MASSEY FERGUSON has squeezed 200hp out of a four-cylinder engine to make it the most powerful four-pot tractor in the world.

Its new MF 6718 S is part of the new 6700 S Series, which numbers six in total and ranges from 120 to 175hp – with engine power management (EPM) giving the extra 25 horses need to hit the magic 200hp mark.

All have the same compact, powerful engine and a 2.67m wheelbase, giving them a tight turning radius of just 4.75m. That's achieved by using a sculpted front chassis frame and works even with a front pto and linkage system fitted.

The range leader's exceptional power to weight ratio – it is half-a-tonne lighter than its predecessor – allied to its manoeuvrability make it ideal for loader work, the range also provides enough oomph, hydraulic power and lift capacity for heavy duty fieldwork.

They are all powered by the latest AGCO Power 4.9 litre, four-cylinder engine. “Massey Ferguson invented the concept of the high power, four-cylinder tractor, with the original MF 6600 breaking new ground and creating a completely new class of 150hp-plus tractors," pointed out Campbell Scott, Massey Ferguson's director of marketing services.

"Now, with the ‘S effect’ we are further advancing performance this sector up to 200hp on the MF 6718 S. The advanced engine develops its maximum power at just 2000rpm and generates maximum torque at 1500rpm, which means it delivers exceptional fuel economy combined with superb pulling power – and with plenty in reserve.

"This provides users with the operating benefits associated with larger, longer and heavier six-cylinder tractors, but in a compact and extremely light machine,” he added.

The engines are Stage IV (Tier 4 final) emissions capable and use a maintenance free, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) system, with an electronic waste-gated turbocharger, to achieve that. A 600-hour service interval also helps reduce costs.

A compact design houses the catalysers in an oval-shaped exhaust and the DOC under the bonnet, and, as there is no need for an additional cooling package, tractor drivers still have exceptional visibility.

While the 6700 S range looks much like the models they replace, the major mechanics have undergone a major overhaul. New engines, more transmission choice, hydraulic output, four-speed pto and a better cab are all aimed at keeping customers happy.

The CVT gearbox, Dyna-VT is now available from the 130hp MF 6713 S model upwards and delivers control and economy by providing precise regulation of forward speed, while minimising the engine rpm when working.

And the latest 40km/hr Eco Dyna-4 transmission also promises efficiency, giving 40 km/hr at engine speeds as low as 1850rpm. It and the Dyna-6 also now have an AutoDrive pedal mode which changes gears automatically, according to the engine load and speed.

At the working end, there's a wide pto speed choice, including 540/1000rpm with a flanged pto and 6/21 spline shafts at all levels. Electronic control of this is standard for Dyna-VT versions.

The standard Eco pto can be specified with mechanical lever or full electronic controls on Dyna-4 and Dyna-6 transmission tractors.

Hydraulics flow rates of up to 190 litres/min are available from the load-sensing system and up to five rear hydraulic valves can be specified on all Dyna-VT models. Rear couplers have decompression levers, making it faster and easier to connect implements.

Front-mounted implements can get up to two independent front hydraulic valves, plus a dedicated front linkage valve.

What MF calls a rear 'power beyond' installation, when fitted, can cope with high-tech hydraulically-driven implements, such as potato planters and harvesters.

Rear linkage lift capacity is up to 9600kg on Dyna-VT models – that's a tonne more than the outgoing models – with electronic linkage control (ELC) providing easy operation.

Operators get the same space and cab comfort as proven on the MF 7700 and MF 5700 SL ranges. This includes active mechanical cab suspension, with continuous damping control (CDC), which reduces heave and pitch movements, for comfort in the field and on the road.

Dashboard layout is 'stolen' from the MF 8700 tractors, including MF's Set Up and Information System (SIS), to set and monitor machine functions.

A new factory-fitted 'Technology Pack' option includes Autoguide 3000 and, free of charge, the 12-inch C3000 Touch Screen if ordered before the end of this year.

This multi-function terminal's precision farming package will also control ISOBUS compatible implements, map and record operations, as well as provide Auto-Section control and variable rate applications.