Test Drive Massey Ferguson MF 535R Sprayer

With a 3.500-liter spray tank and booms of up to 36 meters, the MF 535R sprayer, tested by our team, stands out for its engine and transmission integration, in addition to the onboard technology, which allows it to carry out very precise applications, with nozzle-to-nozzle cutting. and stable flow rate

It is always motivating to gain the opportunity to test new equipment entering the agricultural market and its technological innovations. It can be seen that year after year companies, through their engineering sectors, have been providing new resources to improve the lives of rural producers and adapt to the different needs that the market imposes. Self-propelled sprayers have grown in importance in the Brazilian production system and are currently considered the most used machines in medium and large areas.

Massey Ferguson has been producing self-propelled sprayers in Brazil since 2011, with the launch of the MF 9030 model. After several improvements to this series, at Agrishow 2022, in Ribeirão Preto (SP), the brand launched the MF 500R Series, class 3, and maintained the MF 8225 model, in class 2. With the great reception this new series received, sales began in August of this year at the brand's dealerships.

With the experience gained from monitoring previous models in the field, the brand decided to launch new equipment, maintaining, however, what had already been approved by the market, such as the chassis structure, active suspension, bar position and independence between the wheels. Thus, the basic dimensions were maintained, improving other features and introducing new features, such as a climate station, the new section control system, engine-transmission integration and connectivity, among other innovations that we will highlight in this field test.

The brand hopes to reach, with these new models, a large percentage of the Brazilian agricultural area, comprised of medium and large rural grain producers in the Central-West region and other producing regions and special crops, such as sugar cane. and cotton.

The two models in the series, the MF 535R and the MF 530R, produced at the AGCO unit in Mogi das Cruzes (SP), differ only in the tank capacity: in the first, 3.500 liters, and in the second, three thousand liters. . Furthermore, the technological resources, dimensions and capabilities are identical.

So, to test the MF 535R model in the field, we went to Jaboticabal (SP), with the strategic support of the Massey Ferguson Marketing Department.

Engine and Transmission

The MF 535R sprayer uses an AGCO Power brand engine, model 66CW3.1263, with six cylinders and 6.300cm3 volumetric capacity, with turbocharger, which is configured to comply with Brazilian MAR 1 emissions control legislation, through the EGR system. internal, as is usual for the brand. The fuel injection management is electronic and the maximum power generated is 155kW (200hp), at a speed of 1.900rpm and a maximum torque of 790Nm at 1.800rpm.

The hydrostatic transmission applied to all four wheels uses a piston pump, Danfoss brand wheel motors and planetary reducers to reduce rotation. The system uses ABS technology for braking and speed reduction. There are four hydraulic motors on the wheels, electronically controlled and independent of each other, through PWM valves on each wheel.

One of the new features, which impressed us during the test, was the possibility of total integration between engine and transmission, provided by AWD Smart Drive, which we will try to explain how it works.

Organization

The structural chassis of the MF 500R series remains the Flex-frame type, established in previous engines. Made of steel, with a C-section profile, it forms an all-bolted structure with minimized welding, which provides sufficient flexibility for movement within crops, eliminating the problems of chassis breakage, common in equipment that uses joining by welding.

The chassis is joined to the displacement and movement transmission mechanisms using an active independent pneumatic suspension, which uses stabilizer bars to prevent excessive movement of the structure.

Cabin

Access to the cabin is via the front staircase and a side walkway. Both have non-slip floors and lead to a door that leads to the cabin. The access ladder has an automatic retraction and extension system and the lower portion is flexible.

With the cab based on four rubber cushions, stability is noted, which brings comfort during work. The glass area is huge. In the center, a seat with high-quality pneumatic cushioning, with armrest adjustments, lumbar support inclination, approach and height. On the left side, a companion seat, mainly used for operator training. On the right side are the side console, controls and monitors. The steering wheel is position adjustable and can be adjusted in height and depth.

On the side console, there is a large armrest, and at the front the multifunction control and a small side panel, where, with a multifunctional keyboard, you can set speeds, control the hydraulic system and adjust the gauge. In front of the main control, joystick type, a main monitor (MF Guide) fully configurable according to the user's preference, sensitive to touch, controls the operation and configuration of the application of agrochemicals. Using the joystick, with keys operated by the fingers of the right hand, the action is carried out based on the usual commands at the time of application, such as controlling the opening and closing of the bars and their position in height. And what is most important, control speed and direction of travel and even brake the equipment, positioning the control further forward or further back. It is interesting to mention that the aggressiveness of the joystick action can be configured, so that reactions will be faster or slower. Further ahead, another smaller monitor transmits images from two digital cameras. It is also possible to configure the system to operate with up to six cameras, with images being displayed on the main monitor and on the specific camera monitor.

The main monitor is responsible for enabling spray control, the autopilot image and section cutting on the same 10,4-inch screen, which, as we said, can be configured. The logic of the layout and controls is very easy to understand and operate, in addition to being possible to integrate controls between the multifunction control and the monitor. We did not use it during the test, but it is possible to configure a control function for the headland maneuver, so that the equipment, once configured, can carry out a sequence of operations to carry out the maneuver automatically.

