Test Drive Massey Ferguson MF 7318 Dyna-3 tractor

With 180 hp and a four-cylinder engine, the MF 7318 Dyna-3 from Massey Ferguson is focused on sugarcane and grain producers who need a powerful, more economical machine with on-board technology.

The destination of the Cultivar Máquinas magazine team for this February edition was the city of Bilac, near Araçatuba, in the state of São Paulo, to get a hands-on look at the Massey Ferguson tractor, model 7318 Dyna-3. This model is part of the 7300 series, which is made up of the MF 7316 Dyna-3, 160hp, and MF 7318 Dyna-3, 180hp. The official launch of this new series took place at the end of 2020 for the entire Massey Ferguson dealer network and is now arriving in stores for the first customers.

These two models in the series are exclusive tractors for the Brazilian national market and are manufactured entirely at the Mogi das Cruzes plant, in São Paulo. The company has been testing these two models in the field for some time, finding interesting values ​​in reducing fuel consumption and operational efficiency, in relation to the previous offering. 

The company uses model identification logic, where the first number, in this case 7, identifies the series, the second, 3, is the generation of the tractor and the last two digits are related to the engine power, in this case 18, relating to 180hp.

This tractor, due to its power and specification, will have a wide impact on Brazilian agriculture, however it is expected that sugarcane producers and medium-large grain and irrigated rice producers in the south of the country will be the target audience. most frequent target. 

MOTOR

Both the model we tested, with 180 hp, and the MF 7316 Dyna-3 model, with 160 hp, use a four-cylinder AGCO Power engine, equipped with a turbo with intercooler, with maximum power obtained at 2.100 rpm. The engine torque is 620Nm for the 160hp model and 700Nm for the tested model, the MF 7318 Dyna-3. For gas treatment, the system used is the internal EGR. The fuel injection system is electronically activated by a control unit and sensors that interact, providing better use of the fuel consumed. 

This engine has been developed for some time in the company to replace the six-cylinder engine, previously used with this power range, to guarantee a reduction in hourly consumption and pollutant emissions levels, following the global trend of all tractor manufacturers. . Even with this engine downsizing, power and torque have remained in the same range.

STREAMING

The power and torque transfer system is made using the Dyna-3 PowerShift transmission. The system is arranged in three groups, two subgroups or mechanical gears and three gears that can be activated under load, that is, there are three travel speeds that the operator does not need the assistance of the clutch or immobilization of the tractor to change. A simple touch of a button on the gear lever increases or reduces the travel speed and changes the amount of torque reaching the wheels. Furthermore, there is the possibility of automating the exchange.

Combining groups L, M and H, subgroups I and II with the three Power Shift gears, you can reach 18 forward and 18 reverse gears. In manual mode, the operator will choose the group and subgroup and make the change manually, with the help of switches placed on the top of the lever and identified with (+) and (-) signs. But there are three more configuration modes. When programming Auto 1 mode, the gear will be changed automatically according to the engine load. In this mode, the operator does not configure anything and the parameters are set by the manufacturer. An interesting function in this mode is kick-down, which makes it easier to downshift from a PowerShift gear just by pressing the accelerator pedal all the way down. In Auto 2 mode, the user can program a maximum and minimum speed at which gear changes will occur, depending on the special characteristics of the operation and the implement being used. In Auto N mode, it can be configured so that the gear only engages or disengages when the speed reaches 1.200rpm. 

This mode is aimed at meeting the demand of operations that require constant stops and therefore, instead of needing to place the PowerShuttle lever in neutral whenever you want to stop the tractor, the brake pedal is configured to perform this function, that is, By activating the pedal, the tractor automatically stops in the neutral position. In the system and in any mode, it is possible to program the starting speed.

All of this is possible because the transmission uses a package of discs in the gears and it is the fluid itself that activates or deactivates one or another clutch along its paths, altering the movement. There is also a disc pack in the PowerShuttle reversing system, which makes it possible to reverse the direction of movement. The manufacturer, to protect safety in operation, provided a lock to prevent reversal at high speeds, allowing the reversal of direction only when the travel speed is less than 2km/h.
Within the range that goes from 2km/h to 29km/h there are 18 gears, six of which are suitable for operations that require low speeds, up to 6km/h, five that target speeds between 6km/h and 10km/h, four that can serve for low-speed transport and spraying, and the others for transport. 

