Massey Ferguson’s Ideal combines get joystick steering option

Massey Ferguson can now offer the option of Agco’s Idealdrive joystick steering on several of its tracked combine models, with the system having previously been reserved for machines sold by stablemate Fendt.
The arrangement, which does away with a conventional steering wheel to improve visibility to the header and feeder house, is available on Massey’s Ideal 7, 8 and 9 TrakRide models, and is fully homologated for road use.
It adds £8,911 to the cost of the combine.
According to studies by Aalborg University in Denmark, it can reduce operator steering workload by 65% compared with conventional steering – based on a study assessing the time it took drivers to complete a circuit on a simulated track.
See also: Driver’s view: John Roberts’ Massey Ferguson Activa 7240
It also means operators can sit back more comfortably in the seat with their feet on the foot pegs, rather than being inclined to hunch over the steering column to get a proper look down to the header – particularly when dealing with a flat, tangled crop or lumpy flow of material.
The joystick mounted on the left armrest controls the steering, as well as many of the functions typically found on the steering wheel column, such as the indicator lights, guidance engagement, main beam/dipped headlights and the horn.
The controller on the ride side of the seat is primarily used to vary the travel speed.
Other improvements to Massey’s latest Ideal models include further cab sound insulation, extra storage compartments on the back wall, and a colder cool box.
There are also new brackets to hold a tablet, plus a phone holder with an integrated charger.