As is usual with more developed equipment, it is possible to automatically configure a traveling speed and another that can be used for maneuvering or even to reduce or increase useful speeds for the operation. Once configured, these speeds can be activated by switches on the panel. When you touch one key, a pre-configured speed is activated and another, an alternative speed.

The monitor, in one of the information presentation configurations, can offer instantaneous climatological data, which comes from a weather station. The position of the bar can be easily modified with a simple key press, up or down.

Other items common to this type and standard of machine are present, such as a radio, an air filtration system for the interior of the cabin using activated carbon and an interior air conditioning system, both for cold and heat. Furthermore, the project qualified with the placement of an LED lighting system consisting of eight spotlights on the cabin ceiling, half forward and half backward, and another blue LED beam on each side of the bar. The side mirrors are now electrically operated, controlled from inside the cabin.

Finally, to highlight, the manufacturer added a compressed air outlet to clean the interior of the cabin in all versions.

Capacities and Dimensions

The MF 535R sprayer is a large machine, with a mass of 10.320kg, a total length of 7,92 meters, a maximum width in the transport position of 3,85 meters and a total height that varies from 3,7 to four meters, depending on the tire chosen. The wheelbase is 4,4 meters and the clearance is 1,65 meters. There are two possibilities to choose the tire brand, but the standard size is 380/90R46. To cover a good working day, compatible with the Diesel consumption proven in the manufacturer's tests, the fuel tank has a capacity of 350 liters.

The gauge, which is the center-to-center measurement of the tires on the same axle, is changed hydraulically by the operator from inside the cab. It can range from a minimum measurement of 2,8 meters to a maximum of 3,4 meters, which will depend on and adjust to the spacing between lines adopted by the producer and the traffic configuration of other machines on the property.

This equipment has high operational capacity, given its width, which can reach 36 meters in bar length, and the high travel speed, up to 32km/h, which it can develop during work. This, under limiting conditions, can achieve a capacity to apply agrochemicals in the order of almost 100 hectares per hour.

Spray System

The spraying system of equipment of this level is quite complex. The generation of hydraulic pressure begins with a Hypro brand stainless steel centrifugal pump, hydraulically driven and controlled by PWM valves, with speed controlled by a sensor, line filters and a protection system against pressure peaks and electrically driven nozzles. The flow provided by the pump exceeds 500 liters per minute.

Depending on the system adopted, the tank will be filled with pure water or syrup. Currently, the vast majority of large-area producers already introduce a ready-made mixture into the sprayer, previously prepared using equipment suitable for this purpose. Others add water to the tank and use the eductor, which prepares the syrup and mixes it. The syrup tank, made of polyethylene material, is the only difference between the two models of the 500R series. In the MF 530R model the capacity is three thousand liters, while in the MF 535R this volume increases to 3.500 liters.

Spray control is done by a small multifunction panel positioned next to the four-way valve, located on the left side of the sprayer. All calibration, incorporation of product by the inductor and recharging of the equipment are done with its help, with the combination of lever position that controls the four options, refilling, spraying and incorporation. Although the tank supply depends mainly on the system used by the producer, which may have its own pump or do so by gravity through the tank nozzle, the sprayer has its own resources for supply. A recharge station, with side and front entry and quick-connect connections, can use the spray pump itself or even a centrifugal recharge pump, made of polypropylene, supplied as an option.

As stipulated by law, this type of equipment must have a clean water reservoir made of polyethylene, with a capacity of 350 liters, which can be used to wash packaging and the main tank itself, and another small 40-liter tank for washing. operator hygiene.

For users who supply the main tank with clean water and wish to mix it with the commercial product, preparing the syrup, there is a chemical eductor, also made of polyethylene, which has its own pump, independent of the one used in spraying. It is a high-risk application that requires the use of PPE by the operator. With the eductor lowered, the valve open and the four-way panel lever placed in the “incorporation” position, the water flow will, little by little, incorporate the agrochemical into the deposit. After the operation, the eductor itself allows the bottles and its own reservoir to be washed.

It is also necessary to highlight that the MF 535R sprayer provides a product recovery function, LiquidLogic® System, which allows at the end of the operation, with any remaining syrup in the application system such as boom pipes and hoses, this product residue can be returned to the main deposit.

In the application line, the manufacturer provided filters for cleaning the syrup. A 30 mesh main filter and 80 mesh line filters.

Spray Bars

For these two models in the series, the manufacturer made four bar lengths available, 24, 30, 32 and 36 meters.

In the transport position, the bars will be closed and will have to be opened for application work. The opening and closing of the bar is carried out completely hydraulically, from the cabin, using the multifunction control, without the need for manual operations. A central frame adjusts the height of the bar in relation to the ground, depending on the target you want to reach in the application, ranging from 32 centimeters to 2,59 meters. From there, the bar height sensors will control and adjust the position during operation. The manufacturer has made two systems available: active, in which the height of the bar is automatically adjusted by moving the central frame and bars, and passive, which only controls the height of the frame and bars in relation to the ground. In active control, the central frame moves in a circular manner, rotating, making a combined movement with the bars.

