Value-adding cab suspension and front linkage: two innovative new features will be available as options on Valtra tractors in the 2008 production year.

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Valtra's new features, AutoComfort semi-active cab suspension and LHLink adjustable front linkage, involve adding value to common components through intelligent design, according to Rawley Hicks, product marketing specialist for the brand. Both AutoComfort and LHLink won silver innovative awards at the 2007 Agritechnica

AutoComfort

The AutoComfort semi-active cab suspension is a new generation in suspension, automatically adjusting on-the-go to different driving conditions and situations as they occur. It reacts and absorbs accordingly, unlike traditional cab suspension with preset spring and dampening controls.

It utilizes the Valtra tractor CANbus electrical system to communicate instantly between shock absorbers, position sensors and a control unit. The control unit adjusts the stiffness of shocks every two milliseconds, based on movement data from the position sensor and CANbus provided information on position of the shuttle and brakes. It adapts to load, field conditions and changes in direction or speed. It also lets the operator choose manual control over automatic as desired. Air springs on the cab maintain a steady height regardless of load.

"AutoComfort takes operator comfort and safety to a higher level," says Hicks. "Helping take the bounce and jerk out of sudden changes in direction, braking and acceleration, as well as rough field conditions, makes it easier for the operator to control the tractor, attachments and implements."

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AutoComfort semi-active cabs are being introduced on Valtra T series Advance and HiTech models for 2008.

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LHLink

Operator control also drives the new LHLink front linkage design. It takes what has been a passive design across competitive lines, with improvements largely limited to increased lift capacity, and makes it operator interactive.

LHLink attaches to the tractor frame with a vertical pivot that is controlled hydraulically from an operator panel in the cab. It can turn with the front wheels or to the degree the operator selects.

Independent hydraulic control of each lift arm is made possible by sensors transmitting the position of the arms to the electronic control unit. Once the arms have been adjusted, they are locked in position without the need for a horizontal torsion bar.

"LHLink puts the operator in greater control of front-mounted implements than ever before," says Hicks. "With it, the operator can adjust the position of the implement through a turn to eliminate overlaps or underlaps and reduce the turning radius required with front-mounted equipment.

"Because the implement actually follows the turning radius, the lateral load is reduced on the implement. The full range of operator control, both horizontally and vertically, makes attaching implements easier and safer."

Operators can choose from four control modes for adjusting how the front linkage turns. In the first mode, it is fully independent of the front wheels. In the second mode, it turns in relation to the front wheels, but the ratio between the turning angle of the wheels and the implement can be adjusted infinitely.

With the third mode, the operator can vary the central position of the front linkage in either direction, and in the fourth mode, the implement can turn at a higher angle than the front wheels. The last mode is designed for operating front and rear mower combinations, with the front mower able to turn at its full cutting width within a turning radius of less than 33 ft (10 m.)

"LHLink front linkage will increase productivity and efficiency with increasingly popular front-mounted implements," says Hicks. It will be test marketed this coming year on N Series tractors,"

For more information on Valtra, visit www.valtra.com.