While the spotlight often falls on the more spectacular top-performance combines available to growers, updates and new models at the entry-level end of the range are just as important to smaller farmers growing grain and oilseeds.

So it is welcome news that AGCO’s operation focused on harvester development has given the five straw walker machines in the Massey Ferguson Activa line-up some attention, adding new features and capabilities, and introducing a new model.

Mechanically, the main change is to the hydrostatic ground drive transmission, which has been swapped from a mechanically-controlled design to one with an electronically-controlled pump.

As a consequence, say MF engineers, drive control is smoother and more precise for improved progress, with optimised acceleration curves in each of the three gears.

Partnered with the uprated transmission is one of two AGCO Power engines – a 4.9-litre four-cylinder providing 185hp for the MF Activa 7342 and a 7.4-litre six-cylinder serving up 226hp and 260hp for the Activa 7343 and 7344. The 260hp model is effectively an addition to the range as this engine was not previously available with the base-spec Activa combines.

In standard form, these come with a set of five lengthy walkers, each with four 210mm deep steps to ensure lively agitation of the straw to extract residual grain.

But as an alternative, all three can now be had with MF’s signature Multi-Crop Separator (MCS), a tined drum with grate beneath that accelerates the straw to induce centrifugal force for grain extraction.

Unusually, there is no loss of walker length with the MCS installed, so the unit adds to the total active separation area, and for very dry, brittle conditions, the underside grate can be rotated rearwards and upwards to clear the path for a gentler passage that helps preserve straw quality.

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Beneath the separation tackle, a new modular grain pan has been installed, with removable plastic inserts making it easier to clean.

Up front, the MF 7242 is available only with AGCO’s conventional Free Flow header in 4.80m to 6.0m sizes, complete with retracting fingers across the full width of the auger.

But the two most powerful Activa combines can be equipped with AGCO’s Power Flow header as an alternative, this design having a deep bed to position the knife further forward than usual.

With a series of belts across the header then spanning the gap to the auger, the Power Flow design is said to be especially effective in bulky oilseed crops and those prone to shedding as any seed lost at this point is conveyed on to the bed.

MF reckons the header can lift output by up to 73% in oilseed rape and has advantages in grain crops, increasing output by 15% in wheat and 12% in barley in difficult harvesting conditions.

Operators of existing models will doubtless appreciate the ability to separately adjust the front and rear concave gaps electrically from inside the cab, further updates have also been made.

There is a new seat-mounted control console with the Multi-function lever now including the unloading auger drive on-off switch, all models have the Agritronic terminal with grain loss monitor and lighting is said to have been improved.

Electric sieve adjustment and a returns monitor can be added, as well as a coolbox, rear camera and an airline network to help with cleaning down the combine.