Test Drive Massey Ferguson MF 4300 series tractors

Among the main attributes found by our team, simplicity and robustness stand out in the MF 4300 Series, which hits the market with several new features and a project aligned with Massey Ferguson's global design.

For this issue of Cultivar Máquinas magazine we will report on the first-hand experience of having tested two new models of the recently incorporated Series 4300, the MF 4305 and 4306 tractors. At the invitation of the manufacturer, the team at Cultivar Máquinas and the Laboratory of Agrotechnology from the Agricultural Machinery Testing Center (Nema) at the Federal University of Santa Maria traveled to the municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul, where they were able to spend a day full of tests with these new models. With this launch, Massey Ferguson acquires the long-awaited uniformity of the line and adapts to what is offered by the brand in the main markets around the world. 

These models are already being sold. With this launch, the MF 250XE and 255 models will be removed from the offer, in addition to the MF 4265, leaving only the models from the 200 Xtra series (4200 Xtra, 4200 Xtra, 4280 Xtra and 4283 Xtra) from the traditional 4290 line and its successor 4292. By the way, the 200 line is one of the longest-lasting offered in the country, which contributed so much to the consolidation of the brand in Brazil and which for many years sustained the brand's leadership in the Brazilian market.

Currently, Massey Ferguson's portfolio in Brazil is made up of 32 models, distributed across 11 series. The first series, MF 3300, brings together three compact models called “special”, such as the coffee maker, etc.; MF 3306, MF 3307 and MF 3308, which range from 69hp to 89hp. Then come the series we mentioned earlier. In medium-sized tractors comes the 4700 series, with three models, MF 4707, MF 4708 and MF 4709, from 79hp to 99hp; the following series, 5700, is made up of two models, MF 5709 and MF 5710. The fourth series is the 6700, which comprises three models, MF 6711, MF 6712 and MF 6713, from 115hp to 135hp, which is partly replicated of the 6700 Dyna-4 series, which applies this transmission to two models from the previous series, MF 6712 R Dyna-4 and MF 6713 R Dyna-4, with powers of 125hp and 135hp. The fifth series is the 7200 with three models, from 148hp to 189hp, MF 7214, MF 7217 and MF 7219.

In tractors approaching or above 200hp, we have the MF 7700 series, with the models MF 7719 Dyna-6, MF 7720 Dyna-6, MF 7722 Dyna-6 and MF 7725 Dyna-6, starting at 195hp and ending at 250hp. Finally, the 8700 Dyna-VT series, with four models, MF 8730 S Dyna-VT, MF 8732 S Dyna-VT, MF 8735 S Dyna-VT and MF 8737 S Dyna-VT from 295hp to 370hp. This new series that we tested, for now, will have three models, these two that we tested and the 4307, with 80 hp, and will replace the 200 Advanced series, which remained in the portfolio until this launch.

This important step towards standardizing models with what is offered by the brand worldwide also introduces a concept of standardization of nomenclature, in which the brand adopts significant numbers in the model name worldwide. In the case of the model numbers we tested, 4305 and 4306, the first two numbers (43) represent the size and generation of the tractor, while the last two represent the power range (06 = 60-69hp).

Some highlights can be mentioned, highlighting the issue of the semi-platform adopted to overcome the difficulties faced by tractors with a mounted position, that is, with the gear levers and transmission regime between the operator's legs. Another highlight is the new position of the ballast weights below the engine line and no longer forward, as in previous models. Visually, the global alignment can be seen from the folding hood and front headlights. Although the size is small, there is a noticeable similarity between these models and the larger ones in the line, with their design identity.

Ultimately, this new series represents the replacement of traditional series of compact tractors, which are easy to operate and maintain, predominantly mechanical and which indicate adaptation to a user who requires little knowledge of machines, sometimes complex and highly reliable. 

MOTOR

The engine that equips this series, made up of three models, is a three-cylinder AGCOPower brand, 3.300cm3, model 33MEC-T3, with turbocharger and an intercooled radiator to provide power of 57hp, 67hp and 80hp (ISO TR14396). Even though it is a mechanical injection engine, with a Delphy rotary pump, it meets emissions standards, based on an EGR system. With this launch, all tractors in the line are equipped with the same engine brand. Other options are removed, as was the case previously.

