Agco has been working to update its Massey Ferguson-branded line of tractors over the past few years. Introduction of the newest updated 9S models completes the move from the various model number designations tractors have held into the more simply designated S Series lines.
At Germany’s Agritechnica machinery show in 2023, the brand pulled the wraps off the high-horsepower 9S Series. This spring, those new tractors will finally be arriving on dealer lots in Canada.
–> WATCH THIS from Agritechnica: New 9S sets new high horsepower standard for a Massey Ferguson tractor
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“The 9S is the high-horsepower solution that completes the lineup, from the 5S, a 115 horsepower product, all the way up to a 9S.425 which delivers a maximum 425 horsepower,” says Derek Reusser, Agco’s tactical marketing manager for high-horsepower MF tractors.
“Our dealers are just going to start seeing product hit their lots.”
The six models in the 9S line offer from 285 to 425 maximum horsepower, representing a bump up in power at the top end from the previous 8700S Series they replace.
But they incorporate upgrades beyond just more muscle and a restyling. There are some significant differences.
The new body style incorporates a sloping front hood across all the S Series tractors from the 5 up to the 9. Under that hood in the six 9S tractors is an 8.4-litre AgcoPower diesel engine mated to the brand’s Dyna-VT CVT transmission, which is the only transmission option — no power shifts to be found here.
“Farmers are way more accepting of the (CVT) concept than they were 10 years ago,” Reusser says, adding CVTs add the maximum level in ease of operation.
The 9s also use the Protect-U cab concept, which offers a lot of interior space. The tractors reduce noise and vibration for the operator by maintaining an 18-centimetre gap between the cab and the engine hood. That also allows for improved engine cooling.
Visibility for the operator is improved as well.
“We actually brought in something from our 8S, “ says Reusser, “the emissions are an all-in-one system. The emissions systems are below the belt line of the cab. So sitting in the cab you don’t see your exhaust. The exhaust pipe is hidden behind the corner post.”
A lighting package includes 27 LED lights to turn night into day.
To meet the increasing demand from today’s implements for hydraulic power, the tractors use the ECO dual-circuit system. Two pumps and circuits operate independently of the other, and can be spec’d out with an optional 305-litre per minute flow rate.
“We found tractors set up with dual circuit systems actually have to deal with about 70 per cent less heat than our competitors do that have two pumps flowing into one circuit,” he adds. “Hydraulic heat equals robbing horsepower.”
The system reaches peak flow rate at 1,650 engine r.p.m.
A new front-axle design improves turning radius by seven to 10 per cent, depending on the tire options.
To put the extra horsepower to the ground the 9S tractors can handle an increase in ballast weight of about a ton over what the previous flagship model, the 8740S, was capable of carrying.
While Agco has positioned Massey Ferguson as the lower-spec’d “straightforward and dependable” horses in its stable, arguably below its premium Fendt brand, the list of available options for the 9S is still pretty impressive.
Those include a central tire inflation system, a front 1,000-r.p.m. PTO shaft and up to nine electronically controlled and customizable spool valves.
“I think the 9S really ushers in the straightforward dependability that Massey Ferguson is known for,” says Reusser. “What we’re striving for is to deliver an industry leading cost per hour outcome for our farmers.”
ALSO: Massey Ferguson competes in Morocco Desert Challenge race
Over the years, Massey Ferguson tractors have participated in some unusual events, like trekking to the South Pole. Agco added one more unique adventure to that list this year.
In April, Agco revealed a heavily modified 8S tractor which took part in the famous Morocco Desert Challenge race, finishing 75th out of a field of 144 entrants in all categories.
It also grabbed the title of first agricultural tractor to ever compete in the race. It ended up as one of eight vehicles assigned to the truck category.
But this tractor wasn’t a run-of-the-mill 8S. Engineers made some big changes to it in order to compete. Most notably, top speed was bumped up to 75 km/h.
The list of other modifications is a pretty long one, including:
- A full roll cage around the cab to protect operators
- A spare wheel mounted on the rear with a 180 degree pivoting crane
- A second fuel tank
- Modified controls
- Two racing seats with harnesses
- An independent hydraulic rear lift and front hydraulic lifting system
- Modification of the front axle suspension
- Replacement of the side windows with polycarbonate
- Installation of camera mirrors.
“This project highlights the skill of agricultural mechanics and everything these professionals can achieve,” said Gilles Kuffer, director of Kufferagri Sàrl.
“It’s an incredible human adventure, bringing together resources and skills around a shared goal. It wasn’t just the drivers who were involved, there was a complete team that enabled the tractor to set off again each day.”
