Massey Ferguson 8S Dyna E-Power becomes the first tractor to complete the Morocco Desert Challenge and beats almost half the field
A modified Massey Ferguson 8S Dyna E-Power tractor completed the Morocco Desert Challenge course in 75th place out of 144 competitors in all categories and registered fourth from eight entrants in the truck category.
The milestone feat emphasises how versatile and adaptable the MF 8S can be. This achievement adds to MF tractor’s existing successes in the most demanding environments including the Antarctica 1 and 2 missions, along with the World Ploughing Record.
“The team involved did a fantastic job preparing the tractor for this adventure and it demonstrates that the MF 8S can handle any obstacle and operate efficiently in every environment. We are thrilled to be the first tractor to complete this demanding race,” explains Jérôme Aubrion, Director MF Europe & Middle East.
“The synergy between customer, dealer, and brand has been reflected throughout this achievement: it is a great example of how a customer idea shared with a dealer can become a successful story supported by the Massey Ferguson brand,” Jérôme adds.
The adaption of the MF 8S from a premium agricultural tractor to a rally-ready model was partly down to Gilles Kuffer, Director of Kufferagri Sàrl. He outlined how transforming a tractor into a racing machine was an incredible engineering challenge.
“This project highlights the skill of agricultural mechanics and everything these professionals can achieve,” added Gilles. “It’s an incredible human adventure.
“It brings together resources and skills around a shared goal. It wasn’t just the operators who were involved; there was a complete team that enabled the tractor to set off again each day. The attention and enthusiasm from the public has also been a real pleasure.”
Race modifications
As the first tractor to complete a Rally-Raid, several modifications were necessary to the MF 8S to comply with race rules. The tractor was equipped with Michelin Evobib VF 600/70 R30 on the front and VF 710/70 R42 at the rear.
Included, was a PTG central tyre inflation system, capable of a 3.5-minute inflation or deflation time from an 1800 l/min compressor – an option from the customisation centre based in Beauvais France.
External additions to the tractor included a full roll cage around the cab to protect operators; a spare wheel mounted on the rear with a 180° pivoting crane, a second fuel tank and modified controls.
Two racing seats were fitted with harnesses, there was an independent hydraulic rear lift and front hydraulic lifting system, along with modification of the front axle suspension. The side windows were replaced with polycarbonate, and installation of camera mirrors were installed to record the event.
The race-ready Massey Ferguson 8S Dyna E-Power tractor could reach a top speed of 75kph.
Protect-U design
In the heat of the Moroccan desert, the Protect-U design of the MF 8S featured a distinctive 240mm (9.5-in) gap between the cab and bonnet, which was essential to limit heat transfer from the engine to the operating environment.
The spacious cab, with 6.6m2 of glass area and an interior volume of 3.4m3, was large enough to be customised and accommodate two racing seats side by side, with offset driving controls.
The MF 8S kept operators cool in the desert from the 14 air conditioning outlets positioned strategically throughout the cab. The unique Protect-U design also optimises engine cooling.
Air is drawn from behind the engine, rather than from the front like traditional systems, which maintains a clean air feed into the system, reducing the load of the tractor’s main air filter.
MF 8S ready for any challenge
Since the MF 8S was introduced in 2020, it has built a reputation for being a versatile paddock and haulage tractor. Powered by a 7.4-litre AGCO Power engine, it has been specially programmed for the race, achieving 294kW (400hp) while maintaining exceptional dependability even in extreme conditions.
The modified MF 8S had a standard Dyna E-Power dual-clutch transmission fitted, which combined the operational benefits of a continuously variable transmission with the ability to transmit power as efficiently as a mechanical transmission.
The Dyna E-Power was the obvious choice for negotiating the challenging terrain of sand dunes as the tractor required maximum power to the ground without breaks in delivery during gear or range changes.
The team added this overall statement about the effectiveness of the transmission, “The gearbox performed exceptionally well, demonstrating impressive responsiveness. After more than 2000 km of rigorous testing and over 13 hours of continuous gear changes, it proved itself worthy of a true competition-grade sequential gearbox.”
See more about the Massey Ferguson 8S Dyna E-Power tractor ready for farm duty on this link.
Massey Ferguson 8S Dyna E-Power tractor specs
