Exclusive Test Drive with the MF 8S .265 tractor and Momentum 18 seeder

After traveling all over Brazil, carrying out tests with different machines and brands, to open the year 2024 we had the opportunity to do this test at our home, the central campus of the Federal University of Santa Maria, with a combo between the Massey tractor Ferguson, from the MF 8S series, model MF 8S.265, and the 18-row Momentum seeder.

The MF 8S series is global and the tractor models from this series that are in Brazil were presented at Agrishow 2022 and began to be sold here from 2023. Although there is an intention to start manufacturing here in Brazil, for now the tractors that arrive are produced at the AGCO unit in Beauvais, France. Initially, 50 units were brought, all of the complete version, of the 265 hp model. AGCO reserved two units, which are circulating in several states, for testing and demonstration to potential customers. The other units were sold, already in pre-sale, throughout Brazil, four of which are already in operation in the state of Rio Grande Sul, with the complete set, tractor and seeder.

However, abroad, the MF 8S series has two more models, in addition to those brought to Brazil, the MF 8S.285, with 285 hp, and the MF 8S.305, with 305 hp. When we get to know the tractor, the technology on board and the comfort that was included in this series are notable. We learned about its performance, features and new features in the field, with the tests we underwent using this combo with the 18-line Momentum.

Massey Ferguson's strategy for Brazil is to sell the mechanized combination of this tractor, together with the 18-row Momentum seeder. This set is technically sized to serve the market in the south of the country, where traction requirements are greater due to direct planting, the predominance of clayey soils and the use of machete furrowers. For the Brazilian Central-West region, the combo can be assembled with the MF 8S.265 and a 24-row Momentum seeder. In situations other than these extremes, each particular situation can be adapted by combining the tractor with the 20 and 22 row Momentum seeders. With this, sets can be assembled that suit different classes of soil and production systems and different travel speeds.

This tractor presents a new concept, which does not correspond to the models manufactured by the brand in the country. In the design of this series, the opinions of producers from all over the world were taken into account. For the global study called “The Voice of the Customer”, interviews were carried out with consumers of tractors in the 250 hp to 300 hp range and these resulted in the values ​​that producers expect from a tractor of this class. In the end, bringing together all the information, we arrived at a result, which is a combination of economy and comfort. To satisfy this customer's desire, Massey Ferguson developed the project with particular characteristics to produce a modern model, in which ergonomics and performance were combined with low maintenance and fuel consumption. Among other values ​​adopted in the project, the agility in operation and ease of maintenance stand out, as well as being 100% connected with current systems.

The MF 8S features a unibody configuration, but with a robust subframe, which runs from the front axle to the transmission. The front axle has an active suspension with double-action hydraulic pistons, with accumulators, a similar system introduced in Brazil, with the MF 7700 series from Massey Ferguson. This suspension improved operator comfort, maneuverability and performance, by providing more interaction between the front wheel and the terrain.

In the Tractor of the Year award, the Massey Ferguson model MF 8S.265 was chosen as Tractor of the Year 2021. The new features introduced, the style, the innovative power transmission, in addition to the cooling and hydraulic. The quality of the cabin and the complete technology package were also highlighted when announcing the winners. The European Tractor of the Year award was established in 1998 and aims to recognize agricultural equipment on the European market, judging products from different brands by a committee made up of professionals from the specialized press. The announcement of the winners takes place in parallel with Agritechnica, an agricultural fair in Hanover, Germany.

In Brazil, it received two awards in 2023, being chosen as the best tractor in the category above 200 hp and Tractor of the Year 2023.

Motor

The engine that powers the Massey Ferguson 8S.265 is a six-cylinder AGCO Power, with four valves per cylinder, a variable turbocharger, electronic wastegate, intercooler and 7.400 cm³ of volumetric capacity. With the electronic fuel injection management system, the power of the MF 8S.245 reaches 245 hp and the maximum torque reaches 1.100 Nm. In the model we tested, the power reaches 265 hp and the torque reaches 1.200 Nm. With the strict emission restriction requirement currently used in Europe, the engine meets high standards and therefore uses the SCR system, with urea as a catalyst.

