New launches for Massey Ferguson
24th July 2025
Massey Ferguson combined the launch of new 8S Xtra-series tractors with an opportunity for European agricultural journalists to visit its new Agrispace customer experience centre in early July. David Williams was there.
The 2,800m2 Agrispace building opened in April, with space for machines from across the entire range of products to be displayed under one roof.
A museum features a timeline of tractors and the company’s history, reminding visitors of the brand’s role in developing and manufacturing farming innovations. Outside, there is a test track where visitors can experience selected products, and this is complemented by interactive displays inside.
A 120-seat restaurant, capable of catering for large groups of visitors, is also part of the complex along with an auditorium and meeting rooms. Massey Ferguson expects 20,000 customers to visit Agrispace annually, by 2027.
MF 8S Xtra
The new MF 8S Xtra models build on the success of the multi award-winning MF 8S series, introduced in 2020. Since the 8S was launched, upgrades and improvements have been added and many of these are incorporated as standard equipment in the new Xtra versions.
Six models offer maximum power outputs from 205hp to 305hp, all using the same Agco Power 6cyl, 7.4-litre power unit.
All models except the MF 8S.305 Xtra feature electronic power management (EPM) which boosts engine output by 20hp in certain situations. The 8S.305 Xtra always has maximum power and torque available.
Extra efficiency is provided by new cooling fan control software, releasing 5–10 extra horsepower for use at the wheels, PTO or hydraulics. The external cooling vents are larger, for increased air flow.
A new reversing fan option helps maintain maximum cooling efficiency by keeping vents and cooling packs free of dust and debris. At the event, product specialists demonstrated the reversible fan action by releasing handfuls of dry grass and leaves near the front grille.
These were ‘sucked’ against the mesh while the fan pushed air from the front to the rear, but when the reversible fan was activated then all the loose debris was blown clear.
Rather than changing its rotation, the optional reversing fan has hydraulic activated swivelling blades. When these are activated then the direction of air movement is reversed. Control is through the Datatronic 5 terminal.
Operator environment
The new Xtra models retain Massey Ferguson’s unique Protect-U 24cm gap between the encapsulated engine and the cab. This reduces operator noise levels and vibration and keeps the cab cooler.
The exhaust has a new, narrower profile which closely lines up with the cab A-pillar, allowing the operator an even better forward view.
Comfort is enhanced by a Dual-Motion seat option. There are also electrically adjustable external rear view mirrors and a rear window demister.
The in-cab microphone has been relocated for better sound quality, and a new Entertainment Pack option comprises a dedicated 6.75in touch terminal mounted on the right-hand cab rail, including a DAB radio plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The pack also includes two high performance Focal-designed speakers.
Current 8S-series users will appreciate the Xtra version’s re-profiled steering wheel. This wasn’t fitted to the pre-series tractors at the event but will be available by the time full production commences this autumn. The new steering wheel has been added in response to operator feedback, featuring a flatter rim profile for easier ‘palming’ while manoeuvring.
360-degree LED lighting pack
The previous standard lights have been replaced by LEDs, and an LED 360-degree lighting pack can also be added.
Available previously only for the larger MF 9S-series flagship, the LED lighting set includes 20 ultra-bright LED work lights providing up to 51,500 lumens of lighting power, 17,400 more than its predecessor. Additional handrail-mounted LEDs increase visibility during road transport applications.
The Datatronic 5 touch terminal is standard and the Fieldstar 5 terminal is an option, adding convenience for utilising Isobus controlled implements simultaneously with field maps and GPS guidance.
Precision farming upgrades include MF AutoTurn which carries out headland management sequences and turns automatically, MF SectionControl with control of up to 96 individual sections and AEF Isobus certification.
Extra convenience
Outside, new features include optional hydraulic valve decompression levers, replacing standard push-in connectors on the base Efficient version.
Additional options available through the MF By You workshop include a Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS).
Comfort and convenience
The event included opportunities to try new MF 8S Xtra models with all three types of transmission, and in fieldwork and road transport applications.
For a powerful tractor, the large 3.4m3 cab is extremely quiet. The base Dyna-7 transmission is a semi-powershift but stepping up to the Dyna E-Power increases efficiency and ensures a smoother ride.
