MF555-Components

Successful planting depends on accuracy, precision and uniformity of seed placement and to understand how its done one must understand the MF555-Components. Everything about the MF 555 planter is designed and built to fulfill these objectives and it all start with the Row unit.

Below is the list of the different components of the Row unit.

The Row Unit

Click here for the Maintenance schedule (coming soon)

1. Hopper lid seal as standard and it ensures an airtight hopper
2. Quick, simple seed disc change with a Large retaining knob for quick, easy disc change which means No tools or seed hopper removal required.
3. Easy seed meter access as the Open frame row unit design gives you unrestricted access for easy inspection or disc change.
4. New seed meter design gives you greater accuracy with a wider variety of seeds
5. PAM™ - Positive Air Metering operates with low air pressure and with NO seals resulting in gentle, consistent singulation giving fewer damaged seeds and higher germination rates. The Unique 'edge drop' seed disc design gives unmatched spacing accuracy for optimal area usage.
6. New seed sensors, the Standard high rate and optional 'Seed Smart' seed sensors, accurately monitor a wide range of seeds and population rates
7. New heavy duty double disc openers made of 3.5 mm disc thickness for longer life together with Walking beam gauge wheels that 'walk' over irregularities, gives you consistent planting depth
8. Quick release seed hopper and meter consist of a large 70 liter seed hopper and meter assembly that can be quickly mounted or removed with No tools required. We also provide an exceptionally large hopper with 105 liter capacity is an option.
9. The Seed depth indicator identifies depth of seed placement for each row, enabling all rows to be set to the same depth. This ensure Uniform depth control encourages uniform germination and emergence, for optimum yield
10. Seed depth placement range (13 - 102 mm) has been increased to better suit dry land crops that need greater depth of seed placement leading to Uniform depth control that encourages uniform germination and emergence, for optimum yield.
11. Heavy-duty gauge wheel arms are provided and it incorporate improved lubrication and sealing for longer life
12. Closing wheels are available in a variety: angled rubber wheels, cast iron or single 'V' press wheels.

This is all great, but what does it mean for you the farmer?

So, What benefits do the Row Unit provide?

It Boost yields and productivity

At the heart of the MF 555 planter is the row units equipped with PAM™ technology. Together with the……..

Long-life double disc seed trench openers.	Heavy-duty parallel linkage.
The MF555’s seed depth indicator is easy to use.	Smooth molded covers on the gauge wheels prevent trapping of debris.
	“Walking-beam” gauge wheels.

Double disc seed trench openers it prepare the right environment

The 380 mm x 3.5 mm double disc seed trench opener creates the optimum environment in which to place the seed. Good seed to soil contact is assured to promote early germination of the seed.

Parallelogram linkage with built in strength

Each row unit is mounted on a parallel linkage designed to follow ground contours helping with depth control.

It has Seed depth control

Planting depths on the MF 555 are wide-ranging and can be set between 13 - 102 mm encourages uniform germination and emergence, for optimum yield.

Walking Beam - Gauge wheels

Uniformity of seed depth is further enhanced by the proven ‘walking beam’ gauge wheel design. Fitted as standard to the MF 555, each gauge wheel moves independently and can negotiate obstacles of up to 50 mm high without seed depth being affected.

Large capacity hoppers to increase productivity

70 Liter Hopper

The MF 555 planter’s large 70 litre seed hopper and meter assembly can be quickly mounted or removed with the release of one fastener knob for easy access and servicing.

An industry-leading 105 litre hopper is available as an option to further extend the interval between fills and so boost productivity.

105 liter hopper (option)

Another advantage is that Seed cleanout can be easily performed in a matter of seconds without hopper removal.

Choice of closing wheels for optimum seed-to-soil contact

Following seed placement in the trench, the closing wheels firm the soil to each side of the seed to maintain moisture and encourage prompt plant emergence.

Angled cast iron closing wheels are adjustable from 30 to 70 mm for tough no-till conditions where more muscle is required to close the seed trench. These wheels add an additional 16 kg of weight to each row unit for a total down pressure of 38 - 106 kg per row.

For tilled land, the single "V" trench press wheel is recommended, which caps the centre of the seed trench to produce a soft top.

