Exclusive test drive with the Massey Ferguson MF 9S tractor.

Massey Ferguson definitively enters the competition for the large tractor market with the launch of the MF 9S series. With the presentation of these three models, the brand discontinues and replaces the production of the MF 8700S series, showcasing the advanced technology present in these models and heating up competition in the market for large, high-tech tractors.

The brand, previously limited in high power by the MF 8737S Dyna-VT model with 370 hp, now increases to 425 hp with the MF 9S.425 model, expanding its portfolio.

We, from the Agrotechnology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), at the invitation of Cultivar Máquinas magazine, had the opportunity to see this beast in action in the municipality of Campo Alegre do Goiás (GO), located approximately 200 km from the Federal District. At Fazenda Santa Fé, we had the chance to learn about its features and technological innovations, as well as to observe and operate the tractor with the new Momentum, featuring 28 rows and 50 cm spacing.

The MF 9S series, which has six models in Europe, was launched in Hannover at Agritechnica 2023 and is initially coming to Brazil with three models: the MF 9S.340 with 345 hp, the MF 9S.370 with 375 hp, and the MF 9S.425 with 425 hp. Internationally, it has received numerous awards and praised participation in various events and trade fairs.

It is a series, with greater power than the MF 8S Xtra, recently launched in the country and similar in several characteristics, but with justifiable technological advances in tractors of this size and engine power range. As with the MF 8S Xtra, the tractor model refers to its market position: the number 9 corresponds to the machine's size, the S to the technology level, indicating the high technological specification, and, after a decimal point, the maximum power obtained from the engine, expressed according to the ISO standard protocol.

By providing strategic support and handling all the logistics to ensure the test ran smoothly, the company sent top-tier technical specialists. Joining us were Eder Dornelles Pinheiro, Marketing Coordinator for Tractor Products, and, to support us with the Momentum tractor, Revis Roberto Severo da Silva, Marketing Coordinator for Application Equipment Products. Also assisting were Anderson Schofer, technical promoter for the harvesting area, and Luís Gustavo Oliveira, product specialist.

For much of the day, we observed the coupling, movement, and operation of the mechanized unit in a soybean planting area provided by the client. We had the opportunity to operate the unit and learn the details of its use.

Massey Ferguson's market outlook for these three models is quite positive. There are many potential customers for this tractor and the combination with the Momentum. It's easy to envision a customer who is a producer in large areas of the Brazilian Cerrado, mainly cultivating soybeans, corn, and cotton, especially a farmer with a business vision who seeks equipment with high, useful technology.

Also, with this power, Massey Ferguson reinforces its participation in the sugarcane market, mainly with those farmers who produce and supply to mills, and even medium and large mills that require technological items, such as those that favor the use of precision agriculture, offered in this series, and who, in particular, understand the importance and fully utilize the resources of a continuously variable transmission. But equally, Massey Ferguson must keep a close eye on the South American market, especially Argentina and Paraguay, where there is a culture of qualified professional producers.

About the engine

The engine powering the MF 9S series is the AGCO Power 6-cylinder engine, with a total displacement of 8,4 liters, which in the 9S.425 produces a maximum power of 425 hp at 1.850 rpm and a huge torque of 1.750 Nm at 1.500 rpm. This engine is widely used by the brand and has demonstrated quality in other AGCO models, both in Brazil and abroad. It is a new generation engine, in which maximum power is obtained at lower revolutions, therefore promoting fuel economy, less engine wear and also a significant reduction in pollutant emissions. In fact, this engine complies with pollution reduction regulations, meeting the rigorous European Stage V standard, which is more restrictive than the Brazilian standard, Proconve MAR-1.

An interesting feature present in this series that helps extend maintenance intervals is the "dust mode," which automatically, or by operator command, projects a jet of air to clean the engine's intake filter. This greatly helps protect the engine, keeping the tractor working throughout the day, even in conditions of excessive dust. 

Another interesting detail about this engine series is that it eliminates the need for periodic adjustment of the intake and exhaust valve clearances, as it is equipped with hydraulic tappets that do not require adjustment and self-adjust during use.

