With horsepower trends ever edging up, the 100-140hp tractor market is now the go-to for most Irish farms.
Manufacturers such as Valtra have recognised this, but meeting the demands of this very diverse segment is challenging, which ranges from the basic-spec loader-fitted yard tractor to top-spec tillage or contractor tractor with precision farming capabilities.
A few months back, we got behind the wheel of Valtra’s flagship G135, and put it to work. The Finnish manufacturer launched the all-new G Series over a year ago, and was the very first of the fifth-generation Valtra tractors.
The new model series slots in between the A and N Series and consists of four models, ranging from 105hp up to 135hp (110hp to 145hp with boost).
Similar to the larger Valtra ranges, the G Series comes in various specification levels, from HiTech to Active, and up to Versu. With the same engine and transmission used throughout the range, these specs largely relate to differences in controls and hydraulics.
The introduction of the G Series marked the first tractor in the 100-145hp Valtra range to offer SmartTouch controls, as well as full precision farming capabilities. 
The G Series consists of four models, ranging from 105hp up to 135hp (110hp to 145hp with boost).
The four models in the G series tractors are fitted with the familiar 4.4l AGCO Power four-cylinder engine. The G135 churns out a rated 135hp, which boosts by a further 10 horses to 145hp while achieving a maximum torque figure of 560Nm.
This particular power plant is a derivative of the unit shared with Valtra’s sister company Massey Ferguson’s 5S range.
Stage V emission regulations are met by means of SCR, DOC and DPF, which to be fair are compactly integrated and leave for a relatively neat exhaust system that doesn’t affect operator visibility.
Similar to Massey’s 5S, the G series can be easily spotted for its sloping bonnet, which came as result of the redesigned cooling pack. The only minor gripe we had here was that the individual radiators do not fold out. Instead, a small side hatch can be removed to improve the cleaning process. For those wanting to spend less time messing around manually cleaning the cooling pack, the option of a reversible fan can be ticked.
Once at full speed on the road, the tractor pulls itself back to 1,500rpm for improved fuel economy and quieter operation.
The Gima-built 24x24 semi-powershift 40km/h transmission is also unsurprisingly familiar, given that it has been used by Massey Ferguson (Dyna-6) and Claas (Hexashift) tractors for many years.
We found its workings rather self-explanatory from the get-go. There are four ranges (A-D), each with six powershifts with the option of manual or automatic modes.
Powershifts were easily worked through by flicking the stubby gear shifter forward or back while range changes were made using the plus/minus buttons on top of the lever.
Automatic mode can be engaged by flicking the shifter to the right. From here, the tractor initiates when to upshift and downshift itself or alternatively the operator can set his/her own upshift and downshift presets via the small dash screen. Powershift aggressiveness can be tweaked here, as well as the engagement of other transmission features such as the hill-hold function and brake-to-neutral.
Around the yard and for most of our field tasks, manual mode provided the most seamless upshifts and downshifts. While pulling a loaded 2,600-gallon HiSpec tanker and dribble bar, the G135 held its own in terms of pulling power. However, we found the tractor to have more torque higher up the rev range.
Manual mode meant that we could hold on to gears for longer before shifting. Once on the road and at full speed (40km/h), the tractor would pull itself back to 1,500rpm for improved fuel economy and quieter operation.
That said, automatic mode definitely had a place when drawing in bales and certainly suits tasks such as draft work. Here a target speed can be set leaving the tractor to work out the most suitable revs and ratios – similar to a CVT transmission.
As alluded to at the start, there are three specification levels offered to each of the four models – HiTech, Active and Versu. Contrary to what one might think, HiTech offers the least specification.
The main differentiation across the three is in terms of hydraulics. The HiTech is fitted with three mechanical spools and a 100l/min gear pump, while Active models feature a load sensing 110l/min pump. The flagship Versu comes fitted with the same load sensing pump with up to four electric spool remotes and SmartTouch armrest, with colour monitor and multifunction joystick.
Given that the G-series is aimed towards the stockman market we don’t see many customers opting for the all-singing, all-dancing €5,000 premium Versu specification. It’s also questionable if the large percentage of stockmen will fork out the additional €1,500 for the Active model considering it only brings with it the load-sensing hydraulic pump.
Similar to many car manufacturers, Valtra offers a number of readymade option packages – Comfort pack, Technology pack and Technology Pro pack. Our test tractor benefited from the Comfort and Technology package which meant it was equipped with cab and front suspension, air seat, LED work lights, Valtra Guide GPS, Isobus and a power socket.
The LED lighting package proved to be very effective on the G135.
Valtra has used the same cab frame as fitted in the A-series (75-135hp), but the glass area is actually slightly larger due to the higher positioning of the cab.
