The objective of any transmission is to transmit power to the ground efficiently. The consistent theme running throughout development of this vital component has been the requirement to provide the right gear for the job – to enable a perfect forward speed to be achieved across a wide range of applications. As a result, a high number of speeds are necessary in the typical 4-12km/h working range.
From the earliest days, Massey Ferguson recognised the need to match the transmission to both the tractor’s engine and vehicle characteristics.
The first Ferguson tractors featured 3–speed gearboxes followed later by 4-speed models and then a two-range 6-speed unit. In 1962, Massey Ferguson launched Multi-Power – the industry’s first transmission to boast a change-on-the–move gearbox. Fingertip control of a small lever on the dashboard gave a high or low range in each gear without using the clutch.
With a significant part of the tractor’s life spent in transport/haulage work, in the late 1970s MF introduced synchromesh gearboxes, allowing rapid and smooth acceleration up to full speed while hauling heavy loads.
In another step forward in the 1980s, Massey Ferguson’s new 12-speed gearbox - featured on the MF 200 and MF 600 Series - took the mechanical gearbox to the next level.
The versatility of the tractor as a power source also saw it increasingly engaged in materials handling work. In the 1980s, came the launch of forward/reverse shuttle transmission on agricultural tractors enabling rapid and seamless changes in vehicle direction with the minimum of driver effort.
With the advent of the 1990s, all of Massey Ferguson’s experience and customer feedback bore fruit in the shape of the innovative Dynashift transmission fitted on the later MF 3000 Series models. This featured a 4-speed clutchless change-on-the-move facility with synchro gearbox and forward/reverse shuttle to produce a 32-speed transmission capable of propelling a fully-loaded tractor up to 40 km/h.
Allied to the gearbox is the transmission of PTO power. As the range of implements expanded in both capacity and variety, more was demanded from the PTO. Developing on the original single-speed (540 rpm) unit, MF was among the first to introduce a hydraulically-engaged Independent PTO clutch in the mid-1960s. Two-speed PTO (540 and 1000rpm) became widespread in the 1970s, leading to today’s multi-speed units and the addition of front PTO to further optimise periodicity.
Today - Maximum performance all under control
In 2008, Massey Ferguson’s advanced Dyna-4, Dyna-6 and Dyna-VT transmissions take the need for variable forward speed to its ultimate level.
The celebrated Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission available on MF 7400 Series and MF 8400 models is an elegant blend of tried and tested technologies underpinned by Massey Ferguson’s flair for developing easy-to-use, intuitive controls and functions. Dyna-VT boasts two infinitely-variable speed ranges – 0-32 km/h for field applications and 0-50 km/h (depending on market legislation) for transport applications. From specialist ‘creep’ applications as low as 0.03 km/h to high-speed road transport work, the driver sets the parameters for power, economy and comfort so that maximum performance can be extracted at the lowest operating cost.
Massey Ferguson’s Dyna-6 ‘Eco’ transmission is available with Speedmatching or Autodrive levels of automation and either 40 or 50 km/h maximum speed. Leading the field in ‘semi-powershift’ transmissions, the unit uses four simple synchromesh gears, each with six Dynashift speeds and features left-hand Power Control plus smooth on-the-move clutchless powershift changes. A clever but incredibly straightforward solution in true MF tradition.
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.
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