A Valtra G125 which replaced a competitor brand tractor on the fleet of an Oxfordshire-based agricultural contractor last year continues to impress with its versatility and performance.
The new Valtra was chosen by Chris Milligan, who runs the business with his father-in-law Robert Rowland and Robert’s brother Colin. Trading as C & R Rowland, contracting services offered include ploughing, cultivations, spray and fertiliser applications, drilling, and manure spreading. Grassland maintenance is a speciality, and hay and straw bales are made and sold.
Before buying the new G125, several makes and models of tractor were considered. A Valtra N174 was borrowed from the local dealer, Chandlers Farm Equipment Ltd. Chris was impressed by the comfort and performance, but it was bigger than he needed. The G125 had recently arrived into stock and Area Sales Representative, Rob Jenkins, suggested a trial. The size, power and weight proved ideal, and the cab shared the excellent design of the N-series. An order was placed, and the tractor arrived in spring 2021.
The Valtra G125 Active is favoured for grassland operations by Oxfordshire-based agricultural contractor, C & R Rowland. Business partner and main operator Chris Milligan says the G125 and the Joskin harrow form an ideal package for grassland rejuvenation.
Versatile package
During harvest, the G125 operates a six-rotor tedder and a twin-rotor rake, and it also loads bales in the field. “We selected a large G5 front loader for extra reach and it stacks bales four high on our trailers,” explained Chris. “We load 70x80 four-string bales using a flat-eight grab lifting three at a time. Our previous tractor struggled, but the Valtra lifts them easily. The panoramic cab roof is fantastic and allows a clear view of loader attachments from the ground to maximum height.”
The G125 also operates a bat-wing topper, and an offset mower. A Joskin Scariflex grass harrow is used for grassland rejuvenation. “The Joskin harrow is effective but heavy, and when the front loader isn’t fitted then we mount a ballast weight on the front linkage instead,” he continued. “The Valtra and harrow make an ideal combination. The tight steering angle allows pass-to-pass working which reduces time at the field ends, and the light footprint means there is very little damage from the wheels.”
Chris said the G125 performs as well on the road as it does in the field. “The transmission is smooth and easy to use, and all the controls are just where I would want them. It’s comfortable and quiet, and I enjoy using it.”
Growing demand for the company’s services means an additional tractor will soon be needed. “After buying the G125 last year we also purchased a T254. Both have impressed us with their performance and comfort, and back-up from the Chandlers team has been excellent.
“We need the right machines for our growing business and our positive experience of Valtra so far means that adding an N-series tractor is the most likely option,” he concluded.
The G125 Active was purchased last year. It proved so popular with its operators that a T254 Versu has also joined the fleet. Chris Milligan with the T254 Versu (left) and the G125 Active with the G5 front loader.