All the closing wheels offer a convenient side-to-side adjustment so that each wheel tracks an equal distance from the centre line of the seed trench. This ensures soil is firmed uniformly on each side of the seed.

It is very important for optimal yield to have seed handling system that not only prevent seed damage but also assist in planting accuracy. To find out more about this feature and its benefits keep on reading.

Seed metering - PAM™

The exclusive Massey Ferguson PAM™ air metering system gives consistent metering performance for maximum yields and profit.

Positive Air Metering (PAM™) handles seed gently and accurately.

Massey Ferguson’s innovative PAM™ system operates at very low air pressures in the seed meter for gentle seed singulation, resulting in fewer damaged seeds and higher germination rates.

Research and field experience prove that consistent inter-plant spacing and correct seed depths have a dramatic effect on yields, and hence on profits.

What is the Benefits of this PAM system?

Choose the right seed disc from an extensive range to match your crop.	Massey Ferguson PAM™ air metering system
Easy access to seed disc removal knob

It has Accurate seed counting

Advanced sensors provide a highly accurate seed count across a wide range of seeds from maize kernels to tiny sugar beet seeds.

Consist of an Unique edge drop design for unmatched spacing accuracy

The ‘edge drop’ design virtually eliminates delay once the seed leaves the cell, giving unmatched spacing accuracy.

Has easy Access to all areas

The MF 555’s open frame design provides unrestricted access to the low maintenance seed disc. The disc can be removed simply using one knob.

Very Important note: The PAM™ metering unit is virtually maintenance free.

Having sorted the plant accuracy and depth, the next important aspect is tillage. Read further to see how flexible our tillage options are for you the farmer.

Tillage and attachments

Flexible options allow you to Tailor your planter to match conditions.

A comprehensive range of tillage attachments enables you to fine-tune your MF 555 for maximum productivity.

With Coulter Tillage, the soil is prepared at the same time as planting to give a positive knock-on effect:

• Ideal soil-to-seed contact – promotes vigorous root growth
• Strong root growth - creates uniform emergence
• Uniform emergence - enhances pollination
• Enhanced pollination - increases yield
• Increased yield - higher profits

The following Type of Disc Coulters is available

Ripple coulter blade.

• No–till, min–till
• Dry, damp/sticky, sandy and heavy soils

Bubble coulter blade.

• Conventional and min–till
• Dry and sandy, plus medium and course soils

8-Flute coulter blade.

• Conventional, min–till and no–till
• Medium to course soils

13-Flute coulter blade.

• Conventional, min–till and no–till
• Dry, sandy and heavy soils, plus fine to course tilts

Either Row unit/frame mounted attachments

Spring tine.

• Gently break up clods
• Move trash away from double disc opener

Bed Leveller.

• Skims surface of tilled soil
• Prepares clean, level path for double disc openers

Disc Trash Master.

• Clears path for double disc openers in very heavy residue

Strip-Ridge Till attachments.

• Maximum versatility for strip ridge systems or flat land
• Residue and tilled soils

Residue managers - Row Unit mounted

Residue manager.

• Clears residue from path ahead of row units
• Adjustable in 6 mm increments

Combination Manager.

• Greater versatility and productivity
• Clears seedbed of loose residue while blade works the seedbed

After you have taken care of the ground preparation it is vital that you take action to ensure the best possible circumstance for growth exist. That is done by applying fertilizer. Again you will find that the MF555 give you excellent flexibility to use either dry of liquid fertilizers.

Application of Dry and liquid fertilizer has never been easier.

You want your nutrients (fertilizers) right on target?

Putting nutrients in the right place at the right time is the key to optimum growth. Placing fertilizer to the side and slightly below the seed means the nutrients are on target to intersect growing roots. And precision-placed fertilizer keeps on working throughout the growing cycle of the plant.

When the roots hit the placement zone, there is rapid acceleration of growth. Choose from 4 coulter types to apply liquid or granular fertilizers with pinpoint accuracy.

Granular Fertilizer.	Liquid Fertilizer.

