Watch: Versatile power hits Ireland for the first time

The Versatile 260 suits a farmer who wants a no-nonsense approach to power. This tractor is ideally suited to draft work in the field or PTO operations, such as power harrowing or baling.

History

Versatile originated in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1966. It was an independent operation, founded by Peter Pakosh and Roy Robinson, that had 70% of the four-wheel-drive tractor market.

In 1987, the company was bought by Ford and later New Holland. It produced the Ford New Holland Genesis tractor.

Case IH merged with New Holland to form CNH Global in 2000 and the decision was made to dispose of the Versatile plant as the Magnum and Quadtrack were on the way.

Buhler Indutries acquired the Winnipeg factory and the rights to the Versatile name. On 1 November 2007, combine manufacturer Rostselmash Inc acquired 80% of the common shares of Versatile and it was announced that the Versatile brand name will again be the sole name associated with the tractor division.

Versatile today

The tractor range is imported by JPM in the UK, which has appointed AgriCare in Lusk, Co Dublin, as dealers.

AgriCare was founded in 2012 by Kenny Quaile. Kenny has a great deal of experience in the industry and has a big service business built up in a short time.

“There is a requirement for big hp in the northeast, with heavy land and cultivation equipment needed for potatoes. The big Cummins engine in this tractor has to be a plus, as many farmers have been used to it in the older Magnums.”

Deluxe cab

With over 6.83m² of window glass, the cab provides a great view of your fields. The leather seat is heated and feels big and American. The seat can swivel 27° either side to make field operations a little more comfortable.

From our brief drive, it offers good support and should be a comfortable place to be over a long working day.

Mounted on the right of the seat is the console control armrest. It gives fingertip control over the entire tractor, which comes with electronic control of engine speed.

The lift controls are also electronic and can be incorporated into the tractor headland management system.

A 7in high-resolution monitor is standard. The monitor can be programmed to display your hydraulic settings for quick reference. The monitor can also support up to four external cameras. It does not allow for any other programming functions.

The cab is fitted with climate control and some nicely located cup holders for the phone.

The tractor has cab suspension, but no front suspension. I drove the tractor on the road for about five miles and it did not seem to be an issue at 40km/h. Overall, the operational controls were very easy to use and get to know.

Engine power

The Cummins QSL9 is a turbocharged engine with electronic-controlled high-pressure common-rail injection.

According to Pat Deegan from Cummins Ireland, this engine offers smooth power delivery and fast response with less vibration. In addition, this model is excellent for cold-start ability, with an integral air inlet heater.

This engine is Tier 4i, with EGR valve technology, requiring no AdBlue or DPF filter. The tractor is rated at 260hp and features a boost function that increases power to 290hp when required. The boost function kicks in when the engine is loaded. There is no requirement for the PTO to be running or the forward speed.

Transmission

The tractor has a Japanese-built Univance transmission. The range is equipped with a 16 x 9 full powershift, giving a top speed of 40km/h with 16 forward and nine reverse gears.

All the transmission controls are operated from a single joystick controller. The controllers incorporate the up and down gear push-button change. There is no requirement for clutching at any time.

The lever has a chunky feel to it and there is a noticeable notch up between some gears while shifting. The transmission is guaranteed for 3,000 hours of work by the manufacturer.

Electro hydraulics

Versatile believes the closed-centre load-sensing hydraulic system provides ample capacity for implements that demand high hydraulic flow by providing pressure and flow on demand.

When no hydraulic power is required, the system goes into low-pressure standby to conserve energy, providing more power at the drawbar.

The Versatile 260 to 310 tractor range has a total hydraulic flow of 208 litres/min or 284l/min with the optional Hi-Flow hydraulic system. Four remote valves are standard and six remote valves are optional.

The standard fuel tanks hold a total of 644l. This large fuel capacity provides long hours of performance between refilling. Both tanks fill from one location just in front of the cab on the left side of the tractor.

Warranty and cost

Versatile tractors come with a three-year or 3,000-hour warranty. The warranty includes two years or 2,000 hours of comprehensive coverage. Powertrain components, such as the engine and transmission, are covered for an additional year or 1,000 hours.

The demo tractor was priced at €75,000 plus VAT.

Field operation

In the field, an 11-leg Maschio subsoiler was coupled to the tractor.

The task in hand was to rip up sprayer tramlines that were compacted over the previous season.

Dropping the sub-soiler to a depth of 15in to 17in, the tractor eased off with barely a spin in the ground.

The tractor cab seemed quiet and the big motor cruised at 1,700 RPM doing 8km/h with 11 legs buried down.

The Cummins engine appeared to have a massive torque reserve.

From the driver’s seat the tractor performed well and operation was easy.

It is a simple, no-fuss tractor that may have a role in this country.

Future developments

JPM has confirmed that a 160hp version of the tractor will be arriving this summer and that the there is also the possibility a of Versatile combine harvester working in Ireland and the UK also.