Massey Ferguson was awarded a Gold Medal in the Innovation Awards at the 2009 Sima Show for its OptiRide Plus cab suspension system, fitted to the Agco brand’s latest 8600 Series tractors.
OptiRide Plus is a dynamic cab suspension system that continually adjusts to a wide variety of driving conditions, using multiple on-board sensors, and differs quite substantially from the standard OptiRide system.
With the standard specification, the cab sits on four hydraulic dampers that provide the suspension and produce a passive system that functions in a similar way to a conventional cab suspension system. OptiRide has two sensors on diagonally opposite corners of the cab that automatically register the degree of cab tilt and raise the hydraulics to restore equilibrium.
Included in the design is a torsion bar linking the left and right sides of the rear of the cab. This performs an anti-roll function to reduce lateral movement.
The more advanced OptiRide Plus cab suspension system processes information, via a series of sensors, from a variety of tractor functions – acceleration, braking, forward/reverse shuttling and so on – and the control box adjusts the damper units to counter their effects for the smoothest possible ride.
As the nerve centre of the entire system, the electronic control box calculates the optimum damper settings using information from the on-board sensors and the tractor’s Can-bus system.
For the ultimate in cab comfort, the OptiRide Plus system offers the ability to further refine ride firmness/softness during operation (the ride comfort is non-adjustable on the standard OptiRide system).
This innovative technology could not be simpler to adjust, using the straightforward, in-cab rotary dial. This, in turn, minimises the often wearing effects of working on uneven terrain, sudden braking and surges in acceleration so the operator suffers less fatigue, fewer aches and lower stress levels, allowing fresher, more alert work performance.
The award-winning OptiRide Plus dynamic suspension system has been calculated to deliver an extra 25% in levels of comfort over the standard OptiRide specification.
For more information visit: http://www.masseyferguson.co.uk/.
