AGCO and SDF strike a deal to mass market tractors in the low-power segment

The Massey Ferguson badge will get the most benefit from the AGCO SDF partnership with a range of tractors from 18 to 63kW (25 to 85hp)

Beginning mid-year 2025 tractor specialist SDF will produce proprietary tractors for AGCO’s leading Massey Ferguson brand with up to 63kW (85hp) for most global markets

AGCO, already a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of tractors, along with agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, is about to strengthen its offering in the 18 to 63kW (25 to 85hp) tractor engine power range following a deal struck with SDF at its HQ based in Treviglio Italy.

The agreement has already been signed and production is being geared up to take the AGCO/SDF Massey Ferguson badged models into most global markets from the middle of 2025.

And while further agreements between the two brands could include offering SDF electric self-driving tractors under AGCO badged brands, for now, the deal is signed-off as a supply agreement that will give the Massey Ferguson brand a streamlined low-range tractor portfolio that will appeal to farmers across all world markets.

Farm industry pundits short of fine detail about the tractors at present are suggesting that SDF will fit these MF tractors with FARMotion engines, the same as fitted to SDF’s smaller tractors at Bandirma in Turkey, a facility that has the capacity to produce up to 14,000 tractors a year.

If SDF fit FARMotion engines to the Massey Ferguson badged global tractor it may make more sense to run the production line at the Bandirma plant in Turkey where SDF has the ability to churn out 14000 tractors a year

Delivery into many world markets will depend on the cleanliness required by the location, as engines are tipped to be on the dirty side with emissions levels of IIIA, IIIB or V. That makes Australia a perfect selection with the unregulated emissions market that prevails here.

It remains to be seen whether these SDF-built tractors will be an addition to existing Massey Ferguson ranges already on offer, or it could simply be that the aim is to plug the gap between the current Iseki-built models.

To gain further sales in the low-powered tractor segment, a three-series line of Massey Ferguson 2025 compact tractors in what is being billed as more than just a refresh of the line-up was released into the US market this week.

This tractor range that features the MF 1M.25 as the flagship model is available in three series including the Premium Series with power from 18 to 44kW (24.8 to 60.3hp) designed for daily jobbing to light paddock work.

The second series in the line-up the MF Compact-Economy Series has power from 17 to 42kW (24 to 57.3 hp) and is able to offer a range of configurations.

While the MF Sub-Compact Series offers power from 16.5 to 18kW (22.5 to 24.5 hp) designed for weekend hobby farmers and first-time operators.

Massey Ferguson could become the leading low-powered tractor specialist if you add the 2025 three Series compact tractor line-up released in the US this week to the proposed AGCO SDF global models

What AGCO and SDF have to say

“AGCO and Massey Ferguson’s farmer-first approach is centred on creating a consistently exceptional experience for our customers,” explains Luis Felli, senior vice president and general manager of Massey Ferguson.

“We are extremely proud to have a partner like SDF who shares our passion for serving the world’s farmers. This partnership will strengthen Massey Ferguson’s position in the low-power tractor segment globally, allowing us to provide more farmers with straightforward, dependable and high-quality equipment to drive their productivity and maximise profit,” Luis Felli concluded.

And while final specifications are yet to be released it is expected this model range will be offered with several powertrain options to match the needs of farmers across all world markets.

AGCO expects the refreshed Massey Ferguson portfolio to boost market share considerably in the tractor power segment up to 63kW (85hp).

SDF is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of tractors, harvesters, electric self-driving tractors and diesel engines

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement, which highlights the efficiency of SDF’s vertically integrated production system in all our facilities,” commented Alessandro Maritano, SDF Chief Commercial Officer.

“This confirms the value of our in-house expertise and know-how in designing and manufacturing proprietary core components, ensuring excellence and innovation worldwide,” Alessandro Maritano concluded.

Both AGCO and SDF appear determined to make the collaboration work as they have set ambitious targets for the partnership, that includes boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty across all world regions.

A goal expected to be achieved by leveraging Massey Ferguson and SDF’s joint expertise and capabilities to meet farmers’ needs.

The partnership is also positioned to drive profitable growth by applying leverages to employ high-quality manufacturing and achieve cost savings from economies of scale.

The Massey Ferguson global distribution network will begin transitioning to the AGCO/SDF joint venture models in mid-2025 in the northern hemisphere with a phased approach across most global regions to follow quickly.

Massey Ferguson is expected to gain market share quickly with the 1M, 1E, 2M, 2E, and 1GC models released this week in the US including models with enclosed cabs and open operator stations

AGCO extensive reach worldwide

AGCO is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers value to farmers and OEM customers through its differentiated brand portfolio, including leading brands Fendt®, Massey Ferguson®, PTx and Valtra®.

AGCO’s full line of equipment, smart farming solutions and services is available to farmers worldwide. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth Georgia USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately US$11.7 billion in 2024.

SDF specialist manufacturer

SDF is an Italian multinational company based in Treviglio Italy, is among the world leaders in the production of tractors, agricultural harvesting machines, autonomous electric tractors and diesel engines. SDF distributes its products under the brands SAME, DEUTZ-FAHR, Hürlimann, Grégoire and VitiBot.

The current SDF tractor line-up covers a power range from 18 to 247kW (25 to 336hp). In nearly a century of history, SDF has contributed significantly to the mechanisation of the agricultural sector, leading a successful international expansion path and being a driver of the digital transformation of agriculture.

SDF also produces “smart tractors” designed for increasing operational efficiency and productivity with a focus on Agriculture 4.0. SDF has the benefit of 8 production sites, 14 sales subsidiaries, 2 joint venture, 155 importers and over 3,100 dealers and it employs more than 4,400 people worldwide. In 2023, SDF recorded revenues of Eu€2.031billion and an EBITDA of 15.9%.