Italy’s EIMA event is one of the largest farm machinery shows in Europe. Oliver Mark trawled the halls to find some of the newest and more unusual kit from the continent

MF 5600

Another show and another Massey Ferguson tractor was launched. This time it was the turn of firm’s spruced-up sub-100hp tractors.

The new, Beauvais-built 5600-series straddles a key horsepower sector for Massey. Almost 60% of the new 85-105hp tractor range is expected to be used with a front loader, so it’s likely to be a big seller in places like the France, Austria and Switzerland.

Engine

Three models make up the range – the 5608, 95hp 5609 and the largest 5610. A maintenance-free DOC and EGR system see to the emissions caused by a 3.3-litre, three cylinder engine. That’s tucked under a narrower, droopy-nose bonnet.

All three get MFs tried and tested Dyna-4 transmission. The four-speed powershift has an Autodrive option. When set in “hare” mode the tractor automatically scoots up and down the 16 speeds. Switch it to “tortoise” and it’ll just switch speeds within a range. Max speed can also be preset.

Massey’s brake-to-neutral system is another big tractor perk that’s popped up on the little ‘uns. Stomping on the brake will pull the tractor to a halt – there’s no need to declutch – and lifting your size 10 back off the brake will re-engage the drive.

Cab

From the waist up the 5600s look just like the bruiser-class 7600-series. They share the same cab frame and layout, so if you’re familiar with one then you’ll find your way around the other pretty easily.

A low profile cab is on the options list, as are four roof options depending on whether you fancy a hatch or a window, or a combination of the two. Massey reckons it has reduced noise by 5%, too.

There’s a mechanical joystick to control the loader. This can also be used to shift between forward and reverse, control powershifts and there’s enough space to squeeze two spools on the stick, too.

Massey’s combined flow system allows the low-pressure steering (32 litres/min) and high-pressure rear linkage (58 litres/min) pumps to be joined to provide up to 90 litres/min for loader work. Rear lift is 4.3t – ample for small-to-medium scale fieldwork.

The 5600-series will be available early next year. Equivalent 5400 models – the 82hp 5420 up to the 107hp 5450 – will slowly be phased out. The 75hp 5410 will stay in the MF range.

Another fresh face on the Massey stand was the new 3600-series. Extending from 76hp to 92hp, it gets a new cab interior and transmission. All have a 24×12 two-speed powershift transmission.

Massey launched it’s bigger 7600 series at the Brno Show earlier this year.

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