The launch of four new MF 3600 F  tractors at the SITEVI exhibition in Montpellier, France during 27-29 November 2007 is a significant move as Massey Ferguson continues its relentless drive to launch new products in every sector of the machinery market.

Having exceeded all expectations with the launch of its new MF 3600 tractor range 12 months ago, Massey Ferguson has, with the introduction of the MF 3600 F, extended this lightweight but extremely powerful range into specialist applications.

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. In meeting these specialist needs, Massey Ferguson has been a leading tractor producer in this sector for 50 years.

David Chinn, Massey Ferguson’s General Marketing Manager for Low, Medium HP and Specialist Tractors says,
“Key design considerations are narrow width, reduced height, tight steering angles and a clean, smooth profile to avoid crop damage. In addition there is the requirement for multiple gear options – from dead slow for planting through to fast for transport work. Plus everything in between for cultivation, spraying and harvesting”, he continues.
“The new MF 3600 F specialist tractors surpass in every one of these, plus they provide a class leading operator environment and the roomiest cab in the sector. “

Four new MF 3600 F tractors from 69hp to 99.9hp

Four new Massey Ferguson tractors in the MF 3600 F Series offer similar power, specification and performance as the recently launched agricultural models, but in a tailored, lower and narrower package. The new models mean specialist users can now also benefit from the class-leading features on these multi-application tractors.

The new MF 3600 F tractors – from 69hp to 99.9hp – combine high power and torque engines with exceptional comfort, maneuverability and compact dimensions. All are available with two- or four-wheel drive and in cab and platform versions.

“These nimble, versatile tractors allow customers to work in confined spaces without having to compromise on power or specification,” explains David Chinn

“Although designed specifically for specialist users, the new ‘F’ models are true all-rounders that benefit from the standard MF 3600’s unique designs, developed by Massey Ferguson’s own engineers. These features are now combined with smaller dimensions,” he adds. “The new, spacious class-leading RC120 cab provides plenty of room with its 1.2m width, superb headroom and exceptional visibility.”

The compact size, superb agility, outstanding power-to-weight ratios and high specification make the powerful MF 3600 F tractors ideal for a wide range of work in numerous applications such as orchards, olive groves and low buildings through to intensive livestock units and glasshouses as well as amenity and municipal work.

Offering excellent maneuverability, powerful hydraulics and shuttle transmissions, the MF 3600 F tractors, with their full duty front axles, also make superb handlers when equipped with a front-end loader.

The MF 3600 F Series features:

* Lively, powerful and high torque SisuDiesel Citius three-cylinder engines generating powers of 69hp to 99.9hp
* Compact dimensions – maximum height 2.30 – 2.35m depending on tyres and with a width from 1.45 – 2.10m
* Class-leading, spacious RC120 cab with standard air conditioning (depending on market)
* Unique ‘SuperTurn’ front axle design for simply exceptional maneuverability
* Choice of proven transmissions offering 30km/hr, 12/12 speeds and 40km/hr 24/24 speeds and Power Shuttle and Speedshift options as seen on the MF 3600 standard
* Exclusive electro-hydraulic IPTO operation with a range of speed options
* Standard 2,500kg rear linkage lift capacity

High torque and power from advanced SisuDiesel engines

All the MF 3600 F Series tractors are powered by the latest, most advanced, SisuDiesel 3.3 litre, three cylinder engines – the first in the sector to meet the strict Tier 3 exhaust emission regulations. The exhaust pipe is now underslung on the left-hand side.

These lively, robust engines are literally half the six-cylinders used in Massey Ferguson’s other ranges, right up to the 315hp flagship MF 8400 Series. The same SisuDiesels are used in the standard MF 3600 Series in which they have gained a strong reputation for developing smooth, quiet power with tremendous torque characteristics.

The superior SisuDiesel design develops maximum torque at 1,400 rev/min, which enables the tractors to pull through tough conditions with fewer gear changes, for optimum output and enhanced fuel efficiency.

