Power and Fuel Efficiency Can Go Together
Category: News
NEWS RELEASE www.masseyferguson.com For Immediate Release CONTACT: Images Available Upon Request Tammi Wecksler Manager Marketing Communications 770-813-6185 tammi.wecksler@agcocorp.com Massey Ferguson Celebrates 70 Years of “Harvesting Excellence” in Combines DULUTH, GA –February 2008 — “Harvesting Excellence” is the standard at Massey Ferguson® and has been for more than 70 years, since its heritage company, Massey Harris, introduced the first totally integrated, self propelled combine in 1938. While others hung harvesting mechanisms on tractors, Massey Harris’ chief harvesting engineer Tom Carroll conceived a design that became the universal template for modern combines. "Tom Carroll envisioned a harvester with a dedicated power unit that supplied all components from the cutter bar to the grain cleaning system," says Kevin Bien, product marketing manager, Massey Ferguson. "His innovative design became the industry standard with its large front drive axle and rear axle steering. However, the key to the combine's success, explains Bien, was the careful coordination achieved between each individual component. "Carroll recognized that the cutting, feeding, threshing, separating and cleaning component capacities had to match with sufficient power for all," he adds. "That was as vital to the success of that first machine in 1938 as it is in our current Class VIII machines. It is the gold standard our engineers follow today." The U.S. Government recognized the efficiency of those first combines during World War II when precious raw materials were allocated to build the "Harvest Brigade." This fleet of self propelled combines, accompanied by Massey-Harris field technicians, assisted with the grain harvest across North America, much as custom harvesters do today. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the popularity of the combines continued to grow, as did new features and capacity with every model. Special hillside and rice models were also introduced. Massey Ferguson is a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation www.agcocorp.com "Innovation and industry leadership continued with the introduction of a new generation of combines in the early 1960s under the Massey Ferguson name," says Bien. "Like Carroll's first design, elements of these models continue to dominate the industry today.” Further innovations included mounting engines above and forward of the cylinder and the concave and a saddle-type grain bin that increased bin capacity and lowered the combine's center of gravity. These new models also introduced a turret style unloading auger that raised the bar for the entire industry. “We have continued our “excellence in harvesting” with the recent introduction of our Class VIII combines which have the fastest unloading rate in the industry at 4.5 bu. per second.” adds Bien. Larger and more powerful Massey Ferguson combines continued to be introduced in the 1970s and 1980s. In the late 1980s, the company began to transition from conventional design to axial rotary technology developed by another AGCO heritage brand, White Farm Equipment. "The axial rotary design remains a popular and dependable component of combines throughout the world, including the biggest Massey Ferguson combine yet, the Model 9895 Class VIII," adds Bien. "Like that first fully integrated, self propelled design developed by Carroll, Massey Ferguson harvesting innovations current and future will continue to lead the way in setting the standard to meet the needs of crop producers." For more information on Massey Ferguson, visit www.masseyferguson.com. About AGCO Founded in 1990, AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AG) (www.agcocorp.com) is a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment and related replacement parts. AGCO offers a full product line including tractors, combines, hay tools, sprayers, forage, tillage equipment and implements, which are distributed through more than 3,200 independent dealers and distributors in more than 140 countries worldwide. AGCO products include the following well-known brands: AGCO®, Challenger®, Fendt®, Gleaner®, Hesston®, Massey Ferguson®, New Idea®, RoGator®, Spra-Coupe®, Sunflower®, Terra-Gator®, Valtra®, and White™ Planters. AGCO provides retail financing through AGCO Finance. The company is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, and in 2006, had net sales of $5.4 billion. Please visit our website at www.agcocorp.com. # # # # # ENCLOSED PHOTO: 1938 Massey Ferguson Self Propelled Combine PHOTO CAPTION: This 1938 Massey Ferguson combine was the first totally integrated, self propelled combine on the market. The innovative design with front drive axle and rear steering axle remains the industry standard today. ENCLOSED PHOTO: 2008 Massey Ferguson 9895 Class VIII combine PHOTO CAPTION: The Class VIII Massey Ferguson 9895 continues a 70-year heritage of innovation and leadership in improving harvesting efficiency and capacity. # # # # To download this and other Massey Ferguson news releases, please visit www.masseyferguson.com. (Scroll over the red button and choose USA/Canada. Move to the bottom of the menu on the left and click on news releases) www.masseyferguson.com
For Immediate Release CONTACT:
Images Available Upon Request Tammi Wecksler
Manager Marketing Communications
770-813-6185
tammi.wecksler@agcocorp.com
www.masseyferguson.com
tammi.wecksler@agcocorp.com
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