New MF tractor ranges aimed for millennium
New MF tractor ranges aimed for millennium
By Andy Collings
MASSEY-Ferguson aims to emerge in the 21st century as a high-tech tractor manufacturer. As to the machine it hopes will achieve this goal – enter the MF6200 and 8200 tractor ranges.
Replacing the current 6100 and 8100 series, models destined for the UK kick off at 85hp and extend through 11 versions to reach 185hp. And, come the summer, more power will be available with 210hp, 230hp and 260hp models.
Power up to the 155hp mark is supplied by new 4 and 6-cylinder Perkins 1000 series engines. This roll is then taken over by 6-cylinder Valmet engines for the top end of the 8200 range.
Both the Perkins and Valmet engines are claimed to meet the latest emission requirements.
It is the transmission department which has seen perhaps the greatest changes. Capitalising on the joint MF/Renault development agreement – Gima – the transmissions offer a high degree of sophistication designed to ease the task of the operator.
For the 8200 series Power Shift Plus makes its debut. Standard on the three most powerful tractors and optional for the remainder, it is an advanced version of the 18 x 8 full powershift introduced last year.
The "Plus" element comes in the form of a lever placed on the left of the steering column which not only controls direction but can be used to shift through the gears. It does, in many ways, emulate the action of the powershift control lever mounted on the right. This arrangement, says MF, leaves the operators right hand free to handle other controls.
MFs Dynashift and Speedshift transmissions also now benefit from the "Plus" addition. The left hand lever allows clutchless gear or range changes – a new short main gear lever on the right of the console has been designed to ease gear selection through its conventional "H" gate pattern.
Apart from the 135hp MF6290, which is offered with just Dynashift or Dynashift Plus, all 6200 tractors have the choice of Dynashift or Speedshift with or without the "Plus".
Further sophistication for Dynashift Plus and Powershift Plus transmissions is provided by a transmission controller which electronically controls clutchless speed changes, 4-wheel drive, diff locks, pto and hydraulics.
In terms of 8200 construction, MF claims "to have designed the largest modular rear axle and braking system in the industry". Oil cooled twin disks provide a total surface area of 2.58sq m.
Lift capacity on the rear linkage now ranges from 5.85t on the MF 6235-6265 models to 10t on the 8260-8280. Front linkages and pto can be specified.
While still retaining a true MF style, a new cab and control layout provides the operator with the spacious, ergonomically friendly environment now expected from modern tractors.
One option which potential purchasers might have expected though – front axle suspension – is not currently available. MF says it is making this issue a priority and intends to develop a system in due course.
Even so, with the new 6200 and 8200 models, MF should approach the 21st century with a fair degree of confidence.
BOX
MF6200 series
Model Engine Capacity litres hp
6255 4-cyl turbo 4.0 85
6260 4-cyl turbo 4.0 95
6260 6-cyl nat asp 6.0 105
6265 4-cyl turbo 4.0 105
6270 6-cyl turbo 6.0 115
6280 6-cyl turbo 6.0 125
6290 6-cyl turbo 6.0 135
MF8200 series
Model Engine Capacity litres hp
8210 6-cyl turbo 6.0 145
8220 6-cyl turbo 6.0 156
8240 6-cyl turbo 6.0 170
8250 6-cyl turbo 7.4 185
8260* 6-cyl turbo 7.4 210
8270* 6-cyl turbo 8.4 230
8280* 6-cyl turbo 8.4 260
*Available in the summer