In these models with live transmission, the clutch pedal is only used to start and set the tractor in motion and to change groups and subgroups. But there is an extra functionality, which is the easy-shift system, in which the clutch pedal is replaced by a switch placed on the gear lever (groups and subgroups).  

There is a transmission information panel on the front right pillar of the cabin. In it, the operator can receive various information, such as the direction of movement, the gear engaged, the selected mode and the transmission oil temperature, or if it is being used, the PTO speed. 

There are two measures to safely immobilize the tractor: place the PowerShuttle lever in the parking position and activate the manual parking brake. Without the operator removing these blocks, the engine starts, but the vehicle does not move.

The power take-off (TDP) is standard for two speeds, 540rpm and 1.000rpm. The rotation rate selection lever is located on the right side console and the movement is activated by an electro-hydraulic switch or even placed in automatic mode. 

OPERATOR'S STATION

In this power range, the tractors are equipped with a cab in both models. The cabin is wide and visibility is very good, only restricted by the height of the front hood. Access to the cabin is via a four-step ladder with a non-slip surface and a large, opening door. The entrance to the cabin is only through the door on the left side and the emergency exit is through the rear window. 

The mechanical seat in the standard version has an operator detector, which prevents involuntary or inappropriate activation of controls. The positioning of the operator can be done with the normal seat adjustments, such as height and approach, but also by changing the position of the steering wheel, which is articulated, moving it closer and further away from the operator through the action of a pedal, placed in front and between the brake and clutch pedals. The depth adjustment can be changed with the help of a small lever placed on the steering column.

Above the steering column we see a panel with displays, indicators and switches. There is an analogue tachometer, two displays - one showing the volume of fuel in the tank and the other, a coolant thermometer - and a small LCD digital panel. The information on this digital panel can be changed using a navigation switch. The information provided is the number of engine hours or fuel consumption, working time in hours and PTO speed. It is on this panel that the operator will be notified of any faults detected by the electronic central unit.   

In addition to the exterior mirrors, there is an interior mirror and another placed at the rear, next to the rear window, which allows the operator to see the position of the hydraulic system coupling arms and all other rear coupling and connection points.

At the bottom of the right side console, instead of a throttle lever, there is a switch that is the throttle potentiometer, which allows manual activation of the engine rotation, with a simple turning movement. In addition to this manual system, the manufacturer kept the accelerator pedal on the right side. On this same panel it is possible to memorize a specific rotation that the operator wishes to return to, or for maneuvers or resuming work, for example. 

As expected in this power range and in the cabin version, the manufacturer provided niches for personal items, with storage compartments to store glasses, mobile phones, etc.

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Although the traditional lever system of the Ferguson model has been replaced by more modern switches and controls, the original functions are still available, with mechanisms for controlling the implement's position, depth, reaction and descent speed. All controls are placed on the top of the console to the operator's right. It is possible to configure nine working positions, raise and lower the implement with the touch of a switch, perform rapid or slow penetration of the hydraulic system and, using a switch, determine the sensitivity at which the system will work. The implement lifting capacity in the three-point hydraulic system is 8.000kg, quite large for the power class. 

To meet different customer profiles, Massey Ferguson has made available versions of the hydraulic system that can be analyzed at the time of purchase. In the standard version, the system is open center with a gear pump and the flow rate is 92 liters per minute, with two or three VCRs with flow control, reaching a maximum pressure of 185bar. In the optional version, the system used is closed center, which provides an increased flow rate of 162 liters per minute, maximum pressure of 195bar, and an additional valve can be added.

As has been common in the manufacturer's tractors, the hydraulic system and transmission system use different oils, hydraulic and lubricant. An interesting option is that the manufacturer offers the possibility of replacing the lower arms system of the hydraulic system with quick-connect ones, with a system where the balls can be replaced with larger or smaller ones, depending on the implement used. 

SPECIFICATION

When it comes to the type of axle, the customer can choose between a flanged axle as standard or a thru axle as an option. The flanged axle can be used with single and double wheelsets, with gauge options given by the different positions of the wheelset and central disc. With a thru axle, gauge adjustment is easier and with more fine adjustment options.

