On a dairy farm, there is no idle time. Cattle need feeding, cows need milking, silage and hay must be produced, and pastures need maintenance. That is why you need a reliable tractor that can quickly handle all tasks such as tilling, loading, towing, and making hay and silage. This is precisely why there are three Valtras roaring on Mark Hauff’s farm near iXopo.

“We needed compact tractors that could fit into all the narrow spaces on the farm, but strong enough for towing and loading work with enough hydraulic points for our feed wagons,” he explains. Mark is the second generation on the family farm in southern KwaZulu-Natal.

“We milk about 2 500 cows in two milking parlours, and they graze on irrigated pastures. We also supplement their diet with maize silage.”

The beginning of the Valtrac relationship

Mark’s relationship with Valtrac, the distributor of Valtra tractors in South Africa, goes back so far that he can barely remember how their paths crossed. “Wow,” he laughs, “I need to think carefully, but it started with research I did for a new tractor about eight years ago, because we had a wet clutch tractor that had reached the end of its lifespan.

“Requirements we looked at included that the tractors should be cost-effective, offer ease of use, and provide the right power. I started researching to determine which make and model met these requirements. That is how I came across the Valtra name.”

He asked around about the performance of the tractors from other farmers who also had the brand in their fleets, because it was not a common name in his area at that time. The feedback impressed him, and he contacted Valtrac.

Today, there are three Valtra tractors working on Mark’s farm: Two N134s and one N175. The N175 is a 112 kW tractor that can pull the six-row strip-till planter as well as the slasher and feed wagon outside the maize season. One of the two N134s spends most of its life with a manure spreader, but also does mowing. The other one mainly pulls the feed wagon.

“With a Valtra, you have four hydraulic points, whereas other tractors only have two. Two points make it difficult with most new precision equipment that requires more ports. So, we did not need to install additional ports when we acquired the latest planter,” Mark points out.

“Additionally, the Valtra Connect app is a plus. I can see where the tractor is at any time.

Valtrac is a family that believes in service

Mark explains that while he has other brands on the farm handling basic tasks, the Valtras are the ones that tackle the tough work. “I am impressed with the power output, which allows us to do soil preparation without the tractors being too large for towing work. The Valtras are compact compared to other models on the market.

“A tractor is a machine, and any machine can break down,” Mark reminds us. “But what is important in such cases is having the backup from a dealer who is eager to help you to keep working.

“It is reassuring to know you are in the hands of people who understand farming. It is a company with family values that will not leave you lost in the back-and-forth of a corporate structure. They take care of every customer.

“Their quality products are backed by good people,” Mark concludes. What more could you ask for?

To find out what difference that Valtra can make in your farming, and to experience Valtrac’s legendary service delivery, contact them on (+27)56-817-7338 or send an e-mail to sales@valtrac.co.za. Also, visit the website at http://www.valtrac.co.za to check out the entire range of tractors and other first-class farming equipment