Fertigation: a technique with good advantages for the crop and the producer
Fertigation consists of applying fertilizers together with irrigation water. Find out more about the advantages of this management for both the crop and the farmer
The two new Massey Ferguson models arrive on the market to complement the line of medium tractors, with 145 hp and mechanical and hydrostatic transmission systems, of the Semi-PowerShift type, which can reach 32 forward and 32 reverse speeds.
One of the things that gives us the most pleasure, in this activity of reporting experiences, testing machines in the field for Revista Cultivar Máquinas, is getting to know new equipment that is new on the market. Often, we have access to a machine that has not yet been presented to the market, and it is up to us to publicize it. It is an opportunity to inform readers about its features and technological innovations, as well as its positioning in the market.
This is the case of this Test Drive, carried out with the new MF 6714 and MF 6714R Dyna-4 tractor models, from Massey Ferguson. To learn about and evaluate their performance in the field, in addition to the new features that these two models bring, we went to the city of Restinga Seca, in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul, on an agricultural property specialized in the production of irrigated rice.
These two new models, which are not yet being sold, were developed by Massey Ferguson to fill a power gap in the brand's portfolio, in addition to expanding this production series on a global scale. The Massey Ferguson tractor line in Brazil is organized into 11 series, with 32 models, and now grows to 34 with the inclusion of these machines. In these series, tractors are offered ranging from small ones, starting with 57hp (MF 4305), to larger ones, with 370hp (MF 8737S Dyna-VT) of maximum engine power.
The launch of these two models that we tested represents a compromise between demand and opportunity, to fill a real and potential market gap that existed between the MF 6713 model, with 135 hp, and the next model, from the 7200 series, which is the MF 7214, with 148 hp, in mechanical versions. And also a gap that existed in versions with PowerShift transmission between the MF 6713R model with 135 hp and the MF 7719 Dyna-6, with 195 hp. Therefore, these new models join the 6700 and 6700 Dyna-4 series. To achieve the desired power, 10 hp were added to an engine that is already consolidated on the market, with proven robustness and efficiency, characteristics of this family of four-cylinder AGCO Power engines.
The MF 6714R model, with Dyna-4 transmission, has already been virtually presented to the brand's dealer network. From now on, the MF 6714 model, with mechanical transmission, will also have information available. In this period of pandemic and social distancing, physical events, such as fairs and conventions, were replaced by virtual meetings and live events. Therefore, Massey Ferguson marketing presented these news through virtual events such as Agrishow. Although deliveries are expected in 2021, the dealer network is already receiving information on availability, through virtual events and possible in-person fairs that will take place next year.
The 44 CWC3 series engine that powers these two models is the four-cylinder AGCO Power, with a displacement of 4.400cm3, equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler. The engine is the same used in the 6700 series, with improvements to increase power. The manufacturer's information is that with the electronic injection configuration, the engine power at 2.000 rpm, according to the SAE J1995 standard, is 145 hp. The reported maximum torque occurs at 1.500rpm and is 580Nm.
As expected, in this power range the engine is equipped with a system to reduce pollutant emissions, such as internal EGR (iEGR), traditionally used by the brand and other manufacturers. This emission restriction measure is a legal imposition of the Air Pollution Control Program for Motor Vehicles (Proconve), mandatory in the country since 1989 for heavy vehicles and specifically for agricultural tractors from 2011, through Phase 1, provided for by the Conama Resolution. 433/2011.
As an essential precaution for Brazilian conditions, the manufacturer equipped the tractors with a reinforced filtration system, based on two fuel filters with water sedimentator and a filter for solid impurities, aiming to solve fuel quality problems and working conditions. nighttime heat and cooling limits. To complement this care, there is a filter at the fuel tank inlet, proof against carelessness when refueling in field conditions.
To achieve this power, AGCO engineering produced some improvements, which will be incorporated into the entire engine family. The main one is the improvement of the engine cooling system, which received an upgrade to enable work in this power range, maintaining the temperature within the optimum range for this engine and its dimensions. To withstand the greater pressure applied to the turbocharger and the consequent heating of the system, it was necessary to provide greater circulation of the coolant through the cylinder head and also increase the size of the radiator, which now has more heat exchange area.
The big difference between the two models that we tested and that will be offered to the market is the power transmission. In the MF 6714R Dyna-4 model, the transmission is hydrostatic, Semi-PowerShift type with 16 forward and 16 reverse gears (16 x 16), distributed in four groups. Furthermore, the gear ratio can be increased to 32x32 with the addition of a creeper for working at reduced speeds. It is a box with sequential change, without the need to use a clutch. The MF 6714 model has a mechanical transmission, with synchronizer, called Syncromesh, which provides 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds (12x12), distributed in two groups. Also, in this transmission, there is the possibility of adding a Creeper, and turning it into 24x24. These new models provide maximum vehicle speeds of up to 40km/h, in accordance with European standards.
During the tests we carried out, the improvement in comfort with the use of the Dyna-4 transmission in sowing work, with many maneuvers, was notable. However, in terms of power output, the model with mechanical transmission proved to be very efficient, and even with a smaller number of gears available, the tractor met the demands of the operation, that is, it did the job. Our tests also extended to working with a planer, in the task of leveling the surface to facilitate irrigation, by flooding.
