Exclusive Test Drive with MF 3400 Series tractors

In the 2022 edition of Agrishow, Massey Ferguson launched the new MF 3400 series, which went on sale in September last year. This series includes four models of compact tractors, all with a three-cylinder AGCO Power engine. Two models, the MF 3406 and MF 3407, have mechanical fuel injection, with an injection pump, and the other two, the MF 3408 and MF 3409, have electronic fuel injection.

To test two models from this series we went to one of the coldest places in our country, the municipality of Urupema (SC), recognized as the National Capital of Cold. The manufacturer provided us with two tractors, one with mechanical injection and the other with electronic injection, respectively the MF 3406 and MF 3409 models.

Motorization

The engine that equips these models in the series has three cylinders and a displacement volume of 3.300cm³ and power varies depending on the model and injection configuration. Although the engines are structurally similar, in the models with mechanical fuel injection the engine used is the 33DTC and in the two models with electronic injection the engine is the 33CWC.

The MF 3406 model has a maximum power of 69 hp at 2.000 rpm, according to the SAE J1995 standard, and the maximum torque is detected at 1.500 rpm and is 252 Nm, according to the ISO TR14396 protocol. The second model in the series is the MF 3407, which has 79 hp, also at 2.000 rpm and torque of 296 Nm at the same speed of 1.500 rpm. The third model in the series, the first to offer electronic fuel injection, is the MF 3408, which has a maximum power of 89 hp at 2.000 rpm and 330 Nm of maximum torque at 1.500 rpm. Finally, the largest tractor in the series is the MF 3409, which provides 99hp of maximum power and 343Nm of maximum torque.

Finally, the series offers four models with power between 69hp and 99hp with well-defined torque and power steps. It should be noted that all models use a turbocharger and intercooler for suction. For good savings and depending on the power generated and the expected hourly consumption, the manufacturer sized the fuel tank at 79 liters for the MF 3406 model and 104 liters for the other models.

Aside from the differentiation between models based on power and torque and the form and configuration of fuel injection, the rest of the features are common across all models. In models with mechanical fuel injection, an in-line Bosch fuel injection pump is used. In models with electronic injection, the common rail system, a high pressure pump and the electronic control unit are used.

Although it is a compact tractor of small size and reduced dimensions, the presence of the intercooler and the cab requires the manufacturer to equip these models with four heat exchangers, one specific for the hydraulic system oil heat cooling system, one for the air conditioner, one for the intercooler and the more traditional one for the engine coolant.

Transmission

Perhaps one of the most important differences, in relation to what is offered on the market by brands that sell tractors in this category, is in relation to the power transmission system. For the four models, four alternatives are offered: a standard transmission with eight forward and four reverse speeds, one with 12 forward and eight reverse speeds, with creeper multi-reducer, the third alternative is a transmission with 16 forward and eight speeds. reverse, which uses a multiplier, and finally, a 12-speed forward and 12 reverse, which uses a mechanically driven reverser. The clutch system used in this series is mechanically driven with double discs made of organic material. The front-wheel drive is activated via a lever, and the front axle is from the Carraro brand, driven by a central cardan shaft.

TDP and hydraulic system

The power take-off (TDP), widely used in this class of tractors, mainly in fruit growing, is of the independent type, with mechanical activation, by means of a lever, and provides two speed options, the standard 540 rpm and the economical 540 (540E), widely used with agrochemical application equipment. The lower power consumption and, consequently, fuel consumption is due to the reduction in engine speed, as for the 540rpm option the speed is 1.890rpm and for the economy option, it is 1.594rpm.

A highlight, and difference in these models, is the presence of a clutch in the PTO, activated by a switch placed on the right side panel and which provides quick and effective interruption of the PTO rotation, very useful in headland maneuvers in orchards, as was the case in the case in this test.

The three-point hydraulic system of all models in the series is category II and very reinforced. The two lower arms can have their ball joint height adjusted, as there is adjustment on both sides. Two huge external cylinders make use of hydraulic pressure generated by a gear pump. The system's maximum pressure is 180bar, which generates a maximum lifting capacity of 3.135kgf, at the lower arm eye.

