The World’s first ‘thinking’ tractors
During the past 20 years, the use of electronics and automation has sparked a second revolution in tractor design, changing the agricultural machinery landscape for ever and producing a big leap forward in productivity and output.
As mechanical improvements and enhancements started to reach the boundaries of possibility, electronics and advanced technology enabled engineers to explore completely new territory.
The introduction of Electronic Linkage Control by Massey Ferguson in 1979 was just a taste of things to come. The show-stopping event came in October 1986 with the launch of the groundbreaking 68-107hp MF 3000 Series ‘intelligent’ tractors. Equipped with Autotronic, a transmission management system, and Datatronic data collection and performance monitoring, these machines were a brand-new ‘clean sheet’ design.
In his book, “Ferguson: the story continues”, Max Smith writes: “Importantly, in keeping with the Ferguson principles, these were all innovations not for the sake of it, but practical and pragmatic advances with real benefits to the operator.”
The international farming press reported enthusiastically on the launch. Among the headlines: “Massey Ferguson pulls off a technological coup”, “A revolution in agricultural mechanisation”, “MF unveils a stunner”, “Datatronic – an addictive innovation”.
Autotronic introduced automatic control over a number of functions of the transmission, 4WD, differential lock, independent PTO and 3-point linkage. Datatronic provided the driver with comprehensive information on all the most important aspects of tractor operation and implement performance so that operating techniques could be adjusted to maximise efficiency. One of the biggest benefits was the unique wheelslip control function which allowed the degree of slip to be limited to a predetermined figure and therefore boost traction and improve work output.
Datatronic went on to win three European farm machinery awards and was judged by the Royal Agricultural Society of England Silver Medal jury to “represent a significant and important advance in tractor design and utilisation.”
Today - A passion for innovation
Where does one begin to talk about the incredible array of technological features now available on Massey Ferguson machines?
Such is the importance of electronics and automation that Massey Ferguson’s parent company AGCO, now has an entire group – Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) - whose primary mission is to develop and incorporate the latest advanced technologies into AGCO machinery brands. Massey Ferguson engineers work closely with this group to design practical components that fit together seamlessly and build into fully integrated systems that not only control and monitor equipment but also provide unrivalled software to measure, manage and control farm businesses.
The latest Datatronic 3 monitoring and control system which operates through the in-cab Console II terminal is widely acknowledged as the best and most comprehensive system in the industry. In addition to supervising all vehicle and implement functions, it offers powerful record-keeping and mapping functions. You can keep an even closer eye on operations via an on-board camera with full-colour images relayed to the Console II screen.
Massey Ferguson works to the latest international ISOBUS 11783 operating standard which brings the added benefit of implement compatibility with MF tractor systems. All you have to do is ‘plug and go’.
Building on the pioneering Autotronic, Massey Ferguson’s transmission controller system automates the transmission, PTO and 4WD. Operating in the background, it reduces repetitive tasks protects the machine and builds into sophisticated headland management system with the addition on of the Integrated Tractor Control System (ITCS) system.
Further automation is made possible with Auto-Guide. Using GPS guidance systems Auto-Guide takes over the job of steering to boost productivity, cut costs and save fuel by improving accuracy and preventing underlaps and overlaps.
“Technology and innovation have been the driving forces behind Massey Ferguson since its inception,” says Declan Hayden, Massey Ferguson Vice-President – Sales and Marketing. “We pioneered electronic technology in the 1980s, refined it in the 1990s and now, through satellite and communications systems, we are pushing back the frontiers still further.”
ENDS
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 3,000 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®, 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 2007 had net sales of $6.8 billion.
CONTACT:
Paul Lay
Manager, Public Relations & Communications
Tel: +44 (0)2476 851209