This, combined with the generous sloping bonnet, means that visibility to the loader and its headstock is excellent. With a very slim frame separating the windscreen and roof window, it means operator visibility extends upwards to the full loader extension, which is important for loader work such as stacking bales.
Access to the cab was easy and clean, while additional features brought about by the ‘Unlimited’ styling such as the leather seat, the darker interior and the carpet added to the tractor’s premium feel. All round in-cab storage space was better than expected, and the cab came with plenty of interior power sockets.
Once we got to work, the tractor proved to be comfortable, both in the field and on the road. The tractor worked away quietly, with in-cab noise not being an issue. The LED lighting package offered super lighting coverage in the dark.
Unlike the larger N and T series, the G Series does not have a separate hydraulic and transmission oil reservoir. Not that it’s an issue given that this is the case with most of the tractors on the market. An existing Valtra customer may just need to keep this in mind when it comes to oil hygiene.
We found the backend to be easily accessed, with a nice clean layout. Rear linkage lift capacity is 6,000kg and 3,000kg for the front linkage (if fitted). Moving to PTO, the G135 includes 540, 540E, 1,000 and 1,000E speeds.
The Active/Hi Tech spec is a nice straightforward control layout.
The dash was self-explanatory and offered a simple layout.
Rear linkage lift capacity is 5,700kg and 3,000kg for the front linkage (if fitted).
The G Series shares the controls with the larger Valtra ranges – a big step up from the clunky gear levers used by the manufacturer not that long ago. Users either opt for the Versu spec which includes the SmartTouch armrest and four electronic spools or the Active/HiTech spec, both of which feature the same straightforward control layout.
The tractor we tried out was equipped with the latter. The gear stick and electric loader joystick are very small in stature, almost making you feel that the main controls are delicate, but this certainly isn’t the case once we got moving. Instead, we soon came to the conclusion that the controls were very neat, with the electric loader joystick providing very precise control. Once used to this joystick, users would find it difficult to go back to the traditional clunky cable joystick.
Something else which stood out to us was the prominence of the loader joystick over the thumb-size gearstick, with the latter positioned closer to the window.
A nice touch by the Finnish manufacturer is the integration of the handbrake into the forward/reverse shuttle lever. Other than that, the remaining controls were self-explanatory, and the manual spools were within a nice reaching distance of the operator.
Although the model we tested wasn’t the top-spec Versu model, it was still possible to spec it with smart farming features, which were controlled through a SmartTouch Extend screen. The main inclusion in this package was the auto-guidance solution. We found the system very easy to navigate. Never previously operating Valtra’s precision farming technology, we had it up and running in a matter of minutes.
Access to the cab was easy and clean, with the aluminium tread plates a nice touch.
With a fuel-efficient engine, and a proven transmission and backend, we feel that the G Series is the most suitable loader-fitted yard tractor across the Valtra range, with this based on its short wheelbase, high manoeuvrability and super visibility.
The sharing of such components across the AGCO tractor brands could signal a trend of what’s to come from the tractor powerhouse. Punters in the market for a 135hp Valtra tractor are spoiled for choice and now have three models to pick from:
A basic 4.5t A135 with a 12-speed mechanical gearbox, list price starts at €75,267 plus VAT. A 5.1t G135 with the 24-speed semi-powershift (40km/h), list price starts at €97,944 plus VAT. The 6.5t N135 with a 20-speed 30x30 semi powershift or CVT (50kmh), list price starts at €112,991 plus VAT. 
The Finnish manufacturer launched the all-new G Series over a year ago.
Despite this, the G Series is a very versatile range of tractors, which ticks the box for a lot of Irish farmers.
It’s a tractor that is compact around a farmyard, yet packs a punch in the field. Some users at the higher end of the scale will be disappointed that the range tops out at a speed of 40km/h and not up to 50km/h, falling short of some of the competition, but this probably won’t bug most.
All in all, we felt the G135 was stylish, comfortable, manoeuvrable and capable. 
Similar to Massey’s 5S, the G series can be easily spotted for its sloping bonnet which came as result of the redesigned cooling pack.
Valtra has used the same cab frame as fitted in the A-series (75-135hp), but the glass area is actually slightly larger.
Model: Valtra G135 Active.
Rated power: 135hp (145hp with boost).
Maximum torque: 560Nm.
Transmission: 24 by 24, semi-powershift.
Top speed: 40kmh.
Unladen weight: 5,140kg.
Rear linkage lift capacity: 6,000kg.
Front linkage lift capacity: 3,000kg.
Hydraulic pump capacity: Load sensing, 110 litres/minute.
Wheelbase: 2,550mm.
G Series starting list price: €97,944 plus VAT.
