Tractor test: Valtra T190 T cuts both ways Flexibility is without a doubt one of the major assets of Valtra’s T flag the 128kW/174hp rated T190 a mid-sized tractor that has the capability to lift its output to 154kW/209hp given certain pre-set conditions. There remains some scope for improvement though as we reveal in this test
Well ahead of its time. That is the Valtra T. Or, more specifically, the ‘Sigma Power’ output-boosting technology that remains such a fundamental part of the tractor – as, of course, it has been on a selection of previous high-horse Valtras.
First tested on the firm’s then flag, the 118kW/160hp 8750, way back in profi 06/97, the Sigma system hiked engine hp by a handy 22kW/30hp when the tractor was on pto work. Now Valtra incorporates exactly the same engineering philosophy, albeit updated, into the T series of today. The result is that the tested T190 comes with three different rated ISO outputs:
Powershift step I: 128kW/174hp
Powershift step II/III: 139kW/190hp
On pto work: 154kW/209hp
To verify these stats, the DLG test station first deactivated the T190’s pto boost feature. This little tweak generated a 116kW/158hp return, which is clearly some way off the Finnish maker’s 128kW/174hp claim. So, disappointment to start with – but not for long. After DLG testers reactivated the power boost, the T output shot back to 140kW/190hp, proving categorically that the unit is capable of supplying the full 26kW/35hp of extra oomph claimed by the Finnish manufacturer. Slightly worrying is the rather more modest torque rise of less than 25%, which leaves little scope for constant power, let alone extra power.
Yet this initial concern soon faded when we took our test tractor out to the field and discovered that this was another one of those occasions where theory fails to make it into practice: Recovery times were, in fact, fine when tugging either a 3m power harrow combi or six-furrow reversible through tougher spots. At 114%, start-off torque is OK too, so stalling when pulling away with a load on the back should also not be a particular issue.
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