Regarding the transmission

The transmission used in this series is the Dyna-VT, which is the same as the MF 8S Xtra series, developed and manufactured by AGCO itself. The MF 8S series originally used the Dyna7, however, in the new MF 8S Xtra series, the transmission is the Dyna-VT, which uses automatic speed management (DTM). This is the standard transmission throughout the MF 9S series.

During the test, we always used automatic mode, fixing the travel speed. In this mode, there is total integration between the engine and the transmission, so that the instantaneous load is measured by the system and both the CVT system and the engine speed adjust to maintain the travel speed. As the transmission is continuously variable, gears are not used, since these are infinite, but the engine speed is always prioritized to maintain the travel speed, with maximum engine efficiency.

All the data available to the company indicates that, in this mode, the best overall efficiency is achieved, maximizing fuel economy. In short, in automatic mode, which is activated by a switch on the side console, the travel speed is set by the operator and, under instantaneous load, the engine and transmission adjust to maintain this speed.

However, for those who wish to use the tractor in a conventional way, there is the manual mode, in which the operator controls the engine speed with the accelerator pedal and the speed with the multifunction control. It is a waste of technology, but it is understood as an alternative way of using it.

In this transmission, travel speeds range from 30 m/h to 30 km/h in operation and up to 40 km/h in transport. In reverse, the speed is limited to 16 km/h in operation and 30 km/h in transport, for safety reasons.

The front axle is driven and features a QuadLink mechanical suspension, controlled by the operator directly from their seat.

Hydraulic system

This tractor has a category 3 three-point hydraulic system, with an option for category 4, capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 12 tons on its lower arms.

As is typical for this range and technological level of tractors, the hydraulic circuit is closed-center, capable of delivering flow rates of 205 l/min at 1.650 rpm using an Eco pump, and 340 l/min at 1.650 rpm using two pumps simultaneously. The maximum system pressure is 200 bar, and the Power Beyond system is standard. Six remote control valves are included as standard.

 Comfort and ergonomics

One of the positive features of this new series and the model we tested is the ergonomic aspect, especially the quality of the cabin. From the first moment we encountered the MF 8S Xtra series and now the MF 9S, this point was striking, giving us the impression that we were dealing with a premium product. We highlight some points that impressed us and caught our attention during the test.

Externally, it can be seen that this series maintains the 18 cm separation between the engine compartment and the cab, known as Protect-U. This opening is a design detail that aims to create a division between the structure that emits heat, noise and vibration, in this case the engine, and the cab, which needs to be protected. This improves thermal comfort and reduces noise and vibration in the operator's station.

Entering the cabin via a comfortable six-step staircase and a wide door opening, one notices that it is enormous, with a volume of 3,4 m³ and a glazed area of ​​6,6 m², according to the manufacturer's data. Once seated in the main seat, this difference becomes even more apparent, as the view is very wide, mainly due to the design of the hood, which is positioned lower and with its front inclined downwards. 

The main seat is excellent and features pneumatic vibration damping, surface heating, and a new armrest. Another distinguishing feature is the articulated headrest, which facilitates the operator's body movement to view the implement behind the tractor. The side console is integrated into the seat, with the Datatronic 5 Terminal monitor in front. More information about the tractor's operation is also displayed on the monitor attached to the right front column. The Datatronic 5 monitor controls all tractor functions, such as autopilot and control of attached machines, and is prepared for precision agriculture and diagnostics, in addition to having a camera image on one of its screens. To change screens, simply swipe horizontally, as we are used to with a mobile phone.

Regarding maintenance, access to the engine is excellent, with a huge hood opening and other features, such as the aforementioned automatic engine air filter cleaning. There are large air intakes and heat outlets on the sides of the hood, mainly directed towards the warmer regions of our country.

An important operational aid is the lighting, which in this model has LED headlights and features 16 spotlights to illuminate in all directions.

Dimensions and characteristics

For the Brazilian market, this tractor will come with dual wheels on both axles, with large 650/60R34 tires on the front and 710/75R-42 tires on the rear. With all ballast, the tractor can reach a mass of 18.500 kg. At the front, with a ballast of 1.500 kg, its support and lower weights distribute a portion of the weight to the front axle.