Double disc fertilizer opener

Ideal for traditional and light, minimum till operations, liquid or dry fertilizer applications. Places fertilizer at a depth of 50 - 80 mm. Features two 340 mm spring mounted opposing discs with depth adjustment.

Single disc fertilizer opener – trailed knife

Particularly suited for firm soils and no-till, liquid or dry fertilizer applications. Places fertilizer up to 100 mm depth. Features 430 mm single disc which cuts residue at soil surface and trailing knife which places fertilizer with minimum soil disturbance.

Single disc fertilizer opener - side knife

Excellent performance in no-till and reduced till, liquid or dry fertilizer applications. Places fertilizer up to 102 mm deep. Features 430 mm disc and side profile knife to provide effective placement of fertilizer with minimal adjustment.

Single disc fertilizer opener/liquid injector

Designed for no-till, minimum till and conventional tillage, liquid fertilizer applications. Features a rubber-mounted tine injector nozzle. The 430 mm disc enters the soil with minimum disturbance and the injector places the liquid without the use of a knife to provide blockage-free operation.

Single disc fertilizer opener/liquid injector.	Single disc fertiliser opener - side knife
Single disc fertiliser opener – trailed knife

Hoppers and tanks

Herbicide and insecticide attachments

To Protect your crop at lower cost you can…

Apply both insecticide and herbicide simultaneously with planting.

Highly durable, the MF 555’s quick-detach chemical hoppers are perfectly matched to the output of the main seed hoppers and, with their efficient metering systems, you can be sure of accurate application and tighter control of costs.

Herbicide/Insecticide hopper

Herbicide Hopper.

Capacity: 32 kg – ample to cover large fields before the need for refilling. Large slide-on lid provides excellent access for easy filling and snaps into place for a secure fit.

Hopper is easily detached for cleaning by disengagement of the chemical meter drive clutch and removal of two spring clips.

Herbicide spreader

Herbicide Spreader.

Effectively spreads herbicide in a 360 mm wide path thus saving costs over broadcasting. Chemical is applied over the row behind the closing wheel.

Insecticide spreader

Set to spread insecticide over a 178 mm band or directly into the furrow along with the seed.

Spring tine incorporator

Can be used in conjunction with the herbicide/insecticide attachment to help incorporate chemicals within the soil. Promotes activation of chemicals and also helps protect from wind movement.

Herbicide/Insecticide attachment

Enables herbicide to be applied behind the closing wheels at the same time as insecticide is applied behind the double disc seed trench openers.

Monitoring and markers

In-cab monitoring for peace-of mind planting

Take the worry out of planting and keep totally in control of what is happening at the ‘business end’ of the planter with MF’s sophisticated in-cab monitors.

Working with high rate or Seed Smart™ seed sensors in the seed metering unit, the monitors track seed flow and population. And in the unlikely event of a blocked seed drop or other malfunction, the monitor lets you know immediately.

You can choose between two Monitor options

SM1500.

Monitors up to 12 rows and features an LCD display. It also includes a ‘low seed flow’ audible alarm. Optional magnetic or radar speed sensor permits the LCD to display field area, total area and ground speed.

SM4000.

Uses Seed Smart™ seed sensors. The unit displays row population every five seconds or 100 seeds.

Markers

Vertical Fold Marker

Hydraulically-activated solid marker arms offer a rugged, simple design.

Features hydraulically-activated folding arm to enable ‘low profile’ operation.

Flat Fold Marker

Folds in two sections to provide low profile in transport. (Note: Flat fold markers are not adaptable to vertical fold planters)

Choice of plain, notched or heavy duty no-fill

Ready for precision farming

GPS system

On selected models, the MF 555 may also be equipped with the Fieldstar Precision Farming system which uses the pinpoint accuracy of the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite navigation facility to record the precise position of equipment.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is as accurate and current as possible. However, inaccuracies, errors or omissions may occur and details of the specifications may be changed at any time without notice. Therefore, all specifications should be confirmed with your Massey Ferguson Dealer or Distributor prior to any purchase.

Contact your dealer MBB Farming accessories about:

• any queries or if more information is needed or
• if you would like to purchase a Massey Ferguson 555 planter or
• needs MF555 parts or
• if you wants us to do your MF555 planter maintenance


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