At the U.S. Farm Progress Show in Illinois in August, Agco had news to reveal about its Massey Ferguson and Fendt tractor lineups.
The new 5M series Masseys made their North American public debut. These utility-class models offer 105- to 145-horsepower diesels connected to the brand’s 12 x 12 Dyna-4 transmission. The transmissions include a brake-to-neutral feature, simplifying loader and baling operations. A mechanical joystick includes a third-function button for controlling loader attachments.
Agco has given these tractors features intended to appeal to livestock producers and hay and forage growers as well as municipal operators.
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The tractors can be ordered with or without a cab — which makes them a little unique, because most new utility tractor announcements these days seem to include cab-only versions. For those who choose a cab, the 5M models offer upgraded HVAC capabilities, and air-suspended seat and high visibility roof.
In April the 5M models won a Red Dot Award for product design because of their focus on ergonomic design and functional operator station.
The four 5M models are built on two separate chassis, with the largest two, the 135- and 145-horsepower models, getting a larger frame capable of 11,500 lb. (5,216 kg) of three-point hitch lift capacity.
The 5M engines use a “simplified” Stage V emissions system to meet exhaust restrictions, so owners will have to feed them DEF as well as fuel. To keep those engines running longer hours, the tractors get a larger 52-gallon fuel tank.
The tractors are ISOBUS light and auto-guide ready and are compatible with Massey’s TaskDoc telematics system for data collection in the field.
Fendt 1000 series
At the high end of the horsepower spectrum, Agco announced the release of the Gen4 Vario versions of its flagship rigid-frame Fendt 1000 series tractors.
The updated line will include four models offering 426 to 550 horsepower, and they all get that muscle from a 12.4-litre MAN engine, which uses the Fendt iD low-r.p.m., high-torque concept. All that power flows through the brand’s Vario CVT transmission.
One of the most unique features of these updated models is compatibility with the PTx OutRun autonomous grain cart and tillage system. The 1000 Gen4 Series can have the PTx OutRun capability optionally unlocked from the factory for eventual automated grain cart and tillage operations.
The OutRun autonomous grain cart system is currently operating in limited release on a select number of farms. It was initially launched compatible only with the John Deere 8R models, even though it’s a PTx Trimble-Agco development. The 1000 Series will be the first Agco tractor to use it.
“We’re preparing customers for the future with the first Fendt tractor that can support autonomous operation through PTx OutRun,” Fendt senior marketing manager David Soliday says.
