The new MF 9895 rotary combine is one element in AGCO’s determined push to become a harvesting technology world-leader. On evaluation this season it has produced superb productivity and samples while working in a range of European crops and conditions.
This high output harvester combines innovative features with well proven rotary concepts to form a high performance, but straightforward machine. Designed specifically for large-area farms and agribusinesses, the new combine provides the outstanding productivity and low operating costs these users demand.
Massey Ferguson engineers have so far worked the machine in grass seed, rye, barley, oilseed rape and wheat. Work will continue in peas, beans and maize. The combine has responded well to tough conditions experienced this season in the UK, Denmark, France, Germany as well as central Europe, says Adam Sherriff, General Product Marketing Manager, Harvesting.
“The objective is to assess the need for any changes this US specification machine will need to operate efficiently in Europe. So far, however, it has performed remarkably well in various crops and some very difficult conditions,” he explains. “We are receiving some really positive feedback from users, which confirms our expectations for high output, ease of use, straightforward design and grain sample, in particular.
“Harvesting grass seed, for example, it well out-performed a conventional combine working in the same field. The farmer was very pleased how the machine handled the dense mat of badly laid material, lifting, threshing and separating the crop particularly well. The sample was also much better than that from the other machine.”
The team is checking how each of the combine’s main component areas perform in European crops yielding high levels of grain and straw, which are also often harvested at higher moisture contents than in the USA.
The new MF 9895 features:
• High capacity 9.0m wide Powerflow table
• Full-width, 1.4m wide helically vaned beater
• Largest rotor in the industry - 0.8m diameter x 3.55m long
• 12,300 litre grain tank capacity
• Highest unloading rate of 158 litres/sec
• 459hp with Power bulge from latest 12.5-litre Caterpillar engine
• Just 13 main drive belts and three chains
• Class-leading cab comfort and low noise levels
• GTA Console II monitor
Powerflow tables for highest outputs
The key to efficient harvesting is to keep the threshing mechanism full with an even ‘heads first’ feed, which is why the new rotary is equipped with a completely new 9m (30ft) wide version of its renowned Powerflow cutting table.
“Tests prove Powerflow increases capacity in oilseed rape by up to 73%, 12% in barley and 15% in wheat. The positive feed from a Powerflow provides considerable more output than extra width on a conventional header. This means the 9m table will provide a further significant capacity increase,” says Mr Sherriff.
Best in class rotor design
Even feed from the Powerflow provides a perfect path to the 1.4m wide feeder/beater unit, which is fitted with helical vanes to evenly distribute the crop into the rotor head.
“The MF 9895’s exceptional performance in such a wide range of crops comes from its 0.8m x 3.55m long single axial rotor – the largest in the industry. This is driven hydrostatically, which not only reduces the complexity and maintenance associated with belts, but also provides positive, controllable power.
“The rotor is longer than any other axial combine and this is proving to be an enormous benefit. The extra length simply provides a greater threshing a separation area, which resulting in high outputs. The rotor dimensions also mean its action is very gentle, providing low losses and damage in cereals, maize and pulses, along with superb grain samples,” says Mr Sherriff.
The hydrostatic rotor drive provides infinitely variable speeds to perfectly match conditions. Operators this season have also commented on how well the system’s automatic rotor speed monitor works. This maintains a constant rotor speed, regardless of load helping to sustain effective threshing and separation.
Grain is held in a 12,300 litre capacity tank, which is unloaded in just over a minute by the rapid Direct High Volume (DHV) system operating at 158 litres/sec. The long reach 7.4m long auger has a 4.34m discharge height that makes it easy to empty into chaser wagons and large trailers. “This is the fastest unloader on the market – it pours out like a waterfall,” exclaims Mr Sherriff.
Uncomplicated design reduces maintenance costs
“Users have been impressed at the combine’s simple design,” adds Mr Sherriff. “As well as driving the main hydrostatically, there are just 13 main belts and just three chain drives. This dramatically reduces the complexity, improves access and sets new standards of ease of maintenance. This will cut downtime and reduce the cost of ownership.”
Unrivalled cab comfort and control
The MF 9895 is currently equipped with a US-specification cab, which Mr Sherriff says may see some changes if the machine is sold in Europe. These are likely, however, to mostly centre on changes to the GTA Console II, all-colour touch-screen control and monitoring unit.
In future this will look after all the combine functions along with yield monitoring and logging. Auto-Guide, self-steering that also runs through the same screen is also being tested this season. This is proving particularly useful for helping to achieve maximum output from the 9m wide Powerflow table working in demanding conditions. Operators are able to concentrate on feeding the crop and other adjustments safe in the knowledge the combine is taking a full cut each and every time. It also ensures that all lands line up perfectly – greatly reducing short work.
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.
CONTACT:
Paul Lay
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Tel: + 44 (0)24 76 851209
