Valtra S6 launches in Australia

Valtra latest 6th-generation S-Series tractors made its local debut at the Wimmera Field Days in March 2025, sporting a new engine, cab, transmission and more tech.

Manufactured at Valtra’s factory in Suolahti, Finland, the range offers six models with power ranging from 280 to 416hp.

“Power is from a new AgcoPower 8.4 litre engine which meets Stage V regulations without the need for EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). Using SCR (AdBlue) and avoiding EGR improves the engine’s combustion efficiency and means the engine runs cooler,” said Valtra Australasia Product Marketing Manager, Mark Hamilton-Manns.

A single turbocharger replaces the previous twin turbo design, while the long-stroke engine develops maximum power at 1850rpm; approximately five per cent lower revs than the previous 4th-generation S-Series, Valtra claims. Peak torque is produced at only 1500rpm.

The range topping S416 produces up to 1750Nm of torque – nine per cent more than its predecessor, while fuel consumption is reduced by three per cent. While the S416 always has maximum power and torque available, its stable mates have between 20 to 30hp boost for specific operating conditions where PTO, implement or transport conditions require additional power.

The transmission has also received an upgrade.

“The ML260 is slightly revised to offer larger half shafts, revised PTO output and puts the power to the ground with what's the best CVT in the market", Hamilton-Manns said.

The tractor’s rear axle diameter is increased to 125mm to handle the higher torque output and ensure effective power delivery to the ground. The transmission has two operating speed ranges, for field work and transport mode.

“Combining the new engine with the updated transmission increases efficiency, and fuel consumption is reduced by around 10 per cent compared to its predecessor.” Hamilton-Manns added.

The S6-series shares a similar cab frame to Valtra’s latest N, T and Q Series models. Advantages over the previous model include improved air distribution through 12 vents at various levels around the cab.

The S6 cab is available with TwinTrac reverse drive controls, while the optional Skyview cab provides greater vertical visibility.

LED lighting is standard while various lighting upgrade packages are also available through Valtra’s Unlimited Studio.

A distinguishing feature of Valtra’s tractors is the Valtra Unlimited customisation option, which the company said has become more popular in recent years, with over one third of all tractors leaving the Suolahti plant having some form of Unlimited customisation.

“This has a particular benefit to high horsepower customers as large farms and agricultural contractors depend on having the right solutions to undertake advanced smart farming tasks in the most efficient way possible. Valtra Unlimited is uniquely placed to offer exactly what each business needs to farm more efficiently, more ergonomically, and with increased safety,” Hamilton-Manns said.

The customisation option allows customers to customise almost everything, from the paint of the tractor to the tyres to the technology within the cab.

“We've even had some tractors in Taiwan that are painted in Hello Kitty colours for a contractor and drawing a rave review on social media,” Hamilton-Manns said.

The new S-series tractors are available with Unlimited’s Central Lubrication System (CLS) and Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS).

Central Tyre Inflation System is controlled via ISOBUS and displays actual tyre pressures on the SmartTouch screen. Using pre-programmed SmartTouch buttons, operators can set the ideal tyre inflation pressures to improve rolling resistance (both in the field and on the road), reduce track depth and soil compaction. 

The SmartTouch user interface comes with SmartTurn automatic headland turning. There are four turning patterns included – Part Field Mode, U-Turn, Y-Turn and K-Turn.

“Our precision farming offering meets the demands of most customers, and the SmartTouch user interface makes Valtra smart farming technology the easiest in the market. We are working on new technology features which will soon benefit our customers,” Hamilton-Manns added.

The S6 wheelbase measures 3092mm, some 93mm longer than the recently released Q-Series tractors.  Weight distribution without ballast is 45 per cent on the front axle and 55 per cent on the rear. Maximum gross weight is 18 tonnes, allowing sufficient ballasting on the overall platform.

Its rear linkage lift capacity is 12 tonnes, while the optional front linkage is 5.8 tonnes.

Hydraulic oil requirements have not been overlooked either with the base Eco unit producing 200 litres/min at 1650rpm.  An option of two pumps, each producing 200 litres/min is available, with six ESCVs including one with flow rates up to 170 litres/min. 

Lever couplers assist connecting and disconnecting, even when the system is pressurised. All hydraulic valves on the S-series have an innovative self-closing flap design that prevents dirt from entering the valve.

The sixth generation Valtra S-series has won all three major design awards in one year, a feat never before achieved by any other tractor brand, Valtra claimed.

In just a few months, the Finnish tractor brand has walked away with a Good Design Award, iF DESIGN AWARD, and the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025.

Valtra said Red Dot judges were so impressed with the S-series’ design and attention to user experience that they awarded the tractor the "Red Dot: Best of the Best" Award, which has never been awarded to a tractor before.

"It feels extremely special to have won all three of the world's biggest and most prestigious design competitions with the Valtra S6,” said Head of Industrial Design and User Experience at Valtra, Kimmo Wihinen.

“All this is tremendous recognition of Valtra's long-standing commitment to industrial design and user experience, where the customer is always at the centre of everything we do.”