Performance makes Valtra the ideal tractor for Canterbury station

09.01.2012

Andrew Fraser runs the big, diverse operation on the 1750 hectare family farm and another leased block of 370 hectares. Mt Cecil also has two dairy farms that milk 1650 cows.
The properties are made up of gentle rolling to steep country, and at the heart of operations are two Valtra tractors.
The Valtra’s are there for two reasons. Firstly, they are good, strong, reliable tractors. Secondly, the Fraser family has a long-term relationship with dealer Paul Wilkins from Paul Wilkins Tractors in Timaru.
“Dad dealt with Paul when they were both in Ashburton in the early 1970s, so it’s a family relationship. I like his enthusiasm for the machinery dealership, and they give good service,” says Andrew.
The first of the Valtra’s is a T190, bought second-hand two years ago. It does most of the primary cultivation. Andrew grows a lot of winter feed for the cows and deer, mainly fodder beet and kale.
Its biggest job is pulling a 6.0m cultivator, and it does it without raising a sweat.
“There are no issues with power,” says Andrew, “It can do anything required.”
The second Valtra is an N122 Versu, bought to replace an N111 a year ago. It is equipped with a loader and does the feeding out and general loader work. It’s a four-cylinder model with a short wheelbase and very manoeuvrable – ideal for loader work.
The N122 was bought new and has the push-button gearbox with five powershift speeds in each of six ranges giving the option of 30 speeds in both directions.
“There are more gears within each range, so it’s smooth to operate,” Andrew says. “Fuel efficiency is good and it does 50k/h on the roads. That’s an advantage as we travel between blocks,” he adds.
He also says it is easy to drive and very comfortable so drivers can do the long hours when required.
One useful feature that has appealed is the headland management system. It allows them to disengage and prepare for turning whatever implement they are using at the push of a button, then re-engage everything again in the right order when lined up for the next pass.
Maintenance on the Versu is easy. “It’s improving on every model we get. It’s getting easier to access things, like oil filters.”

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