Massey Ferguson Auto-Guidance steers path to higher output
Massey Ferguson is introducing a complete range of new guidance, automatic steering and machine control systems. This suite of advanced new products will further increase the productivity and efficiency of Massey Ferguson tractors as well improve application precision and ease record keeping.
Massey Ferguson Auto-Guidance steers path to higher output
The new systems are the result of AGCO’s strategic partnership with Topcon, the leading global developer and manufacturer of precision positioning equipment. The comprehensive range starts with simple, entry-level guidance, which even comes with the option on auto-section control, and builds through assisted steering to provide fully automatic integrated steering as well as mapping, variable rate control and logging.
“Massey Ferguson is the precision farming pioneer,” says Campbell Scott, Massey Ferguson’s Brand Development Manager. “This superb new range now allows every Massey Ferguson customer to choose the exact level of precision and technology they require.
“The new, highly accurate, Massey Ferguson Auto-Guidance system combines advanced features with ease of use. Designed to be upgraded easily, it allows users to start with simple and low cost guidance then add options and features as and when they are required – all using the same terminal. This means farmers and contractors can adopt the appropriate technology to meets their present needs safe in the knowledge the system will expand as they develop new ways of working,” he says.
Massey Ferguson Auto-Guidance options:
- System 110: Straightforward guidance from a 5in colour screen terminal with detachable light bar, GPS receiver, interface kit and option of auto-section control up to to ten sections. It provides three steering modes, boundary and coverage maps and is quickly moved between any self-propelled machines.
- System 150 with AES-25 assisted steering: This next step, available for all MF tractors from the MF 5400 to MF 8600 Series, includes all the features as System 110, but also provides automatic steering with the AES-25 detachable electric motor powered steering system, which fits in place of the original steering wheel. Positioning is by the high precision Topcon AGI-3 antenna, which includes steering controllers and electronic gyroscopes. The AGI-3 use the industry’s most advanced receiver chip, which also operates with a wide range of correction signals from the free EGNOS right through to RTK.
- System 150 – fully automatic steering: Available for Auto-Guidance ready MF 6400 Series six cylinder models and all MF 7400, MF 8400 and MF 8600 tractors. These come factory fitted with an electronic steering valve, wheel angle sensor and all necessary wiring and connectors. This system employs the AGI-3 antenna and operates through the same console as the other systems.
- Auto-Guide 1 – this existing system will still be available for six cylinder models in the MF 6400 and MF 7400 Series. It operates through the Datatronic 3 console with ISObus compatibility, with Auto-Guide Top Dock antenna with optional RTK receiver. Tractors are equipped with proportional steering valve and wheel angle sensor.
Select the System to suit
The new Massey Ferguson Auto-Guidance range begins with simple guidance offered by System 110. At the heart of this, and all the systems, is a 12.7 cm colour screen console. For System 110 this is equipped with a detachable light bar, which can be positioned in the best line of sight. This System comes with its own 12-channel 5Hz GPS receiver with EGNOS correction and provides three guidance modes: straight parallel lines (A-B mode), adaptive curves and centre-pivot.
The console creates a boundary map and a coverage map, which are both shown on the screen. These can be saved and downloaded (in standard Shape files) via one of two USB ports. The screen also shows area, speed, row number and satellite information.
Further sophistication is provided by an RS-232 port that provides the GPS position signal for variable rate applications, which are adjusted by the implement’s specific controller. Auto-section control, for up to 10 sections is a cost effective option that prevents overlaps.
Step up to assisted steering
The next step up is System 150, which provides assisted steering using the Topcon AES-25 unit, which fits onto the steering column in place of the original steering wheel. AES-25 uses a powerful, high torque electric motor, which provides very quiet operation with a quick and accurate response.
As well as available for all Massey Ferguson tractors, this universal system can be adapted to fit any self-propelled vehicle, making it a cost effective addition to the fleet.
To provide the greater accuracy required for steering, the original GPS receiver is replaced with the advanced Topcon AGI-3 antenna. This state of the art system employs the unique ‘Paradigm G3 universal 72 channel receiver’ chip. This provides a far more stable signal compared with less sophisticated systems because it can pick up all existing satellites in the GPS and GLONASS constellations and is ready for the European Galileo network when it comes on stream.
The AGI-3 antenna also includes a steering controller and powerful inertia sensors that detect the vehicle’s heading and working angles to compensate for operating up or down hills and across slopes.
The receiver works with a wide range of differential signals including the free EGNOS system as well as OmniSTAR VBS (+/- 30cm) and HP (+/-10cm) services. The antenna is fitted with ‘slots’ for an RTK radio receiver as well as a SIM card to employ correction signals transmitted via the GSM mobile ‘phone network. This allows the system to work to an accuracy of up to +/- 2cm.
As well as the existing System 110 features, the upgrade to System 150 also provides the additional ‘last pass’ facility to steer in identical curves following the previous track.
This versatile system is easily transferred between vehicles
Move on to fully automatic steering
System 150 with fully automatic steering is the ultimate output and accuracy enhancer, which produces savings in fuel and operating costs that quickly justify the investment.
It is available for Auto-Guidance ready MF 6400 Series six cylinder models and all MF 7400, MF 8400 and MF 8600 Series. These tractors come factory-fitted with the necessary electronic steering valve, wheel angle sensor, the roof bracket for the AGI-3 antenna and all wiring.
Again the ease of installation means it is also easy to transfer between other Auto-Guidance ready tractors, helping the investment to work harder.
System 150 for fully automatic steering again employs the same console as for guidance and assisted steering, which makes this a logical move to provide the benefits of steering. This powerful package not only steers the tractor in straight parallel lines (A-B), but also around identical curves, adaptive curves to follow the last pass and also around centre pivots.
The AGI-3 receiver, as used for assisted steering, offers steering accuracy from the free EGNOS system right through to RTK signals transmitted via radio or the mobile phone.
Auto-section control, in common with all the systems, is a cost effective option. The boundary and coverage maps provide records of all treatments and work and can be downloaded via the USB port in a standard ‘Shape’ file. Also implement controllers can be connected via the RS-232 port to provide variable rates, which are also mapped by the System 150 console.
Get started with Topcon Precision Agriculture – an in depth guide
http://www.topconpa.com/assets/files/products/catalogs/Solutions_Catalog-RevD-A4-Eng.pdf