The Valmet 565 was the fourth diesel tractor built by Valmet, introduced in the autumn of 1964 as the successor to the 361 D. Its greatest novelty was a synchronised gearbox — the first on a Finnish tractor — advertised with the line “Now you drive a tractor like a car.”
Valmet 565 at a glance
| Maker | Valmet, Tourula plant, Jyväskylä |
|---|---|
| Production | 1964–1968 |
| Predecessor | Valmet 361 D |
| Engine | three-cylinder 310 A, 2,685 cm³ |
| Power | 52 hp SAE at 2,250 rpm |
| Gearbox | synchronised 2nd and 3rd, plus high-low range |
| Fuel tank | 40 litres |
| New standard equipment | foot throttle, rev counter, tubular side restraints |
| Price | more than 10% above the 361 D |
Based on the Finnish Wikipedia article on the Valmet 565 and the Finnish list of Valmet tractors.
History of the Valmet 565
The Valmet 565 replaced the successful 361 D, of which 14,796 were built in Finland. The model number now indicated the power class: 52 hp, and the official launch year 1965. The engine remained a three-cylinder, but thanks to changes to the fan, pistons, injectors and the pressure valve of the injection pump it was renamed the 310 A and rated at 52 hp SAE at 2,250 rpm.
The biggest improvement was the synchronised gearbox. Second and third gears of the basic transmission, as well as the high-low range, were synchronised — something the Finnish market had not seen before, and rare in the industry generally, where synchronisation was usually limited to a pair of individual gears. The advertising claim was direct: “Now you drive a tractor like a car.” The car-like feel was completed by a foot throttle, now standard equipment.
The 565 was fast on the road, and even first gear was quite quick, helped by larger tyres. To save production costs Valmet used a Simms fuel system and a cheaper Lucas electrical system instead of Bosch. Visually the biggest change was the vertically ribbed radiator grille, and the front axle was stronger than before. New standard equipment included the foot throttle, a rev counter and tubular side restraints; the dual clutch remained optional. From 1966 a hydraulic creep gear was also available.
Late in 1965 an improved version, the 565 II or Mk 2, was announced. It received a “health seat” with anatomical shaping, a long spring travel and suspension stiffness adjustable to the driver’s weight. The hydraulic pump was moved to the right side of the engine and could be disconnected for cold starting, leaving the front of the crankshaft free for an extra pump. One application was a hydrostatic creep drive with stepless speed control from 0 to 30 km/h. The Mk 2 also offered a differential lock and Valmet’s own twin-clutch arrangement, with separate pedals for the drive clutch and the power take-off and equally sized 11-inch clutch plates.
Design and features
- Synchronised gearbox: the first on a Finnish tractor, covering 2nd, 3rd and the high-low range.
- Foot throttle: standard from launch, adding to the car-like driving experience.
- 310 A engine: three cylinders, 2,685 cm³, 52 hp SAE.
- Stronger front axle: matched to the higher road speeds.
- Mk 2 comfort: an anatomical seat with weight-adjustable suspension.
Valmet 565 versions
- Valmet 565 (1964–1965): the original synchronised tractor.
- Valmet 565 II / Mk 2 (from late 1965): improved seat, repositioned hydraulic pump, optional creep drive.
- Valmet 565 with hydraulic creep gear: optional from 1966, 0–30 km/h stepless.
The 565 followed the Valmet 359 D and was replaced by the Valmet 500. More tractors are in the Valmet collection.
Video: Valmet 565 tractorpulling
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Valmet 565, Finnish Wikipedia: engine, gearbox, equipment, Mk 2 changes
- Valmet (traktori), Finnish Wikipedia: power, fuel tank and production years
- Valtra, English Wikipedia: company history and the 361 D predecessor
