Massey Ferguson launched its six model 6700S tractor range at the tail end of 2016, its successor, the 6S series previewing in 2021 with the first units arriving on farm from 2022. Now these 6S models are starting to trickle onto the used market, buyers may face choosing between a late 6700S or newer 6S. Which will make the better investment?

Massey Ferguson could previously be accused of baffling non-red brand followers with its tractor model line-up, with two different tractor series, the 6700 Global and 6700S both having similar numbers on bonnets of these two tractors but targeting different users.

By simply dropping the ‘700’ element of the ‘S’ series, there is now much clearer water between the 4.9 litre 6S models and the economy focussed 4.4 litre 120hp 6712 Global and the 130hp 6713 Global. In fairness, few would have been confused between these ranges for long, but what about a used buyer faced with the choice of a late 6700S and current 6S series? This is less easy. On paper these different tractor generations appear to offer much the same in terms of power and specification.

Used prices will of course play their part in any buying decision. Compare a late 6700S with a 6S of similar power and hours and the latter may appear to carry a hefty premium. The problem, however, is you need to compare like for like alternatives which is never straightforward. What follows may at least help with some of the basics. 

HOW LONG, HOW HEAVY, HOW TALL?

A 6700S or 6S will be just over 5.0m long with a front weight pack, have a 2.67m wheelbase and weigh in at between 5,500 to 6,000kg without ballast. Gross vehicle weights range from 8,800kg to 11,500kg dependent upon model and transmission, Dyna-VT models having the higher capacity. Cab heights are around 3.0m without a beacon. In theory, as different tyres and specification packs can lead to variations.

Original four-pot 6700 S 

At launch in 2016, Massey Ferguson claimed the then new 6718S with a nominal 175hp was the first four-cylinder tractor to offer, when boosted by its Engine Power Management to reach 200hp. As with the other tractors in the then six-model 6700S line-up, power is supplied to all of these from an AGCO Power 4.9 litre four-cylinder engine, the power range spanning nominal 120hp to 175hp without boost. 

The engines in  these ‘first gen’ 6700S models meet Stage IV emission regulations, with full power delivered at 2,000rpm and maximum torque at 1,500rpm. Massey at the time said the aim was to deliver six-cylinder tractor driving characteristics matched to a more compact and lighter package. All models including the range topping 6718S, have a 2.67m wheelbase matched to a turn radius of 4.75m. 

With the exception of the ‘entry’ level 6712S, the 6713S and up were all available with Massey’s continuously variable Dyna-VT transmission, alternatives including Eco Dyna-4 that offers a 40km/hr transport speed at 1,850rpm. Also on offer were the then ‘new’ Dyna-4 and Dyna-6 gearboxes with selectable AutoDrive that can shift through the gears automatically according to the engine load and speed. It is the Dyna-6 that subsequently proved the most common spec choice.

6700S models share the same cab design as the larger 7700S, with standard mechanical suspension. The colour dash display was borrowed  from the Massey big guns the 8700 and includes SIS (Set Up and Information System) to set and monitor machine functions. As an option, a factory fit ‘Technology Pack’ to include Autoguide 3000 was offered, with launch tractors having a 12-inch touchscreen fitted to tempt early adopters.

Simple mechanical cab suspension system may not offer the same ride quality as its active alternative but has the advantage of simplicity. If there is wear in the system it is typically easy spotted and remedied.
It is well worth spending time to look over wiring and connectors. Electrical fault codes can be hard to trace but it is easier to spot damage to wires and connectors. Note bracket covering the cable. This is secured by a bolt that can work loose, leading to chaffing.

This multi-function C3000 precision farming package can control ISObus compatible implements, map and record operations and provide Auto-Section control with variable rate application where applicable. Essential and Efficient spec pack tractors, more on these later, will have been offered with a Fieldstar 5 terminal as the interface for precision farming, the Exclusive tractor specification package coming with a more advanced 7-inch Datatronic 4 system.

The MF 6700 S was seen as a step up from the four-cylinder 6600 models they replaced. The 4.9 litre engine was a new design, with 600 hour service intervals, plus there was greater transmission choice. Hydraulic output took a boost too,  the closed centre load sensing hydraulics most specified starting at 110 l/min rising to 190 l/min on Dyna-VT transmission models. 

Cat III rear linkage capacity will vary, 7,100kg for Dyna-4, 8,100kg for Dyna-6 and 9,600kg for Dyna-VT. The latter can have up to five rear remotes, the other transmissions four, to include a choice of mechanical, split mechanical and electric or full electric control. Most UK spec tractors will have closed centre hydraulics, but fixed gear pump options were offered on 6700S Dyna-4 models.

A point to note is that some earlier 50km/hr tractors were not fitted with trailer air brakes and basic open centre hydraulics were available. Check the specs of any used buy in other words.

