On a dairy farm, there is no time to stand still. Cattle need feeding, cows need milking, and pastures need maintenance. That is why you need a reliable tractor that can nimbly handle all tasks such as soil preparation, loading, towing, and grass cutting. This is precisely why three Valtras roar on Mark Hauff’s farm near Ixopo.

“We needed compact tractors that could fit into all the narrow spaces on the farm but were 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 have about 2 500 cows being milked 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 machines should be cost-effective, offer ease of use, and provide the right power. I started researching which make and model met these categories. That is how I came across the Valtra name.” He asked around about the brand contacting other farmers who also had the tractors, 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 Valtras working on Mark’s farm: Two N134s and one N175. The N175 is a 112-kW tractor that can pull the no-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 cutting work. The other 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 he has other brands on the farm doing the donkey work, but for the tough jobs, the Valtras take care of it. “I am impressed with the power output, which allows us to do soil preparation without the tractors being too big for feed handling work. The Valtras are compact compared to other models available on the market.”

“A tractor is a machine, and any machine sometimes breaks down,” Mark says.

“But what is important in that case is to have the backup of a dealer who wants to help you keep working. “It is encouraging to know you are in the hands of people who understand farming. It is a company with family values that will not let you get lost in the shuffle of a corporate structure. They look after each client.

“It is quality products backed by good people,” Mark concludes. What more could you want?

To find out what difference a Valtra can make on your farm, and experience Valtrac’s legendary service, contact them at (+27)56-817-7338 or send an e-mail to sales@valtrac.co.za. Also, visit the website at www.valtrac.co.za to browse the entire range of tractors.