New Challenger MT 800B Series tractors, including the most powerful model yet, head-up the exciting AGCO display at the Cereals event. Massey Ferguson and Fendt are also showing new equipment and product enhancements, and Valtra will be joining these famous names for the first time.
· New Challenger MT800B Series features five models including the new 570hp, MT 875B. All models feature the new Caterpillar Tier 3 compliant engines, which boost powers by between 10hp and 20hp, depending on model.
· New Massey Ferguson Dyna-6 transmission provides clutchless operation, six-steps in every gear and fully automatic changing modes. All MF tractors on show have been introduced in the past 18 months with Cereals being the first time many visitors will see the flagship MF 8400 Series. New GTA console provides a simple to use, low-cost monitoring/console package that enables information to be transferred from the console to an office PC.
· New self-levelling cab suspension on Fendt Vario tractors, along with option of Auto-Guide self-steering system. Other enhancements add further comfort and control.
· Valtra joins the force. Cereals is the first time the comprehensive range of Valtra tractors will be on show on the ACGO stand. Representatives from the company’s range include the M Series through to the unique ‘XM’ articulated steering models.
Massey Ferguson keeps on growing
In the past 18 months Massey Ferguson has completely rejuvenated its entire range of tractors. But it hasn’t stopped there with the company continuing to add a range of productivity enhancing features to the new models.
The new Dyna-6 transmission is an option on the seven Perkins powered machines in the MF 6400 Series and further enhances the tractors’ performance by increasing output and saving fuel. The transmission provides 24F/24R speeds.
A small armrest-mounted lever changes the six Dyna-6 speeds either individually with a single ‘pulse’, or through the speeds by holding it forwards or back. Pressing a button on the lever allows the gear ratios to be changed without using the clutch.
Massey Ferguson’s unique left-hand, Power Control lever extends versatility and ease of use. This frees the right hand to make other adjustments on the console while also shifting. The lever declutches the transmission, shifts direction and changes through the Dyna-6 speeds.
AutoDrive allows operators to select one of three modes: Manual, Speedmatching or AutoDrive for field or road. In road mode the AutoDrive system shifts both the Dynashift speeds and changes the ranges automatically. In the field mode this provides auto-shifting through the six Dyna-6 steps. AutoDrive also allows the operator to set the engine revs at which the transmission changes up automatically, to help users to tailor precisely the automatic changing to suit the individual task.
Speedmatching automatically selects the correct Dynashift ratio when making gear changes. In the Speedmatching ‘field mode’ it is necessary to press the button to change gear and then Speedmatching will automatically select the appropriate Dynashift ratio. When the dial is set to the Speedmatching ‘road mode’, holding the lever forwards or backwards will change the Dynashift ratio as well as the gear.
GTA console and software simplifies communication
With its new GTA console and software Massey Ferguson now offers farmers the opportunity to gain further benefits from their MF 6400, MF 7400 and MF 8400 tractors with a straightforward link between the Datatronic III monitoring and control systems in the tractor and the office PC.
The simple to use, low-cost package logs machine and operating information, which is important for crop traceability and record keeping requirements. It enables the information to be transferred from any MF tractor fitted with the optional GTA Console to an office PC and, if required, exported to other farm management programmes.
The GTA console, which is the new operator interface on the MF 8400 and MF 7400 and certain MF 6400s, features a full-colour TFT Screen that is equipped with a MMC/SD card slot for downloading data. Tractors fitted with the GTA Console will receive GTA100 Communicator as standard. For an additional list price of Euro 300 users can upgrade to the more powerful GTA200 Record Keeping software for more detailed management of the information.
Using GTA100 Communicator software the GTA Console logs machine and field data. This can then be transferred by SD card into the software on the office PC to allow machine use and job data to be viewed and exported for use by third-party farm management programs
The next step, GTA200 Record Keeping, allows machine performance data to be allocated to a specific job or field to produce a range of reports. This means important crop traceability information can be collated as well as producing field and machine records and printable reports.
Superb tractor strength on show
The range and depth of MF’s latest line-up of tractors is unsurpassed in the company’s long history. The current range is unquestionably the best tractors the company has ever offered. The show may be the first opportunity that visitors will have had to see the new machines, some of which will be working on the plots.
MF 8400 – ultimate output from uncompromising design
The new MF 8400 Series was quickly named ‘Tractor of the Year’, just after its launch last autumn. The range comprises four models from 215hp to 290hp, all with extra power, which are designed specifically to provide the highest levels of performance and productivity necessary to achieve the huge workrates that are now vital for economic operation in critical times of intense fieldwork.
