Visitors to the SIMA, Paris show will be the first to see the innovations that result from massive investments in Massey Ferguson harvesting technology.

This follows Chairman, President and CEO of the AGCO Corporation, Martin Richenhagen’s, pledge at the 2005 Paris show to commit the company to becoming a world-leader in harvesting equipment. The product of this unmatched R&D and engineering effort is now coming to fruition with the unveiling of a radical new rotary combine design for evaluation, along with the introduction of a new large square baler range.

Making its debut at the SIMA show is the MF 2100 Series large square baler range. Designed and built in the AGCO factory in Hesston, Kansas, these new machines come with a formidable reputation for outstanding performance in a wide range of crops and conditions.

“The MF 2100 Series sustain the superior design pedigree of the Hesston-built MF 100 Series - the undisputed leaders in big bale technology,” says Mark McKinnon, MF Product Marketing Manager.

“The Hesston factory has unrivalled large square baler expertise. It set the industry standard for professional contractors in 1978 and has continued to lead from the front ever since. Indeed, virtually every industrial bale consumer, such as power stations and municipal heating systems, are now specifically designed around the ‘4 x 4’ bale produced by the legendary MF 190,” he adds.

The new MF 2100 Series comprises:

MF 2100 Series features:

• Common mainframe chassis
• Third more capacity from flagship MF 2190
• Tandem axle with self-steering option on all models
• On-board independent hydraulics
• New four-auger pick-up
• Higher strokes/min increases output
• Legendary double knotter design retained
• Transverse impeller knotter fan
• ISO compliant, GTA Console 1 controller

Strongest chassis meets the highest demands

All the MF 2100 Series balers are now built around a common chassis design, which reduces costs allowing the highest specifications to be employed across the whole range.

The simplified and strengthened frame, which is made from stronger grade steel, is designed to support higher loads from the increased baling capacity. Extensive use of heavy-duty, sealed for life bearings eliminates the need for an Auto-Lube system and reduces maintenance.

The new design also improves access to all areas of the machine, with large lightweight side panels lifting completely clear for servicing and maintenance. All machines now share the same ‘family’ modern style.

A single axle is standard, fitted with 700/50 x 22.5 tyres on all machines except the MF 2190 that has 28L x 26, and have hydraulic braking and the option of air-brakes. But for optimum flotation and improved ground clearance all models can be equipped with a self-steering, suspended tandem axle as an option. This runs on 500/45-22.5 tyres.

Independent baler hydraulics for consistent performance

All models are equipped with an independent hydraulic pump and circuit to ensure consistent operation, regardless of other loads of the tractor’s hydraulics. This controls bale chamber density via two, double-acting rams, which replace the single-acting versions used before. The new rams allow all three tension doors to be opened to release the tension on the bale. This system also runs the knotter fan.

Up to third more capacity from more strokes/min

The gearbox on the flagship MF 2190 now runs the plunger at 33 plunger strokes/min, which increases capacity by a 30% compared with the MF 190 it replaces. This enormous leap in output has a tremendous impact on the cost/bale, as well as allowing one machine to do more work. On all other models the plunger speed increases to 47 strokes/min from 42 stroke/min.

To improve inertia and maintain momentum the flywheel weight is increased by 12%. Slip clutch life is improved by the addition of another disc taking the total to five, in place of the previous four. Lastly a new shearbolt retainer protects the shield from damage.

Even feed from new four-auger pick-up

Highest capacity starts with an even, uninterrupted feed. All models have a new pick-up with a 2.26m effective working width, which features significant improvements to ensure a constant crop flow to sustain ultimate baling capacity.

The outstanding Hesston flotation design is now further improved with a torsion bar replacing the spring system, for even better ground following ability. Unlike other large square balers, which run their pick-ups on wheels, the MF 2100 Series’ fully floating system is kept off the ground in work. This significantly reduces the risk of wear and damage resulting in less down-time and lower maintenance costs. The pick-up also rises higher than before for safe transport.

A solid wind guard smoothes the crop into a consistent mat across the full width of the pick-up, which significantly improves feeding and lifts performance. From here crop is fed via two new centring augers on each side, which positively gather and feed the material efficiently into the pre-pack chamber.

Cutter machines are equipped with a single, full-width auger that feeds the rotor.

Pre-compression boosts density

Key to Massey Ferguson balers’ unrivalled density is its ground-breaking pre-pack chamber. This now makes even higher density bales thanks to a new heavy duty system that creates denser flakes due to higher compression in the pre-pack chamber.

This leading design has always guaranteed even filling right to the top of the chamber. Changes to the stuffer tines, fingers and timing further increase density. The system ensures each flake is formed with the same amount of crop and degree of consolidation across the whole area - top to bottom and to both sides. This results in Massey Ferguson’s legendary consistent, solid bale shape.

A number of changes enable the system to handle the heavier loads. The stuffer cam-track bearings, for example, are now supported on both sides of the assembly and the whole unit is now equipped with heavy-duty sealed bearings.

Exceptional knotter performance

Massey Ferguson balers are renowned for rock solid knotter reliability. The
MF 2100s continue to use the original pioneering Hesston-designed double knotters to provide unstinting operation which is key to maintaining unrivalled performance.

A new knotter fan, for all models, now employs a transverse impeller across the whole width, which improves fan efficiency. This is driven hydraulically from the baler’s own on-board pump.

Reliability is improved with the extensive use of sealed, heavy-duty bearings throughout the driveline. The knotters, however, have a new electronically-controlled, auto-lube system.

Bale length accuracy is enhanced by repositioning the star wheel in the centre of the bale chamber. This guarantees good traction at all times. Heavier duty construction of the trip mechanism increases durability.

All machines carry 30 balls of string. These are now stored in ingenious but simple racks that hold the balls at a shallow angle on their sides – as opposed to upright. This makes it possible to load and connect them all from the ground.

All under control with Console 1

All MF 2100 Series balers take a giant leap forward in monitoring and control with the Console 1 unit. This ISOBUS compatible instrument, which incidentally is already fitted to Massey Ferguson tractors with Datatronic III, offers complete control and operation via buttons and a rotary dial with a colour display.

ENDS
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About AGCO
Founded in 1990, AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AG) (www.agcocorp.com) is a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment and implements, which are distributed through more than 3,200 independent dealers and distributors in more than 140 countries worldwide. AGCO products include the following well-known brands: AGCO®, Challenger®, Fendt®, Gleaner®, Hesston®, Massey Ferguson®, New Idea®, RoGator®, Spra-Coupe®, Sunflower®, Terra-Gator®, Valtra®, and White™ Planters.  AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance. The company is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, and in 2006 had net sales of $5.4 billion.

CONTACT: 
Paul Lay
Manager, Public Relations & Communications
+ 44 (0)2476 851209