The wheelbase is 3.100 mm and the fuel tank volume is 660 liters, plus 68 liters of AdBlue (Arla 32), important for providing autonomy for a long workday. In this tractor, the pollution reduction system is of the SCR type and uses automotive liquid reducing agent for nitrogen oxides (Arla), which transforms NOx into nitrogen and water in vapor form.

Technological highlights

It's difficult to highlight specific features in a piece of equipment as technologically advanced as the MF 9S series tractors. However, among the many highlights of this new series, one that stands out positively is the maneuvering assistance. Using MF AutoTurn and Autoheadland, it's possible to fully program the headland turn. A second highlight is the new generation and evolution of the autopilot, MF Guide, from PTx Trimble, offering precision options via radio signals and also correction signals at the most precise level.

Also related to tractor maneuvering and steering, SpeedSteer allows the operator to set the number of steering wheel turns required to move and change the steering angle of the wheels. These technologies aim to increase operational efficiency by reducing downtime on the road.

With MF Connect, it's possible to record data for later analysis and planning of usage and operation. With this system, a central control room can view the work and record monitoring parameters in real time. Reports can be generated for sharing and joint analysis. It can also serve to protect assets, with alarms transmitted whenever the machine leaves designated lines. This package is available to the customer for up to five years after purchase.

In this series, it is possible to control up to 24 sections with MF Section Control and five products of a machine through MF Rate Control. For example, in seeders and sprayers, it is possible to control up to 24 sections or rows. Finally, a front camera assists in visualizing some strategic points of the tractor.

New Momentum

But testing the new MF 9S series tractor wasn't the only new thing from our experience in Goiás. Attached to the MF 9S.425 was the latest version of the Momentum, which will now be available on the market starting at Agrishow 2026, along with the MF 9S.

The new Momentum enters a competitive market to compete with 30- to 40-row machines, with row spacing of 45 cm and 50 cm. This new machine is mounted on a large chassis, increasing the flexibility needed to contour the terrain. The 30-row model can come with a package for seed and fertilizer application, with the option to reduce to 28 rows, increasing the spacing to 50 cm. The 40-row version is offered for seed application only, also with the option to increase the spacing to 50 cm, reducing the number of rows to 38. The entire metering system has been updated with Precision Planting equipment: the vSet2 metering system, the vDrive electric motor drive system, and the renowned new-generation 2020 monitor.

Coupling remains possible via the drawbar, but also via a semi-mounted system, using the crossbar at the two lower points of the three-point hydraulic system, with the Power Beyond system of modern tractors, for machine movement and control during sowing.

The machine comes from the factory with a rear camera, which we used in the test and can show the operator an image of the already sown surface.

Another highlight concerns the new and larger fertilizer and seed storage tanks. There are three tanks with a capacity of 3.900 liters of fertilizer, and therefore three sections, with the product being distributed to the rows by air current. The seed storage tanks are two in number and now have a capacity of 4.500 liters.

For us, the biggest positive point during the test was analyzing the new weight transfer system, which standardizes the individual pressure on the wing lines. This system transfers the central load of the machine to the sides, standardizing the cutting pressure on the straw, the opening of the furrow, and the deposition of seeds and fertilizers, which improves emergence, plant uniformity, and consequently, productivity. Another advantage is the reduction of pressure on the central support and transport wheels, which decreases soil compaction. When folded for transport, the machine measures 3,60 m, making it possible to transport it with a tractor.

The machine arrives from the factory to the customer with three seed disc options, a complete toolbox, a cleaning water tank, work lights, and a rear camera.

Also new features include an increase in row length to improve material flow from the surface, the development of new electrical/electronic harnesses, and the new vApply Granular fertilizer distribution system from Precision Planting. Provision was also made for a space to accommodate an inoculant tank. Installation of this system is facilitated and easily incorporated into the design.

AGCO's field team for agronomy and agricultural solutions conducts research evaluating various production parameters and the financial gains of different alternatives.

By José Fernando Schlosser, Nema - UFSM