The remote control valve system offers two to three valves on all models, with the possibility of a free return valve. The oil flow is 41 liters per minute, but can be supplied with 54 liters per minute, depending on the customer's option.

As well as the lifting system, the robustness of the drawbar is impressive, which is very reinforced, as these models use components from higher power tractors.

Dimensions and characteristics

Very important in this class of compact tractors is the gauge adjustment, as these models are generally used for agricultural work in limited space environments. On the front axle it can vary from 1.048mm to 1.267mm, and on the rear axle, from 1.000mm to 1.444mm. The distance between axles, an important measure to reduce maneuvering space, but also to protect the tractor's longitudinal balance, is 2.200mm and the free space, important to prevent the tractor from coming into contact with the surface and obstacles, is 205mm , measured at the lowest point.

To adjust the tractor's balance and adhesion to the ground during work, the manufacturer allows the use of additional weights on the rear axle, with the attachment of circular weights, attached to the tractor's wheels, and on the front the weights can be placed in a front support. In this support, weights can be added below and at the end of the support, according to the quantity and type of work. The supports placed at the bottom of the support make it possible to reduce the total length of the tractor and, therefore, help with movement in reduced spaces. At the end of the bracket there is a hitch pin.

As all of these models in the series use front and rear axle drive, the tire options approved by the manufacturer must be respected. Thus, there are four tire pair options to be used on the four models: 8.00-18R1 + 12.4-28R1, 8.00-18R1 + 14.9-24R1, 8.00-18R1 + 14.9-26R1 and 250/80-18R1 + 380/85R24.

Cab and workstation

Although at the customer's discretion, the 3400 series models can come with a platform-type operator's station, the two models we tested were equipped with an exclusive cabin for the series, manufactured in-house by AGCO, with Rops included, certified by the manufacturer.

To access the cabin, a two-step ladder, with a non-slip surface, is available, with the first step arranged at a low height, giving access to the only door, on the left side. To support the entrance, there are handholds on the door and on the side of the left column. Inside, there is surprising space for this size of tractor and a Grammer seat, with position and height adjustments.

Sitting in the working position, the operator has the steering wheel with position adjustment, and on it a panel displaying some instruments and indicators. On the sides of the seat there are two consoles, on the left a storage compartment and the manually operated parking brake. On the right, in front of the console, the two transmission levers, one that controls the four gears and the other for the two groups, plus reverse gear. On the console, the three-point hydraulic system lever, the accelerator and the control levers for the VCRs and the implement's descent speed. On the console, next to the tractor on and off switch, the aforementioned PTO clutch switch.

Behind the seat is the PTO operating mode selection lever, for selecting the 540 or 540E, and the differential lock lever. In the lower right corner, the manufacturer left an opening for the passage of cables or hoses to connect implements and machines, with appropriate protection by a plastic cone.

As these tractors we tested have a closed operator station, extra care is taken with protection and safety. The cabin is equipped with an interior air conditioning system, with intensity regulation and outlets on the sides of the cabin roof. To prevent the entry of air from outside, which could contaminate the interior of the cabin, two devices help each other, the first is internal recirculation, closing the entry of air from outside, and the second is an air filtration system, with activated carbon filter. This filter is easy to maintain and is located on the upper side of the cabin, with access from the outside.

Other features to be highlighted in the models evaluated are the possibility of opening the front hood, exposing all engine components, for maintenance, and the positioning of the exhaust pipe which, instead of emerging upwards, was directed towards the side, underneath the platform, which helps when using the tractor in fruit growing. The position of the battery should also be highlighted, which was positioned towards the bottom of the platform, the placement of a crankcase protector and a tool box fitted to the front weight support and an effective protection system for the operator during maintenance with the cooling system fan belts and blades. Finally, several ideas to compact the structure and make the series tractors adaptable to the small spaces in which customers will use them.

