Massey Ferguson is further strengthening its Activa S combine range with a new, high output six-walker model as well as a new entry-level, five-walker Activa machine. The new harvesters, which are just one element in the company's dynamic new strategy, strengthen the range and provide customers with a wider choice to suit their specific needs.
The launch is just part of an impressive debut of new combine harvesters and other machinery to celebrate Massey Ferguson's 50th Anniversary year.
The new models will be built in the Italian, Breganze factory, in which AGCO recently became a 50% stakeholder as another major step in its expansion of its harvesting machinery business. At the same time the company has invested in restructuring at its Randers, Danish plant in preparation for production of new headers and harvesters.
The new Activa and Activa S models are the latest step in AGCO's determined impetus to become a world leader in harvesting technology.
Following the launch of the MF 2100 large square balers, last season, Massey Ferguson is now focusing the same vigour and innovation, which it has applied to its new tractor ranges, to bear on its harvesting equipment. Along with these new Activa and Activa S models it is also introducing a whole new range of high capacity Fortia rotary combines as well as new Centora, eight straw-walker machines. Future plans include a new 'Hybrid' harvester, which features innovative new technology as well as a self-propelled forage harvester.
New Activa combines broaden straw-walker choice
The new six straw-walker, 275hp, Activa 7247 S and the five-walker, 176hp Activa 7240 machines extend the top and bottom of the full Activa range. These additions mean customers now have a wide, seven-model choice of mid-range harvesters ideally suited to working in a broad spectrum of crops and conditions.
"The Activa 7247 S effectively bridges the gap between the Activa and Beta ranges. This new combine offers excellent value for money with unbeatable performance in wet and dry conditions – and everything in between - by combining unique features and specifications from these two ranges," says Adam Sherriff, Massey Ferguson's General Marketing Manager Harvesting.
"The entry-level Activa 7240, on the other hand, provides farmers and small contractors with a straight-forward, reliable and cost-effective entry to new combine ownership with a new machine designed specifically for their requirements. The Activa 7240 means these users do not have to compromise by buying a second-hand machine that may be too large, less reliable and more complex," he adds.
MF 7247 Activa S features:
* Latest generation 275hp, 24 valve, common rail Sisu Diesel engine
* Hydrostatic four-speed transmission – for maximum harvesting flexibility
* Unique Power Feed Roller for constant crop flow
* High inertia cylinder with ballast bars
* Unique front and rear, electrically operated concave adjustment
* Multi Crop Separator Plus (MCS+) to improve threshing efficiency
* Six closed-bottom straw walkers for efficient separation
* Turret unloading auger with 4.2m clearance and unloading speed of 85 litres/sec.
In common with the other 'S' models, the MF 7247 Activa S, combines high specification for increased flexibility and performance with cost effective operation. With its larger, 275hp engine and six straw walkers, the new combine now extends these benefits further up the scale.
On all combines even feeding and crop presentation to the drum is key to effective threshing and high outputs. Massey Ferguson Activa S combines feature a unique 'Power Feed Roller' at the front of the main crop elevator. This full-width feeder presents a smooth and even crop flow to the drum, improving threshing and reducing power and fuel consumption.
Massey Ferguson Activa S combines feature a novel, three-drum threshing system: The crop is threshed in a 1,600mm wide by 600mm diameter drum and concave. Independent adjustment for the front and rear concave settings is made electrically with buttons in the cab. Threshing is further enhanced by a rear beater that features an 'Active Beater Concave', which provides 14° of additional concave wrap.
In common with other Activa S combines, the new MF 7247 S model is fitted with a Multi Crop Separator Plus (MCS+). This has the unique ability to rotate the concave completely out of work when it is not needed. This increases harvesting flexibility and improves the grain sample, particularly in dry conditions and when operating with brittle straw. Retracting and fitting the concave into position is electrically controlled by buttons on the left-hand side of the machine.
Six straw walkers, with four steps provide a total area of 6.81m² to separate any remaining grain from the straw mat. The closed-bottom design of the long walkers and their punched grid 'active walls' increase the open surface area for more efficient separation.
A novel High Capacity sieve design and optimised airflow provide effective grain cleaning. The novel shape of the tongues allows the sieves to be opened wider, while retaining a good sample with a reduced risk of shaker shoe losses.
Clean grain is fed into the 8,800 litre capacity grain tank. A turret type auger will unload at 4.2m and operates in any position in its arc.
MF 7247 Activa S operators have the highest standards of comfort and convenience. The fully air-conditioned cab is equipped with a single, multi-function lever on the right-hand armrest that operates the hydrostatic transmission and all the main combine functions. All the main functions are engaged electro-hydraulically and, importantly, the front and rear concave gaps are set electrically by switches in the cab. This makes it much easier to make adjustments throughout the day to maintain combining capacity and grain quality.
The combine is supplied with an integral straw chopper that is engaged from the cab. A single lever on the hood changes the unit from laying a swath to chopping. Four wheel-drive is also an option.
New MF Activa 7240 offers cost-effective combine ownership
The new entry-level MF Activa 7240 provides cost-effective combine ownership, particularly for users that would previously have considered they could only afford a used combine or a contractor.
The combine's straight-forward and uncomplicated design not only makes the machine affordable, it is also particularly suited to those looking secure their harvests with their own a reliable combine. Moreover, some smaller area growers are also looking for combine to access narrow lanes and small fields.
Powered by a six cylinder, 176hp engine, the five straw-walker combine has a straight-forward design and built for reliable, long-term operation. It is also simple to operate with no extraneous functions or controls, although all the main functions are monitored by a clear and concise electronic display. Indeed, air conditioning is also standard in the comfortable cab.
All the main threshing elements are engaged mechanically as is the concave adjustment, which can be adjusted in the cab.
Threshing is by a conventional drum and concave, which feeds the straw mat onto the five straw walkers for final separation.
Like all Massey Ferguson combines, the Activa 7240 is equipped with a turret unloading auger, that empties the 5,200 litre capacity grain tank.
