The T4 tractor line has been a quantum leap forwards for Valtra, and here we’re not solely talking about the much improved styling. Our test focuses on the range’s powershift flagship, the T254 Versu model.
After years of logic, Valtra has had a wobble with its model numbering … or at least it has with the T254, the subject of our October issue’s tractor test. Brochure stats reveal this model has a rated power of 155kW/211hp, rising to a maximum unboosted output of 173kW/235hp, which is still short of the bonnet number. Only when the boost kicks in does the T254 knuckle down to push out a whopping 99kW/271hp.
Delivering this grunt is a six-cylinder, 7.4-litre AGCO Power motor. The T254 Versu is the flagship in the range, though there is no stepless box option; for that you need to go down to the next rung on the Valtra ladder, to the T234 Direct.
First port of call for the T254 was the DLG dyno, where we had the boost function disabled. It directed 129.8kW/174.0hp of its 155kW/211hp rated output to the rear pto stub, suggesting a rather moderate engine set-up. With boost back in the game to meet Stage 1 criteria (i.e. pto work on a stationary tractor, or from gear C1 onwards, which is equivalent to 12km/hr or more at rated speed) the output increased by 15kW/20hp.
For Stage 2 (so here the tractor needs to be moving and the pto soaking up at least 350Nm, or the T254 needs to be travelling in gear D3 or more, so over 30km/hr) there is another 12kW/16hp on tap. This gives a
total output of 173.2kW/232.6hp, which is an excellent return.
Good marks also went to the power curve. The torque rise of 50% (as speed drops 48%) and a maximum torque of 883Nm (928Nm when boosted) are very good results and really made a difference when the tractor was revving over 1,500rpm in the field.
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