The compact engines also provide space for fitting a new, 70-litre capacity injection moulded fuel tank, which extends working days. Moreover, all the engines can run on 100% bio-diesel and are compatible with biodegradable oil. Access for maintenance is via a single-piece, lift-up bonnet.

Superb manoeuvrability

The compact three-cylinder SisuDiesel Citius engines - 28mm shorter than the four-cylinders used previously used – provide extra room and flexibility for the front axle support. This, combined with a fully-waisted profile, allows unimpeded movement for the front wheels. This produces and excellent, true turning radius, to the outside of the front tyres of 2.9m to 3.2m – depending on tyre sizes.

The simple ‘SuperTurn’ system provides this exceptional turning ability without having to resort to a separate, more complex system. By using a simple, intelligent design the new MF 3600 F Series provide very tight turns but with low wear and maintenance requirements along with exceptional reliability. There is also no loss of stability or exaggerated front and rear implement swing when operating with SuperTurn.

Compact dimensions with extra comfort

MF 3600 F tractors are designed specifically for working in tight spaces, with an overall height of just 2.35m and maximum widths of between 1.45m and 2.1m, depending on wheel choice.

These compact dimensions have been achieved while putting operator comfort as the highest priority. The new ‘RC120’ cab for the ‘F’ Series provides a superior class-leading space between the cab posts.

Wherever you look in the new cab it simply provides more space – a long wheelbase offers more legroom under the steering wheel which combines with outstanding headroom from an extremely slim roof design. Superb visibility is ensured through a large front windscreen and rounded three-quarter rear windows, with the pillars mounted far back for a completely clear view through the enormous, one-piece all-glass doors. Air conditioning may be fitted as standard.

Versatile transmissions to suit all tasks

Whatever the application the MF 3600 F offers a transmission to suit the task.
Transmission choice begins with a 12/12 gearbox, offering a top speed of 30km/hr is standard. This is operated with one lever for four gears, plus another to select high, medium and low ranges.

Alternatively, the 40km/hr Syncho Shuttle, offer 24F/24R gears and uses a lever to shift each of the four gears into high or low and separate synchronised shuttle lever for direction changes. This same arrangement is also available with Speedshift, which employs a button on the gearlever to shift each gear into high and low.

For maximum efficiency is the 40km/hr, 24F/24F PowerShuttle. With this transmission direction changes are made, without the clutch, simply with a flick of a short lever on the left-hand side of the dashboard.

Exclusive Independent PTO offers plenty of options

All MF 3600 F models are equipped with an exclusive, MF-designed independent PTO, which is operated by an electro-hydraulically engaged, oil-immersed clutch.

The system comes with an unrivalled choice of selectable speeds to suit all types of tasks and implements, including: 540rpm, 540/540E (750), 540/1,000rpm, 540/750rpm/ground speed or 540/1,000rpm/ground speed.

High flow hydraulics

Two independent hydraulic circuits ensure constant, smooth operation of the spool valves and linkage.

The Cat II three-point linkage has a standard lift capacity of 2,500kg, with straightforward mechanical control. The MF 3600 F can be specified with up to three hydraulic pumps, which enable high oil flows of up to 62 litres/min, to be distributed through one or two separate circuits for maximum control while maintaining a low oil operating temperature.

Up to five spool valves can be specified on the MF 3600 F Series, including three at the rear and two that are joystick operated and mid-mounted. This makes them ideal hosts for loaders and a multitude of mid- or front-mounted implements.

The combination of these four new MF 3600 F tractors and the MF 3600 standard models, which will also take the new tier 3 engines, provides an unsurpassed choice for customers. The MF 3600 range provides light, powerful and maneuverable tractors capable of working across a wide spectrum of tasks and specialist operations. The new MF 3600 F demonstrates 50 years of investment and innovation by Massey Ferguson, continuing to meet and exceed the expectations of its customers.

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 3,200 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 2006 had net sales of $5.4 billion.

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