6700S Stage IV engine tractors were offered with, from left to right, Essential, Efficient and Exclusive spec packages and a choice of Dyna-4, Dyna-6 and Dyna-VT transmissions. Later Stage V models follow a similar format, but Dyna-4, rarely specified anyway, was dropped and the Multipad joystick on Exclusive tractors changed to the design used on the later 6S. The Datavison 4 option offered on Stage IV models changed to the still current Datavison 5 on Stage V models.

Stage V 6700S – 2020 model year

Late in 2019, 6700S tractors were fitted with a revised 4.9 litre engine compliant with Stage V emission regs, with Massey dropping the 120hp 6712S to trim the range to five. Nominal power outputs also went up by 5hp per model, but boosted outputs remained the same. Much like the subsequent 6S in other words. A new Dyna-6 Super-Eco transmission was also offered as the only alternative to the Dyna-VT CVT, again matching what is offered on the 6 S.

Up in the cab, a Stage V 6700S with the Exclusive spec pack moved to the Multipad control taken from the 8S models and was now offered with the still current 9-inch Datatronic 5 touch-screen terminal, with MF Connect data monitoring. Essential and Efficient alternatives, like their equivalent 6S successors, stick with Fieldstar 5 as an option.  

Family ‘S’ style 

The differences between the 6S series and predecessor 6700S, particularly late Stage V models, are modest. Styling wise, 6S tractors have the same exterior ‘look’ as the 5S, 7S and  8S ranges, but otherwise these tractors are similar to what went before and as previously mentioned they develop the same power outputs as the 6700 S Stage V models. Even cab noise levels of 70dBA are the same. On the surface, a 6S is a late 6700S in new clothes and not that much different to an earlier 6700S either. 

The operation of the Multipad joystick has not changed but its design and button layout has evolved. Current 6S Exclusive (above) still has the same layout as previous 6700S but armrest is updated and the overall specification of the tractor has been improved.

If this was entirely accurate, it would make your used buying decision a lot easier. Go for a similar spec 6700S over a 6S of similar age and hours and save a chunk of cash in the process. Right? Nearly but subtle developments may sway you toward the later 6S. In broad outline, an 6S tractor will offer a bit more spec and niceties pro-rata over a 6700S. These can include:

  • standard air-suspended and heated seat 
  • mechanical or optional active cab suspension
  • Exclusive and Efficient versions with a new multi-function armrest connected to the seat to operate the engine, transmission, hydraulics, linkage and pto. Includes switches for the radio and phone
  • Transmission choice of  Dyna-VT Super Eco or Dyna-6 Super-Eco semi-powershift with AutoDrive. Super-Eco version of the Dyna-VT delivers 40km/hr at engine speeds as low as 1,450rpm
  • Both the 6S.165 and 6S.180 can be specified with larger Michelin VF650/60 R42 rear tyres 
  • Exclusive and Efficient cab models have radio, mobile phone and play media operated through the Datatronic 5 screen 
  • E-Loader option for factory fit front loader. Can weigh each load and initiate an automatic bucket shake function
  • Increased choice of hydraulic output.

Specification packs – they can vary!

Moving now to the main three Massey Ferguson factory specification packs. These can help guide you to the tractor’s past use in that the more basic Essential pack is well-suited to those seeking a simpler tractor, with Exclusive models tending toward a fuller spec. The trouble is, Massey has changed the package names and has offered different marketing packs as well. As an outline, packs can include:

Essential:  What you get with the Essential pack will vary between early 6700S and current 6S tractor models, but as the name suggests this is the entry level specification. More likely to have Dyna-4 or Dyna-6 transmission on a 6700S, Dyna-6 Super-Eco on Stage V tractors. Mechanical spools.  

Efficient: Stage V engine models will have seat armrest control . Choice of mechanical or electric spool control. A few upgrades that can include extra work lights.

Exclusive: Multipad lever that will differ between Stage IV and Stage V models, electronic spools, Datatronic. Overall specification is higher but there will be variations, with some tractors possibly doing without a feature you may expect. The later the tractor, the more tends to be bundled into the package.

Panoramic: Visio Roof. Can be matched to FL Series loader mounted to factory-fit loader sub-frame. E-Loader option includes bucket shake facility to automatically operate spool valves to assist filling and emptying the bucket or fork.

Massey Ferguson UK will also have offered various promotion specifications. As an example, some 6S tractors could have been offered with specific spec packs to suit ‘typical’ end user needs without having to raid the options list. These could include:

Base: Entry level all-round farm use. Few options to keep price down 

Guidance: Front linkage and basic guidance package

Loader: Basic loader package

As previously mentioned, these special and factory spec packs are perhaps better seen as an indication of the tractors target user. 

A Dyna-VT transmission tractor will typically have a more comprehensive spec, but some customers may not have wanted additional spool valves, Power Beyond, extra lighting, a front linkage or enhanced guidance software. You really do need to know what you need and ask if a given used buy has the spec you want.

Where fitted, the front linkage is rated at 3,200kg on all variants. A front 1,000rpm pto, delivered at 1,920 engine rpm, is not always fitted with a linkage.

