Friday, 24 March 2017 12:55

The biggest Massey yet

Written by  Mark Daniel
The new 8740 hit the magic 400hp mark. The new 8740 hit the magic 400hp mark.

The latest high-power tractor to top the six model Massey Ferguson 8700 series is the new 8740, which hits the magic 400hp mark at rated output and peaks at 407hp.

The largest conventional tractor MF has ever built, the 8740 combines performance with a minimum weight of 10.8 tonnes.

Four tonnes lighter than some competitors, the 8740 has a class-leading power to weight ratio of 26.7kg/hp.

This makes it suitable for top work such as spraying or drilling, and it can be ballasted-up for cultivation work with a maximum operating weight of 18 tonnes.

As with the rest of the range, the Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission is standard and combines with the Dynamic Tractor Management system to automatically adjust engine speed and transmission for optimum performance and reduced fuel use.

The 8700 series is one of the first tractors to be offered with the new Michelin AxioBib2 VF 650/85 R42 as a factory-fit option. Allowing the tractor to plough in-furrow, a feature of the new tyre is the flexible sidewall design. This places more lugs in contact with the soil to improve traction and reduce compaction.

In the cab, a new ISOBUS-compliant Datatronic 5-terminal has a 9-inch touch screen that uses tablet and smartphone technology to provide easy and intuitive changes to settings.

As well as providing complete tractor and implement control, the system can also oversee automatic steering with the AutoGuide system. More advanced programs can look after mapping, auto-section control and variable-rate applications, and comprehensive record keeping and fleet management, and data can be transferred back to the home base.

www.masseyferguson.com.au

More like this

Massey Ferguson launches double small square baler

AGCO has released details of the new SB.1436DB small square, or conventional baler, that rather unconventionally, produces two rows of bales per field pass, so doubling the output over a traditional single baler producing 14-by-18-inch bales.

MF offering new mower options

Recently launched to complement the existing DM 8612 TL and DM 9614 TL machines, Massey Ferguson has added the heavy-duty 9614 TL and 10114 TL butterfly mowers to its DM range, with working widths of 9.6m and 10.1m respectively.

Tractor sales take a dip

As a sign of the times, a sharp downturn in the global demand for tractors and machinery has seen some of the global players announcing lacklustre half yearly results.

New MF tractor series launched

Massey Ferguson has announced the launch of the new MF 9S Series, which includes six models with powers from 285hp to 425hp.

65 years selling Fergies

A tractor dealership celebrating 65 years selling Massey Fergusons, and other AGCO farm machinery, is still expanding, opening a new branch in Cromwell.

Featured

Mixed season for Waikato contractors

Last season was a mixed bag for Waikato contractors, with early planted forage maize, planted on the dry soils around Cambridge, doing badly after germination and failing to meet potential, says Jeremy Rothery, Jackson Contracting.

National

Machinery & Products

Alpego eyes electric power harrow

Distributed by OriginAg in New Zealand, Italian manufacturer Alpego recently showed its three metre Alysium electric power harrow at the…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Dodgy!

OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter