The latest generation of Delta and Centora combines from Massey Ferguson introduce a host of new features to improve operator comfort and control as well as increase capacity and performance.
Both ranges are now equipped with the new, top-level Skyline cab, along with a wide range of new features plus stylish, but practical, bodywork. At the same time MF has introduced a completely new, 10.74m wide version of its highly renowned PowerFlow cutting table for the Delta combines.
“Together these combines offer customers a choice of either low power consumption and good straw quality from the unique eight straw walkers on the conventional MF Centora; or high capacity, economical twin-rotor separation from the MF Delta Hybrid,” MF’s powered harvesting marketing manager, Adam Sherriff, said. “Engineering this new generation has involved more than 3,000 new drawings and fitting 700 new parts – they’re the result of one of MF’s biggest harvesting engineering developments in the past 20 years.”
Both combines can also now be equipped with a new Atrak low-ground pressure track system or tyres up to 710/75R434 and remain within the 3.5m overall transport width that applies in some markets.
The latest line-up includes two conventional models with eight straw walkers – the 379hp Centora 7380 and the 404hp Centora 7382 – and a hybrid model with a pair of rotors – the 496hp Delta 9380. All three machines are available in AutoLevel (AL) configuration for better performance in hilly areas.
The Skyline cab, first introduced on the MF Beta models, is now fitted to all new MF Delta and MF Centora combines. Constructed from the latest, highest quality and novel materials, operators benefit from advanced technology that increases control and comfort. Fully automatic air conditioning/heating is standard.
A large, curved front windscreen offers superb a view of the key through tinted and laminated safety glass that incorporates a unique ‘Sound Control’ layer.
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The latest Delta and Centora models are fitted with MF’s Skyline cab. |
Along with other excellent insulation throughout the cab, this allows operators to work in quiet comfort. An air-suspended operator seat is standard, complemented by a comfortable instructor seat, fitted above a cooler and storage box. The fully adjustable steering column suits all operator shapes and sizes and its narrow dimensions provide a clear view on to the header.
The new control arm console is mounted to the seat and is fully-adjustable both vertically and horizontally. Falling immediately to hand is the new Powergrip controller, which continues the high-quality feel. The ergonomically sculpted handgrip fits comfortably into the palm of the hand with buttons providing finger and thumb control of the most frequently used functions.
Flexible, ‘membrane’ buttons on the front right hand side of the control arm console operate less used, auxiliary functions. The soft touch buttons are easy to use by feel and are directly linked to the TechTouch terminal for setting display.
The TechTouch terminal is the central combine manager that monitors all the operations, as well as providing automatic settings for multiple crops.
Operators can choose to make changes on the TechTouch terminal touch screen or via the unique, safety navigator pad which has keys and a rotary input control. These are all clustered around a strong hand grip on the side of the display.
The screen is divided into four parts and operators can choose the elements to be displayed or flick through General Information, Combine and Information screens. Images from the standard rear-mounted camera can be displayed on the whole screen or reduced to appear in one of the four sections.
Integrated into the TechTouch terminal, the new Auto-Guide xls automatic steering option helps optimise performance. Offering accuracy down to 5cm, the system ensures the combine takes a full cut on each and every run, can set up the field layout to minimise short work and allows operators to concentrate on getting the best from the whole machine.
Employing the same GPS signals used for steering, yield maps are created simply with signals from the standard yield and moisture sensors (option on MF 7380). These maps and a range of other harvesting data can be transferred directly to the office using the TechData Pro package GPRS card via the mobile phone network.
For the MF Delta Hybrid combines Massey Ferguson has developed a completely new 10.74m cutting width Powerflow cutting table. This further builds on the merits of the existing Powerflow, which is proven over decades of use to boost output by more than 70 per cent in oilseed rape, as well as making it easier for operators working in tough field conditions.
The completely new Generation Powerflow table, available for the MF Delta Hybrid combines, not only offers extra width to increase capacity, but also a massive new auger and other features to boost performance.