This tractor has several tire options. The model we tested had tires measuring 650/65 R 38 at the rear and 540/65 R 30, and with ballast with 75% water in the tires and six disc-shaped weights weighing 40kg on each wheel, that is, 480kg on the rear axle. At the front of the tractor there are two forms of ballast, in the lower support and in the support in front of the axle. In the front support there were 14 pieces weighing 37,5kg each and in the lower support there were eight more pieces weighing 46kg each, which totaled 893kg in the front part of the tractor. Radial tire options have been growing as an alternative, which has been well accepted in more technical crops and, mainly, in sugar cane.

The central front axle is from the central ZF brand with normal gauges adjustable by the position of the wheel and central disc, but the possibility of installing an axle three meters long, used in sugar cane and in special operations, such as those in that controlled traffic is practiced. To install the three-meter shaft, the manufacturer provides half shafts and a spacer that is placed between the central box and the trumpet.

TECHNOLOGY

This MF 7318 Dyna-3 model is a tractor prepared to use all the manufacturer's available technology. From the factory, all tractors in the series are pre-arranged to receive the items offered, and the producer can opt for technological packages when purchasing or even add them after using the tractor. The items available are the Trimble autopilot system, in partnership with AGCO, which can be the decimeter or centimeter autopilot with RTK radio. There is also the possibility of installing the telemetry system as an option.

Full compliance with safety standards is verified, such as handholds, fluid collection tanks, latches, locking mechanisms, labels and alerts, etc., as expected from equipment in this category.

JOB

The field test was carried out in the municipality of Bilac, close to Araçatuba, state of São Paulo, specifically at Fazenda São Luiz, in the Córrego do Feijão location. The area was for sugarcane renovation, with a first harrowing. For the work there was a huge area and two pieces of equipment available, a Civemasa model SAC V harrow, with 28 discs, and a fixed mouldboard plow brand Ikeda, standard MF L line. 

We had the opportunity to work approximately two hours continuously with the equipment and check almost all of the available functions. We generally worked in manual mode, alternating gears with the Power Shift system, verifying that for the conditions at the time the best choice was group M, in mechanical gear I, and second gear under load. We saw that even with hard work, the engine has great torque, which for us is one of the highlights. It was also possible to verify that the cabin greatly attenuates external noise caused by the assembly and that visibility, especially laterally, is quite good. Visibility to the front is a little hampered by the position of the hood, but nothing significant. For a person with greater mobility difficulties, the solution of the first step aligned with the second step only allows descent facing the stairs.

FIELD TEAM

They were accompanying us in the test, representing the dealership Massey Ferguson Disma, Ricardo Rodrigues, general manager, Celso Antonio Pitol, Sales coordinator, Abdias José Filho, Services manager, and David Ribeiro Ferreira, coordinator, in addition to the manufacturer's representative , engineer Eder Dornelles Pinheiro, who is Product Marketing Coordinator – Tractors at AGCO South America. 

MF 7318 DYNA-3 HIGHLIGHTS

Motor

In the engine, the highlight is its torque and reserve, which responds quite easily to the demands we put on the tractor in this field test. Although it is a four-cylinder engine, the torque of 700Nm at 1.500rpm is very satisfactory.

Transmission

In the transmission system, we highlight the ease of changing gears in the Power Shift system and the quick response to activation. Other models we tested took some time to transition. We also highlight the ease of programming gear changes automatically, using the modes.

Reverser

The Power Shuttle reverser applied to several national tractors is a great evolution due to its ease of operation and efficiency. At the same time as it serves as a parking brake, it can quickly and quickly reverse direction with minimal effort.

Cabin

The spaciousness of the cabin is remarkable. There is plenty of room to move your body and arms when accessing the controls placed on the panels and consoles.

Commandos

We highlight the replacement of several levers with controls that require less effort and have the same functionality. The three-point implement lifting system has become much more comfortable and less stressful.

DISMA DEALER

The Disma dealership serves the largest mesoregion in the state of São Paulo, which is the Northwest of São Paulo. It is a region where beef cattle farming formerly predominated and has established itself as a major producer of sugar cane and coffee.

Disma belongs to the Shark Group and is one of the brand's traditional dealers, with over 60 years of experience in trading and serving users of agricultural machinery. The main store is in Araçatuba and has six other branch stores in Adamantina, Andradina, Ourinhos, Penápolis, Presidente Prudente and Tupã. 

Currently, the company serves the market by supplying tractors, implements, harvesting machines, sprayers, biomass and haying equipment and all the high-tech equipment offered by AGCO, mainly the automatic pilot.