SIMA Innovation Award Citation for Unique Massey Ferguson Dynamic Top Link Control

Massey Ferguson new and unique electronic top link control system, which automatically maintains the correct working angle of mounted implements, has won an Innovation Award at the SIMA, Paris show.

“Hydraulic Top Link Automation is the latest innovation from Massey Ferguson, which invented the three-point linkage and pioneered Electronic Linkage Control (ELC),” says Campbell Scott, Director Marketing Services. “We are delighted to receive this accolade, which proves once again our deep knowledge of the interaction between our tractors and implements.”

Left to right : Jacques Pirotais, Research & Advance Engineering Engineer and Pierre Bertrand Research & Advance Engineering Team Leader

The system uses the latest sophisticated control techniques to deliver straightforward and dynamic top link adjustment, which improves implement and tractor performance. “At the same time, it will enhance the working quality of linkage-mounted application and draft equipment,” he explains.

Sensors on the tractor continually monitor the tractor and implement’s actual working angle, front axle height and, using GPS, any inclines in the field. All these parameters feed into the tractor’s control terminal, which automatically adjusts the hydraulic top link length to maintain the parameters set by the operator.

“Top link setting is the key to ensuring efficient implement operation,” says Guillaume Dutartre, Product Marketing Manager. “The correct length maintains consistent working depth from the front to back of the machine, which helps to reduce wheelslip and tine wear. This will also improve overall efficiency and save fuel.

“Hydraulic Top Link Automation will also maintain the correct working angle for fertiliser spreaders. This will improve spreading accuracy, which will increase yield and protect the environment,” he adds.

A product of Massey Ferguson’s Advanced Research Lab at its Centre of Global of Excellence for Engineering at Beauvais, the patented system is currently in the prototype stage. It is just one element in Massey Ferguson’s Vision of the Future, which focuses on providing customers with new innovations to help increase machinery performance to improve their businesses.