During the test we saw that the engine's operating speed is significantly reduced compared to conventional engines, always below 1.900 rpm, which certainly results in a reduction in fuel consumption, noise and vibration, prolonging the engine's useful life and reduces polluting emissions.

Although there is no Massey Ferguson model in Brazil using this engine, there is a similarity with the one used in the MF 7700 series. The manufacturer's objective is to bring this design directly from the line that is currently being sold in Europe.

As the tractor came directly from the foreign market, some solutions draw attention when compared to what is sold here, such as, for example, the absence of articulation on the front radiators, for cleaning. However, another very practical solution is used with side covers that give access to the radiators, for inspection and removal of impurities.

It is also interesting to highlight the presence of the air filtration system, which, with reduced dimensions, favors better performance and retains a greater concentration of dust, in addition to easy access for filter maintenance.

Finally, the new feature that caught our attention the most is what the manufacturer calls “Protect U”. It consists of a physical separation between the engine compartment and the cabin, creating a very large space between the engine fairing and the cabin, so that the air that enters the intercooler is captured at a high level in relation to the ground, and This separation causes a significant reduction in noise and vibration inside the cab, further increasing comfort at the operator's station.

Transmission

In the MF 8S that came to Brazil, the power and torque transmission is the “Dyna-7 semi powershift”, with 28 forward and reverse speeds, divided into four groups and seven gears. For higher power models, manufactured in Europe, the transmission is CVT type.

The “Dyna-7” is a transmission that has a front powershift unit with seven gears, which are changed hydraulically with disc packages coupled to planetary systems, and a second part, where the four speed groups, mechanical, with gears are mounted. . The groups bring together typical speeds for different operations. The first group is intended for slow operations, up to five kilometers per hour, while the second group will be used for most agricultural operations, between five and ten kilometers per hour. The third group, in turn, is the one that meets fast working speeds, and the fourth group will be used for transport and displacement operations. It is noted that there is an overlap between the groups, in order to give the operator an alternative to work in more than one gear, to develop the same travel speed, being able to choose different engine rotation speeds.

During the test, in our opinion, the transmission was the highlight of the evaluation. There are two modes available for the work, an automatic one, “Dynamic Tractor Management (DTM)”, where the operator sets a target, which can be the travel speed and the interaction system between engine and transmission varies the rotation and/or speed. march. In this case, the system will change gears based on the load and speed parameters configured by the operator.

In operations where maintaining a certain speed is important, the system adapts and this parameter changes little. Currently, maintaining a constant displacement speed is increasingly required in the sowing operation by qualified producers. The second mode, which is manual, transforms the transmission into a four-group power shift with seven speeds each, with two work modes: field and transport. In the transport version, it is possible to change gears and groups without using the clutch. In field mode, when pulling an implement, there is the possibility of changing gears within each group of seven gears.

The use of the clutch is no longer necessary, except to start the engine, as a safety device, for changing between groups and in occasional cases such as coupling implements.

In terms of power take-off, the offer in the standard version is complete, that is, there is a speed of 540 rpm and 1.000 rpm, with an economical option in both speeds.

Hydraulic system

Machines and implements can be hitched using a robust drawbar and the arms of the three-point hydraulic system, closed center, category 3. Lifting capacity reaches an incredible 10.000 kgf. The maximum flow of the hydraulic system is 205 liters per minute and the maximum pressure reaches 200 bar, working at low working speeds, around 1400 rpm. To activate equipment by remote control, a number of five valves (VCRs) are standard and all can be continuous flow, with electronic control.

During our test we used the European coupling standard, in semi-assembled form, with the seeder hitch bar coupled by a cross member connected directly to the two lower arms of the hydraulic system.