Our team found the new tractors in the field, on the property of a Massey Ferguson dealership client in the region, Itaimbé Máquinas, while the AGCO team carried out performance tests on the launches. The equipment used in this Test Drive was an MF 326 seeder, with 26 seeding lines, with an approximate working width of 4,25m, and a Robust 480 multi-blade leveling planer, equipped with five blades, which gives it a working width of 4,8m.
For these activities with a large number of maneuvers, the direction reversing device is an important differentiator. Therefore, in the MF 6714 model, Massey Ferguson equipped it with an electro-hydraulic drive reverser, Power Shuttle type, via a switch, as an option. In the model with the Dyna-4 transmission there is no need for this device, as the transmission itself offers easy-to-operate means of changing direction, through a control placed on the steering column.
When the optional electro-hydraulic reversing alternative is chosen, the corresponding clutch is the multi-disc oil bath clutch. It is possible to control the aggressiveness of the clutch actuation when using the multi-disc system. A PWM valve determines the clutch's reaction, causing the speed of activation to change. The control for this adjustment is placed below the reverse lever on the steering column. It is also possible to do without the clutch pedal and change gears using a switch that replaces the clutch. This switch placed on the gear shift lever itself can be used when traveling, with low load, such as, for example, in transport. While working, it is recommended to use the clutch to improve the tractor's response and ensure transmission longevity.
In both models, the differential lock is activated by an electro-hydraulic control with automatic unlocking. Even so, it is possible to unlock it manually using the same switch. An interesting system causes the front driving axle to be activated whenever the lock is activated. Everything is interconnected, as it would not be logical to need the differential lock without the auxiliary front-wheel drive connected.
As standard, both models have an independent power take-off (TDP), with an angular speed of 540rpm. However, as an option, you can have a TDP with speeds of 540/540E/1.000rpm. The TDP has its own, multi-plate clutch, with electro-hydraulic drive. As a protective measure, it was possible to see that the switch has a yellow safety button, which allows engagement only when it is activated. This is a safety feature against unintentional activation. An economical 540E TDP is available for less demanding jobs, this way the angular speed of the engine is reduced, providing fuel savings in relation to what would be achieved with the standardized speed of 540rpm.
The hydraulic system of these new models is open center, with a high pressure pump that provides a flow of up to 57 liters per minute. The Dyna-4 model can be equipped with a piston pump with a flow rate of 105 liters. However, for jobs that require a greater flow of hydraulic fluid, such as loaders, the manufacturer offers a third pump as an option, which, when combining its flow with the main pump, can reach up to 98 liters per minute.
The three-point hydraulic system, category III, features two auxiliary external cylinders for lifting equipment, with a capacity of up to 4.950kgf. The lower arms of the hydraulic system are connected to the rear axle structure through traction sensor pins, which connect to an electronic control unit that controls the sensitivity system and adapts the effort to the working depth.
The remote control system for activating external hydraulic systems uses two remote control valves (VCRs) in the standard version and three bodies as an option, which are activated by the high flow and pressure pump.
The operator's cabin is one of the points where the introduction of these new models changed the standard of the 6700 series. To improve the climate of the cabin's internal environment, the manufacturer introduced improvements to the air conditioning and air conditioning system. Although these changes are being made available for the new models, they will be applied to other tractors in the series manufactured from these launches. There was a notable change to the cabin roof to increase the system's efficiency, and the filter, which was previously placed at the rear of the cabin, was now moved to the left side, also facilitating maintenance of the filter element.
It can be seen that the cabin has risen a little, due to the need to use larger and taller tires. Entry and exit from the MF 6714 operating station is only through the door on the left side, and the right door is blocked, so the emergency exit is the rear window of the cabin. On the MF 6714R Dyna-4, both doors can be used for boarding and disembarking, with the rear window also serving as an emergency exit.
As an option, in addition to the air suspension seat, TDP and Creeper alternatives, it is possible to request the autopilot from the new Trimble family.
For maintenance, the front hood features a wide opening. According to occupational safety regulations, you must have an Allen wrench to open it.
With the increase in engine power, it was necessary to add more mass to the tractor, to maintain a good weight/power ratio. The solution found by AGCO was the installation of a 300kg mass, called belly weight, underneath the front weight support. This solution, together with the other ballasts, for the rear and front wheels, guarantees the tractor a ratio of approximately 55kg/hp.
The test was carried out at Granja Baldissera, which is located in the town of Rincão do Baldissera, in the interior of the municipality of Restinga Seca (RS). This property is managed by tenant Jonatas Libraga Cechin, who runs an area of 480 hectares of irrigated rice farming, and is already in his fourth harvest at this location. He is a customer of the Itaimbé Máquinas dealership, and was awaiting the delivery of an MF 6713R Dyna-4 tractor purchased to operate on his farm.
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
Fertigation consists of applying fertilizers together with irrigation water. Find out more about the advantages of this management for both the crop and the farmer