In a hotly contested field of class leading tractors in the less than 88kW (120hp) category it was the Massey Ferguson MF 5S Series that came away with first prize
Massey Ferguson’s versatile MF 5S Series has won the Farm Machine 2023 Award for tractors less than 88kW (120hp) from the Groupe La France Agricole presented at a special ceremony at the SIMA Show in Paris France.
Offering best in class visibility and an industry-leading 4m turning radius, with the narrowest of steep-nosed bonnets and a host of practical functions it was enough to set these models apart and take out the award.
And while the MF 5S Series are also seen as supreme loader tractors, they have the option of a front axle suspension, and with a high payload and enormous linkage capacity these models are also a powerful performer in the paddock and for transport. See our previous story before the Award was announced for a more in depth look on this link.
“It is a great honour to receive this prestigious award, which is judged by international specialists. It is a great achievement for the whole Massey Ferguson team who designed this tractor with farmers,” says Thierry Lhotte, Vice President & Managing Director Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East.
“This latest accolade demonstrates how Massey Ferguson sets the standard in this important tractor sector”, says Jérôme Aubrion, Director Marketing Massey Ferguson, Europe & Middle East.
“The MF 5S Series blends the compact dimensions required by livestock and mixed farmers together with superb performance, ergonomics and comfort. A true multi-purpose workhorse, the MF 5S range offers the right choice of power and specifications to suit all applications.
These modern tractors also deliver straightforward operation and enhanced features with low ownership costs,” Jérôme Aubrion added.
High performance in the yard and paddock
The MF 5S Series includes five models with power from 77 to 107kW (105 to 145hp).
In both the Australian and New Zealand markets there is a choice of Essential or Efficient specifications, and these choices provide a range of performances that are designed to suit the different types of farm jobbing and applications.
All models in the Series are powered by AGCO Power 4.4-litre, four cylinder engines with straightforward ‘All in One’ SCR technology. Designed for the life of the tractor, this is perfectly integrated to maintain the visibility.
Transmission choice
MF 5S Series tractors come with a choice of either the Dyna-4 or Dyna-6 transmissions. There is also the Brake-to-Neutral function that disengages drive when the brakes are applied.
A supreme loader tractor
The MF 5S Series are ultimate loader tractors because they have been designed that way.
They are built with industry-leading manoeuvrability and best-in-class visibility that is down to just 4m due to the steep nosed bonnet, and they are fitted with an efficient closed-centre high-flow hydraulics system with flow up to 110 litres/min.
Loading operations are made much easier using the excellent transmission controls as well as Brake-to-Neutral and multifunction joystick. Visio Roof options also provide a clear view of the attachment through the whole lifting range.
All MF 5S Series models’ cabs are equipped to a high specification level, and for Efficient models there is the same armrest as fitted into the recently launched flagship MF 8S range.
The armrest houses the Multipad joystick that controls a number of functions including forward/reverse shuttle, linkage and spool valves.
Top Paddock performance
High performance out in the paddock is ensured with the robust three-point linkage, that is capable of lifting up to 6,000kg – 14% more than the previous models in this class.
Also developed for mounting with the new suspended axle, the latest front linkage is an integrated design that helps maintain the industry-leading 4m turning radius.
With front linkage capacity increased from 2,500 to 3,000kg, this enables operators to improve efficiency by carrying out two operations at the same time with larger, wider implements.
With its impressive 9.5-tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight, 12% heavier than before, the MF 5S Series models can also safely carry and handle larger loads.
Complete connectivity
For operators in touch with the latest technology, if required MF 5S Series tractors can be fully connected with MF Connect telemetry as an option.
This activates the Geofencing function that improves logistics management and security by sending alerts to smart phones and mobile devices if and when machines leave or enter pre-defined areas.
Massey Ferguson’s Datatronic 5 terminal is an option on Efficient variants. This ISOBUS compatible touch-screen operator information station monitors all the tractor functions and controls any compliant implements.
Easily operated through the Datatronic 5 terminal, MF E-loader enables operators to monitor the loader functions, weigh individual loads, automate the grapple operation as well as set-up and save automatic sequences for different loading cycles.
Datatronic 5 can also run MF Technologies/Smart Farming Suite providing precision farming functions including MF Guide automatic steering, as well as MF Section Control and MF Rate Control, that can now handle and manage up to 96 sections, three booms and five products.
Pre-installed MF TaskDoc software is used to create field records, as applied maps, log fuel use, make job reports as well as keep an accurate account of all inputs to every hectare.
For a farm operation seeking the most reliable and advanced model available in the 77 to 107kW (105 to 145hp) power category, its almost impossible to go past the Massey Ferguson MF 5S Series of tractors.
Find out more about owning a model in this leading utility tractor range on this link. Contact your local dealer on this link.