With this level of technology, the MF 535R sprayer performs overlap control, turning on and off nine to 36 electrically or pneumatically controlled sections, using information provided by the positioning system. This variety of options for the number of sections is due to the fact that, in flatter locations and with large plots, a smaller number of sections is required. On the contrary, where there is a need for cuts, maneuvers within fields and other movements over areas where the product has already been applied, a greater number of flow cuts per nozzle is a natural requirement. In general, in the last section the cut is made beak by beak, and in the remaining portions of the bar the cut is made two beaks at a time. In the cutting option in a maximum of 36 sections, the system is electrically driven, and for the shorter bar, measuring 24 meters, it is always tip to tip, with the exception of the central support.

The tubing that guides the product along the bar is stainless steel, one inch in diameter. The nozzle holder is fivefold and spaced 50 centimeters apart.

Technology

As we mentioned at the beginning, there are several technology items to mention. However, we highlight the video cameras, the possibility of configuring the monitor, the autopilot, the climate station and telemetry.

At the user's disposal, the manufacturer has made it possible for, through up to four cameras, positioned anywhere on the machine, images can be displayed on a specific monitor or even on the sprayer's main monitor. A magnetic system is used to attach the cameras to any metal part. This prevents the operator from having to view the operation through the rear window of the cabin or even stop the equipment and leave the cabin to obtain information, which can be obtained by simply viewing it.

The second highlight is the main monitor (NT-01), fully configurable to the user's taste and taste and which presents all functions and information in a very interesting way.

Also, highlighting the driving assistance system, the Massey Guide autopilot, which uses Novatel or Trimble receivers and shows the image and information about the overlap and section cuts on the monitor screen. The Massey Connect telemetry system is also worth highlighting, as it is part of a new generation of functions applied to agricultural machinery and which provides strategic assistance to the producer, through connectivity.

Finally, we highlight the availability of a climatological station, where you can obtain information on external temperature, relative air humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and a compass. This information is absolutely necessary in systems where the moment of application must be constantly recorded and controlled. The use of this equipment makes it possible to comply with strict legislation to control the timing of the application of agrochemicals and to maintain good practices in agriculture.

Field Test

During field tests with the MF 535R sprayer, we used two plots. The first was an area with sorghum, where we simulated the desiccation operation, with the bar 80 centimeters from the ground. We work on the banks of the Carlos Tinani highway, in an experimental area at Unesp, in Jaboticabal.

To learn about all the features of the machine, we made use of several alternatives that are available to the producer who purchases it. We made use of the manual system and the AWD Smart Drive system, which allows full integration between the electronic management of the engine and the machine's transmission in order to maintain travel speed, which is so important for maintaining the volume applied per area. By configuring it this way, speed becomes the target, and both the engine changes speed instantly and the transmission varies for better performance. Indeed, it is a function that provides quality to the work and, above all, comfort to the operator. Automatic control of engine and transmission rotation can also reduce fuel consumption and greater operational capacity, but mainly improve application quality, compared to a system that depends solely on the operator.

It should be noted that, during the test, the engine speed remained very low and with few variations, reducing the noise level inside the cabin and also saving fuel. The team that accompanied us in the test reported very low diesel consumption compared to competing equipment.

During the test we also highlighted the quality of the cabin, with an excellent arrangement of controls and monitors and especially the low noise level and the excellent and silent air conditioning system.

After a one-shift journey in sorghum, we moved to a soybean plot, led by the family that owns Sítio São Gregório, very close to the first location. There, we found a very different situation, which required adapting the sprayer gauge to the sowing system adopted with a 45cm spacing. For all the tests we carried out, to verify and understand the product, we had the support of engineer Lucas Zanetti, who is Product Marketing coordinator at Massey Ferguson, and Marco Aurélio Petrazzi Jacob, specialist at the Stéfani dealership, which has a headquarters store in Jaboticabal and two branches, one in Ribeirão Preto and the other in Catanduva.

Points we highlight

Some points were highlighted in the test we carried out:

- AGCO Power six-cylinder engine, with 200 hp. Low fuel consumption and ability to work at reduced speed.

- Hydrostatic transmission with independent wheel motors and with the option of full integration with the tractor engine.

- Flex-Frame chassis, with C-beams, fully bolted to prevent breakage.

- Independent pneumatic suspension.

- Cab based on rubber cushions, ergonomic, with good distribution of commands and controls.

- Nozzle bar with variable length between 24 and 36 meters, with nine to 36 flow cut-off sections, to solve overlapping problems.

- LiquidLogic ® system, with items such as recirculation, product recovery and automatic cleaning of bars that deliver high product savings and application quality.

Jose Fernando Schlosser,
Agrotechnology Laboratory
Federal University of Santa Maria