These workhorses feature Dyna-VT continuously variable transmissions and superb comfort from a suspended cab with the lowest noise levels in the industry. A 150 litre/min, closed-centre, load-sensing (CCLS) hydraulic system is standard, providing lift capacities of 10,500kg across the range. This is operated by MF’s leading electronic linkage control. A new Datatronic III terminal offers an automatic headland control memory, spool valve management and work displays.
MF 7400 – Seamless shifting and high spec as standard
Six models, from 120hp to 185hp, in Massey Ferguson’s advanced MF 7400 Series tractors feature constantly variable transmissions (CVT), electronic engine management and automatic headland control with superb comfort from standard front-axle suspension and unique Dual Stage cab suspension.
MF 6400 - New levels power, comfort and control
The MF 6400 Series includes 12 models with four- and six-cylinder engines offering powers from 90hp right through to two heavy-duty 185hp and 215hp machines ideally suited to demanding primary cultivation work.
This truly versatile range offers a wide choice of models with high power-to-weight ratios to suit every conceivable application. No other manufacturer offers the breadth and depth of specifications provided in the MF 6400 Series.
Although the tractors come with a high specification as standard, users can also tailor the specification to exactly match the task from a set of option ‘Packages’. These include all the main features required to fulfil specific roles such as Transport or Cultivation, plus two levels of extra comfort.
MF 5400 – Versatility to suit every application
The six multi-purpose tractors in the MF 5400 Series, with powers from 75hp to 120hp, are truly versatile and ideally suited to a wide range of arable and livestock duties.
These superb, nimble all-rounders are all powered by lively Perkins 1100 Series, four- and six cylinder engines, which provide an excellent power-to-weight ratio. A straightforward, 16F/16R Speedshift transmission offers a wide spread of speeds to suit every job, while a left-hand operated Powershuttle option simplifies headland turns and loader work.
Operators are cosseted in the MF ‘family feel’ cab which provides top levels of comfort, visibility and control. At home in the field, yard or on the road, the MF 5400 Series comes with a range comfort and performance enhancing option ‘Package’ that allow customers to precisely match tractor specification to the application.
Fendt offers further automation and comfort
Fendt, the byword for top quality tractor technology and sophistication, continues to add further features to enhance output and improve operator comfort.
For the first time at Cereals there is the new AutoGuide self-steering system, available for the 700, 800 and 900 Varios. Accurately steering the tractors in straight lines, precisely matching each bout with the next improves output by preventing over- and underlapping. As well as reducing operator stress, it is particularly useful at night and in poor visibility, and means equipment can be worked for longer periods, improving overall productivity.
Fendt offers two versions of AutoGuide. The ‘standard’ systems provides an accuracy of down to about +/- 20cm, whereas the ‘Precision’ system will steer to within +/-5cm.
Operators spending long hours in Fendt cabs will now also benefit from the new auto-levelling cab suspension, which is now standard on the 800 and 900 Varios. The pneumatic system, which offers similar levels of comfort found on big trucks, uses air springs and shock absorbers that adapt automatically to differing conditions. This means there is no need to switch between operating modes.
Mechanical cab suspension continues to be standard on 700 Varios, but these tractors can be fitted with the new auto-level system as an option.
Valtra joins the AGCO force
Cereals is the first time Valtra tractors will line-up alongside Challenger, MF and Fendt on the AGCO stand. The Finnish manufacturer is famous for its modular, tailor-made approach to tractor building and customer focus.
The company has also built a tremendous reputation among it loyal users for offering features that are not often found among the mainstream. For example the flagship 280hp, S280 model offers no less than seven programmable spool valves for efficient operation of modern machinery. The tractor is also available with reverse drive, further expanding its versatility.
Valtra also offers the most powerful four-cylinder agricultural tractor in the form of the 150hp, M150. The four models in the M Series offer power, but without weight or bulk and are ideally suited to a wide range of tasks. The M120e offers further economy from its low-rpm engine that generates exceptional torque and is perfect for jobs that require steady PTO revs.
The two articulated-steer XM models, at 135hp and 150hp offer a unique dual roll. The steering joint provides unrivalled manoeuvrability, making them a perfect partner for a loader, while the tractor retains all the other features of a normal tractor with, of course, a comfortable cab for long loading days.
