MASSEY Ferguson's mid to upper range six-cylinder tractors have been renamed to reflect the number of changes made to a line-up that offers increased performance from higher power for some models and increased rear linkage lift capacities for all.

Like its predecessor, the MF 7700 Series covers a broad performance spectrum spanning 140hp to 260hp and encompassing both semi-powershift and CVT transmissions. The new models continue with 6.6-litre and 7.4-litre AGCO Power engines but now meeting tighter Euro Stage 4/US Tier 4 Final emissions limits.

Not that operators will notice anything different in that regard because the same exhaust after-treatment technologies are used - AdBlue injection and a diesel oxidation catalyst - but adjusted to achieve the more stringent standards.

Of more significance are the power gains on offer - the 140hp MF 7714 and 150hp MF 7715 get an extra 10hp for towing operating pto-driven equipment when equipped with the Dyna-4 transmission, while all Dyna-VT versions with the stepless transmission get this 'power boost' feature for the first time.

As a result, they now match the equivalent models fitted with the Dyna-6 transmission in having an extra 25hp to play with when hauling a trailer, slurry tanker, muck spreader or any other trailed equipment on the road, or powering a rotary tiller, power harrow, etc.

Ultimately, the Dyna-6 option, with its six powershift steps in each of four ranges, does outgun the CVT line-up thanks to the MF 7726 with its 255hp and 280hp outputs; MF 7700 models with Dyna-VT 'only' go as far as the 235/260hp MF 7724. Still, the CVT machines do get a hike in hydraulic power resources with a 25%-plus increase in capacity from 150 to 190-litres/min maximum output, Up to eight spool valves - operated mechanically or electronically or a combination of the two - can be installed.

Across the board, all models get increased three-point linkage lift capacity - up to 9600kg to the 215/240hp MF 7722 and 9950kg for the two most powerful versions. In addition, permissible gross vehicle weights are increased by 12%, which allows the tractors to carry larger loads and pull heavier trailers.

As with the 7600 Series, the newcomers are available with three levels of standard features - Essential, Efficient and Exclusive - to suit different users and applications.