Two farmers using Massey Ferguson’s IDEAL combines have praised the straw quality and ease of operation thanks to the machines’ key features.
Will James, who owns an IDEAL 9T in partnership with neighbouring farmer James Brown in north Lincolnshire, covers around 1200ha. Meanwhile, Roger Allen runs an IDEAL 7 for Allenford Farms near Fordingbridge in Hampshire, handling a 600ha harvest. Both farms switched from New Holland combines to the IDEAL series after successful demos from local dealers.
The IDEAL 7, the smallest in the range, is the only model with a single rotor, delivering 476hp and using MF’s PowerFlow belt header. In contrast, the IDEAL 9T is the largest, with dual rotors providing 647hp and featuring a 12.2m SuperFlow header.
Straw quality
Will has been impressed with the output of the IDEAL 9T. Despite a narrower body compared to competitors, the Dual Helix rotors offer the largest threshing area on the market at 1.66m². He highlights how the rotor length ensures consistent straw quality, preventing it from being broken up as it falls.
Will explained: “We swathe a lot of straw for baling by a contractor, and the 40ft cut leaves large rows. But the straw quality from the IDEAL has always been good. The only complaint from the contractor has been about the size of the rows.”
Roger agrees, adding that straw quality is a priority since 70% of their crops are baled to supply bedding for the farm’s pig unit. Despite moving to a rotary combine for increased output, he says the IDEAL 7’s 4.84m rotor ensures the straw isn’t smashed, resulting in “big, fluffy swathes” and improved output.
Cooling system
Both farmers have been impressed by the AirSense cooling system, which maintains the engine temperature and prevents dust and debris build-up. The 950mm reversible fan pulls clean air across the engine, reducing dust accumulation and the need for cleaning.
Roger noted the system’s reliability during 2022’s heatwave: “The engine temperature stayed steady, and we didn’t experience any overheating. I clean the engine bay daily with the onboard compressor, and it’s much cleaner than other machines, with less places for chaff to gather.”
Will added that the AirSense system also helps keep the air filter clean, reducing maintenance. The fan’s adjustable pitch changes airflow direction based on the engine’s time and temperature.
Cab and technology
Both farmers praised the cab layout, particularly the TechTouch interface. Will pointed out that it is the same as his sprayer and tractors, making it familiar and easy to use: “The screen is straightforward to set up, and we can customise it into four sections. GPS is controlled through the screen too, and we can transfer data from other machines if needed.”
Both farms plan to use yield mapping data from the combines to better understand crop variability and potentially optimise inputs in the future.
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