A comfortable new cab, improved fuel consumption and additional technology options are some of the benefits being realised by a North Yorkshire farming family following the purchase of a new Massey Ferguson 8S.225 Dyna-7 tractor with an efficient specification.
Alistair Bramley, and his son Charlie, farm at Thornton, near York, and were in the market to replace their five-year-old MF 7720. They liked the look of the MF 8S, having seen a couple in the local area, and asked local dealer Peacock & Binnington (P&B) for a demonstration.
However, the demonstration tractor, although excellent, had the highest exclusive specification, which includes electronic hydraulic spools as well as advanced precision farming applications as standard. Charlie says the tractor was great, but the spec was beyond his needs.
“We both really liked the 8S but soon agreed that the exclusive specification included more functions than we needed. We prefer simple, mechanical hydraulic controls with knobs, buttons and levers, and find them easier and quicker to operate than digital sliders on a screen,” says Charlie. “That said, the efficient specification still comes with a high level of equipment, including being MF guide-ready. If we decide to invest in guidance in the future, then we only need a GPS receiver and it will be ready to use.”
Additional power
Eventually, the farm settled on an MF 8S.225 Dyna-7 efficient to replace the MF 7720.
The workload includes pulling a 5f plough, using a 4m power harrow drill combination and a 10t Richard Western Delilah rear-discharge manure spreader.
“We requested a price for an MF 8S.205, as it had a similar power output to our previous 7720, but Marcus Bourne, at P&B, pointed out the trend towards larger machinery and wider working widths is continuing, so upgrading to the 8S.225 with an extra 20hp would be a better option.
There wasn’t a big price difference, so we took his advice and remain pleased with our decision.”
The previous tractor’s Dyna-6 transmission performed well, but Alistair said that the new Dyna-7 gearbox, with 28 forward and reverse speeds in four ranges and seven seamless gears, is much smoother.
“The extra gear means ratios are closer together, and changes are more progressive in both manual and automatic operating modes.
The clutch on our previous tractor was good, but the 8S.225’s clutch is lighter – it’s almost impossible to make it jerk at any speed or in any gear.”
The 8S has a 6-cylinder, 7.4-litre engine with up to 245hp and 1080Nm of torque that has impressed the Bramleys.
“Friends on local farms use tractors of other brands, and I know that nothing matches the 8S.225 for its efficiency and performance. The engine develops so much torque that we drill with the PTO in 1000 Eco mode even though soils in the area are mainly heavy clay.”
Charlie comments that it pulls well, and he can get 18t of manure in the manure spreader and it handles it easily. Further benefits have been seen through fuel savings since it arrived.
“The extra power and torque are noticeable, but we have been surprised by the fuel consumption, which is significantly lower. Sometimes we are saving up to 50 litres per day, which is important when fuel prices are so high.”
Dealer backup
Dealer Peacock & Binnington represents Massey Ferguson in the area, and Alistair said the service from the Selby depot team is exceptional.
“The director and branch sales manager, Marcus Bourne, is our first point of contact. We always feel he works with us to find the best solution and understands our business – whether we are buying a new tractor or just some farm sundries. He always comes back to us with an answer, and even drops parts in that we have ordered if he’s passing.”
Unsurprisingly, the main tractor fleet on the farm is Massey Ferguson thanks to the P&B relationship. An MF 5711, with an FL4121 front loader, handles the yard work, including mucking out and bale handling, and a low-hour MF 6616 carries out spraying and fertiliser applications.
Arable crops on the mixed farming enterprise are mostly cereals, as well as potatoes on land rented to a local producer. Pigs are fattened on a bed-and-breakfast contract, and a successful agricultural contracting operation is managed by Charlie, sharing machinery owned by the farm.
Impressive cab
The cab has come in for high praise from both operators. Charlie commented that it has superb all-around vision and is quiet and comfortable for long days in the seat.
“The view from the seat is fantastic, and the tapered, angled bonnet reduces reflection and sun glare, which can be an issue when working into the evening on other tractors. A clear view of the two front wheels makes it easy to identify wet spots, so I can decide where to run the front wheels to avoid making a mess. The controls are very well designed, and the new digital dashboard on the front corner post is clear and easy to set up and use, as is the Multipad joystick.”
Other features on the tractor include Speedsteer variable rate steering, which has helped to reduce operator effort and improved timeliness during headland turns when ploughing. Automatic headland management is also available with GPS guidance.
Assessing the tractor so far, Charlie said: “We would go for the same tractor again. The ride comfort is exceptional, and when spreading manure at 25kph, I’m sure I could hold a cup full of liquid and not spill a drop. We are occasionally approached by dealers promoting their competitor brands, but I can’t see any reason to change.
MF has a long history with every sector and situation, and the 8S.225 Dyna-7 Efficient suits us well.”
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