26 September 2017, 13:25
Levelling up to 20% increases choice for farmers with sloping land
Massey Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO, is introducing its unique ParaLevel levelling system to its class-leading MF Activa S range of combines.
First seen on the MF Beta range, this robust, straightforward system is available on the MF Activa S 5- and 6-walker MCS (Multi Crop Separator) models. It uses parallel linkage for machine levelling whilst allowing the fitment of wider tyres but maintaining the important 3.5m width for road transport.
“Equipping these utility combines with the ParaLevel system is a natural step,” says Adam Sherriff, Market Development Manager, Massey Ferguson Harvesting, Europe and Middle East. “The highly-popular MF Activa S 7345 and MF Activa S 7347 5- and 6-walker models will offer increased flexibility for cost-conscious farmers on sloping land who want the best value for money machine.”
“It’s surprising how much of our cropped land requires a levelling system to get the most from a combine harvester. The ParaLevel system not only improves safety but also enables the operator to really enhance performance by reducing losses and improving the sample quality from these hilly areas, rather than making compromises when operating on sloping terrain,” he explains.
MF Activa S 7300 MCS ParaLevel features:
-
Unique ParaLevel automatic levelling system compensates for slopes of up to 20% on the standard 4WD specification. It can be used with wide tyres up to 800/65 R 32 on the MF 7345 MCS PL and stay within 3.5m width for transport. Features a robust parallel linkage system and solid-state electronic control.
-
Latest Tier 4 Final AGCO POWER engines with Selective Catalytic Reduction for optimum fuel efficiency and power delivery. Develops 243hp on the 5-walker MF 7345 MCS, and 306hp (including 30hp boost for unloading) on the 6-walker MF 7347 MCS
-
Two-wheel-drive ParaLevel option with 15% levelling
-
High specification Proline cab with Constant Speed feature and Automatic crop setting
-
High specification MF PowerFlow table option
Both models can be fitted with the unique MF PowerFlow table equipped with its moving belts system, or with a Freeflow header. Both of these headers provide an even crop feed to the Power Feed Roller which ensures the intake feeds across the entire cylinder width. The Hi-inertia cylinder is proven to be the most versatile threshing mechanism for all crops and conditions. It comes complete with a concave which has independent front and rear clearance adjustment to obtain maximum threshing performance.
The rotary separator (MCS), with adjustable concave and speed setting, further optimises separation with a gentle action on the straw and grain. The 4.3m-long straw-walkers have four steep steps and 210mm-high ‘active walls’ – punched grids – to increase the open area. Excellent cleaning from the large grain pan and optimised air-flow results in a superb sample in the 8200 litre capacity grain tank, fitted with electrically-opening lids.
Innovative design increases levelling stability
The innovative Massey Ferguson ParaLevel system provides automatic levelling across slopes of up to 20% on the standard 4WD unit and 15% on the optional 2WD specification using a parallel linkage. The compact and clever system connects the front wheel hubs to the chassis via a lower triangular-shaped bracket and a link arm above – forming a parallelogram-shaped linkage.
The neat design means that there is no need for cumbersome assemblies to turn the entire final drive units – it moves only the hubs. This offers the distinct advantage of allowing the combines to be equipped with wide tyres and still remain within the permitted transport width limit of 3.5m - for example, 800/65 R32 tyres on the MF 7345 MCS ParaLevel. Also as the combine rises, stability increases because the parallel linkage has the effect of slightly widening the track width.
A solid-state, electronic pendulum, ensures a fast, smooth and precise levelling response to changing terrain. The system has two operating modes: In ‘Transport’, the combine lowers and narrows the track width and is capable of a top road speed of 25km/h. In ‘Working’ mode, the system raises and lowers automatically – with a resulting wider track and top speed restricted to 18km/h.
Both models also benefit from a high capacity hydrostatic pump. This generates higher torque and hydrostatic power which, along with the four-wheel-drive rear axle, helps the combines to climb the steepest slopes, thereby increasing harvesting efficiency.
Constant Speed and Automatic setting for 15 crops
Also new for 2018 is a Constant Speed function where operators can select two speeds via the multifunction lever simply by pushing the lever to the right. The combine will seek and maintain this speed until a correction is made by the operator. This makes combining much easier and allows the operator to focus on everything around him.
Both MF Activa ParaLevel models are equipped with the Automatic crop-setting feature operated via the TechTouch 2 terminal. This not only monitors all the main combine functions but also provides automatic machine setting for 15 different crops.
All the operator needs to do is select the crop on the coloured touchscreen and the system automatically places the key functions such as the threshing cylinder speed, concave setting, sieve setting and fan speed to default positions. Operators can fine-tune these adjustments and save three different customised settings for each crop. Reel speed is now adjusted automatically in relation to forward speed, which can also be adjusted through the terminal.
All-round versatility
The new MF ACTIVA S PL combine harvesters offer performance with practicality, while providing operators with premium comfort and control from the Proline cab.
Available with five or six straw-walkers, the straightforward design is a practical blend of the latest technology and functional features that are simple to use. This ensures operators are able to get the best out of the machines - quickly and easily. The new ParaLevel feature extends the versatility to more farmers in the important five and six walker utility range.
Source: AGCO Deutschland GmbH