The “Power beyond” system is used in conjunction with a closed center circuit and favors the performance of the tractor, adjusting the use of the hydraulic system, when the work is more demanding and the equipment requires a high oil flow, as is the case of a modern seeder.

Cabin

When it comes to the operator's station, there is a noticeable difference in standards between the majority of national tractors, and this model brings a demand from the European consumer. The cabin is of superior quality, with wide vision and many comfort components.

Access to the cabin is via a staircase with four well-arranged steps and the height of the first level is very low, which makes it much easier to climb up to the platform that gives access to the door. Although there are stairs on both sides, the one on the left serves as access to the cabin and the one on the right serves only for maintenance and adjustment of the mirrors.

Inside the cab, a pneumatically cushioned seat with heating and cooling control is available to the most demanding operators. As expected in a very advanced project like this, a lumbar adjustment is surprising, as it is pneumatic. For rearward viewing, you can rotate the seat and headrest approximately 30 degrees. A companion seat, mainly used in training, is available to the left of the main seat.

Some other simple details, which make a big difference, can be mentioned, such as the refrigerated compartment inside the cabin and below the passenger seat.

During the test, we confirmed the comfort provided to the operator, due to the combination of the active hydraulic suspension, the particular cushioning of the cab and the seat. All of this, together, provides a reduction in high and low frequency vibration during all activities, allowing operation at a maximum speed of 40 km/h, as well as in situations where it is necessary to overcome obstacles, such as terraces and ditches.

For interaction with the operator there are four interfaces. The dashboard, which on most tractors is positioned in front of the steering wheel, has been moved to the cab column. On the right side, on the console, two monitors are positioned, one which is the main one, called “Datatronic 5”, which informs the operator about the functioning of the tractor and the operation, while the second, the “Fieldstar 5”, is the which informs you about the operation of the Momentum seeder and is 100% compatible with the Isobus standard. Furthermore, the 20-20 monitor informs you about the agronomic part of sowing, offering information about the quality of the operation.

Dimensions and capacities

The model we tested is equipped with a 495 liter reservoir for fuel and 60 liters for the catalytic element of the EGR system (Arla 32).

On the front of the tractor, in addition to 12 weights of 55 kg each, there is the possibility of placing weights under the support. In Europe, it is common to use a frontal hydraulic system, however, as it is not commonly used in Brazil, counterweights were added in this space.

The dual wheels that equip the model we tested use 620/70R42 tires on the rear axle and 600/65R28 on the front axle. The maximum weight of the tractor is 16.000 kgf, but it depends on the model configuration.

Momentum 18

As mentioned at the beginning, the MF 8S will be sold preferably in a combo with the Momentum seeder, varying the number of rows according to the region and the characteristics of the customer's land. Availability is 18, 20, 22 and 24 lines, in the Seed and Seed&Fertilizer versions, with complete line monitoring, all to best meet the demand of each producer in each region of the country.

In the test, we used an 18-row Momentum seeder, mounted on a six-row central comb and six rows on the side wings on each side, with a spacing of 45 cm between rows.

The line is formed by a straw cutting disc, the first furrower, which can be a disc or machete, where the fertilizer is deposited, and the double disc, where the seeds are placed. Next to the double disc, the depth control wheels and behind the compactor, with two rubber wheels arranged in a V shape.

The width of the machine in the version we tested has a working width of 8,10 m and when closed for transport it reduces to 3,6 m, as required by law. The Smart Frame system, developed for this machine, allows self-leveling between the three sections, independently. The pressure received by the central comb can also be transferred to the side wings, using hydraulic pistons. In all Momentum models it is possible to work with a spacing of 45 cm or 50 cm between lines.

The Momentum seeder is an innovative design and is equipped with two reservoirs, one for seed and the other for fertilizer, with a capacity of 3.500 liters each. The seeder has two turbines, positioned on both sides of the machine, one that generates positive pressure and the other with negative pressure.

