AN extended 5400 series tractor range has been unveiled in Melbourne by a resurgent Massey Ferguson brand.
As a result farmers will be tempted by a larger line-up ranging in capacity from 60.4kW to 78.8kW (82hp to 107hp) in one of the most important sales sectors.
The 5420, 5430, 5440 and 5450 newcomers are built heavier, to meet tougher working conditions, come with more powerful hydraulics, plus have a new transmission.
“So we have a bigger range aimed at different market segments with the newcomers appealing, for instance, to dairy farmers because their high visibility bonnets allow drivers to see exactly what’s going on at the front of these tractors,” Product manager, MF tractors and loaders, Joshua Vroombout said.
“And with the revised front axle support, there’s a more compact front linkage available to further broaden their appeal amongst farmers - as evidenced by the great reaction at the recent (French) SIMA show when they were first released just a month ago,” he added.
Already being dubbed “the loader tractor,” principally because of its spec-sheet, MF believes this all-rounder range has the edge on the competition. Interestingly, a cab suspension option is available and will appeal to those working across tough terrain.
As far as the detail is concerned, the new four-model additions come equipped with trusty turbocharged mechanical fuel injected four-cylinder Perkins engines that meet current T3a emission standards.
Expect them to deliver fuel consumption figures in the order of 210g/kW/hour, according to MF engineers.
There’s also a new 16F/16R Dyna4 transmission which looks to be specifically tailored for the smaller end of the 5400 series.
Carrying the GTA5050 nomenclature, it has been developed from the increasingly popular Dyna6 box already proven in Australia.
The new transmission offers improved ground clearance for row crop work, plus has its oil lubrication lines routed internally within the casing amongst a host of other improvements.
The four speed range powershift gearbox provides forward and reverse speeds from 1.25kph up to 40kph
Anyone familiar with the existing Dyna6 transmission will recognise the similar-looking Dyna4’s main transmission control lever, also its accompanying shuttle sensitivity setting which requires a dial to be twiddled to adjust cycle times.
The new high-vis, one-piece lift-up bonnet and its racy-looking lighting package undoubtedly ushers in a new 21st century look for MF, garnering positive comments from its dealers who attended the launch at the Melbourne Showground complex.
As well, they gave the thumbs-up to the new-style front axle support, also the brand new front linkage option.
These enhancements open-up the sales window for the range by underscoring its front PTO potential, especially with the possibility of hoisting up to 2.5 tonnes on the new Dana 725 front axle arrangement.
Turning to the rear of the 5400 range, and where much of its day-to-day business operations will be focused, there’s a new rear axle assembly.
Main points of note associated with these GPA54 units are reinforced rear pinion bearings and a revised differential module to accommodate the higher power and toque loadings.
The 5400 series utilise a different style of braking systems compared to the current 5400 series line-up. Essentially, new-style brake actuators clamp five rotating brake discs to increase transmission efficiency.
When it comes to PTO speeds, MF offers both 540rpm 2000rpm configurations with a neat-looking in-cab rocker switch used to activate selections electro-hydraulically.
In the hydraulics department a high-flow pump delivers 57L/min with the open-centre hydraulic valves re-located to the left hand side when standing behind the tractor.
Finally, the work station, or cab, comes with a flat floor, air-suspended seat with safety belts, plus an auxiliary seat, front and rear washers and wipers. Also standard is a rotating flashing beacon.
I liked the look of the new dash with its easier-to-read design, also the two front and rear roof-mounted work lights. MF says it is taking orders now, expecting delivery to commence later this year.
Meanwhile, AGCO’s senior VP and GM Europe, Africa, Middle East, Aust/NZ, Gary Collar, said MF had entered 2011 “meaner, leaner and more agile than ever” before.
He said MF was hungry for market share, hungry for new customers and hungry to take on its competitors.
“We are looking at the opportunities in both Australia and New Zealand that have probably not been in front of us for 10 years,” he said.
* Visit www.masseyferguson.com
* Graham Fuller was a guest of Massey Ferguson at its 5400 series tractor launch in Melbourne.
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