The Farmers Guide test driver tried the dual-clutch electronic transmission pulling a 23t trailer on roads and soft fields. Manual or automatic shift modes are available, with gear range changes taking place automatically.
Climbing a steep slope under full power while manually changing up through the gears, there was no loss of drive as the twin clutches pre-selected the next ratio, including range changes when required.
Changing back down through the gears, the display sometimes indicated that the system had shifted down two gears rather than one, due to the automatic speed matching system compensating when a range change had occurred too.
Dyna-VT continuously variable transmission is an option for models up to the 8S.265, and standard on more powerful 8S.285 and 8S.305 machines.
Offering maximum flexibility with infinite speed control, it proved extremely smooth and made it easy to make small adjustments to the travel speed while the engine revs remained constant.
The demonstration took place on one of the hottest days of the year so far, but the powerful air conditioning and ventilated seat was more than capable of maintaining a cool and comfortable working environment.
MF By You workshop
The MF By You workshop at the Beauvais factory allows a range of specialist or complex options to be fitted by MF experts, ensuring homologation requirements are met and that the tractor’s warranty is maintained.
In 2024, 25% of tractors visited the MF By You workshop before being dispatched. Customisations ranged from bespoke paint finishes to special tyre and rim fitments as well as safety, comfort or agronomy options.
Central Tyre Inflation Systems are gaining popularity and MF By You manager, Aymeric Vaudez said that for a dealer to install a kit takes more than 40 hours, while the more familiar MF By You team installs one kit per week, and completes the task in under 20 hours making this a more cost-effective option.
New handler transmission
Massey Ferguson recently announced its latest Dyna-CT transmission for selected models in its TH telehandler line-up.
Rather than utilising a hydraulic pump, motor and a transfer box, the Dyna-CT system has one pump driving a pair of hydraulic motors. There is no mechanical transfer box, and virtual high-and low-speed operating modes are used instead.
Maximum pushing and pulling power are available across the speed range and the new transmission is expected to prove popular for the most demanding applications, explained Massey Ferguson telehandler product specialist, Eloise Boone.
Additional new functions offering extra operator convenience are available only on the new Dyna-CT handlers, including a maximum speed limiter, automatic engine stop & start, cruise control and dynamic tractor management for optimum fuel economy.
With dynamic tractor management mode activated, the accelerator pedal sets the travel speed, while the engine and transmission are automatically managed to keep engine revs to a minimum as the working load changes.
Smaller models, big tractor styling
Farmers Guide also took advantage of an opportunity to test drive new 1M-series tractors, launched in May.
There are two models: the 1M.20 with a 3-cyl 1,123cc 20hp engine and mechanical transmission, and the 1M.25 with a 3-cyl 1,498cc 25hp power unit and stepless hydrostatic transmission.
As well as updated styling including the distinctive MF sabre, new features include a factory-fitted cab, enhanced controls, a mid-PTO, external PTO controls, additional lighting options and new cutter decks.
The 1M.25 at the event had the new cab fitted. For the size of tractor it is surprisingly large, with good all-round visibility and effective air conditioning. A drive around an obstacle course demonstrated the tight turning circle and excellent manoeuvrability. With up to 900kg hydraulic lift capacity and a wider range of tyre and wheel options, the new models are likely to be popular.
Training anytime and anywhere
MF How To tutorial videos are now available. The concise training videos have been designed by MF product specialists and can be conveniently accessed from anywhere with an internet connection using product-specific QR codes.
These are being installed now at the factory in the cabs of S-series tractors, with additional tractor models and other products due to be added later. Content ranges from basic set-up instructions to advanced precision farming features.
Will told Farmers Guide that since the 8S series tractors joined the range five years ago, they have proved extremely popular with owners and operators. “They were unique with operators central to the design,” he explained.
“The cab is fabulous in terms of its space and comfort, and from the narrow waisted bonnet to the slim exhaust profile and the biggest windscreen wiper on the market, the visibility is second to none.
“The new Xtra models build on the successful 8S series with modern features we are increasingly asked for including the reversing fan and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
“The Xtra brand name is renowned in the industry, having appeared in the past only on selected Massey Ferguson models offering the highest productivity and efficiency, and these new tractors are bound to attract considerable interest with their excellent comfort and high specification that will allow them to compete easily with any other brand.”
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