The completely new MF 3600 Series: Four cab and semi-platform models from 58hp to 91hp

After an impressive three years introducing award winning new product ranges and features above 100 hp, Massey Ferguson is proving that it is still in launch mode as, amongst a host of other product enhancements at EIMA, it launches the MF 3600 tractor range designed specifically to meet the needs of the smaller farmer or municipal user.

Massey Ferguson has made no secret of its intent to place a strong focus on the demanding below 100hp agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
Declan Hayden, Vice President Marketing for Massey Ferguson EAME said,

“Massey Ferguson has a strong below 100 hp pedigree. We have a special understanding of the needs and the demands of each of the different sectors in this category, both agricultural and non –agricultural, where versatility and total reliability are not just a nice to have – they are a need to have.

“Diversity of need from small to medium mixed farming units, specialist agricultural and horticultural units through to Utilities and Grounds Care operations make wide demands on machinery  - challenges that Massey Ferguson is particularly good at finding perfect solutions for. Our philosophy within each of these specialist machinery sectors is - whatever you do, we do.

“Excellent power to weight ratios, compactness, manouevrability in tight spaces, economy, ease of control, real versatility of operation – a go anywhere do anything ability  - are all at a premium in these machinery sectors. The new MF 3600 series is purposely designed to tackle these demands with consummate ease”

The new MF 3600 Series, which includes four completely new SISU powered tractors from 58hp to 91hp (ISO), is available with two- or four-wheel drive. These powerful and nimble, general-purpose workhorses are ideally suited to a wide range of applications and are available with either a cab or a semi-platform work station.

“The MF 3600 Series are real all - rounders – true agricultural and municipal general-purpose tractors. With powers up to 91hp, they are also compact and manoeuvrable making them ideal for front-end loader work. While straightforward to operate and maintain, they also have a high specification, with plenty of options to allow users to tailor the machines to suit their requirements,” said David Chinn, Massey Ferguson’s General Marketing Manager for Low, Medium hp & Specialist Tractors.

MF 3600 Series features include:

• Latest SisuDiesel 33 DT & DTA fuel efficient engines offering high performance and quiet operation 
• Two- or four-wheel drive
• Proven Carraro SpA designed transmission offering 12/12 speeds for 2WD and 24/24 speeds with options for 4WD models• Synchro shuttle standard with Power Shuttle and Speedshift options
• Exclusive electro-hydraulic PTO operation with a range of speed options
• Powerful 43.5-litres/min hydraulic pump, with 54.2-litre/min option dedicated to three-point linkage and spool valves. Separate 21-litre/min pump for internal services.
• Up to five spool valves
• 2,500kg standard lift capacity

(DT) = Turbocharged; (DTA) Turbocharged and intercooled.

SisuDiesel – smooth, quiet and economical power

The latest generation 3.3-litre, SisuDiesel 33 DT engines power all models in the MF 3600 Series. All are turbocharged, while the 91hp MF 3645 is also intercooled.

The engines develop smooth, quiet power with maximum torque being developed between 1,100 and 1,400rpm. This enables the tractors to pull through tough conditions with fewer gear changes as well as providing more efficient PTO operation.

SisuDiesel, part of AGCO, is renowned for producing engines with excellent fuel economy and durability. The new engines comply fully with the latest Stage2/Tier 2 emissions rules and applicable noise regulations, allowing the tractors to be used without cabs in EU countries.

Versatile transmissions to suit all tasks

All MF 3600 tractors are equipped with the highly regarded Carraro transaxles which have been adapted specifically for these tractors in conjunction with Massey Ferguson engineers. The rugged transmission offers straightforward operation, with users able to choose extra functions and specifications as required.

All two-wheel drive models come with a 12/12 gearbox, offering a top speed of 30km/hr. This is operated with one lever for four gears, plus another to select high, medium and low ranges. A 40km/hr, 24/24 transmission is fitted as standard to all four-wheel drive MF 3600s. This uses the same lever arrangement, plus a high/low lever to ‘split’ each of the gears. The standard synchronised shuttle is operated with a left-hand lever.

A range of options are available for four-wheel drive models, allowing users to tailor the tractors to suit their particular requirements. The standard 24/24 unit can be specified with ‘Power Shuttle’ or ‘Speedshift’, both of which also come with electro-hydraulic differential locking.

With Speedshift each of the four gears can be shifted into high and low with a button on the gearlever. The Power Shuttle option allows direction changes to be made, without the clutch, simply with a flick of a short lever on the left-hand side of the dashboard. This will be particularly useful for loader work and jobs where manoeuvrability is important.

The Power Shuttle transmission also provides the operator with a gearlever-mounted ‘de-clutch’ button to allow easy gear changes without using the foot clutch pedal.

Exclusive Independent PTO offers plenty of options

All models are equipped with an exclusive, Massey Ferguson designed independent PTO, on which the wet clutch is operated electro-hydraulically.

A 540rpm PTO is standard on all semi-platform models, while all cab tractors have
540 / 750 as base.

Massey Ferguson offers a wide choice of selectable speeds to suit all types of tasks and implements, including: 540/750, 540/1,000, 540/750/ground speed or 540/1000/ground speed.

The PTO is engaged and disengaged with a large yellow knob by the driver’s seat, and the speeds are selected with a lever by the rear linkage.

High flow hydraulics

Two independent hydraulic circuits ensure constant, smooth operation of the spool valves and linkage. A separate steering and internal services pump provides 21 litres/min (130 bar), regardless of other flow demands on the tractor.
 
The Cat II three-point linkage has a standard lift capacity of 2,500kg with straightforward mechanical control as standard. Up to 57 litres/minute of oil flow is available for the operation of the rear linkage on the two larger tractors, while the two smaller models have flowrates of 43.5 litre/min with an option to upgrade to the higher flow package. Maximum pressure on all tractors is 190 bar.

Up to five spool valves can be specified on the MF 3600 Series, including three at the rear and two that are joystick operated and mid-mounted. This makes them ideal hosts for the MF 920 or MF 925 (parallel-lift) loaders. The joystick, which is also a dealer-fit item, has a push-button diverter valve for an auxiliary service, simplifying loader operation.

Comfort and security from cab or platform

All MF 3600 models are available with a spacious flat-floor cab or semi-platform.

The new cab maintains the familiar MF family ‘feel’, providing excellent all-round visibility. Wide opening doors provide superb access and will be appreciated by stock farmers and municipal users who often need to frequently mount and dismount in confined spaces.

The standard seat is fully adjustable, while an air-suspended version is an option. There is plenty of good ventilation, which is enhanced with an opening front screen that comes with a downswept exhaust. Air conditioning is also an option.

The ergonomic layout ensures all controls are mounted in convenient and easy to reach positions. A narrow dash provides good forward visibility while also providing a wide range of information and housing the mechanical shuttle lever or optional Power Shuttle control on the left-hand side.

For those operators that do not require a cab, Massey Ferguson also offers a semi-platform operator station which reduces the overall tractor height to the absolute minimum. This is designed specifically for users in both farming and municipal applications who need to work under low-hanging branches or in low buildings and polytunnels. The low height also reduces the risk of crop damage and maintains stability when working on slopes.

MF engineers have wide experience in producing platform and semi-platform tractors and have produced a new low foot-plate workplace that complies with the strict EU noise legislation. The design uses concepts first developed for the MF 410 and MF 420 tractors which were launched in late 2004.

Making their first European public showing at EIMA, all four models are in full production and available for delivery from December onwards throughout Europe.

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 3,600 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 2005, had net sales of $5.4 billion.

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