Tackling the elements
Machine performance and productivity were always at the forefront in early tractor development. The attention given to driver comfort and welfare was a little more rudimentary!
Having said that, Ferguson tractors were renowned for their light controls and comfortable driving position. To illustrate this, in one promotional exercise, a 10-year-old boy demonstrated a TE20 and implement to show just how easy it was to use.
As manpower on farms reduced, a great deal more was expected of the individual. Drivers had to spend longer hours behind the wheel and be more productive. The operator environment became an essential element in the design equation. Comfort, safety and thoughtful ergonomics equalled greater output.
Throughout the 1960s, a number of specialist companies offered after-market cabs predominantly designed to keep out the worst of Northern European weather but the real spur for cab development came with the introduction of legislation for rollover protection and noise levels in Europe. A maximum of 90dBa was allowed at the driver’s ear.
The 47–88hp MF 500 Series unveiled in 1976 were the first Massey Ferguson machines to boast cabs designed as an integral part of the tractor. The safety cabs were fixed to vibration-reducing mountings to suppress noise. All controls, with the exception of the gear levers, were secured to the cab structure and used remote linkages to improve noise reduction still further. Other operator benefits included comprehensive heating and ventilation, all-round visibility and a rear hinged door.
The MF 500 Series was superseded by the MF 600 Series which took the concept of driver comfort still further with forward hinged doors, opening roof, flat floor, even lower noise levels and better heating and ventilation. Air conditioning came in as an option. The next major step was the MF 2005 and MF 3000 Series which introduced the added benefits of electronically-controlled and automated features, all of which were enhanced in the years that followed.
Today - Safety, comfort and complete control
The 21st century Massey Ferguson operator environment has come a very long way since the first cab tractors were introduced.
“Today, MF designers look to produce a complete package of inter-related features and functions that aid driver comfort, enhance safety and reduce effort and fatigue,” explains Laurent Pernin, Massey Ferguson’s General Marketing Manager Mid and High HP Tractors. “Not only do we have the cab itself but there is also visibility, ride comfort, layout of controls plus a variety of time- and effort-saving devices to add to the mix. Many of these have also been incorporated in cabless platform versions too.”
Today, Massey Ferguson cabs such as those fitted to the MF 6400 and MF 7400 for example, are the epitome of driver luxury. Here the operator is cosseted in a super-quiet environment at 70dBa. Indeed MF was among the first to break the sub-71dBa noise barrier.
The longest working days are no problem in the superb climate-controlled cab. This ‘set and forget’ system gives excellent air distribution and accurate temperature control. A large surface area of tinted, heat-reflective glass, narrow pillars and side-mounted exhaust all aid visibility.
The top-specification, low-frequency, air-suspension, swivelling seat is fully-adjustable and includes double pneumatic lumbar support. Armrest mounted controls are within easy reach.
Ride comfort is further enhanced with QuadLink suspension, which automatically maintains a constant suspension height regardless of axle load - bringing huge benefits particularly in high-speed heavy-haulage tasks. To this is added Dual Stage Suspended cab which can be adjusted between two ride firmness settings to suit road or field conditions. The overall effect of the seat, QuadLink and cab suspension can be a reduction in vibration up to 50% depending on speed and surface conditions.
On top of this, the driver has an array of automated functions to call upon such as Headland Management, Dual Control automated furrow entry and exit and Auto-Guide automated steering.
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
