Massey Ferguson cultivates tillage tractor options
11/08/05

MF 8400

From the acre-eating flagship MF 8400 Series right through to the nimble MF 5400 Series, the totally revitalised Massey Ferguson tractor range has a model to suit every conceivable arable operation. Moreover, genuine output-enhancing option packages allow users to tailor specification to precisely match the task.

The MF 8400 Series, winner of the prestigious 'Tractor of the Year 2005' award, comprises four models offering powers from 290hp to 215hp. All are equipped to a high standard with Dyna-VT continuously variable transmissions with automatic functions, sensitive hydraulic controls and a very quiet cab with full suspension.

These high specification tractors are designed to offer the productivity needed to achieve the huge workrates now vital for economic operation in intense fieldwork. For ultimate control and a further boost in output is the new GTA console and Datatronic III, which comes with GTA100 software.

Up 35 functions in the headland turn are memorised and played back at the touch of a button. Moreover up to five electro-hydraulic spool valve functions can be memorised and played back within the sequence. Dual Control and Trailed Implement Control add further sophistication, allowing operators to program the function of semi-mounted implements, front and rear combinations and trailed equipment, greatly simplifying their operation.

The GTA100 Communicator software, supplied with the system, provides a highly user-friendly programme to produce a range of records in the form of jobs - detailing start and stop times, engine hours, operating hours and area covered - to help manage farm operations more efficiently and help log crop traceability. The optional GTA200 Record Keeping software allows users to effectively manage machinery costs by creating simple to use reports.

Datatronic III is also an option on the latest from the 115hp MF 6460 up to the heavy-duty 215hp MF 6499 in the latest MF 6400 Series, which also come with a range of useful option packages to further tailor the tractors to exactly match the work. Alongside two comfort enhancing packs are four other performance packs, which include features that can help boost output in specific roles.

For those looking for mainly arable or tillage work, MF offers:

Cultivation Pack: Engine Speed Control, AutoDrive, 100 litre/min load-sensing hydraulics (depending on model), welded wheels with front fender and four extra work lights.

A similar pack and other features are also available on the range-topping 185hp MF 6497 and 215hp MF 6499. Providing excellent performance and durability for demanding primary cultivation work, these heavy-duty models are fitted with a rugged transaxle with a lift capacity of 9,100kg and closed-centre, load-sensing hydraulics.

The new Dyna-6 transmission provides further choice in the MF 6400 Series, and is designed to improve productivity and save fuel. Available on six-cylinder tractors from the 90hp MF 6445 through to the 145hp MF 6480, the system provides six clutchless changes, under load, in every gear. This offers a total of 24F/24R speeds and comes in two versions: Speedmatching and AutoDrive'.

The standard Speedmatching automatically selects the appropriate Dynashift ratio when changing through ranges. Adjusting a simple dial also allows operators to control sensitivity of the shuttle direction changes.

The AutoDrive option allows operators to select Manual, Speedmatching or AutoDrive functions. After starting the tractor there is no reason to use the clutch again to change speeds or direction.

The unique, left-hand Power Control lever is used for de-clutching, shuttling and changing the Dynashift ratio. A small, armrest-mounted lever, also can be used to select Dynashift ratios as well as providing a button to change gears, without using the clutch pedal.

Automatic changing is provided by the AutoDrive controller that allows operators to set the engine speed when the system will change up or down automatically, depending on load. In Field mode the system changes through the six Dynashift speeds, whereas in Road mode it also includes the four gears as well.

Massey Ferguson's MF 5400 Series, from 75hp to 120hp, are nimble tractors with a good power to weight ratio making them ideal workhorses for a range of arable work, particularly operating power harrow/drill combinations. They also come with a range of option packs, with the 'Privilege Tractor' pack, for example, providing a 6t lift capacity on the 115hp MF 5460 and 120hp MF 5465. This pack also includes Power Shuttle transmission, a third spool valve, shiftable PTO including economy speed, extra worklights and front fenders.