Massey Ferguson 5M Series Gains Ground in NZ’s 95–145hp Utility Tractor Market
Since its official release to the New Zealand market in July 2025, the Massey Ferguson 5M Series has steadily solidified its position.
The MF 8600 series had a reputation for no-nonsense reliability and buckets of power; the new generation 8700 series takes things a step further and hits the magic 400hp mark.
Powered by an AgcoPower/Sisu 8.4L engine with 8.4L capacity, the engine meets Tier 4 Final emission regulations with the use of SCR /Ad-blue after-treatment.
MF introduced this technology to tractors in 2009, and the MF 8700 series, though not new, now uses exhaust gas re-circulation and larger diesel oxidisation catalyst (DOC) to keep the nasty stuff under control. This negates the need for any particulate filters (DPF) as preferred by some competitive brands.
With five models from 300hp to 400hp maximum, technologies such as dual stage turbocharging, electronic waste-gate and intercooling are harnessed to produce a useful 30hp boost for PTO and transport work above 20km/h.
More power can result in more heat, so the new 8700 series has a revised cooling package layout: hot air is directed up through re-designed louvres in the engine hood, while cooler air is directed to the radiator and adjoining cooling packs.
Transmission is via the maker’s well-known VT unit with two ranges and stepless speeds from 0.03 to 50km/h; it has features such as cruise control, speed supervisor, active stop and a choice of three different driving strategies.
At the business end the numbers read large, as one would expect. The rear axle can be equipped with the latest tyre equipment up to 2.15m diameter to get power to the ground, while the 3-point linkage can lift 12,000kg. The closed centre hydraulic system has an output of 205L/min and can be specified with up to six pairs of remote valves.
Up on top the driver shouldn’t have too much to complain about with the panoramic cab offering 360 degree visibility, Optiride-Plus hydraulic cab suspension, and all controls laid out neatly to hand.
Control is via the recognised MF ‘T’ stick or an optional multi-pad on the right hand console.
Completing the package, all machines are factory equipped to ‘auto-guide ready’ specification, so GPS guidance can be fitted at the time of order or later.
New Zealand's diverse cheesemaking talent shone brightly last night as the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association (NZSCA) crowned the champions of the 2026 New Zealand Cheese Awards.
Tracing has indicated that the source of the first velvetleaf find of the 2025-26 crop season, in Auckland, was likely maize purchased in the Waikato region.
Fish & Game New Zealand has announced its election priorities in its Manifesto 2026.
With the forage maize harvest started in Northland and the Waikato, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is telling growers of later crops, or those further south, to start checking their maize crop maturity about three weeks prior to when they think they will start silage harvesting.
Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.
More than five million trays, or 18,000 tonnes, of Zespri’s RubyRed Kiwifruit will soon be available for consumers across 16 markets this season.
OPINION: The good news keeps getting better for NZ dairy farmers.
OPINION: With export of livestock by sea dead in the water, opponents of the Gene Technology Bill think they can…