Tractor design branches out
 
Once the basic tractor had been designed, it opened the way to modify and adapt it for various specialist tasks.

One of the first tractors built for vineyard use by Ferguson was a TEK20 launched in 1952. At approximately 1.2m wide, it was some 40cm narrower than a standard Ferguson TE tractor. A reduction in height of around 5cm was achieved by using smaller tyres. Since that time, tractors for specialist applications such as vineyard, orchard and fruit operations have featured strongly in the Massey Ferguson range.

Initially, specialist machines were versions of agricultural tractors but were soon developed as bespoke units to suit the needs of specific applications. In 1960, Massey Ferguson acquired a share in Landini of Italy which enabled the specialist range to be taken to new levels. Crawler technology was added to the MF portfolio together with a wider range of transmission options and PTO variants plus greater experience of providing machines for the southern European market.

Developments on specialist tractors have revolved around the need for these machines to fit into tight spaces, work on difficult or unusual terrain and carry out multiple tasks often in delicate crop environments. Key design considerations are narrow width, reduced height, tight steering angles and a clean profile to minimise crop damage. In addition, there is the requirement for multiple gear options - from dead slow for planting, to fast for transport work, and everything else in between for cultivation, spraying and harvesting.

Latest launch brings specialist range right up to date

A new line of specialist machines has the distinction of being the first new tractors to be launched in Massey Ferguson’s 50th anniversary year.

“Using all our experience and extensive market research we have designed a range of models packed with the winning features that specialist applications demand,” comments David Chinn, Massey Ferguson’s General Marketing Manager for Low, Medium HP and Specialist Tractors. “These good looking tractors boast a choice of widths, exceptional manoeuvrability, excellent turning capability, spacious, comfortable operator environment and powerful engines. Furthermore, their wide-ranging specifications within the narrow-width framework make them extremely flexible, appealing not only to wine and fruit producers but to multi-application work amongst, for example, mixed farmers working in specialist terrain where compact dimensions and a low centre of gravity are a must.”

Stablemates to the highly successful general-purpose MF 3600s, the 14 new models from 58 to 99.9hp come specified as ‘F’, ‘S’, ‘V’ and ‘GE’ versions and feature widths from 1.0 m to 1.7 m.

Clad in sleek new MF styling, the models are available in semi-platform or cab configuration. Cabs are the most spacious in this market sector giving more leg and head room.

TOP FEATURES
• Emission-compliant Tier III SisuDiesel 3.3 litre engine – Massey Ferguson is the first manufacturer to introduce a range of specialist tractors that comply with the latest Tier III emission regulations.
• Renowned 33DTA Citius engine combines compact dimensions with superb power, reliability and high torque characteristics.
• 2WD or 4WD
• Proven transmissions offering 12/12 speeds (30 km/h max speed) and 24/24 speeds (40 km/h)
• SuperTurn steering with 60 degree turning angle – for exceptional manoeuvrability 
• Synchro Shuttle standard on 12/12 models. Power Shuttle and Speedshift options on 24/24 models
• Exclusive electro-hydraulic PTO operation with a range of speed options
• Powerful hydraulic pumps, with up to 62 litre/min option dedicated to three-point linkage and multiple spool valves
• Separate 21-litre/min pump for internal services
• Up to three rear and two mid-mounted spool valves
• 2500kg standard lift capacity
• 70 litre fuel tank capacity
• Variety of hitches and tyres

New MF 3600 models

Models                                                  Width (m)

MF 3625/3635/3645/3655 (F)                   1.45-2.10

MF 3625/3635/3645/3655 (S)                  1.30-1.70

MF 3625/3635 (V)                                   1.00-1.50         

MF 3625/3635/3645/3655 (GE)                1.15-1.50

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