Trials with the first new Massey Ferguson MF 2190 big square baler in Europe show the machine is delivering a big step forward in terms of productivity, bale density and weights, without excessive power demands.

Coupled to a MF 6499 tractor with rated power of 215hp (230hp max), the MF 2190 machine made bales weighing up to 620kg in spring barley straw in swaths following an MF 7278 CEREA combine fitted with a 7.5m wide header.

Further tests in the winter barley pitted the previous benchmark baler, a MF 190, against the new model running side-by-side in a winter barley swath. This showed the MF 2190 produced a consistent bale weight increase of between 10-20% and up to 20% faster forward speeds than its predecessor.

In a maximum output test the MF 2190 made 55 bales/hour at a working speed of about 19km/hr.

Partnered with, for example, an MF 8480 (315 ISO hp at 2000 rpm / 1000 PTO speed)  the baler is expected to achieve even higher outputs.

“This new generation baler is already proving to be a worthy successor to the MF 190, which has set the benchmark for not only big square baler performance but also rock solid reliability,” says Adam Sherriff, General Marketing Manager,Harvesting.

 “Massey Ferguson balers, designed and built in our Hesston factory in the USA pioneered the big square bale concept. They set the standard in 1978 and have led from the front ever since.”

The new MF 2100 Series balers extend that lead by further reducing costs/tonne across the board and improving customers’ efficiency, which will more create opportunities for their businesses.

“It really is a win-win situation,” adds Mr Sherriff. “The key to success with any baler is to produce the heaviest, highest density bales/hr. Baling productivity rises and fewer heavier bales are cleared from the field, faster, which is good for the farmer. Fewer bales reduce handling time and transport costs because the bales make more effective use of lorry space.

“These are vital considerations that will help encourage more industrial users to look seriously at using straw for bio-energy production. By packing more into the bale the MF 2100 balers are helping to improve the economics of these operations,” he explains.

Whilst the MF 2100 large square balers are all-new from the ground up, they combine many tried and tested designs with new developments to increase baling capacity on every model.

The new MF 2100 Series comprises:

MF 2100 Series features:
• Common mainframe chassis
• Third more capacity from flagship MF 2190
• Tandem axle with self-steering option on all models
• On-board independent hydraulics
• New four-auger pick-up
• Higher strokes/min increases output
• Legendary double knotter design retained
• Transverse impeller knotter fan
• ISO compliant, GTA Console 1 controller

Strongest chassis meets the highest demands
All the MF 2100 Series balers are now built around a common chassis design, which reduces costs allowing the highest specifications to be employed across the whole range.

The simplified and strengthened frame, which is made from stronger grade steel, is designed to support higher loads from the increased baling capacity. Extensive use of heavy-duty, sealed for life bearings eliminates the need for an Auto-Lube system and reduces maintenance.

A single axle is standard, fitted with 700/50 x 22.5 tyres on all machines, except the MF 2190 that has 28L x 26 and have hydraulic braking and the option of air-brakes. For optimum flotation and improved ground clearance all machines can be equipped with a self-steering, suspended tandem axle as an option. This runs on 500/45-22.5 tyres.

Independent baler hydraulics for consistent performance
All MF 2100 Series balers are equipped with an independent hydraulic pump and circuit to ensure consistent operation, regardless of other loads of the tractor’s hydraulics. This controls bale chamber density via two, double-acting rams, which replace the single-acting versions used before. The new rams allow all three tension doors to be opened to release the tension on the bale. This system also runs the knotter fan.

Up to third more capacity from more strokes/min
The gearbox on the flagship MF 2190 now runs the plunger at 33 plunger strokes/min, which increases capacity by a 30% compared with the MF 190 it replaces. This enormous leap in output has a tremendous impact on the cost/bale, as well as allowing one machine to do more work. On all other models the plunger speed increases to  47 strokes/min from 42 stroke/min.

To improve inertia and maintain momentum the flywheel weight is increased by 12%. Slip clutch life is improved by the addition of another disc taking the total to five, in place of the previous four. Lastly a new shearbolt retainer protects the shield from damage.

Even feed from new four-auger pick-up
Highest capacity starts with an even, uninterrupted feed. All models are have a new pick-up with a 2.26m effective working width, which features significant improvements to ensure a constant crop flow to sustain ultimate baling capacity.

The outstanding Hesston flotation design is now further improved with a torsion bar replacing the spring system for even better ground following ability. Unlike other large square balers, which run their pick-ups on wheels, the MF 2100 Series’ fully floating system is kept off the ground in work. This significantly reduces the risk of wear and damage resulting in less down-time and lower maintenance costs. The pick-up also rises higher than before for safe transport.

A solid wind guard smoothes the crop into a consistent mat across the full width of the pick-up, which significantly improves feeding and lifts performance. From here crop is fed via two new centring augers on each side, which positively gather and feed the material efficiently into the pre-pack chamber.

Cutter machines are equipped with a single, full-width auger that feeds the rotor.

Pre-compression boosts density
Key to Massey Ferguson balers’ unrivalled density is its ground-breaking pre-pack chamber. This now makes even higher density bales thanks to a new heavy duty system that creates denser flakes due to higher compression in the pre-pack chamber.

This leading design has always guaranteed even filling right to the top of the chamber. Changes to the stuffer tines, fingers and timing further increase density. The system ensures each flake is formed with the same amount of crop and degree of consolidation across the whole area - top to bottom and to both sides. This results in Massey Ferguson’s legendary consistent, solid bale shape.

A number of changes enable the system to handle the heavier loads. The stuffer cam-track bearings, for example, are now supported on both sides of the assembly and the whole unit is now equipped with heavy-duty sealed bearings.

Exceptional knotter performance
Massey Ferguson balers are renowned for rock solid knotter reliability. The MF 2100s continue to use the original pioneering Hesston-designed, double knotters, to provide unstinting operation which is key to maintaining unrivalled performance.

A new knotter fan, for all models, now employs a transverse impeller across the whole width, which improves fan efficiency. This is driven hydraulically from the baler’s own on-board pump.

Reliability is improved with the extensive use of sealed, heavy-duty bearings throughout the driveline. The knotters, however, have a new electronically-controlled, auto-lube system.

Bale length accuracy is enhanced by repositioning the star wheel in the centre of the bale chamber. This guarantees good traction at all times. Heavier duty construction of the trip mechanism increases durability.

All machines carry 30 balls of string. These are now stored in ingenious but simple racks that hold the balls at a shallow angle on their sides – as opposed to upright. This makes it possible to load and connect them all from the ground.

All under control with Console 1
All MF 2100 Series balers take a giant leap forward in monitoring and control with the Console 1 unit. This ISOBUS compatible instrument, which incidentally is already fitted to Massey Ferguson tractors with Datatronic III, offers complete control and operation via buttons and a rotary dial with a colour display.

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 3,200 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.

CONTACT:  
Paul Lay
                    
Manager, Public Relations & Communications
          
Tel: + 44 (0)24 76 851209