With horsepower trends ever edging up, the 100-140hp tractor market is now the go-to for most Irish farms.
Manufacturers such as Valtra have recognised this, but meeting the demands of this very diverse segment is challenging, which ranges from the basic-spec loader-fitted yard tractor to top-spec tillage or contractor tractor with precision farming capabilities.
A few months back, we got behind the wheel of Valtra’s flagship G135, and put it to work. The Finnish manufacturer launched the all-new G Series over a year ago, and was the very first of the fifth-generation Valtra tractors.
The new model series slots in between the A and N Series and consists of four models, ranging from 105hp up to 135hp (110hp to 145hp with boost).
Similar to the larger Valtra ranges, the G Series comes in various specification levels, from HiTech to Active, and up to Versu. With the same engine and transmission used throughout the range, these specs largely relate to differences in controls and hydraulics.
The introduction of the G Series marked the first tractor in the 100-145hp Valtra range to offer SmartTouch controls, as well as full precision farming capabilities.
The G Series consists of four models, ranging from 105hp up to 135hp (110hp to 145hp with boost).
The four models in the G series tractors are fitted with the familiar 4.4l AGCO Power four-cylinder engine. The G135 churns out a rated 135hp, which boosts by a further 10 horses to 145hp while achieving a maximum torque figure of 560Nm.
This particular power plant is a derivative of the unit shared with Valtra’s sister company Massey Ferguson’s 5S range.
Stage V emission regulations are met by means of SCR, DOC and DPF, which to be fair are compactly integrated and leave for a relatively neat exhaust system that doesn’t affect operator visibility.
Similar to Massey’s 5S, the G series can be easily spotted for its sloping bonnet, which came as result of the redesigned cooling pack. The only minor gripe we had here was that the individual radiators do not fold out. Instead, a small side hatch can be removed to improve the cleaning process. For those wanting to spend less time messing around manually cleaning the cooling pack, the option of a reversible fan can be ticked.
Once at full speed on the road, the tractor pulls itself back to 1,500rpm for improved fuel economy and quieter operation.
The Gima-built 24x24 semi-powershift 40km/h transmission is also unsurprisingly familiar, given that it has been used by Massey Ferguson (Dyna-6) and Claas (Hexashift) tractors for many years.
We found its workings rather self-explanatory from the get-go. There are four ranges (A-D), each with six powershifts with the option of manual or automatic modes.
Powershifts were easily worked through by flicking the stubby gear shifter forward or back while range changes were made using the plus/minus buttons on top of the lever.
Automatic mode can be engaged by flicking the shifter to the right. From here, the tractor initiates when to upshift and downshift itself or alternatively the operator can set his/her own upshift and downshift presets via the small dash screen. Powershift aggressiveness can be tweaked here, as well as the engagement of other transmission features such as the hill-hold function and brake-to-neutral.
Around the yard and for most of our field tasks, manual mode provided the most seamless upshifts and downshifts. While pulling a loaded 2,600-gallon HiSpec tanker and dribble bar, the G135 held its own in terms of pulling power. However, we found the tractor to have more torque higher up the rev range.
Manual mode meant that we could hold on to gears for longer before shifting. Once on the road and at full speed (40km/h), the tractor would pull itself back to 1,500rpm for improved fuel economy and quieter operation.
That said, automatic mode definitely had a place when drawing in bales and certainly suits tasks such as draft work. Here a target speed can be set leaving the tractor to work out the most suitable revs and ratios – similar to a CVT transmission.
As alluded to at the start, there are three specification levels offered to each of the four models – HiTech, Active and Versu. Contrary to what one might think, HiTech offers the least specification.
The main differentiation across the three is in terms of hydraulics. The HiTech is fitted with three mechanical spools and a 100l/min gear pump, while Active models feature a load sensing 110l/min pump. The flagship Versu comes fitted with the same load sensing pump with up to four electric spool remotes and SmartTouch armrest, with colour monitor and multifunction joystick.
Given that the G-series is aimed towards the stockman market we don’t see many customers opting for the all-singing, all-dancing €5,000 premium Versu specification. It’s also questionable if the large percentage of stockmen will fork out the additional €1,500 for the Active model considering it only brings with it the load-sensing hydraulic pump.
Similar to many car manufacturers, Valtra offers a number of readymade option packages – Comfort pack, Technology pack and Technology Pro pack. Our test tractor benefited from the Comfort and Technology package which meant it was equipped with cab and front suspension, air seat, LED work lights, Valtra Guide GPS, Isobus and a power socket.
The LED lighting package proved to be very effective on the G135.
Valtra has used the same cab frame as fitted in the A-series (75-135hp), but the glass area is actually slightly larger due to the higher positioning of the cab.
