Massey Ferguson pioneered the use of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) in agriculture and is now extending its lead with the introduction of its Generation 2 SCR system as standard on all models in its MF 8600 Series tractors which span 270-370hp.
The award-winning MF8690 was the world’s first tractor to employ advanced SCR technology to reduce exhaust emissions and improve fuel economy. Now Generation 2 SCR is the latest stage in Massey Ferguson’s long-term strategy and planned response to meeting the strict new Stage 3B exhaust emission regulations.
SCR is widely regarded as the most efficient and elegant engineering answer to meet the new exhaust emission rules, and Massey Ferguson’s innovative lead is one that virtually every other major manufacturer is now following.
“SCR offers huge benefits to users because it provides the best fuel economy by allowing engines to operate at optimum efficiency,” explained Massey Ferguson sales engineer Martin Wakely. “With SCR, gases are treated after combustion in a separate operation, which means there is no need for any extensive engine modifications.
“Unlike the alternatives, it does not require any additional valves, extra turbo-chargers, expanded cooling packages or extensive changes to existing engine designs. It also does not employ any complex internal engine components or external filter housings.”
Developed in conjunction with Agco Sisu Power and Bosch, the Massey Ferguson Generation 2 SCR system is designed specifically for use in agricultural applications and, because it was planned into the initial design, it is an integral part of the tractor. Generation 2 SCR is also virtually maintenance free.
“Fuel economy, reliability and simplicity are important considerations for farmers looking for a tractor in this power sector, Massey Ferguson’s director of sales engineering, Campbell Scott, said. “The MF 8600 delivers on all counts, which moves it to the top of the list, particularly as it is using technology that is well-proven on the hugely successful existing Stage 3A MF 8600 series.”
From the outset Massey Ferguson has designed the MF 8600 Series to be equipped with SCR, so the new additions to meet the stricter rules are an integral part of the tractor. There are no huge filters or external appendages – the technology is all contained neatly within the tractor’s original design.
The original bonnet shape, for example, is ready to accept the new Diesel Oxidation Catalyser (DOC), which does not impede visibility in any way. Mounted across the back of the engine, in front of the cab, the advanced DOC is a flow-through device – it’s not a filter and is completely maintenance free.
The unique DOC is a simple, compact and effective design that also includes the AdBlue dosing injector nozzle. Raw exhaust gases pass through a doughnut-shaped outer element, with a specially treated honeycomb structure that has an oxidising action before the SCR treatment.
The treated gas emerges into the other side of the chamber that holds the additive injector, which doses the correct quantity of AdBlue liquid required to convert the nitrogen oxide to harmless gases. The clever DOC design encourages the gas to swirl, which ensures thorough mixing of the AdBlue for efficient treatment.
The innovative CAT Chamber exhaust system is yet another compact and elegant engineering design. Inside the slim, oval-shaped silencer, two SCR catalysers and two Slip Catalysers further treat the gas before it is emitted though the exhaust pipe.
Using two sets of CATs enables the parallel treatment of the gas, which increases the efficiency while reducing the housing size. The clever shape ensures this does not impede visibility or add any large appendage to the tractor exterior, which could be vulnerable to damage.
Massey Ferguson, Agco Sisu Power and Bosch have worked together on this advanced design over a number of years. Now, with these latest changes, many of the control parameters for the AdBlue dosing system have moved into the engine’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This ensures the engine management system can maximise the combustion efficiency to optimise performance and minimise fuel and AdBlue consumption.
New sensors throughout the engine and SCR system monitor and control the operation. These ensure peak engine performance is maintained, while the AdBlue is injected at the exactly the right time to treat the gases.
Massey Ferguson has increased the AdBlue tank capacity to 60 litres and this is now mounted inside the 630-litre capacity diesel tank with the AdBlue usually needing topping up every other fuel fill. New electrical heating elements keep the AdBlue at a constant temperature for optimum performance in all conditions. A new gravity-fed tank holds a small amount of the liquid that is released to cool the injector when the engine is switched off.
The MF 8600 Series are all powered by 8.4-litre, Agco Sisu Power six-cylinder engines with four valves/cylinder that are turbocharged and intercooled. While the power and torque output remains the same, the advanced Generation 2 SCR engines are equipped with a new higher pressure common rail injection system and injectors. Combined with the integrated ECU control unit, this provides even better fuel economy and reduces rated engine speed to 2,100rpm, which also reduces noise.
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| The AdBlue tank is now integrated into the fuel tank in Massey Ferguson’s updated 8600 Series. |
With the introduction of Generation 2 SCR system Massey Ferguson is taking the opportunity to further enhance the MF 8600 Series. A new, stronger front axle with larger, more robust epicyclic reduction units is now standard on the MF8690 and MF8688 models, and an option of the lower horsepower MF8650, MF8660 and MF8670. This is designed specifically to provide the extra strength and durability required to handle the use of dual wheels for extended periods.
Inside the cab operators will find some changes to the controls and switches to make the tractor even easier to control. New larger, Control Arm buttons and lift/lower switch are spaced more widely apart and a new panel and switches on the right-hand side are also clearer and more conveniently placed to improve control.
Control Centre Display software has also been updated to provide even more facilities that, for example, now allow operators to select the spool that the joystick will operate. Another new function is automatic control for trailed machines. Cab access is made even easier with the addition of new, adjustable steps that can be altered to suit all operator shapes and sizes!
Also new is the option of factory-fitted auto-steering, which is operated through the System 150 unit, which provides automatic steering as well as mapping, fieldwork recording and auto-section control.
With many owners choosing to use wide, low profile tyres Massey Ferguson has now added 100mm wide fender.
For more information visit: www.masseyferguson.co.uk.
