9 minute read
Machinery
from Vineyard June 2022
by KELSEY Media
MACHINERY Massey Ferguson launches new 3 Series Speciality tractors
Delivering the perfect choice for every sector.
Massey Ferguson, is proud to announce the introduction of its latest MF 3 Speciality Series. This comprehensive new range includes six variants designed specifically to provide the dimensions, specifications and power that precisely match the particular demands of each specialist sector.
Equipped to a high standard, MF 3 Speciality Series tractors deliver exactly the right features for straightforward, comfortable operation and optimum performance with low running costs.
“High value crops, often cultivated in tight spaces and on difficult terrain present particular challenges for growers. MF 3 Speciality Series tractors offer a range of features that are specially tailored to meet the exact requirements for each cropping situation. At the same time they also offer operators much greater comfort and ease of use,” said Jérôme Aubrion, Director Marketing Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East.
Specialists for every sector
The MF 3 Specialist Series includes six different versions, with a new top, 120hp model available for all the variants apart from MF 3GE and MF 3AL models. The full range offers models with cabs or a platform, a choice of transmissions including a new 30F/15R Eco as well as the option of Essential or Efficient specification.
MF 3VI – Vineyard – for use in traditional narrow vineyards. Five models from 75hp to 120hp, from 1.00m wide and with cab as standard.
MF 3SP – Specialised – for more open vineyards with a slightly wider chassis and a more spacious cab. Five models from 75hp to 120hp, from 1.25m wide and with cab as standard.
MF 3FR – Fruit – for use in extensive vineyards and fruit orchards. A more substantial tractor with a wider front axle and a more spacious cab. Five models from 75hp to 120hp, from 1.45m wide and available with cab or platform.
MF 3WF – Wide Fruit – a wider, stable tractor for use in orchards, hillside vineyards and livestock operations. Five models from 75hp to 120hp, from 1.70m wide and available with cab or platform.
MF 3GE – Ground Effect – A low profile model for use under trees, in polytunnels and in canopied vineyards, equipped with a wider front axle for greater stability. Four models from 75hp to 105hp, from 1.40m wide and equipped with an operator platform.
MF 3AL – Alpine – a versatile, strong and stable tractor for use on hills and challenging terrain. Four models from 75hp to 105hp, from 1.70m wide, available with a low-profile or flatfloor cab. At 1.40m wide, the high specification cab brings big tractor features to the compact and powerful MF 3AL.
Essential and Efficient
Two specification packages and a range of options enable owners to further tailor their MF 3 Speciality tractor to improve comfort and convenience as well as suit their crops and operations.
Entry level ‘Essential’ models are equipped with a mechanical transmission, 93 litre/min dual pump hydraulic system and mechanical linkage control. This can be supplemented by a range of further options, including Electric Linkage control (ELC) and a PowerShuttle and Speedshift transmission.
‘Efficient’ versions include a 120 litre/min triple-pump hydraulic system, Electric Linkage control (ELC), PowerShuttle and Speedshift transmission as well as a multi-function joystick and four electro-hydraulic spool valves.
Additional options include Cat 4 cab filtration, joystick control for rear linkage offset and levelling as well as a front linkage and pto and front loader package. Transmission choice expands
Transmission choice starts with a straightforward and easy to use 15F/15R version with mechanical shuttle. The addition of a mechanical splitter increases the ratios to 30F/15R, providing a much wider speed choice to match the work and operations.
Optimum control and comfort is provided by the addition of the easy to use, electrohydraulically operated Speedshift, gear splitter and PowerShuttle. This also comes with Comfort Control, which adjusts the sensitivity allowing operators to set how quickly or slowly the shuttle responds. High hydraulic performance
MF 3 Series tractors are equipped with either a dual-pump or triple-pump hydraulic system, depending on specification. Both provide ample flow and pressure to power a wide range of modern equipment.
For Essential models there is a choice of two or three mechanical spool valves, with the option to provide up to five spool valves with two switches on the levers.
Efficient versions come with four electrohydraulic spool valves. An optional diverter valve enables the use of up to six spool valves, selected using switches on the multi-function joystick control.
Cost effective 75hp models
Entry-level, 75hp MF 3 Speciality tractors are powered by the latest 3.4 litre, Stage V, four-cylinder engine. Like the more powerful models, they are also available with the same choice of Essential or Efficient specification packages.
