“In a typical 12-hour day in a minimum tillage application, for the same cost of labour, fuel, maintenance, insurance and depreciation, 15% more work can be achieved using Massey Ferguson’s Headland Management System (HMS),” says Kevin Batkin, MF Sales Support Specialist who took part in trials in Germany.

The HMS is part of Datatronic 3, MF’s tractor management and information system loaded onto the  console in the cab.  Available on MF6400, 7400 and 8400 Series tractors, Datatronic 3 enables certain electronic functions to be managed automatically from within the cab.  Information gathered can be downloaded for analysis in the office to enable management action to control costs and get the most from the machine in the field.

“MF’s HMS has more programmable actions available and more ways of setting up to suit the job than any other system on the market,” continues Kevin Batkin.  “In all, 35 functions can be set – either in the office, while parked or on-the-move.”

“Once a headland sequence has been programmed, Datatronic 3 provides a clear colour display of the sequence that can be modified at any time.”

“Added to this flexibility is that once the HMS sequence has been set up, the operator can either activate each tractor function individually, or the whole automated sequence by the press of the same button – thus giving him total control over the operation of the tractor,” he says.

“Indeed, the more complicated your headland sequence, the greater productivity increases can be gained from using HMS.  One recent MF8480 customer specifically purchased the machine because he needed to handle 27 actions in his headland sequence with a semi-mounted plough.  He is impressed not only with the productivity improvement but also the increased comfort he enjoys when turning since he now only has one button to press.”

Results from the MF Headland Management System trials :

MF6490 with 4m stubble cultivator

Working speed – 8 Km/Hr
Length of bout – 800 m
Working width – 4 m

Headland actions :

1. Decrease forward speed
 (3 x Dynashift speeds)

2. Reduce engine speed from Engine Speed Memory A to B (2000-1400 RPM)

3. Lift 3-point linkage

4. Travel 4.5 metres then operate spool valve for 5 seconds at full flow rate (100%)

5. Disengage 4WD

6. Pause actions while turning around

7. Engage 4WD

8. Lower 3-point linkage

9. Travel 4.5 metres then operate spool valve for 5 seconds at full flow rate

10. Increase engine speed from Engine Speed Memory B to A (1400 – 2000 RPM)

11. Increase forward speed
 (3 x Dynashift ratios)

Without MF’s HMS System switched on
Time per working bout 6 mins
Headland turn 1 min 40 secs
Total time per bout 7 mins 40 secs
No. of bouts per hour 7.83
Worked area per bout
(taking into account overlap) 0.30 ha
Ha per hour 2.35
Ha per 12 hours working day 28.2

With MF’s HMS system switched on 
Time per working bout 6 mins
Headland turn 40 secs
Total time per bout 6 mins 40 secs
No. of bouts per hour 9
Worked area per bout
(taking into account overlap) 0.30 ha
Ha per hour 2.7
Ha per 12 hours working day 32.4

Increased work
(15% greater productivity) 

4.2 ha per day