A new cab, more powerful engine and a welter of previously unavailable optional extras are the highlights of Valtra’s revamped S-series.

But the biggest change to the Finnish firm’s flagship range is its provenance, with production of all six models of the sixth generation returning to Suolahti following a major factory expansion and paint-line upgrade.

This brings to an end a two-decade build run at Massey Ferguson’s facility in Beauvais, France, during which time the S-series was effectively a redressed 8700S.

The move means the 8.4-litre Agco Power engine, Fendt-derived stepless transmission and five-pillar cab are all manufactured and assembled in Finland.

This alone will matter little to UK buyers, but it means that, for the first time, S-series tractors can be sent through Valtra’s trademark Unlimited studio, opening up a suite of bespoke add-ons that are already available for the A-, N-, T- and Q-series.

These include custom paint finishes, centralised lubrication and fancier sound systems with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

See also: How to keep a four-cylinder Valtra N-series running at its best

Powertrain tweaks

© Valtra

Under the new-look bonnet is Agco’s long-serving six-cylinder engine, which was first pressed into service on the second-generation S-models launched 15 years ago.

Outputs range from 280hp to 420hp, with the smallest four getting a 30hp boost and the fifth gaining an extra 20hp when there is sufficient hydraulic or pto load, and at speeds north of 18kph.

The headline act, the S416, gets access to its full 420hp at all times.

These figures represent a modest rise on the previous range, which ran from 270 (300hp boosted) to 400/405hp.

As before, Valtra claims the large displacement and long cylinder stroke will provide maximum torque – 1,750Nm on the big boy – at relatively low revs.

However, there have been a few subtle changes, with a single turbocharger replacing the twin-turbo setup of old and the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system removed altogether.

This means the engine will run slightly cooler, leaving a combination of diesel oxidation catalyst, particulate filter and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) module to take care of emissions.

The power is channelled through an uprated version of the two-range, 50kph ML 260 CVT originally developed by Fendt.

A few small tweaks here have apparently reduced fuel consumption by about 3% compared with the outgoing models.

Recycled cab

© Valtra

The move to Suolahti has also allowed Valtra’s engineers to ditch the Massey-sourced cab in favour of their own five-pillar setup, which was initially launched on the smaller Ts and Qs.

Access is said to be easier, thanks to a gentler incline on the steps, and the interior is more spacious.

It also gains the firm’s SmartTouch controls, bringing with them features such as SmartTurn automatic headland turning and the option of a factory-fitted TwinTrac reverse-drive system to swivel the seat through 180deg.

Isobus-based tractor implement management (TIM) is set to be added in 2025.

There has been little change to the lift capacity, with the maximum payload still 16t and the linkages rated to 5t (front) and 12t (rear).

But there have been improvements to the hydraulic system.

As standard, the load-sensing pump puts out 200 litres/min through six spools, though the addition of an “eco” mode allows an extra 80-litre/min gear pump to be engaged to provide the same maximum output at 1,650rpm rather than 1,950rpm.

For particularly oil-hungry implements, there’s also the option of speccing a second 200-litre/min unit to double the capacity.

Full-scale production is slated for spring next year, with deliveries expected to commence a few months later.