Genius idea that just gets better
With the development of a fully-integrated tractor and implement system based on a three-point linkage, Harry Ferguson’s brilliant invention paved the way for a revolution in mechanised farming.
The concept was encapsulated in the prototype Ferguson Black tractor of 1933 – half the weight of existing tractors and capable of doing the job much better. It was the first machine that could carry an implement securely on three rear link- arms, automatically regulate the implement’s working depth and vary its height above the ground without the use of wheels, pulleys or cables. So successful was the system that by the 1950s it had become the industry standard for tractor and implement manufacturers worldwide.
Ferguson continued to refine its linkage system. The FE35 of 1956 introduced the further enhancement of Position Control. This complemented the existing draft control system for soil-engaging implements and now allowed accurate positioning of a mounted implement above the ground for applications such as spraying, fertiliser spreading or mowing.
In 1964, with the launch of the 45.5hp-66hp MF 100 Series – the ‘Red Giants’ - came a new hydraulic service called Pressure Control. This enabled adjustable weight transfer, effectively providing draft control for trailed implements.
By the mid-1970s, as tractor size and weight continued to rise, Massey Ferguson engineers turned their thoughts to using electronics to take the three-point linkage to the next level. Once again, MF led the field with the introduction of the first Electronic Linkage Control (ELC) in 1978, which first featured on an MF 1505 tractor produced for North America.
ELC was brought firmly within the reach of all customers with its availability on the 110-147hp MF 2005 Series tractors in 1985. As an MF spokesman said at the time, “Instead of the normal hydraulic linage and lever controls, the system is operated by switches and dials from a console in the cab and uses electronic signals to both control and monitor operations.” A press review from a UK farming magazine reported: “Most drivers will master it in half an hour and will probably refuse to be separated from it after half a day.”
Just a year later, it was the introduction of the 68-107 hp MF 3000 Series with a fully-integrated electronic management system - including Autotronic and Datatronic - that really set MF apart from the competition.
Today - Power with precision
Today, Massey Ferguson engineers still view the integration of tractor and implement as one unit as a fundamental design principle.
From those early pioneering days 20 years ago, the use of electronic technology has had a massive impact on the tractor’s linkage and hydraulic system. Instead of being confined to the flagship tractor range, ELC is now available on all MF tractors over 100hp.
New developments by Massey Ferguson have added industry-leading features such as advanced Field and Headland Management Systems, Integrated Tractor Control, Fingertip Spool Valve Management, Active Transport Control, Trailed Implement Control, Closed Centre Load-Sensing (CCLS) hydraulics and front and rear linkage dual control.
All these features are helping MF maintain its position as industry leader in terms of accuracy, responsiveness, ease-of-use and reliability. All are designed with the same objectives – to boost productivity and save time and effort.
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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Paul Lay
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