At the 2005 SIMA Paris show Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and CEO of the AGCO Corporation, pledged that the company would deploy the resources it needs to become a world-leader in harvesting technology.
At this year’s show AGCO is delivering on that promise, with the introduction of a whole new range of MF large square balers. Alongside this MF will be unveiling a new ‘super-large’ combine, ahead of schedule and ready for evaluation in European conditions this season.
These exciting new developments come from unstinting, multi-million dollar investment in R&D, trials and evaluation. AGCO’s focus on harvesting developments is continuing at an unparalleled pace with enormous changes in the past two years.
Since restructuring the Randers factory in Denmark, sales of Massey Ferguson Cerea combines have increased year on year to meet extra demand.
After their introduction for the 2005 season, Massey Ferguson Activa and Beta combines have been providing robust and reliable performance throughout harvest in 17 different countries. The practical design of these machines is finding favour among users that wish to secure crop yield and quality by owning their own machine, but without the cost of larger, often more complex, combines.
But this is still just the beginning…
Alongside more rotary combines, work on the eagerly anticipated new ‘hybrid’ combine design is progressing steadily and to plan. Prototype machines are at work throughout the harvesting season worldwide, with Massey Ferguson engineers evaluating the performance of its unique design.
Rotary starts the red combine revolution
The new MF 9895 rotary combine is spearheading AGCO’s determined push to become a harvesting technology world-leader. The machine on show at the SIMA, Paris show will be evaluated in Europe this coming season.
This High Output havester unites innovative features with well proven rotary concepts to form a high performance, but straightforward machine. Designed specifically for large-area farms and agribusinesses, the new combine provides the outstanding productivity and low operating costs these users demand.
The MF 9895 heads the field in virtually every area:
• Largest rotor in the industry at 0.8m diameter x 3.55m long
• Full-width 1.4m wide helically vaned beater
• 12,300 litre grain tank capacity
• High capacity Powerflow tables in 9.0m and 7.7m widths
• Highest unloading rate of 158 litres/sec
• 459hp with Power bulge from latest 12.5-litre Caterpillar engine
• Just 13 main drive belts for minimum downtime
• Class-leading cab comfort and low noise levels
• GTA Console II monitor
Powerflow tables for highest outputs
The key to efficient harvesting is to keep the threshing mechanism full with an even ‘heads first’ feed. To gain utmost performance from its new generation combine harvesters Massey Ferguson is introducing a new 9.12m (30ft) wide version of its renowned Powerflow cutting table.
Acknowledged as the ultimate combine output enhancer, the knife on the Powerflow table is fixed 1.14m from the auger, which allows the crop to fall flat onto the table, where it is picked up by moving belts that feed it into the auger.
Powerflow increases combine performance in all crops, but is at its best in oilseed rape, where tests have proved it can increase output by up to 73%.
Best in class rotor design
The MF 9895’s exceptional performance in a wide range of crops comes from its 0.8m x 3.55m long single axial rotor – the largest in the industry. This is driven hydrostatically, which not only reduces the complexity and maintenance associated with belts, but also provides positive, controllable power.
Other benefits of hydrostatic drive include infinite speed adjustment, simple reversing and automatic speed control. This all results in high performance threshing with less damage and a higher quality grain sample.
The rotor operates at speeds between 200-1,040rpm and is divided into four separate sections: Intake, threshing, separation and discharge, with each zone designed specifically for maximum output.
In the intake section crop is fed into the rotor via a full-width feeder/beater. This measures 1.4m wide and is fitted with helical vanes that evenly distribute the crop into the rotor head. This ensures a smooth feed, which reduces crop damage because the material is fed at 360º into the threshing area.
Efficient threshing is carried out against the 1.52m long concave. This has nine sections, providing a total area of 1.75m² and a wrap angle of 161º. For maximum durability the threshing elements are tungsten carbide coated and the rasp bars are chromed.
From here crop passes into the 1.02m long separation area. This is fitted with eight grates with a wrap angle of 204º providing a total area of 1.54m². A consistently clean grain sample is assured by a total 5.35m², cleaning area, with a transverse fan operating at between 500-1,150rpm.
The extra length of the axial rotor means there is no need for an extra beater for direct discharge, which saves power and fuel. Straw is either released onto the ground or fed into the min-till chopper.
Grain is held in a 12,300 litre capacity tank, which is unloaded in just over a minute by the rapid Direct High Volume (DHV) system operating at 158 litres/sec. The long reach 7.4m long auger has a 4.34m discharge height that makes it easy to empty into chaser wagons and large trailers.
Power to perform
The MF 9895 is powered by a Caterpillar C13 ACERT engine. This 12.5 litre capacity unit delivers 459hp with power bulge and unstinting torque to maintain harvesting performance whatever the conditions or terrain.
A four-speed, hydrostatic transmission offers superb control of forward speed.
Uncomplicated design reduces maintenance costs
The new MF 9895 combine is a straightforward design, which uses just 13 main belts and three chain drives. By dramatically reducing the complexity of the design, along with improving accessibility Massey Ferguson sets new standards of ease of maintenance.
The uncomplicated layout improves reliability, reduces downtime and reduces the cost of ownership compared with other machines in this class. Large service panels lift completely clear, offering unrivalled visibility and access to the drive system, engine and other components.
Unrivalled cab comfort and control
When it comes to quietness, comfort and control there’s nothing to beat Massey Ferguson’s legendary operator environment. Equipped to ease the operator’s workload the MF 9895 cab comes with full climate control, heating and even footbars on which to rest their feet.
The Deluxe air suspension seat can be adjusted to suit all shapes and sizes. This is equipped with a right-hand control panel that can also be altered to work in the most relaxing position.
A display above the driver’s head and another mounted in the cab ‘B’ post provide fully automatic machine monitoring with audible and visible alarms. The grain loss monitor and rotor speed display is in the operator’s eye-line.
The GTA Console II, all-colour touch-screen unit controls the new yieldmeter and performance monitor, offering a comprehensive overview of productivity while logging output. Fieldstar yieldmapping unit is standard, providing information input for the latest management tools available to assist large scale and agribusinesses to future decisions.
Auto-Guide, self-steering will also be on test for sale next season, helping to achieve maximum output from the 9.1m wide Powerflow table.
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