Crops are cut by a double-drive Schümacher knife, which provides consistent speeds for high outputs. It also offers better reliability because it is subjected to far less stress than a single knife operating across 10.74m. New, wider Powerflow belts provide continuous active gathering of the crop, which cuts table losses and presents an even ‘heads-first’ feed, powering the crop into the auger.
At 762mm in diameter, the new SuperFlow auger provides 41 per cent more working area than any competitive design. With full width feathering fingers it can deliver high-speed harvesting performance in any crop condition, without bunching. Quick and easy adjustments make it simple for operators to change settings for optimum flow in varying crops and conditions.
Both the MF Delta Hybrid and the MF Centora combines now feature a new, patented returns system that uses augers to transport the grain and a paddle wheel to deliver the returns back to the shaker shoe.
This new system employs a lift auger with a novel threshing section in which tines rub the returns against a set of vanes. The returns are then delivered evenly into the shaker shoe by a paddle wheel (the tines can be removed when working in oilseed rape and beans).
Massey Ferguson has also significantly increased the size of the clean grain elevator on both combines, which has boosted capacity by up to 50 per cent and will help to further improve overall output. There is also a new drive for the unloading system that now empties the larger tanks at 120 lit/sec.
The largest MF Centora 7382 model and the MF Delta 9380, are equipped with 12,500-litre tanks; while the MF Centora 7380 and all the AL machines have 10,500 litre capacity tanks. The electrically opening tank lids are water resistant and the tank can be accessed very easily for cleaning, from the rear of the combine using the new, swing-out engine compartment ladder.
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| The flagship MF Delta 9380 now offers 496hp from its seven-cylinder engine. |
Even feeding at all times is ensured by the Constant Flow system, which is standard on the new generation, MF Delta and MF Centora combines (optional on MF 7380). This guarantees the machine works consistently at optimum performance and is proven to provide a 15 per cent increase in output by automatically matching the forward speed of the combine to the load on the threshing mechanism.
Simply engaged from the PowerGrip lever, Constant Flow uses two sensors to measure the load passing through the drive and concave. It then optimises performance at the cylinder to cut losses.
The new generation combines are powered by the latest and most advanced Agco Power engines, all equipped with selective catalytic reduction technology. The MF Centora has an 8.4-litre, six-cylinder engine while the MF Delta Hybrid benefits from the unique seven-cylinder, 9.8-litre unit renowned for its balance and smooth operation.
Proven to provide exceptional economy, these engines are also designed to deliver a flat torque curve. This is the characteristic the combine requires for constant power delivery under load. Coupled with the low friction drives the combines deliver excellent fuel economy and very a low fuel consumption/tonne.
This also means combines will run longer on a single fill-up, and to ensure there is sufficient fuel for long harvesting days, both MF Centora and MF Delta combines are equipped with new 1,000-litre diesel tanks and 120-litre tanks for AdBlue.
Massey Ferguson will be offering the option of tracks on a limited number of MF Delta Hybrid and MF Centora combines for the 2014 season. The Atrak system features integral final drives, designed specifically to handle the higher loads.
The tracks spread the load over a wide and long contact area, which improves traction and cuts compaction. Distributing the load over four individual rollers on each side, also reduces the axle point loads.
Overall width of machines fitted with tracks is 3.5m, an important dimension for road transport. The tracks are equipped with auto-tensioning and also have progressive, integrated block suspension – a simple and effective system for smooth running.
All MF Delta Hybrid and MF Centora combines are available in an AL version where the whole machine is levelled by the simple and proven system of rotating the final drives. Combine components are generally designed to work on the level with the highest efficiency. The Massey Ferguson AL system keeps combines operating levelly on slopes for longer and this ensures the machine remains working at maximum performance and efficiency to help increase output.
Four-wheel drive and larger rear tyres – up to 600/55R26.5 – are available for higher traction, steering accuracy and safety.
