Machine spotlight: Massey Ferguson MF8737 tractor
Reliability, simplicity, comfort and value for money has kept Massey Ferguson’s flagship workhorse at the forefront of broadacre and rowcrop operations…About four years ago, Massey Ferguson launched its 8700 Series on to the Australian market as an extension of the 8600 Series, and ranges from 270 to 370hp.
The 370hp MF 8737 was in the spotlight at a recent demo day held at Rand in southern NSW by farm machinery dealership, Wiesners Wodonga and Walla.
Wiesners Wodonga and Walla sales manager, Mark Harrison, said the 8600 Series had been well received, particularly for its engine and driveline reliability, with the 8700 Series being no different.
“These machines are available in the Tier 2 or non-AdBlue common rail – it is one of the few engines on the market not running a diesel exhaust filter or Exhaust Gas Recirculation, which is a big advantage in maintenance with a long service life,” Harrison said.
“It is a simple, high torque engine not overly complicated with emission systems.
“The tractor has the super reliable and strong Fendt axles, plus a large cab making it a good all round machine with a long life.”
Harrison said the 8700 Series had been popular for broadacre cropping, rowcrop, seeding, chaser bin and spraying applications.
“It has a huge linkage capacity at 12 tonnes – it is a Fendt back end, diff and final drives,” he said.
“It is not an enormous wheel base machine so is highly manoeuvrable with a good turning circle.”
Engine and transmission
The MF8737 is powered by a six-cylinder 8.4-litre AGCO POWER engine, rated at 370hp at the maximum power of 1900rpm.
Engine Power Management provides a 30hp power boost for PTO, hydraulic work and transport.
In haulage applications, extra power engages from 15 km/h and becomes fully available at 22km/h and above.
Optimised high-pressure common rail fuel injection limits the emissions of particulate matter which means there is no need to fit a diesel particulate filter.
The tractor features the Dyna-VT transmission with stepless travel from 0.03 to 50km/h at any engine speed.
The Dyna-VT can be operated via either a T-bar controller or Multipad joystick.
Forward and reverse speeds and rate of acceleration can be pre-set and maintained automatically.
The engine speed ‘Supervisor’ automatically reduces forward speed to maintain full engine power.
“The transmission is designed and built at the Fendt factory in Germany and has been fitted to Massey Ferguson tractors since the early 2000s,” Harrison explained.
“It is a simple transmission, super reliable with a low failure rate, and provides Massey Ferguson with great value products.
“Customers are turning to Massey Ferguson for the advantages of an excellent motor and the best transmission on the market.”
Dynamic Tractor Management works in conjunction with the Dyna-VT transmission to automatically control engine speed according to the load on the tractor.
“A cruise speed can be set at, say 9km/h, and engine revs will automatically adjust to suit that ground speed – the tractor sits on the lowest rev possible to do that job, saving fuel,” Harrison said.
“The engine operating range is from 1000 to 2100 rpm. Maximum torque is 1600 Nm at 1500 rpm with Engine Power Management.”
Comfort and controls
The OptiRide Plus hydraulically suspended cab in the MF8737 gives a comfortable ride and allows the level of damping to be adjusted from the cab.
“OptiRide Plus senses the position of the cab and adjusts the ride of the cab during acceleration or de-acceleration to give the best ride possible,” Harrison said.
The cab is equipped with an air suspended swivel seat, telescopic side mirrors and boasts 360 degree all round vision.
“The large rear window means there is no pillar in the road of our view of the implement,” Harrison said.
The dashboard screen automatically adjusts to suit the level of daylight, and features larger symbols for easier viewing.
“Controls for linkage, lighting, PTO speed selection, four wheel drive diff lock are mounted on the right hand pillar to keep the cabin neat, and without obstructing the view of the implement,” Harrison said.
“The interior has an in-built drinks cooler, several cup holders and a beefed up air-conditioning system with a larger condenser and evaporator, and five overhead vents.
“The tractors are well equipped with LED lights on the side pillars and at the top and rear in the working positions.”
