Harsh environments call for heavy-duty reliability and durability. Whether you’re working in extreme temperatures, on rough fields - or even outside the field; you need a tractor that is tough enough to handle any task and yet comfortable enough to work in all day long. In this blog, we take you through some examples of tractors designed and built for extreme conditions.
Tractors built for extreme conditions
Temperatures in which tractors operate can vary greatly depending on the climate. In Scandinavia, it is common for tractors to be working in -30 degrees Celsius. In Spain and Australia, conditions of +40 degrees are not uncommon. Valtra’s Suolahti site is the world’s northernmost tractor factory (as well as one of the world’s most sustainable tractor factories). For over 70 years, Valtra has been designing and building tractors ideally suited to Nordic winter conditions. With excellent cold start reliability and comfortable warm cabs, Valtra tractors have earned a reputation for being the tractor of choice for cold climates.
Cold weather reliability and comfort; all day, every day
In Rogne i Øystre Slidre in Norway temperatures can vary from plus 10 degrees Celsius to minus 25 degrees in one day. Reliable cold starting and all-day warm comfort are vital to the success of any tractor operator. Norwegian contractor Øyvind Furulund from Rogne in Øystre, Slidre, purchased two Valtra T Series with SmartTouch armrests for their cold weather reliability when snow ploughing. “You can tell that Valtra is a tractor that is built for winter weather in the North. When needed, it starts without an engine heater at very low temperatures. It’s nice and warm in the cabin, and everything works fine, even when it’s cold. ...I have never operated a better tractor than Valtra.”, he explains.
Valtra’s tractors are cool in summer, and warm in winter
Valmet (as Valtra was previously known) was a pioneer in developing comfortable cabins. In the '60s and 70s, Valmet enjoyed a reputation for making tractors that were well suited for Nordic year-round work with good heating, and a narrow design to fit in between trees even on rough, uneven, terrain.
Today, Valtra’s N, T, Q, and S Series tractors share the same well-liked cabin which is one of the most comfortable cabins on the market. The driver is always comfortable, thanks to the two heating units, automatic climate control options, the 12 individual air nozzles distributing fresh cool or warm air around the entire cabin, and options for heated and cooled seating.
Record-setting subzero autonomous tractor performance
In March 2018, Valtra and Nokian Tyres set a world record when an unmanned Valtra T254 Versu tractor equipped with Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tyres removed snow at a staggering speed of 73.171 km/h (45.466 mph). This feat was not just about speed; it was a demonstration of the machine’s unyielding performance in sub-zero temperatures.
From Pole to Pole
More recently, in early 2024, Valtra delivered a T235 Active to the Norwegian Polar Institute Research Station at Troll in Antarctica. The 235-horsepower tractor was prepared for its long voyage by Valtra's northernmost service station Sørkjos Storbil AS located in Arctic Norway and was delivered by Valtra dealer, Akershus Traktor AS. A Valtra tractor was specifically chosen for the machine’s proven reliability in extreme cold. Thanks to Valtra Connect telemetry, the service station in Norway will be able to monitor the tractor and provide remote assistance and advice as it performs its important ice-crushing and road preparation work.
The Norwegian T Series is not the first Valtra/Valmet tractor to have been working in the South Pole. Since as far back as 1988 Valmet has been trusted as a reliable machine for working in extreme cold. For over 30 years two generators and a Valmet 505 have been used at the Finnish Antarctic Research Station in Aboa, Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. The Valmet 505 was chosen specifically for its reliability in the coldest and windiest place on earth.
Trusted reliability in the most extreme conditions
Nordic defence forces trust Valtra tractors for their ability to manage all sorts of support and logistics tasks in some of the most difficult and demanding conditions. In 2019, the Finnish Defence Forces purchased 77 Valtra N174 Active tractors as well as front loader equipment, snow ploughs and graders. As well as taking supplies to troops in the field, the tractors are also used to maintain roads used by the troops.
Valtra keeps you cool even in the outback
Farmers in the Australian Outback, where temperatures and conditions are among the most challenging for farmers, have long favoured Valtra tractors for their robustness and ease of maintenance. Mark and Toni Zatta of Zatta Farming in far North Queensland are just one of many farms that trust Valtra. In total, the farm operates three Valtra's on 400 hectares dedicated to both sugarcane production and managing a thriving beef cattle operation. Temperatures here can reach well into the 40s Celsius. The Zattas particularly appreciate the "great cooling system, easy pre-check, the comfort of the cab, and the reversible fan for working in dusty conditions."
Tough tractors for tough terrain
Valtra tractors are perfectly at home performing heavy fieldwork. But sometimes the ‘field’ is tougher than usual. This is where Valtra tractors’ high ground clearance and robust construction really come into play. With the factory-fitted TwinTrac reverse drive system, even jobs like mulching on uneven ground become manageable. Forestry contractors Deforgal XXI in Spain operate a fleet of 15 Valtra tractors and will soon also incorporate a Valtra Q305 in their fleet. Their tractors are fitted with Valtra’s strong polycarbonate windows and forestry tyres to withstand the rough terrain and protect the driver from branches and flying objects thrown up when mulching on steep hillsides. Deforgal XXI’s manager Luis appreciates the speed and agility of Valtra tractors, even when working on steep slopes.
A tractor built for rough terrain and challenging hot climate
In 2022 a Valtra N155 was chosen to assist in the Extreme-E race electric vehicle event. The Valtra was fitted with heavy-duty 650/65 R38 and 540/65 R28 Maxam duals supplied by BWT Brocks Wheel & Tyre. The Valtra tractor was chosen for its ability to withstand the harsh climate and unforgiving terrain of the Saudi Arabian desert where the event took place. The tractor was used to haul equipment and move large rocks to prepare the racetrack. Read the full story by Profi magazine here.
Putting the toughest tractors to the test
Whether you're looking for a tractor that can reliably start and keep you warm even in the coldest of climates or a tractor that will keep you cool and comfortable all day in the hottest of summer days, - Valtra tractors are built for extreme conditions. Book a test drive and see for yourself!
