Brought to you by Massey Ferguson
You have to experience this new tractor!
With the new MF 8S Series, Massey Ferguson is taking a major step in the field of functional design and innovative transmission technology. The result is a tractor with exceptionally high comfort, intuitive operation and high performance. Including a nod to the past.
"This is not just an old tractor with a new look." Christiaan van Lonkhuyzen, product manager at MF importer Mechan Groep, should know. He was one of the first to be introduced to Massey Ferguson's latest line of models in France. Before him, test users worldwide gained more than 170.000 hours of user experience with MF 8S models during a variety of operations and under widely varying conditions.
The series consists of four 6-cylinder models with outputs from 205 to 265 hp and a torque between 950 and 1200 Nm. Maximum power is available at 1850 rpm. In the super eco mode, the tractor drives 43 km per hour at 1300 rpm. The engines meet the Stage V emissions standard in combination with hydraulic valve lifters, which reduces maintenance costs.
Functional design and comfort
The first thing you notice about the MF 8S Series is its redesigned appearance. The apparently 'empty' space between the hood and the cabin is particularly striking. But this Protect-U space is very functional. "By separating the engine compartment and the cabin, the cabin becomes a lot quieter," says Van Lonkhuyzen. "At 68 dB(A), it is the quietest in its class. The Protect-U space also prevents unwanted heat from the engine and limits vibrations. All of this contributes to the driver's comfort."
The driver was also central to the cab design. "These are tractors that are used for long days. A comfortable working environment for the driver is therefore important," explains Van Lonkhuyzen. With a volume of no less than 3,4 m3 the cabin is exceptionally spacious. "Some competitors' booths fit in," laughs the product manager.
The 6,6 m2 glass area is interrupted by only 4 stiles for an uninterrupted view. The sloping windscreen in combination with the narrow bonnet also contributes to good visibility. The Protect-U space offers the possibility to mount a large rider wiper, so that visibility remains optimal during bad weather conditions. The ventilation and air conditioning system has no fewer than 14 outlets that are well distributed in the cabin. The result is faster demisting and an even temperature.
Innovative transmissions
The buyer of an MF 8S model will soon have a choice of 2 transmissions. The Dyna-7 is a 7-speed powershift gearbox with 4 ranges. It is a further development of the very reliable Dyna-6 transmission. A crawler box is optional. The Dyna E-Power transmission has the same powershift gearbox but with a double clutch in the group box. The operation is comparable to the DSG principle in cars. The transmission can change groups and powershift simultaneously (and under load). This makes it possible to switch between groups without losing traction.
Also, the speed steps between gears are halved from 18% to 9%. "You can safely call this innovative. And it shifts a lot nicer," says Van Lonkhuyzen. "Dyna E-Power also gives more options to choose the best combination of gear and engine speed. The driver can set how fast he wants to drive and the tractor management looks for the best combination of gear and speed. This is especially useful for draft work. option." Naturally, the transmission is equipped with the well-known Autodrive and speedmatching functions. In the field range of 4 to 15 km per hour, this transmission has 14 speeds available at 1600 engine rpm. A CVT transmission will be available at the end of 2021.
Logical operation
MF has also made it easy for the operator to operate the 8S Series tractors. "You really drive away with it," says Van Lonkhuyzen. All important functions have a place on the Multipad controller on the armrest. Functions that are active are highlighted. The tractor does not have a traditional dashboard; all key functions and readings are presented on the V-display on the right A-pillar of the cab. On the left side of the steering column is the power control lever for changing the direction of travel and the direction indicator. In the Exclusive version of the cab, the driver has the Datatronic 5 terminal for operation and adjustment of both tractor functions and ISOBUS implements. The (optional) functions for navigation, section control and variable rate also have their place here. Customers are increasingly turning to AGCO FUSE systems. The GPS receiver (choice of Trimble or Novatel) is housed in a lockable compartment on the cab roof. All MF 8S Series tractors feature telemetry as standard.
Impressive lift and hydraulics
The performance of the hitch and hydraulics is nothing short of impressive. The three-point rear linkage lifts 10 tons while the front linkage has a lifting capacity of 4,8 tons. Many lift and PTO functions are automated and the tractor is equipped with 4 PTO speeds. For the hydraulics, the customer can choose between a 150 or 205 liter Load Sensing pump, the latter also being available in an eco version. The hydraulic system works with a system pressure of 200 bar and the tractor is equipped with an independent hydraulic oil reservoir with a capacity of 60 liters.
Retro look
As mentioned before, the appearance of the tractor has also undergone a metamorphosis. The gray saber-shaped track on the hood (which also returns in the cabin) is a style element that nods to the earlier 100 series. The gray cab is reminiscent of the 2600 series and makes the tractor very recognizable. That is also necessary, according to Van Lonkhuyzen. "MF has put the user at the center and involved in the design of this MF 8S series. Now there is a very well thought out and ingenious machine with excellent performance. It deserves to be recognized from a distance."