The engine temperature is cooled by an open circuit system with an appropriately sized radiator, which allowed us to verify that the temperature was maintained throughout the testing period. A smaller one is installed in front of the water radiator, which serves the intercooler. For fuel filtration, these models use a traditional double filter system in series.

The manufacturer informs that due to the type of injection there is no restriction on the use of fuel, and common diesel S500 or even S10 can be used.

STREAMING

Models with TDP have a double clutch (one for activating the transmission and the other for activating the power take-off), dry disc type, available in ceramic or organic material, and mechanically activated by pedal.

The new models in the MF 4300 line are equipped with a sliding gear mechanical transmission, with eight forward gears and two reverse gears, the result of a combination of four gears and two groups (high and low). However, the 4307 model has a transmission with 12 forward and four reverse speeds. The gear lever is located between the operator's legs, along with the group selection lever. The option for this transmission, which is well known and reliable, is part of the technological package and the type of customer to be served.

Obviously an inverter is needed, given the frequent use of this range of tractors and the recent offers.
Travel speeds vary through two levers, one for gears and the other for groups, from 2,3km/h to 30,4km/h in the front and 3,1km/h to 12,6km/h in reverse. However, with a big jump between sixth and seventh gear, going from 13,5km/h to 24,8km/h. 

As for the gear position, as a positive point, the alignment of reverse and first gear can be highlighted, which is quite suitable for these models that do not use an inverter. Although not very valued in this segment, it might be interesting to improve the system a little, reducing the effort to engage gears.

The new MF 4300 line also features the Creeper as an option, a mechanically driven super-reducer, enabling a speed range between 0,6km/h and 1,8km/h, used in special operations that require low travel speeds. There is no speed overlap between the transmission groups, that is, the last gear in the low group has a lower speed than the first gear in the high group. This increases the chances of changing groups during work.

There are two versions for the power take-off (TDP) of tractors in this line. The standard version has a dependent TDP, and the clutch pedal must be depressed to a second stage to be able to disconnect it. The optional version, which will generally be chosen by users (TDPi), makes operation easier, as it can be decoupled independently from the transmission, that is, while the tractor is moving it is possible to turn off the TDP. For both, the speed is 540rpm at 1.900rpm engine speed. For the operator's safety, there is a metallic shield-type protection around the PTO.

On the rear axles, the final reduction is of the epicyclic planetary type, with the wheelset fixed by a flange. The differential lock is mechanical and pedal-operated, located on the right, below the operator's seat. The service brake is mechanically operated, consisting of five wet discs on each side of the rear axle. On the rear axle housing, there is a raised indication of the number of discs, which makes maintenance easier. The parking brake is mechanically operated - to activate it, simply pull a lever to the right and below the steering wheel and activate the service brakes, which are locked.

The entire MF 4300 line is equipped with ZF auxiliary front-wheel drive (TDA), mechanically driven by a lever, which moves vertically, to the operator's left side. Even though the connection could be via a switch, this type of drive does not differ from the type of tractor and it seemed quite easy to connect. The cardan shaft passes in a lateral position, common in this type of tractor, as it increases the free space. It should be noted that the cardan shaft protection that transmits to the front axle is very good, however it is necessary to remove the plastic protectors to access the greasing points.

The differential lock is of the LimitedSlip type, acting automatically, transferring torque to the wheelset with the most grip, unlike the non-locking differential. Torque transmission to the wheelsets occurs through universal constant velocity joints.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

The MF 4300 line features two main pumps, one exclusive to the steering system and the other for the remote control valves (VCR), both geared, working at a maximum pressure of 180bar. The VCR pump is independent and has a flow rate of 40L/min. There is also an Isyp pump responsible for lifting three points, category II, with an exclusive filter and flow rate of 17L/min, with the option of a second pump with 42l/min, making the flow rate 59L/min. The operation occurs via a small lever below the seat. For those who are older in the field of mechanization, you will remember that in the past, tractors that used an Isyp pump had a selector switch that divided the flow to the three-point system or to the VCR valves, in this case there is no division but rather the sum of the flow rate. The standard version of these models features a VCR valve, with two or three as an option. In the test, the MF 4305 tractor was equipped with one VCR and the MF 4306 with two VCRs.

It is worth highlighting the offering of options for the stabilizers of the arms of the three-point hydraulic system. The tractors we tested included one with a chain and thread system and another with a telescopic type. Obviously, we like the second type more, due to the ease it brings when making this adjustment.

The height control of the three-point system is positioned on the right side of the operator, and the adjustment of the system's height sensitivity is carried out using the traditional Ferguson system, in which the sensitivity is regulated, choosing between the three holes of the third point, being the lower hole with less sensitivity and the upper hole with greater sensitivity. The lifting capacity at 610mm from the ball joint is 2.500kgf, for the three models in the series. It is worth highlighting as a positive point that the manufacturer installed an exclusive filter for the hydraulic system.

OPERATOR'S STATION

The operator's station, although it uses the same transmission as the tractors with levers positioned between the operator's legs, received a semi-platform type structure, in which the operator has relative freedom of movement, making it much more ergonomic than the previous alternative.

The mirrors were placed in the lower part of the hood, not giving a good response to the view behind. They could be larger and placed on the sides in a lower position.
For the operator's information, a very simple panel was designed and installed, with a thermometer to measure the temperature of the cooling water and a fuel volume meter. On the other hand, warning lights were installed on this same panel for various functions and a checklist for the tractor after operation.

On the back of the seat and also serving as support for the hood, a two-point safety arch was installed, with its respective approval by the manufacturer, in accordance with international standards.

Also very well evaluated by the test team was the position of the exhaust pipe, now positioned on the right side of the tractor, therefore on the opposite side to that recommended for entry. In previous models, this position was the opposite, which could favor accidents due to burns and contact with the operator's body, especially the hands. Side glass deflectors were also inserted to reduce heat and noise reaching the operator.

PREVENTIVE

The placement of the folding hood presents good opening and closing. As a new feature, a locking system with a key, to prevent access and opening by unauthorized people, as provided for in the regulatory standard (NR-12). 

We reiterate the good protection against hand contact, on the cooling hoses on the left side and on the changer belt on the right side. There is also a shield-type protection, placed over the PTO shaft, which prevents easy contact, especially from the feet of the operator climbing up the rear of the tractor.

The air filters can be easily accessed for cleaning and changing, as well as the water decanter and the fuel and oil filters and oil level check sticks. The new position of the fuel tank, behind the operator's seat, appears to make refueling easier.

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

The 4300 line tractors we tested have a total weight of 3.025kg and 3.575kg, respectively (without metal ballast and without water in the tires). The total length of the tractors is 3.851mm, minimum width of 1.852mm and maximum height of 2.542mm. The wheelbase is 2.286mm, which provides better maneuverability, with a turning radius of 4,6m, with the use of individual brakes. This design feature is reflected in performance, especially when dealing with small areas. The track gauge of this line draws attention, with a minimum distance of 1.571mm and a maximum distance of 2.160mm between the rear wheels, and a minimum distance of 1.322mm and a maximum distance of 1.957mm for the front wheels. In addition to the 340mm free space, provided by the position of the cardan shaft on the left side of the tractor.

For the front metal ballast, up to eight weights of 25kg each can be used, positioned in the lower front part of the tractor, which reduces the total length of the tractor, making it easier to carry out maneuvers in short spaces. However, by reducing the length of the tractor, the effect of the weights on front stability is reduced, by reducing the distance between the center of these masses in relation to the front axle. Although the solution is more aesthetically pleasing, removing and placing the weights in this new position made the front ballasting operation difficult, especially in a model that should be very versatile for small producers.

As for the wheelsets, the MF 4305 model tested was equipped with Pirelli bias tires, the rear ones with specification 14.9-28 R1, and the front ones 9.5-24 R1. The MF 4306 model tested was also equipped with diagonal tires, but from the Goodyear brand, with the rear specification 13.5-38 R1, and the front 12.4-24 R1. R1 tires are traction tires, suitable for drier soils or with normal humidity and have smaller claws.

Regarding capacities, the fuel tank of the 4300 line is capable of holding 95 liters of diesel, an increase of 38 liters in fuel storage capacity, provided by the change in position of the tank, which in the new line is now located behind the operator's station.

The electrical system is 12V, and has an 80A alternator and 70Ah battery. The battery is located behind the tractor engine, protected by the hood. The tractor also has a tool holder box, located close to the battery.