This, combined with the generous sloping bonnet, means that visibility to the loader and its headstock is excellent. With a very slim frame separating the windscreen and roof window, it means operator visibility extends upwards to the full loader extension, which is important for loader work such as stacking bales.
Access to the cab was easy and clean, while additional features brought about by the ‘Unlimited’ styling such as the leather seat, the darker interior and the carpet added to the tractor’s premium feel. All round in-cab storage space was better than expected, and the cab came with plenty of interior power sockets.
Once we got to work, the tractor proved to be comfortable, both in the field and on the road. The tractor worked away quietly, with in-cab noise not being an issue. The LED lighting package offered super lighting coverage in the dark.
Unlike the larger N and T series, the G Series does not have a separate hydraulic and transmission oil reservoir. Not that it’s an issue given that this is the case with most of the tractors on the market. An existing Valtra customer may just need to keep this in mind when it comes to oil hygiene.
We found the backend to be easily accessed, with a nice clean layout. Rear linkage lift capacity is 6,000kg and 3,000kg for the front linkage (if fitted). Moving to PTO, the G135 includes 540, 540E, 1,000 and 1,000E speeds.
The Active/Hi Tech spec is a nice straightforward control layout.
The dash was self-explanatory and offered a simple layout.
Rear linkage lift capacity is 5,700kg and 3,000kg for the front linkage (if fitted).
The G Series shares the controls with the larger Valtra ranges – a big step up from the clunky gear levers used by the manufacturer not that long ago. Users either opt for the Versu spec which includes the SmartTouch armrest and four electronic spools or the Active/HiTech spec, both of which feature the same straightforward control layout.
The tractor we tried out was equipped with the latter. The gear stick and electric loader joystick are very small in stature, almost making you feel that the main controls are delicate, but this certainly isn’t the case once we got moving. Instead, we soon came to the conclusion that the controls were very neat, with the electric loader joystick providing very precise control. Once used to this joystick, users would find it difficult to go back to the traditional clunky cable joystick.
Something else which stood out to us was the prominence of the loader joystick over the thumb-size gearstick, with the latter positioned closer to the window.
A nice touch by the Finnish manufacturer is the integration of the handbrake into the forward/reverse shuttle lever. Other than that, the remaining controls were self-explanatory, and the manual spools were within a nice reaching distance of the operator.
Although the model we tested wasn’t the top-spec Versu model, it was still possible to spec it with smart farming features, which were controlled through a SmartTouch Extend screen. The main inclusion in this package was the auto-guidance solution. We found the system very easy to navigate. Never previously operating Valtra’s precision farming technology, we had it up and running in a matter of minutes.
Access to the cab was easy and clean, with the aluminium tread plates a nice touch.
With a fuel-efficient engine, and a proven transmission and backend, we feel that the G Series is the most suitable loader-fitted yard tractor across the Valtra range, with this based on its short wheelbase, high manoeuvrability and super visibility.
The sharing of such components across the AGCO tractor brands could signal a trend of what’s to come from the tractor powerhouse. Punters in the market for a 135hp Valtra tractor are spoiled for choice and now have three models to pick from:
A basic 4.5t A135 with a 12-speed mechanical gearbox, list price starts at €75,267 plus VAT. A 5.1t G135 with the 24-speed semi-powershift (40km/h), list price starts at €97,944 plus VAT. The 6.5t N135 with a 20-speed 30x30 semi powershift or CVT (50kmh), list price starts at €112,991 plus VAT. The Finnish manufacturer launched the all-new G Series over a year ago.
Despite this, the G Series is a very versatile range of tractors, which ticks the box for a lot of Irish farmers.
It’s a tractor that is compact around a farmyard, yet packs a punch in the field. Some users at the higher end of the scale will be disappointed that the range tops out at a speed of 40km/h and not up to 50km/h, falling short of some of the competition, but this probably won’t bug most.
All in all, we felt the G135 was stylish, comfortable, manoeuvrable and capable.
Similar to Massey’s 5S, the G series can be easily spotted for its sloping bonnet which came as result of the redesigned cooling pack.
Valtra has used the same cab frame as fitted in the A-series (75-135hp), but the glass area is actually slightly larger.
Model: Valtra G135 Active.
Rated power: 135hp (145hp with boost).
Maximum torque: 560Nm.
Transmission: 24 by 24, semi-powershift.
Top speed: 40kmh.
Unladen weight: 5,140kg.
Rear linkage lift capacity: 6,000kg.
Front linkage lift capacity: 3,000kg.
Hydraulic pump capacity: Load sensing, 110 litres/minute.
Wheelbase: 2,550mm.
G Series starting list price: €97,944 plus VAT.
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