Nokian Tyres and Valtra set the world record for snow removal with an autonomous tractor earlier this year.
An unmanned Valtra T254 Versu tractor equipped with Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tires plowed snow on a closed road in southern Finland at 45.466 mph, according to a press release.
The Valtra T254 Versu has been awarded the title Tractor of the Year 2018 and is used by contractors and farmers for a wide range of agricultural, forestry and municipal maintenance tasks.
“The predictability and car-like handling of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI, combined with its sheer traction, have made the tire a popular choice with winter contractors,” said Toni Silfverberg, head of sales and marketing at Nokian Heavy Tyres. “The same features also lend themselves nicely to working at record speeds.”
The speed record was set in secured conditions and with the involvement of research teams from both Nokian Tyres and Valtra. Data retrieved from the successful attempt will provide valuable information for future research into autonomous technology, the release noted.
This is the second world record in sub-zero 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 80.8 mph using a Valtra T234 Versu tractor with Nokian Hakkapeliitta TRI tires.