12A and 10A electrical sockets, as well as the Isobus connection and the USB socket. On the left side of the seat, there is a refrigerated box for storing drinks and food.

Four monitors are placed to the right of the operator, the first being the tractor monitor, attached to the front right column of the cab, in the form of a vertical panel and which displays all the tractor's operating information, where all engine data can be received. and transmission, operation and warning alerts. The second monitor, which we consider the main one, is the “SmartTouch”, placed on the console, in front of the multifunction control. The third is the 20-20 monitor, dedicated to monitoring the work of the Momentum seeder, and the fourth is the “SmartTouch Extend”, which will inform and receive commands to activate the autopilot and, if applicable, the line design . Placed higher, at eye level, it will be able to transmit images from cameras and present information from other applications, which are connected via the Isobus standard.

Sitting at the operator's station, our attention was also drawn to the presence of two double, split mirrors, one on each side, which show images with adjustable depth and viewing angle, with adjustments for both the mirror and to extend or retract the arm. telescopically made electrically from the seat.

Hydraulic system

The three-point hydraulic system of this series is standard at the rear and optional at the front of the tractor, with a maximum lifting capacity of 10.000 kg and 4.800 kg, respectively. The tractor we tested only had the three-point hydraulic system at the rear. In recent years, the use of hydraulic systems to drive machines has increased considerably and, therefore, when sizing the set, it is increasingly important to take into account the hydraulic demand and not just the mechanics, resulting from the traction of the equipment by the bar. . The Momentum seeder we used in the test uses a semi-assembled coupling, with traction running on a crossbar, connected to the two lower arms of the three-point system.

The pumping system used in the series is a closed central load sensor, with a gear pump. The flow rate indicated by the manufacturer is 200 L/min at a speed of 1.950 rpm, but with the help of an extra pump, known as ECO, a flow rate of up to 230 L/min can be obtained at the same engine speed, or the same 200 L/min at a speed of 1.650 rpm. In this series, the lubricant used in the transmission is not the same as that used in the hydraulic system, which is exclusive and in a volume of 200 liters, of which 75 liters can be exported, that is, they can leave the tractor and go to the machines that are being driven. by the five remote control valves, VCRs, which use Power Beyond.

Three-point hydraulic system has a lifting capacity of 10 thousand kg. The front axle has pneumatic suspension, with air pockets and shock absorbers.
Three-point hydraulic system has a lifting capacity of 10 thousand kg. The front axle has pneumatic suspension, with air pockets and shock absorbers.  

Specifications

The three models of the Q5 Series are tractors with a wheelbase of 3.005 mm and a maximum weight of around 15.500 kg, depending on the tractor model, tire size and options chosen by the customer. The front tires equipped on the tested model were specification 600/70R28 on the front axle and 710/70R42 on the rear axle, always with a radial structure. The rear axle is of the thru type, therefore predisposed to receive double wheels, which is standard for the grain version and single for the cane version. The metallic rear ballast present in the test tractor consisted of two weights weighing 250 kg on each wheel and at the front there were 16 pieces weighing 55 kg each, plus the support and a metallic mass beneath the support.

Analyzing the competition and comparing with the tractors offered on the national market, they draw a lot of attention to the reduced rotation that obtains the maximum engine power, of 1.850 rpm, and the volume displaced by this engine, of 7.400 cm³, when the others oscillate between 8.700 cm³ and 9.000 cm³. Also in this range, the standard transmission configuration is “full powershift”, while the CVT is “standard” in the Q5 Series models.

More

In the test, we used a combo offered by the manufacturer, with a 22-row Momentum seeder and machete-type fertilizer furrower. This machine dimension is used by the Valtra T250 CVT, with the same number of lines, therefore it was undersized for the Valtra Q305. With this, we were able to carry out our evaluation in greater depth and increasing travel speed, without affecting the tractor's performance.

The Q5 Series will be sold in Brazil together with the Momentum seeder
The Q5 Series will be sold in Brazil together with the Momentum seeder  

We were pleasantly surprised to operate in pedal mode. In this form of operation, the customer can start by placing the inverter in the forward position, starting the movement with the accelerator pedal and then, with a slight movement of the multifunction control to the right, tells the tractor to recover operating speed. pre-configured. It is a very quick way and has the advantage of freeing the operator's right hand to work with the monitors, activating the autopilot, for example, but also other commands. In manual mode, pushing the multifunctional control forward is also a way to start work and each way can be chosen by the operator, according to their training and preference.

One of the features that impressed us was the ability to maintain a seeding operation with a machete furrower, even at low engine speeds, with torque and great fuel economy. In one of the passes, we recorded the information, working at 1.400 engine rpm and a travel speed of 6,8 km/h, we were covering 6,06 hectares per hour, with a consumption of 35,4 liters per hour, using only 5,8 .XNUMX liters per hectare. The operator can monitor this information, checking the best and most economical working condition on the performance monitor located on the right column of the cab.

During the test we were interested in evaluating one of the virtues of this series, which is the ability to perform the maneuver automatically. The “SmartTurn” system, standard in the series, means that at the end of the journey, already in the maneuvering area, by touching the panel, the tractor automatically begins to perform the maneuver, steering in the opposite direction and then , turn 180 degrees, without operator action, resuming the work path again, on the line previously adopted by the autopilot system, called by the company as “Valtra Guide”. But it is also possible for the operator to configure the maneuver he wants, recording a sequence of actions, and the “U-Pilot” system will repeat it as programmed. Up to three sequences of actions can be recorded by the machine user.

Technology

Even because it is a tractor produced in a high-technology market such as the Nordic countries, we have already raised our evaluation criteria in this item. And the tested Valtra Q305 did not disappoint us.

Several items were present and we used them in our test. Valtra offers a telemetry system, “Valtra Connect”, which is integrated with FMIS, which is “Farm Management Information Software”, or, in a free translation, agricultural management information software. It is possible to manage the tractor, fleet and operation. With “Agrirouter” it is possible to communicate with other machines, even those that use different software, adopting a universal standard, and with the recent “TaskDoc” it is possible to manage tasks and transfer documents to FMIS. With “Valtra Connect” it is possible to develop personalized reports on one or more machines, and trigger warnings when the machine leaves a demarcated perimeter.

The Test Drive was carried out in Paulo de Faria, northern region of the state of São Paulo
   The Test Drive was carried out in Paulo de Faria, northern region of the state of São Paulo  

With the new main monitor, “SmartTouch”, standard for the series, it is possible to customize operator profiles and control all functions on a nine-inch screen, very interactive and which follows the standard of current smartphones, with the possibility of answering the cell phone , through the tractor's sound system, as is common in modern cars.

Two other abilities that can be explored in the Valtra Series Q5 are the control of up to six sections, called “Multiboom”, when using the sprayer and the variable rate control of the distribution of inputs and seeds.

In short, a tractor with several innovations in relation to what exists in its power class and with great possibilities of positively influencing the market. Perhaps its greatest virtue may be the possibility of meeting demand with an engine “downsizing” and a lot of fuel savings and reduced emissions. As for embedded technology, it is certainly ahead of most of its competitors.

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