Marmite is probably the most apt way to summarise the styling of Massey Ferguson’s new generation of 152kW/205hp to 197kW/265hp 8S tractors. ‘Retro’ in looks? Yes, perhaps. Yet there’s still plenty of whizzo tech on board, as we discovered in the mid-line 8S.245.
In all fairness you can’t accuse the Massey Ferguson design team of playing it safe with the 8S tractors’ styling. The inclined windscreen, broad mudguards and the 240mm void between the bonnet and cab are especially noticeable. The colour scheme also harks back to the 1980s Massey 2000 series, with the angular construction and grey cab frame, the small decorative elements in satin chrome and the interior panels in ‘Ontario sand’ in particular catching your eye.
Four models up to 265hp
The new 8S replaces the larger frame tractors in the 7700S range. There are four models, from the 8S.205 (152kW/205hp) to the range topper 8S.265 (197kW/265hp), all benefitting from a 20hp power boost, which is gradually activated at travel speeds over 6km/hr, even without the pto engaged.
Supplying the grunt is the larger AGCO Power six-cylinder, the 7.4-litre block. Thanks to an ‘All In One’ exhaust system with DOC, SCR and soot catalyst, Massey says there’s no need for a DPF to meet Stage V. The rated speed has been reduced to 1,950rpm, which should boost fuel economy and reduce noise.
As far as 8S maintenance is concerned, the hydraulic tappets mean you no longer need to adjust the valve clearance. The 460-litre diesel tank on the 8S holds 7% more than its predecessor, and there’s also 43 litres of DEF, which should equate to two fills of the diesel tank. Another new feature is the engine’s air intake in front of the cab, in the void between it and the engine bay, although we’ll get to that later…
If you want to learn about one of the models replaced by 8S, check out our in depth test on the 7720 with the stepless Dyna VT transmission.
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