Massey Ferguson introduces 3400 series tractors for orchard and vineyard
AGCO Corporation -The new four-wheel drive 3400 Series tractors from Massey Ferguson are designed specifically for orchards and vineyards. They will also be welcome additions to dairy and poultry buildings, as well as landscape and construction sites, anywhere space is at a premium.
"The 3400 Series is engineered for performance and designed for versatility," says Denis Alize, general marketing manager, utility and specialty tractors, Massey Ferguson. "They are available in four different horsepower models in platform and cab operator environments in four different configurations. Multiply that with multiple transmissions, hydraulic and tire options, and we can tailor-fit a tractor to a customers operation."
Fitting a MF 3400 tractor to the operation begins with horsepower selection. All four models are powered by all new, emission compliant Tier II Perkins diesel engines. The MF 3425 is powered by a 3.3-liter, 3-cylinder, turbo charged engine producing 57 PTO hp. The MF 3435, with 72 PTO hp, is powered by a 4-cylinder, 4.4-liter naturally aspirated engine, while the 80 PTO hp MF 3445 and 88 PTO hp MF 3455 are powered by a turbo charged 4-cylinder, 4.4- liter power unit.
"These new engines are designed to run cooler, cleaner and quieter while using less fuel," says Alize. "The increased efficiency extends to reduced maintenance with fewer oil filter changes and 500-hour engine oil service intervals."
The multiple configurations available in MF 3400 tractors offer a wide variety of
working widths and heights. The very narrow vineyard (V) configuration has a minimum width
of only 43.4 inches with 11.2R28 rear radial tires. The Standard (S) version is built more like a
standard utility tractor, yet has a minimum width of only 46.9 inches with 12.4R28 rear radial
tires. The V and S configurations are available as MF 3425 and MF 3435 models. The Ground
Effect (GE) configuration is designed low to the ground with a height at the top of the steering
wheel of only 47.2 inches on the platform version. The cab model is only 80.0 inches to the top
of the cab roofline, making this tractor unique for low clearance applications such as poultry and
dairy barns as well as grape harvests in vineyards that have trellises. The Fruit (F) version
features the largest chassis with the rear axles a full 4 inches wider than the S and GE for a
minimum width of 56.4 inches with 380/70R24 rear radial tires. GE and F configurations are
available on all four MF 3400 models.
A variety of transmissions with up to 30 forward and 15 reverse gears, fully synchronized 2-speed mechanical speed shift shuttle with road speeds of up to 25 mph (40 kph) further ensure the versatility of the new tractor series. Choices include the 2-range, 4-speed 16F x 8R Synchronized Shuttle with Under-Drive standard in all models, 2-range, 5-speed 20F x 10R Full Synchronized Shuttle with Under-Drive, 3-range, 4 speed 24F x 12R Full Synchronized Shuttle with Under-Drive and Super Creep and the 30F x 15R Full Synchronized Shuttle with Under-Drive and Super Creep.
It is in the hydraulic system and options that the MF 3400s versatility and adaptability really comes alive. Most operators will find the standard pump and two rear spool valve system more than sufficient with its standard hydraulic oil cooler. Operators with special needs such as multi-tasking implements will appreciate the optional Hi-Flow twin hydraulic pumps. They are available with three rear-mount spool valves or three rear-mount and two midmount valves with 4 couplers on the right side of the tractor and 2 couplers on the left side. Both 3-valve options include free return ports and float functions for use with hydraulic motors, mowers, multi-function hydraulic blades and other attachments that need to adjust to changing terrain. Regardless of standard or optional hydraulics, a separate pump supplies oil for power steering and electro-hydraulic engagement circuits.
"The separate pumps ensure that consistent power is available to vital tractor operations, such as Independent PTO, front wheel drive HydraLock and differential lock, without affecting flow to mounted implements and attachments," says Darrell Richardson, senior sales engineer, specialty tractors, Massey Ferguson. "Hydraulic options also enhance the 3-point hitch lift arm for precise implement control on side slopes and landscaping. The hydraulic couplers are even color coded to match control lever handles for operators unfamiliar with the tractor."
Convenience is designed into the MF 3400 Series with the ergonomic layout of tractor and implement controls and a digital dash standard on cab models with kph/PTO read-out. Both cab and open platform styles offer easy access to the operator platform and drivers seat. The deluxe full feature cab includes rounded windows for maximum visibility, left and right doors, and heating and air conditioning for operator comfort. The smooth ride can be made even better with the optional air ride pneumatic seat.
"The MF 3400 tractors are full feature tractors designed for long days and hard work in a wide variety of situations," says Alize. "They are equipped to take on any task, whether on steeper slopes or in minimum clearance situations like orchards, vineyards or low buildings. From the horizontal exhaust system to the vertical placement of mid hydraulic remote outlets, everything about these tractors is designed to fit special needs and uses."