AGCO and SDF join hands
Tractor and machinery manufacturer AGCO has signed a supply agreement with the European-based SDF Group, best known for its SAME, Deutz Fahr and Lamborghini tractor brands.
The MF TH7038 telehandler offers 3.8 tonne lift capacity to a height of 7m, using a high capacity 190L/minute load sensing pump and electro-hydraulic controls. Power is provided by a 3.4L, 4-cylinder Doosan engine developing 130hp to Tier 4 Final emission regulations.
The hydrostatic transmission offers two speeds, doubled by two mechanical ranges said to improve towing performance on the road and allow a maximum speed of 40km/h.
A wide comfortable cab makes use of large curved glass panels for visibility throughout the whole arc of movement of the boom, and precise control is achieved with the multi-function joystick that is electro-hydraulically actuated.
In operation, boom suspension and a cushion retract function help reduce shock loads on the machine, as well as improving operator comfort. Three steering modes allow easy manoeuvring in all situations, while an ECO mode controls engine speed and hydraulic flow to help reduce fuel consumption.
Out in the paddock, the recent sighting of the new MF 2370 UHD baler, ahead of its official launch at Agritechnica in November, will be of interest to farmers, straw merchants and hauliers.
Manufactured by AGCO partner Hesston, a specialist in balers, the 2370 is aimed at the ultra high-density market -- operators looking to clear paddocks quickly and achieve high tare weights for freight operations.
The drive-line of the new machine takes the 1000 PTO input from the tractor through a pedestal gearbox to spin the flywheel at a reported 1500rpm, from where a secondary gearbox drives the beefed-up plunger at 50rpm.
Ultra-high density is achieved by a longer, tapered bale chamber, and completed bales are secured by a six-knot tying system.
The machine is ISOBUS compatible and easily serviced: the fuse box, hydraulic valve bank and reservoir are all accessible from ground level.
And on the tractor front, MF parent AGCO recently bought 8ha of land and 30,000m2 of factory space adjacent to its tractor plant in Beauvais in France.
Dubbed the home of Massey tractors, the facility is already the largest producer and exporter of farm machinery in France. Next will come ‘lean’ manufacturing techniques and flexibility agreements with the workers’ union.
