Massey Ferguson set to launch MF 8700 tractor series

With Power Management generating up to 400hp, the new MF 8700 Tractor Series includes the most powerful tractors from Massey Ferguson ever built.

Set for launch at the Agritechnica Show in November, the new MF 8700 Series builds on the success of the award-winning MF 8600 Series, which were the first ever agricultural tractors to use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology.

The five new models are powered by the latest, most advanced AGCO POWER engines, which comply fully with the strictest Stage IV/Tier 4 final emissions regulations and feature changes to the transmission, cab and controls to further boost performance, efficiency and ease of use. All are now available with a choice of Efficient or Exclusive specifications.

“Fuel economy, reliability and simplicity are the most important considerations for farmers looking for a tractor in this power sector. The new MF 8700 Series delivers even better performance and economy than the well proven, award-winning MF 8600 Series,” says Campbell Scott, Brand Development Manager.

“From the outset Massey Ferguson designed these flagship tractors to be equipped with SCR technology. So the new components required to meet the stricter rules have always been an integral part of the design. There are no huge filters or external appendages - the technology is all still contained neatly within the tractor’s original design,” he adds.

For Massey Ferguson the introduction of the new AGCO POWER engine for the MF 8700 Series is the culmination of an engine technology journey, which started with the introduction of SCR on the MF 8600 Series in 2009, the first ever to use SCR. From the outset tractors have been designed to comply ultimately with the strict Stage IV/Tier 4 final emission regulations.

This means there are no radical design changes, which allows Massey Ferguson to still fit the slim, sloping bonnet and retain the impressive forward and side visibility. The system also remains maintenance free.

The new AGCO POWER six cylinder, 8.4 litre engines now employ optimised high pressure common rail fuel injection, which limits the emissions of particulate matter (PM) and means there is no need to fit a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Also new is a double stage turbocharger with electronic wastegate control, between which is fitted an air/water intercooler to further improve fuel economy.

An element of External Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) is used to reduce the temperature and cut AdBlue and fuel consumption. Meanwhile the Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) remains neatly tucked away under the slim, sloping bonnet. The dimensions of the narrow, oval-shaped exhaust stack are also unchanged. All Massey Ferguson has had to do is increase the size of the catalysers inside to meet the tough final regulations.

Engine power management (EPM) now provides a 30hp power boost for PTO work and transport (above 20km/hr).

Massey Ferguson has introduced a new, higher capacity cooling package to further improve performance while still fitting neatly under the same bonnet and retaining the industry-leading forward visibility.

Air is directed through a fuel cooler and then a Charge Air Cooler (CAC) where it increases speed through the intercooler. The pack also contains the water radiator, oil cooler and condenser.

A clever vent arrangement on the bonnet manages and splits the air flow to expel hotter air away, while directing cooler, fresh air towards the main radiator. The smart design also allows easy access to the filters and radiators for simple daily maintenance.

All new MF 8700 Series tractors are now also available in the Efficient specification. This provides the T-lever transmission control on the right-hand console and offers the option of specifying a new Datatronic 4 terminal, AGCOMMAND telemetry and factory ready for easy fitting of Auto-Guide 3000, automatic steering.

The Exclusive specification is now fitted with Auto-Guide 3000 as standard equipment and with the option of AGCOMMAND telemetry.

All models are now equipped with a new slim dashboard with a larger - 70mm x 52mm –colour screen. This is 50% larger than before and has ten times better resolution with large, improved graphics to make it easy to read in all light levels.

A new control layout on the cab ‘B’ pillar follows the familiar Massey Ferguson style, incorporating modules to operate the lights, PTO and rear linkage settings.