Massey Ferguson is a heritage brand here in New Zealand. Many of these iconic tractors have been around longer than grandad’s strainer posts (or helped put them in for that matter), so the new generation was always going to be an interesting test for the Tractor Showcase.
While the AGCO Power 6.6-litre engine hasn’t been around as long as the aforementioned strainer post, it has certainly been a mainstay for farmers and contractors alike for more than a decade.
The 7S is a relative newcomer to the market on the back of the success of the 7600 and 7700 Series. Like its big brother, the 8S, the 7S signifies a throwback to the heritage of the brand with the original grey colour cab making a comeback. Unlike this subtle reference to the past, the features and technology of this machine were absolutely original.
Engine
The 6.6-litre, Tier 2, AGCO Power engine in the 7S.155 model pumps out 155hp, with a 20hp boost under certain conditions. These conditions are stated as above 0.5km/hour and then for transport from 6km to 18km/hour, it progressively activates with engine load. Over 18km/hour is where the max ‘boost’ is available.
The engine is slung low in Massey Ferguson tractors, which give great stability. When the 7S.155 is in idle, it drops to 750rpm, which is a nice fuel-saver. A large 305-litre diesel tank, with 600-hour service intervals and a two-year/2000-hour standard warranty round out a decent package to maximise time spent in the field.
Unlike many of the other radiators, these don’t stack fold. Instead, there’s enough room between them to stick your hand
in and remove the largest debris or clean it with compressed air. Another unique feature of the Massey Ferguson is the fact it has twin alternators. Admittedly, we went down a bit of a rabbit hole discussing this particular feature but did come to the conclusion that night performance for contractors was indeed less of a drain on the single alternative.
Transmission
Massey Ferguson is still bringing its machines in two spec levels: Efficient and Essential, with the Dyna 6 transmission the centrepiece for both. A longstanding transmission that has been around for more than 20 years, it has a reputation of easy use and reliability.
Demonstrating the confidence of the brand behind this is its impressive 1800-hour service interval (filter change every 600 hours) to boot. The 24×24-speed, four-range, 6-speed powershift is a fantastic transmission to use.
Functionality-wise, the transmission can be controlled from three places: the power controller (most people refer to this as the Dynashift shuttle lever), the main transmission joystick (Multipad lever), and the loader multifunction joystick. Ranges can be skipped by holding a button on the back of the main joystick and pushing the joystick right forward or back depending on what you want to do.
Overall, the Massey Ferguson by far had the most customisation of any of the tractors we tested. Some may argue that there were too many buttons, but you know the old adage ‘better to have it and not use it’ is definitely true when it comes to tractors.
Operator environment
Right: Check out the buttons: the main armrest multifunction lever (left) and fully integrated armrest joystick (right)
Jumping into the bright, light-coloured cab with dark trim certainly has a nice feel to it, particularly given that this was the ‘Efficient’ spec with lots of fruit. For those who like customisation and buttons, this was the pick of the Showcase in that aspect. Despite being a 6-pillar cab, it had good visibility out the front, thanks to the wasp-shaped bonnet. Loader-wise, this was excellent. Looking forward but keeping an eye out the back was no drama, thanks to wide-angle two-piece mirrors. Curved back windows allow unparalleled visibility for wider implements. When day turns to night, up to 16 LED lights can be spec’d. Other features worth mentioning:
- Buttons on the B-pillar within easy reach for quick reference
- Speed steer
- Brake to neutral on/off button on the B-pillar
- Datatronic 5 is the name of the in-cab monitor and is much simpler and easier to navigate around than previous generations of the Datatronic
- Cab suspension as standard
- The exhaust is in line with the A-pillar, giving fantastic visibility
- Daily checks can be done at ground level
- You have to pick the shuttle control and stick to it but there are three places where you can
- Plastic steps built into the diesel tank are large and avoid rust issues
- The battery is basically imprisoned
Loader
The 7S was fitted with a FL4323 self-levelling, which is essentially a Q6M Quicke loader, with mechanical self-levelling, and comes loader-ready from the factory with towers and integrated mid-mount with armrest control. Bar axle and pivoting front mudguards made manoeuvrability with the loader a doddle; it felt well balanced, thanks to the 2.88-metre wheelbase.
Q Companion is an optional extra, which gives on-the-go weighing and can be connected via Bluetooth to your phone.
Hydraulics, linkage, PTO
Some good features here include the 110-litre-per-minute CCLS pump as standard (with an optional 150 litres per minute). Also, decompression levers on the hydraulic spools and upside-down assist rams provide grunt for the 9.6-tonne lift capacity, which is more than ample for this size machine. The tractor we tested was fitted with four rear spools, two electric, and two mechanical. In addition, it has a mid-mount valve that the loader is plumbed into. This is controlled by the handy armrest-mounted joystick.
Four-speed PTO with electronic speed selection and trailer brakes as standard round out a solid rear-end package for
the Massey Ferguson.
Performance/judging summary
Certainly, the Massey Ferguson 7S.155 was the most customisable tractor that we tested at this event. Loader work with the 7S was a pleasure. Its stability is exceptional, thanks to the longest wheelbase, bar axle, low-slung engine, good visibility with wasp bonnet, and the well-integrated electronic loader joystick. We thought the linkage unlock was harder than needed to be but liked how well protected the assist rams were from the corrosive farm environment and big front and rear guards, which covered the tyres well.
Boasting a strong hydraulic and engine package, combined with the well-respected and functional transmission, and all the other pluses, make this model simply too good not to be a strong contender for any farming operations.
Top 5 features
- Tier 2 engine, low idle with the best/most practical ‘boost’ functionality
- Visibility from the cab due to the wasp bonnet and exhaust in line with the A-pillar out front and the curved windows around the back
- Multifunction joysticks with the most configurability we’ve seen at the showcase
- Impressive lighting package
- Loader functionality was notable with fantastic stability, thanks to the long wheelbase, bar axle, integrated loader joystick, and the brake to neutral
| Tractor | Massey Ferguson 7S.155 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6-cylinder/6.6L |
| Stated max horsepower | 175hp |
| Emissions level | Tier 2 |
| Transmission | Semi powershift |
| Number of gears | 24x24 |
| Hydraulic capacity | 110L/m |
| Tyre size | 650/65R38 rear, 540/65R28 front |
| Service interval | 600-hour engine, 1800-hour transmission |
| Warranty | 2-year/2000-hour |