THE TEST

The test of the new Massey Ferguson 4300 line was carried out on the property of Aloísio Pedro Weber and his family, located in the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, Cerro Alegre Alto, state of Rio Grande do Sul. It is a family property with total area of ​​11,5 hectares, which is characterized by the production of tobacco to generate income and food for the family's subsistence. To carry out this test, we had the support of Giovane Luiz Weber, son of Aloísio Pedro Weber, who showed us what the tobacco production routine is like, from the creation of seedlings for transplantation to the drying and marketing process. Giovane is a well-known digital influencer, especially among tobacco producers in the region.

We also had the support of Gustavo Borin, external salesperson at Samaq Comercial de Máquinas Ltda, Massey Ferguson dealership. Along with us were present the AGCO Tractors Product Marketing Coordinator for South America, Éder Dornelles Pinheiro, the AGCO Tractors Product Marketing Specialist, Juan Paulo Barbieri, and the Product Specialist from Samaq Comercial de Máquinas Ltda, Rodrigo Kaufmann .

The location chosen for the test was a farm area to be prepared for the production of tobacco crops, with wavy terrain and a path length sufficient to evaluate the 4300 line tractor models. Soil moisture was above acceptable levels. for working with machinery, which restricted and made our assessment a little difficult.

For field tests, we provide four agricultural implements, two being reserved for each tractor model tested. Firstly, we tested the MF 4306 model, equipped with the backhoe arm, popularly known in the region as “priest's hand”, model RT75 from Massey Ferguson by Woods. In this activity we were able to observe the versatility of the 65 hp model, which provided the excellent performance of the implement that makes use of the tractor's hydraulic system and power take-off (TDP), guaranteeing agility in the activities performed, without operational failures, smooth movements , strength and stability of the set.

The second operation carried out with the MF 4306 tractor was the use of a Woods RTR 60.40 rotary hoe, in an undisturbed area, we tested the performance of the mechanized set and observed how easy it was to activate the TDPi.

And, for the MF 4305 model, we used a three-rod scarifier, model ASM 5-1.60, and a disc harrow, model GH from Tatu, with 28 20” discs and 195mm spacing between discs. In these operations we can highlight the agile response of the hydraulic lifting system when the depth and sensitivity control levers are activated.

The impressions when operating the 4300 line tractors were very good, highlighting the ease of operating the clutch pedals, brakes and auxiliary front-wheel drive. During the test, we constantly used the auxiliary front traction, what caught our attention the most was the behavior of the engine, several times we let the implement reach its full depth and the engine would drop in speed and then recover when the load on the engine was relieved. implement.

It is worth mentioning that the stability of the mechanized set, both with the implement in operation and suspended for maneuvers, is excellent, guaranteeing safety and comfort for the operator. Another point to highlight is the engine starting safety system, which requires the groupset lever to be in the neutral position for the engine to start.

SAMAQ

Samaq Comercial de Máquinas Ltda, a Massey Ferguson dealership, was founded on August 28, 1968 in the city of Santa Cruz do Sul, by president Lothar Kurt Krause. In its 51-year history, Samaq, in addition to its headquarters in Santa Cruz do Sul, has three branches located in the cities of Rio Pardo, Estrela and Sobradinho, covering 53 municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and generating more than 100 direct jobs .

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

With the field tests we carried out with a backhoe, disc harrow, scarifier and rotary hoe, we saw a great potential for using this tractor on small and medium-sized properties, mainly in the South, South and Southeast regions. 

Although the land on which we tested this tractor was not in optimal conditions to receive all this equipment, due to the producers' need to have an economical and versatile tractor, to be used with different equipment, we evaluated the experience as very positive.

We believe that the highlight of this tractor and what can differentiate it in this competitive market is the engine. During all the work we carried out, we felt it was very efficient in maintaining rotation and getting rid of the difficulties imposed by different equipment. We have no doubt in classifying the engine as superior and sufficient for the application.
We also classify as positive the solutions brought from the higher power series and which significantly brought improvements in relation to the series that were replaced.

It is a simple and modest tractor in terms of technology, but it will be very useful in the field, especially for those producers who need a robust tractor, easy to operate and maintain and that can multitask.