This used shopping necessity is  easy to overlook. Adding guidance to some variants can be costly. Most recent tractors have an almost baffling list of options with some kit you may expect to be fitted not always coming as standard. 

Pre-buying pointers

It is worth thinking ahead to how you want the tractor to be maintained. It follows that a used buy with a good service record is worth more than one without, so consider this when it comes to protecting the tractor’s future residual value. 

Talk to your supplying dealer if you want to do some in-house maintenance. Although it is established that a ‘laptop’  loaded with appropriate software is part and parcel of servicing modern tractors there are tasks that will fall also outside the knowledge of a typical farm workshop. If there a balance of the manufacturer’s warranty is transferred, there will be servicing conditions that will need to be met.

As for finding the right tractor, the internet can make it easy to browse through a fairly long list of potential buys. Handy to get an idea of what is available and the prices but be realistic. It will typically cost less to buy from your nearest Massey Ferguson dealer or, if you are looking at non-franchised or private buy, you need to know what you are doing. 

Key checks

Overall condition. If you do not like what you see from a photo or from few paces away, things will be less likely to improve once you take a closer look. A seller is unlikely to turn down the request for a few extra pictures these days either. One area that can trip you up is tyre wear. An advertisement may list the tyres as 80% but not everyone adheres to same rules. Is that 80% tread remaining or are the tyres 80% worn? There is a big difference. At profi, we use the percentage to indicate roughly how much of the tread remains. Flip that around then that same 80% could well mean only 20% of the tyre lugs remain, with 25% typically being considered about as worn as you should go before replacement.

It also pays to check the type of tyre fitted too, VF ‘very high flexion’ tyres proving less of a rare find now the factory offer them as a cost option on a new tractor. Are the tyres on a used buy VF or increased flexion IF types or are they just traditional radials? Ask the question ahead of viewing.

As to more specific checks, some Dyna-6 transmissions could develop problems with the synchro between gears three to four. This can be caused by the operator repeatedly taking off in too a high a gear with a heavy load in tow. The four-wheel drive clutch can also fail following repeated extensive heavy braking from speed with a big load. Leaking spool valves can also be a problem, so take a good look at these as replacements are not cheap. 

Dyna-VT transmissions should not give trouble at even high hours with the caveat that they do need to be serviced to schedule and that the correct field/road range has been selected for the job in hand – the Marktoberdorf built ‘box has never liked trying to lug a plough in range II and will eventually spit out its dummy. Various software tweaks have been made, a point to note if you are after an earlier 6700S. A tractor that has fallen out of the main dealer servicing routine may need attention. Some workshop time hitched up to a computer can resolve running and operating problems.

Some running problems can be related to sensors faults. These can be difficult to trace. Modern wiring, if damaged, can throw up errors due to poor connections. Modern wiring should be left well alone and not tampered with is the advice we have been given here. 

If there are cab and front axle suspension problems, these are likely to be related to wear as opposed to design problems. The door seals can wear and the doors themselves may need a check as they can take a good slam to shut that in turn can lead to them needing to be adjusted. The bonnet catch can also fail. As to the finish, the black/grey painted tinware can start to rust back from the edges and around the cab steps and the bonnet mesh grills can corrode. 

TRANSMISSIONS – GET TO KNOW YOUR DYNA

Dyna-4 was offered only on Essential versions of the 6700S. It is a 16×16 speed semi-powershift with four powershift in each of four manually selected ranges. Standard and Eco versions were available, the latter offering reduced engine speeds at 40km/hr. AutoDrive is essentially an auto mode and will shift ratios according to load and forward speed.

Dyna-6 is essentially a 24×24 variant of Dyna-4, and will be offered with 40 or 50km/hr transport speeds (with Eco as standard). AutoDrive is also fitted. A key advantage over Dyna-4 is the spread of nine gears in the field working range.

Dyna-VT is Massey’s stepless transmission, with a speed range of 0.3 to 40 or 50km/hr, with Eco to reduce engine speeds in transport as standard. There are two ranges offered to suit different uses, with speed control via lever or pedal with fully automatic modes. 

These are the basics but Massey has made revisions to the control software over the years, a point to note if you are stepping from an early 6700S and into a more recent 6S.

Quadlink front axles obviously have pivot points that will wear over time. A trip at speed down a rough track will highlight any problems. If the axle ‘bounces’ the accumulators may need replacing (right) or the set up software adjusting. Look for leaks from the steering ram and check for play in the track rods.

Summary

With increasing numbers of 6S models entering the used market choosing between these and late 6700S models can make your buying decisions harder. An ex-hire 6S with high hours in relation to the age, with a solid service record, may make a sound buy but will it prove a better investment than a late Stage V, 6700S with fewer hours for less money? 

The key is to invest in a tractor with the specification you need and to work with a dealer if you cannot find a more recent model  to meet your needs. There are some tempting deals out there but try and think beyond your immediate needs to include what your tractor may be worth when you come to trade it in a few years down the line. 

James de Havilland

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