Massey Ferguson has retained the use of wellproven components, which deliver renowned reliability as well as keeping down the costs in this highly competitive sector. Operators will, however, appreciate the updated air-suspended seat.
All 75hp MF 3 Speciality tractors come with a choice of transmissions to suit different applications and levels of investment. These range from a practical 12F/12R fully mechanical transmission up to a 24F/24R with PowerShuttle and Speedshift.
There is also the option to choose between the 120 litres/min triple-pump or dual-pump 93 litres/min hydraulic systems. There is also a wide choice of spool valve configurations and optional mid-mounted spools or couplers.
In common with the rest of the range, the 75hp models follow Massey Ferguson’s new family style, with the latest modern styling, its smart sabre design and grey cab and roof.
Models Width Operator environment
MF 3VI from 1.00m Cab
MF 3SP from 1.25m Cab
MF 3FR from 1.45m Cab / Platform
MF 3WF from 1.70m Cab / Platform
MF 3GE from 1.40m Platform
Power
75hp - 120hp
75hp -120hp
75hp - 120hp
75hp - 120hp
75hp – 105hp 75hp - 105hp
MACHINERY Unique opportunity to see latest technology
> Claire Seymour
> The NP Seymour team
Last month, the UK’s leading specialist tractor and machinery dealership NP Seymour held an open day allowing fruit and vine growers an opportunity to see the breadth of equipment and latest technology on offer.
Around 100 orchard and vineyard owners, managers and operators visited the Avon Works site near Cranbrook, Kent, to catch up with the family-run team, as well as several representatives from the industry-leading manufacturers NP Seymours work with, including Agrofrost, Braun, Clemens, Felco, Fendt, Innovate UK, Pessl Instruments, and Perfect van Wamel.
Since Nick Seymour started the business in 1974, NP Seymour has become well-known for supplying horticultural and viticultural customers with the very best machinery solutions.
A selection of new and used equipment was on display, with visitors particularly drawn to the impressive lineup of Fendt 200 VPF Gen3 Vario tractors, the range of ERO vine trimmers with the new VitiPulse Combi, the selection of variable-width mowers from Fischer, the mechanical weeding solutions from Braun and Clemens, and the OCLL NPA directional sprayer.
“We wanted to showcase the breadth of the different makes and models of state-of-the-art machinery and parts and services that we offer to the fruit, viticulture, and hop-growing sectors,” said Claire Seymour, director at NP Seymour. “It’s been wonderful to hear from those who attended our event; how visiting our site helped them gain a true understanding of the many different services and pieces of equipment we offer.”
After wandering around the array of new and used machinery, guests were able to sit and relax in the sun, chatting with fellow growers and members of the NP Seymour team while enjoying a selection of Kentish drinks from Chapel Down, Biddenden Vineyards, and Cellar Head, plus a hog roast from MB Farms in Stockbury, Kent.
For more information on kitting your vineyard out with the very best machinery solutions, please contact NP Seymour on 01580 712200.
Tying in with the Provitis PA 5000
DESKTOP www.vitifruitequipment.co.uk phone-alt 01732 866567 ENVELOPE vitifruitequipment@sky.com
Summer canopy lifting and tucking in is easily done with this machine. It lifts the branches with two belts, one each side of the row whilst simultaneously paying out two lines of string either side of the row with the driver clipping them together every metre or so with staples to hold the vegetation upright.
It saves a lot of manpower and time. One person can average around one hectare per hour. It's normal to pass twice a season, once when the growth is lower and again when higher in the same way as if done traditionally by hand when lifting wires. If wires are already in place it will not disrupt the use of the machine.
As the tractor moves forward the wide rubber belts gently lift the branches into the vertical where they are held by the tension of the string as it's paid out and the driver then decides how often he should press the button and staple the two strings together to hold the canopy securely.
At the end of the row the two strings are tied off by hand. The belts can be adjusted for their lifting angle, spread width and rotational speed so that a speedy job can be performed effectively with no tearing or damage to the vines.
Bluebell Vineyards in Sussex have found the tool particularly useful. A separate tool is
David Sayell & Rich ar d Wit
VITIFRUIT EQUIPMENT
> Shoot tucking in at Bluebell Vineyard
available to hydraulically wind the string onto a spool at the end of the season. The PA 5000 machine is just one of many tools which can be attached to the Provitis mast system including, trimmer, deleafer, pre-pruner, multi-brush bud rubber/under vine weed strimmer, post inserter and the list goes on... this really is a useful system.
