Straightforward, dependable

The 8S Series is said to have been designed for farmers by farmers, following seven years of testing around the globe. It features six new models, all with the unique “Protect-U” cab/ engine installation and a radical ‘neo-retro’ design. Built on a 3.05m wheelbase, the tractors offer maximum power at 205, 225, 245, 265, 285 and 305hp, all delivering an extra 20hp from Engine Power Management (EPM).

At the same time, Massey Ferguson has introduced new, straightforward numbering. As an example, the MF 8S.265 model: the 8 stands for the Series, the S stands for the specification level and the last three digits are the maximum power.

Using the latest Stage V AGCO Power 6-cylinder, 7.4 litre engines, maximum power is generated at 1,000rpm, with fuel consumption and noise reduced by 10% and 6dB respectively. An all-in-one integrated Selected Catalytic Reduction (SCR) with Soot Catalyst (SC) removes the need for a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or complex Variable Geometry Turbocharger. Meanwhile, the compact unit – mounted outside the tractor – ensures unimpeded visibility and a slim line exhaust stack.

The novel “Protec-U” design layout sees a 24cm gap between the cab and the engine installation. This is said to reduce heat transfer, noise and vibrations being transmitted to the cab. Meanwhile, the unique engine position draws air in from the middle of the tractor, behind the engine reducing the load on the main air filter while improving cooling and performance.

The Dyna E-Power, Dual Clutch gearbox is said to combine the advantages of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with the ability to transmit power as efficiently as a mechanical transmission. Reducing power losses of the previous MF 7700 S Dyna-6 by up to 26% at higher speeds, the 8S delivers fuel savings of up to 10%.

The new series offers four ranges of seven gears, with semi-overlaps to maximise performance, a 9% gear ratio difference between each speed between 5 and 20km/h allows operators to tailor speeds to tasks. Transport speeds of 40 or 50km/h are achieved at engine speeds of only 1,200 or 1,500rpm.

Alternatively, users can choose the new Dyna-7, semi powershift gearbox, the latest development of the reliable Dyna-6, with the addition of an extra powershift.

This gives smoother shifting and 10% more efficiency than the Dyna-6 for the same engine horsepower.

The Dyna-7 offers 28 forward and reverse speeds in four ranges and seven seamless gears. For those requiring the control from a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the MF Dyna-VT is also available.

Looking at the cabin, noise levels are just 68dBA, with an interior volume of 3.4m³ and a 6.6m² glass area, making for a light and airy workplace with space and visibility. A new digital ‘MF vDisplay’ terminal fitted to the right pillar, replaces the conventional dashboard leaving just the steering wheel and power control lever in front of the driver.

The new Control Centre armrest offers the easy-to-use MultiPad lever for fingertip control, with ISOBUS compatibility to operate all tractor functions and includes an integral micro-joystick to control two spool valves.

This 9-inch touchscreen Datatronic 5 user interface terminal is mounted on an adjustable arm and uses a single screen for controlling the tractor functions and technologies – such as MF Guide, MF Section and Rate Control, as well as MF Task Doc data capture and transfer.

MF Connect Telemetry includes a five-year subscription license and uses mobile data to transfer information to the MF Connect Cloud, providing easy access to useful management information on machines.

An optional Fieldstar 5 terminal can be used to manage MF Guide, while MF Section and Rate Control can now handle up to 36 sections and five products. It now also records the paddock boundaries and provides automatic field detection