A host of new cab features and improved ergonomic layout provide greater comfort and ease of use across the entire Massey Ferguson MF 8900 Xtra telehandler range. The machines can also be fitted with the option of a new cooling system for higher productivity in the most arduous working conditions.

“Operators can often spend as much time in a telehandler as they do in a tractor cab, so it is important we offer the same levels of comfort and control,” explains Laurent Pernin, General Marketing Manager, MF Tractors, EAME. “MF 8900 Xtra operators now benefit from a cab interior that creates a better working environment with modern controls and materials, along with a higher capacity air conditioning and heating system.”

Also new is an extreme conditions cooling package option that offers enhanced performance for continuous operation in arduous situations. This will provide greater productivity when working in hot and dusty situations as well as when towing. The new radiator, which is 43mm wider and 47mm deeper than before, offers up to 20% higher cooling capacity.

New MF 8900 Xtra cab features:

• Higher capacity air conditioning and heating unit
• New high quality instrument console material and dashboard panel
• New steering wheel, switches, armrest and layout
• New front work lights and front lights
• Repositioned Stability Indicator
• Roller sunblind replaces flip down visor.

Up in the new restyled cab operators will appreciate the new, high capacity integrated air conditioning and heater unit. This now provides a third more capacity – 500m³/hr compared with 350m³/hr before. The unit’s new position in the cab also now provides more room behind the seat.

Looking ahead operators now have a new curved, pinnacle style dash with a modern, auto-style instrument layout. The Stability Indicator is now placed conveniently on the right-hand side. There is also a chunkier steering wheel, new switch gear as well as a roller blind, which replaces the sun visor.

Outside the cab, new headlamps and round work lights provide enhanced illumination.

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With a total of 28 different models, in the 15 years since the CLAAS DISCO range of disc mowers was first introduced, it has grown to become one of the most extensive ranges on the market.

For 2010 two new mower conditioners, the DISCO 8400 C CONTOUR and DISCO 9100 C CONTOUR, have been added to the CLAAS triple mower range.

The addition of these two new ‘butterfly’ type triple mowers gives customers the option of five conditioner and two non-conditioner triple or butterfly models to choose from, with working widths from 8.10m up to 9.10m.

On both the new 8.10m DISCO 8400 C CONTOUR and 8.90m DISCO 9100 C CONTOUR mower conditioners, in order to reduce weight loading, and hence compaction, in addition to using higher strength materials, the mounting system for the outer two rear-mounted units is designed so that the mowers are positioned as close to the tractor as possible to reduce axle loading.

The two outer units are centrally suspended and incorporate the CLAAS ACTIVE-FLOAT hydro-pneumatic suspension system. Depending on ground conditions, this system allows the operator to adjust the suspension pressure from the cab, so ensuring a clean cut and minimal risk of crop soil contamination.

The outer units also incorporate an automatic breakback feature where, due to the 15 degree mounting of the pivot arm, when an obstruction is hit the whole mower unit swings back and lifts to avoid potential damage.

All three mower units utilise the well-proven CLAAS conditioner unit that is fitted with rubber-mounted steel tines. To further reduce wilting time, if required a full width spreader hood is also optionally available that allows the crop to be spread across the full width of the mower.

Both mowers use the CLAAS P-CUT cutterbar, which is designed to achieve an extremely even and clean cut. Drive to the discs is through a smooth running, low wear transmission using large diameter gearwheels, with an individual drive system for each cutting disc.

The cutting discs themselves are set lower in the cutterbar for a cleaner cut and improved crop flow, and are mounted in a new, high strength sealed double tapered roller bearing assembly.

The P-CUT cutterbar itself is manufactured from high strength steel, and incorporates robust cutterbar skids underneath with Hardox inserts between each skid. In addition, the design is such that groves on the underside of the cutterbar funnel away any built-ups of earth for a cleaner cut.

In addition, each cutting disc is protected by the unique SAFETYLINK drive protection system, where defined shear points prevent gear and cutterbar damage should an object be hit.

As standard the cutting discs use the CLAAS quick knife release system, in which the knives are held in place using a spring leaf to ensure that damaged or worn blades can be quickly and simply replaced without using tools.

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Mower range for 2010

Designed for farmers and contractors looking for higher density bales and increased versatility, John Deere’s round baler range has been completely updated and renumbered for the 2010 season. There are now eight basic models altogether, with a range of pick-up and feeding systems, extra options and new features.

The new model line up includes the 623 and 644 fixed chamber balers, the 842, 852, 862, 854 and 864 variable chamber balers, and the 744 wrapping baler, which is based on the 644 fixed chamber model:

Both 623 models are available in either Silage Special or MultiCrop versions. The MultiCrop option is suitable for those who wish to bale silage and hay with a fixed chamber baler, but also want good performance in straw. The front part of the bale chamber on this hybrid model retains seven robust rollers, but the rear door replaces the other rollers with a conveyor, which provides improved bale rotation in slick materials such as straw.

Depending on model and specification, there is a choice of three pick-up types for different baling conditions. The HiFlow pick-up is available in widths of 2 and 2.2m, for high baling capacity especially in dry crops. The 2 or 2.2m RotoFlow pick-up features a large diameter, high rpm rotor for increased performance, and a new drop-floor unplugging system; and the 2 or 2.2m MaxiCut pick-up offers either 14 or 25 precutter knives for greater flexibility.

All the rotor feed models – ie the 623, 644, 854, 864 and 744 – feature the new drop-floor device operated from the cab, which prevents blockages caused by the build-up of crop material. All the balers in the range also feature a new knife design with an improved position for increased quality of cut and productivity. Variable chamber models incorporate an adjustable starter roll position for greater versatility, while all the balers feature increased gearbox capacity and bigger chains, also for higher productivity.

All four Premium machines can be equipped as standard with the new 2.2m Maxicut 25-knife precutter pick-up. This fine chop pick-up allows four different cutting length adjustments from 40 to 140mm, or the knives can be removed from work for maximum versatility. To extend working time when a fine chop is not required, it is also possible to run with effectively a half set of knives, by simply retracting 12 or 13 knives.

A new pto driveline with longer greasing intervals for easier servicing is featured on the 644 and 744 models. In addition, the 744 wrapping baler is now ISO-Bus certified and features as standard the new CAN-Bus VTI 1300 display. This Virtual Terminal Implement system replaces the previous combination of a BaleTrak Plus monitor and a GreenStar display unit in the tractor cab.

This is designed to be easier to operate, with more functionality, and offers an automatic greasing system option that enables the operator to adjust the baler lubrication process from the tractor cab. Bale diameter on the 744 is adjustable between 1.25m, 1.3m and 1.35m for additional versatility in all crop conditions. The baler can also load up to 12 rolls of film for longer working days.

The 644 fixed chamber baler, on which the 744 wrapping baler is based, is a heavy-duty machine delivering high-density bales for intensive silage operations. The netwrapping system features storage capacity for three net rolls, including CoverEdge, and optional features include a pick-up roller compressor, pivoting gauge wheels and an electronic bale shape indicator.

The 854 and 864 variable chamber balers produce up to 15 per cent higher density bales of up to 1.55m or 1.8m diameter in all crops, from straw to silage, by utilising larger diameter tensioning cylinders and redesigned tension arms.

These newly styled models incorporate reinforced composite side panels, and Premium versions are fitted with a range of other features as standard, including the pick-up roller compressor, automatic chain lubrication, a cleaning auger and the CoverEdge netwrapping system. CoverEdge stretches 5 to 10cm over the edge of the bale, to improve silage quality as well as ease of bale handling and storage.

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