Field Test

During the tests, we observed the operational performance of two models of Massey Ferguson tractors from the MF 3400 series. The lowest power in the line, the MF 3406 model, and the highest power, the MF 3409 model. We evaluated the tractor's performance MF 3406 in the operation of applying agrochemicals to apple trees, pulling and activating a turboatomizing implement with a capacity of 1.500L. The application volume was 1.200L/ha at a speed of 3,8km/h, in reduced third gear (L3) at 1.890rpm, providing 540rpm at the power take-off.

According to Mr. Urigueller, on his property, in apple cultivation, between 30 and 33 applications are carried out during the year, varying between foliar fertilizer, insecticide and fungicide. But he highlighted that in the region, an average of between 30 and 40 applications are carried out per year. Therefore, for this task, a versatile tractor with some features that allow better operational performance in this crop is extremely important.

In the place where the tests were carried out there were more than two thousand apple trees per hectare, with a spacing of 4,50m between rows and 1,10m between plants, much denser than the new spacing that the producer is using in the new orchards. , 5m between rows of trees and 2m between plants, which favors mechanization. There were five types of apple varieties on site, with an average annual production of 360 tons.

During operation, some characteristics of the tractor caught the attention of the testing team and the producer, who was starting work with it, as the tractor had recently arrived at the property. One of the highlights was the ease of disconnecting the PTO during headland maneuvers using the PTO clutch, which, when activated via a switch, can stop the equipment from running for up to 90 seconds, which is more than enough to get out of one between rows of plants and enter the next. Once the operator wants to start the application again, with a touch of the switch the TDP starts working again. This is a big advantage over the traditional lever system. Another visible detail during the test was the stability of the set, which, being compact, gave a great feeling of security. It is also necessary to praise the engine, which remained stable and silent, even during climbs and descents within the orchard. Finally, highlight the quality of the cab, which provides operator safety without compromising visibility.

Taking advantage of the occasion and the good will of the producer and the dealership and manufacturer team who accompanied us, we tested the operational performance of the MF 3409 tractor in the soil scarification operation. The MF 3409 tractor, with its 99 hp of maximum power, had no difficulty pulling a scarifier with five rods, spaced 32 cm apart. The operation was performed in first reduced gear (L1) at 1.800 rpm. The process aims to decompress the subsurface layers of the soil, which are more dense. The average depth of scarification during the tests was approximately 30 centimeters. Again, the praise went to the engine, which resisted the effort without reducing the speed too much. As this tractor uses electronic injection, we noticed that, even with this effort resulting from the operation with the scarifier, there was no smoke emitted from the exhaust and the noise inside the cab was minimal.

Test support

We were supported in the test by the team from the Sotrima Agrícola dealership, with the presence of Mr. Márcio Zanette, manager of the branch in Lages, and Mr. Paulo Henrique Acquesta, commercial consultant. Sotrima Agrícola is an agricultural company that represents Massey Ferguson for the southern region of Brazil, with stores in Rio Grande do Sul, headquarters in Porto Alegre and branches in Camaquã, Capivari do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Pelotas and Vacaria. In Santa Catarina, the stores are in the cities of Lages (where we visited) and São Joaquim. Representing the manufacturer and marketing of Massey Ferguson, engineer Eder Dornelles Pinheiro was with us, who is the Product Marketing Coordinator – Massey Tractors for South America - and knows a lot about the details and characteristics of the brand's tractors.

Test drive at the altitude of Serra Santa Catarina

At the beginning of April, when the Charão Parrot (Amazona pretrei) flies over the town of Rincão dos Papagaios, in the city of Urupema, located in the Santa Catarina Mountains, at 1.425m altitude, in search of pine nuts, the end of the apple harvest in the municipality.

Urupema is a city of 2.500 inhabitants which, 200km from the capital Florianópolis and 55km from Lages, maintains a diversity of Gaucho customs and traditions. Manoel Pinto de Arruda square is one of the main attractions and inland, in addition to the clear rivers, there is a common landscape with green fields and pine trees. In winter, due to the occurrence of strong frosts and even snow, the small waterfalls and undergrowth turn into ice crystals, leaving the city with an atmosphere of peace and tranquility and a beautiful landscape of snow, which covers the city. during that time. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the city welcomed new residents looking for peace and tranquility.