The screen of the updated dashboard has doubled in size, with the resolution increasing tenfold.
The screen reveals information on transmission operation, slip control, engine speed, hydraulic valve flow and timing, headland management, front loader control and PTO activation.
Operators also benefit from data on tractor performance, working area, fuel consumption, engine and transmission temperature and slippage measurement.
Tech-laden
The 8700 Series comes equipped with the 7-inch Datatronic 4 CCD console. It is fully adjustable, has ISOBUS for implement control, video mode for on-board cameras and a headland management system.
“The console is wired for the AGCOMMAND telemetry system from the factory – it monitors vehicle position, performance, history, status and operating costs from the home computer or an AGCOMMAND app is available for smart devices,” Harrison said.
“Every 10 seconds it identifies the GPS location so operators can view where the machine is, how much fuel it is using and its speed.
“Large fleet owners can monitor the equipment during the day and make adjustments to improve efficiency.”
The MF8737 is equipped with Auto-Guide 3000 auto steering guidance operation.
“Locally, we fit the Auto-Guide 3000 TopDock receiver and the auto guide will populate on the Datatronic screen, enabling the operator to steer down to RTK level,” Harrison said.
SpeedSteer allows the operator to adjust the steering ratio.
“One and a half revolutions of the steering wheel can be fully locked to left or right to reduce operator fatigue during headland work,” Harrison said.
Tyres and suspension
The demo machine was shod with Trelleborg 710/75 R 42 on the rear and 600/65 R 34 on the front.
“There are various large 900mm options down to 520 or 480mm for row crop applications,” Harrison said.
“They are all standard with a 3m bar axle with hub kits on the rear of the machine, so locally fitting duals is simple.
“Options include 1000kg rear wheel weights, an integrated belly weight and a series of front weights of 1500 to 2300kg.”
QuadLink front suspension is standard, giving improved traction, tight turning angles and good ground clearance.
If using large spreaders or linkage equipment, the Standard Active Transport Control shock absorbing system automatically adjusts to different implement weights for a smoother ride.
Linkage and hydraulics
The MF8737 is known for its heavy-duty front and rear linkages, with a rear linkage lift capacity of 12,000 kg, twin external lift rams and twin variable-float telescopic stabilisers.
Quick couplers with a decompressing system are standard, along with external linkage and valve controls.
The fully integrated six-spline 5000kg front linkage is designed to match the front suspension with two double-acting spool valves and a free return line.
The closed centre load-sensing hydraulic system provides 205l/min of oil flow for both linkage and external services.
“There are up to six remotes at the rear and two at the front – the pump is super reliable and cuts off flow when hydraulics are not in use to save fuel,” Harrison said.
“It comes standard with a CAT3 rear hitch and a quick-hitch is optional.”
The 8700 Series has oil-immersed, power assisted disc brakes – air brakes for trailed equipment is an option.
Other options include the C3000 console, a 12.1-inch touch screen.
Maintenance
Access under the bonnet is straight forward with the filter and radiator serviced from ground height.
“The hood is designed so the wind is directed through the cooling package, increasing efficiency,” Harrison said.
“The air cleaner is right in front and has a powered aspirator for longer life.
“The 8700 Series has one of the best engines and gear boxes on the market, is super value and extremely comfortable.”
The MF8700 Series is priced from $269,000 excluding GST while the MF8737 starts from $322,900 excluding GST.
For more information, contact Mark Harrison on 0427 849 996.
Massey Ferguson MF8737 Tractor Specifications
Engine type: AGCO Power, six cylinder, 8.4 L
Injection type: Common rail
Fan type: Vistronic – variable fan speed
Maximum hp at 1950 rpm: 370
Maximum torque at 1500 rpm: 1540 Nm
Max power available at PTO shaft: 320 hp
Transmission: Stepless, Continuously variable transmission
Max rear lift capacity: 12,000 kg
Maximum flow: 205 litres/min
Maximum pressure: 200 Bars
Max no. of rear spool valves: 6
Max gross vehicle weight: 18,000 kg
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