Tractor expedition to reach South Pole in 2014

An expedition that will attempt to reach the South Pole in 2014 using modern day tractors has been announced at SIMA 2013, the agri-business show held in Paris.

The journey will emulate the achievement of Sir Edmund Hillary, who completed the first expedition to reach the South Pole using three Ferguson tractors in 1958.

Tractor and farm machinery manufacturers Massey Ferguson will be sponsoring the event which will see three MF 5600 series reach the destination 56 years after Sir Edmund's accomplishment.

The company will also be celebrating 56 years since their founding.

Lead driver Manon Ossevoort explained her 'longstanding mission' to take the tractor series to the South Pole at a SIMA Show press conference in Paris. She was introduced by Massey Ferguson vice president Richard Markwell.

Renowned international experts have already been engaged to assist with the expedition, said Markwell, who confirmed initial planning and trials for the event were 'well underway.'

The company said more details will be made available over the coming months as it exhibited new tractors at SIMA. They introduced the MF 6600 series as the "highest power four cylinder tractors on the market".

"Massey Ferguson has developed the MF 6600 Series for the new generation of farmers who are looking closely at their asset management in terms of labour, power, soil protection, cropping and the environment," says Campbell Scott, Massey Ferguson Brand Development Manager.

"This new range combines the right size and power with productive features that are needed to farm most effectively in today’s challenging conditions."

MF 6600 Series will feature:

4.9 litre, four cylinder AGCO Power engine, Equipped with Generation 2, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology with Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) for high efficiency and low emissions.

Manoeuvrability from a design providing power to weight ratio with a short overall length, but long wheelbase for balance and traction. New front support for close coupled, integral front linkage.

SpeedSteer option offers headland turns.

Massey Ferguson Dyna-4, Dyna-6 semi-powershift with AutoDrive option as well as Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission for certain models.

New combined flow, 100 litre/min hydraulic system and new right-hand, joystick operates transmission, hydraulics and loader with one hand.

The same cab as the MF 7600, with mechanical and hydraulic suspension options and new controls.

New AutoGuide 3000 guidance system operates through Datatronic 4 tractor terminal.

The tractors are AGCOMMAND ready allowing the addition of a control box to provide full telemetry. New APP allows the AGCOMMAND option to be used with smart phones and tablets.