Nokian Tyres and Valtra have set a new world record for snow removal with an autonomous tractor. The speed record was set in March 2018 using an unmanned Valtra T254 Versu tractor equipped with Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tyres. Operated without a driver, the tractor ploughed snow on a closed road in Southern Finland at 73.171 km/h (45.466 mph).
The data retrieved from the speed record provides valuable data for future research into autonomous technology. Exceeding the ordinary tractor speed with a front-mounted implement and on a slippery surface puts stress on the tractor and its tyres. The block tread pattern of the Hakkapeliitta TRI tyres has been specifically designed for stability on icy and snowy surfaces.
Automated steering systems are already common in tractors, but the Valtra that set a new world record together with Nokian Heavy Tyres didn’t even have a driver.
This is the second world record in subzero conditions that has been set by Nokian Tyres and Valtra. In 2015, the two Finnish manufacturers teamed up with rally legend Juha Kankkunen to set the current speed record for driving a tractor on ice at 130.165 km/h using a Valtra T234 Versu tractor with Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tyres.