In this scenario, we visited the Vô Higino farm, named after the father of rural producer Blévio Pinto de Andrade. It is located on the general road of Bossoroca, formerly known as the road of the Legend of the Pinheiro do Choro, where, according to legend, a cry could be heard near the pine tree, hence the name. We were welcomed by the family of his son Urigueller Medeiros Andrade, who is an agricultural technician, his daughter-in-law Bruna Andrade Wrublechi, a pharmacist, and twin granddaughters Lívia and Maísa, aged six. By the way, Bruna is three months pregnant, again with twins, which made her well known in the city for this fact.

The site has 70 hectares, of which 11 hectares are dedicated to the production of apples of the Fugi Suprema Imperial, Gala Galaxy, Gala Mishima, Gala Real and Gala Imperial varieties and the remainder to cattle breeding. But, before apples, the farm produced seed potatoes from 1970 to 1987. From then on, potatoes were replaced by apples, since when importing seed potatoes, contamination brought diseases. This caused the activity to be paralyzed and apple cultivation was introduced. Other factors that influenced the change of culture were the climate and low temperatures, on average 14°C per year, with temperatures that can go below 0oC in winter, which favors the production of this fruitful crop, due to the need for days of cold to the plant for its development. In 2002, Urigueller's son completed his studies as an agricultural technician, gaining knowledge to improve the family's production.

As it is an annual crop, work on site is daily, as apple production requires a lot of care. Cultural treatments range from the implementation of new orchards, control of pests such as fruit flies (Anastrepha fraterculus), diseases such as glomerella spot (Glomerella cingulata, Colletotrichum sp.) and invasive plants, in addition to crop nutrition. soil and plants, requiring up to 40 product applications per year, ranging from fungicides, insecticides to foliar nutrients and amino acids for plant recovery. Regarding the recovery of plants, the site, during this harvest, suffered from heavy hailstorms, which caused the production and quality of the fruits to be reduced - as happened in 2007, when the family lost its entire production - , requiring the application of foliar nutrients and amino acids for the plants to produce again.

The apple tree culture is renewed every 23 to 25 years, and the area in which we carried out the tests was established in 2001 and is expected to be renewed next year. The apple crop, like any other, is very susceptible to hail, which damages and reduces the quality of the fruit. This year, according to Mr. Urigueller, the hail damaged production, and what was previously intended for table fruit went to the industry for the production of cider and sweets. The producer informed that when the production is destined for industry, the amount paid represents 12% to 15% of that obtained for the production destined for table fruit.

Just as the family grew, with the arrival of the new twins, so did production. The Vô Higino farm, in addition to apples and livestock farming, intends, at the end of the year, to introduce broccoli cultivation, as the local climate conditions favor production, in addition to a new apple orchard and the exchange of other which have been producing for almost 25 years.

Final considerations

We are rarely able to test two tractors on the same day. It was a great opportunity, one of the few times we had this opportunity. The MF 3400 series tractors surprised us due to the large number of solutions presented by the manufacturer, for a small tractor, which needs to be compact, but at the same time meet all the requirements of the NR-12 Regulatory Standard and more, meet the needs and the demands of a machine segment that must work in reduced space environments.

Modern manufacturers face the challenge of having higher and better specifications in power and torque transmission systems, such as the gearbox and power take-off, but also hydraulic power. At the same time, these models cannot neglect safety and operability elements. On the one hand, comfort, which brings performance, reduces effort and, therefore, fatigue, and, on the other, the ability to operate quickly and agilely, like direction reversers.

Finally, the manufacturer needs to provide the tractor with means to adapt it to the work it is responsible for, making it versatile and, tailored to the customer, making it work in accordance with the particular demands of the work, providing full adaptation . This is achieved with options for gauge, ballast, weight distribution, among others. With pleasure, we recognized many of these particularities in the MF 3400 series tractors that we had the opportunity to test for this edition of Revista Cultivar Máquinas.

José Fernando Schlosser
Henrique Eguilhor Rodrigues
Daniel Ciro de Souza
Agrotechnology Lab - Nema - UFSM