The seed dosing system is from Precision Planting, a company belonging to the AGCO group, which also owns the Massey Ferguson brand and allows the line-to-line seed flow to be turned off. From the central tank, an air current transports the seeds to the “vSet2” doser and doses with the help of the disc and a negative pressure stream. In addition to being able to apply at a variable rate, the system controls the flow, informing the operator. The fertilizer can be turned off in sections, from lines one to nine and ten to 18, and the machine automatically turns off the section when overlapping occurs.

An interesting feature that was found to be quite effective in the test is the mismatch of lines in the seeder, which in conditions of large amounts of corn straw facilitated the operation and proper functioning of the components, especially the opening of the furrows. The straw flows between the lines, preventing bushing. We also verified that the arrangement of the individual pressing system of the lines means that they follow the surface of the soil, adapting to the microrelief.

Examining the mechanical systems that make up the Momentum, a particular feature in terms of maintenance is identified, which is the absence of grease pins, which is achieved with special self-lubricating bushings.

On the day of the test, soybeans from the Zeus cultivar were sown and the machine was set to place 20 seeds per linear meter. The fertilizer applied was NPK 3-23-23, with a dosage of 300 kg/ha.

Final considerations

The MF 8S Series tractor represents a new concept of agricultural tractor in Brazil, mainly in the medium-large range. The Momentum seeder is consolidated and approved by the national market. As the manufacturer's proposal is to offer the combo, tractor and seeder, the objective is to provide the rural producer with a high-performance and technological mechanized set, properly sized.

As for the operation of the tractor, this first contact brought some very interesting findings. The rev range, both in the manual and automatic systems, is around 1.850 rpm, resulting in good engine performance, both in terms of reserve and use of torque and fuel consumption. We noticed, in both driving modes, that the engine is quite strong and could even pull more lines, in the particular test situation. We also looked very positively at the shape of the two-speed configuration, which can be selected for travel and maneuvers.

But the best impression we had of the tractor, besides the operator's station, was with respect to the transmission. The “Dyna-7 semi powershift” is very interesting, due to its two operating modes and having seven gears within the same group. When choosing a group, there are seven gear options to change manually and under load or in the automatic system, which the system can adjust to maintain the target speed. Switching from one group to another can be done when in transport mode.

It is also fair to highlight the quality of the cab, the positioning of the controls and the impressive level of information on the operation of the tractor and seeder available to the operator.

Test location

This month's Test Drive was carried out in the agricultural area of ​​the Polytechnic College of the Federal University of Santa Maria, in the municipality of Santa Maria/RS. The school, which was previously called Escola Agrotécnica de Santa Maria, founded on January 24, 1961, was transferred to UFSM on January 25, 1968 with the name Colégio Agrícola de Santa Maria. Subsequently, on February 22, 2006, it was renamed the UFSM Polytechnic College.

This teaching unit at UFSM aims to promote and provide basic education, initial and continuing training, secondary technical professional education and technological professional education. The school's history over the years has been focused on training professionals for the primary sector of the economy.

However, in recent years it has diversified its field of activity, offering professional alternatives. Currently, the school offers courses in different technological areas, such as: management and business; natural resources; food production; environment and health; infrastructure; information and communication and cultural production and design.

With regard to rural extension, Colégio Politécnico formed a partnership with Massey Ferguson, through the regional concessionaire Itaimbé Máquinas, so that the company provides agricultural machinery and technologies and the college provides extension activities, in the form of field days, technical demonstrations, in addition to data collection to validate the company's machines. Another activity that is being initiated is training for the brand's network and for producer customers.

During field days, the Advanced Farm 360 project, in conjunction with Massey Ferguson, brings together hundreds of participants, rural producers, students and teachers from UFSM at technology demonstration stations.

The agronomist, Eder Dornelles, from Massey Ferguson marketing, and Eduardo Ludtke, from Unicampo, were supporting us in this test. Technicians Eduardo Lima and Avacir Pinheiro also helped us, as well as personnel from the commercial area of ​​Itaimbé Máquinas, Gilson Pilon and Rafael Motta.